Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for an auger-type ice maker comprising a generally cylindrically-shaped freezing chamber, a rotatable ice auger within the freezing chamber, and an annular compacting head at an end of the freezing cheer whereby ice formed in the freezing chamber is transferred by means of rotation of the ice auger into a region above the auger where it is compacted. The inner surface of the cylindrical freezing chamber is provided with a plurality of axial grooves to guide the column of ice created by the auger and to oppose rotation of the column of ice induced by the rotation of the ice auger, and the top surface of the auger, adjacent to the compacting head, has a knurled surface to aid in the discharge of ice. The combination of the axial grooves and the knurled auger surface creates a denser, higher quality product of ice than prior inventions.