What’s the Best Nugget Ice Maker?
Reviews, Ratings & Buying Guide
If you ask me, nugget ice (a.k.a. sonic ice) is the best ice there is!
It’s so soft and chewy in your mouth, all the while providing the same cooling qualities as cubed/solid ice.
That’s probably the reason why sonic ice (and nugget ice makers) are so popular.
Me and my wife have been so obsessed over these handy nugget ice makers ever since we received our first one, that we decided to share what we know with you guys.
So on this page and website, you will find everything you need to know about the best nugget ice makers.
This includes reviews, ratings, buying guides and more!
So without further ado, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Top Rated Products - Quick Overview
Name
Details
#6 - Best heavy duty nugget ice maker
What Is Nugget Ice?
As you know, cold drinks almost always taste better than drinks at room temperature, especially on those hot summer days!
But, what’s all the fuss about nugget ice?
Why do people prefer nugget ice over the traditional cubed ones?
Of course, if you’re just looking to serve yourself an ice cold drink, any type of ice will do.
However, one main disadvantage of cubed ice (compared to nugget ice), is that it’s so hard.
If you want to keep that smile of yours, it’s not recommended to chew on a solid ice cube.
As explained by Trace Dominguez in the video below, scientists have pointed out that chewing on solid ice cubes can actually damage your teeth over time.
Nugget ice, on the other hand, turns soft and chewy in your mouth, which makes it the ideal type of ice to put in your drink or dessert.
The benefits
1. Soft and chewy
Due to the structure of nugget ice (compressed flaked ice), it’s really soft and chewy. The structure makes it really nice to chew on which, as I said, makes it the best type of ice to have in your drink… at least in my book!
2. Keeps its form for a long time
Due to its structure, nugget ice can retain its form longer than regular ice (when served in large quantities, which is customary with this type of ice). This ensures that your drink or dessert doesn’t get all watery super fast. In other words, you’ll be able to enjoy your drink or dessert longer!
3. User friendly
Due to its soft and chewy character, nugget ice is super user friendly and accessible to anyone. Not that cubed ice is so dangerous, but for children and the elderly, nugget ice is probably prefered over cubed ice as it negates any choking hazards!
How it’s made
The process actually consists of 3 simple steps.
- First, the water is poured into a cylinder within the nugget ice machine where the water will start to freeze. Slim sheets of ice will begin projecting from this cylinder.
- Then, the slim sheets of ice are drilled and shaven down to little ice flakes.
- Ultimately, the flaked ice is compressed to create nugget-shaped cubes.
That’s the chewy ice that everyone loves!
What can you do with nugget ice?
1. Cocktails and other beverages
Margarita, Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, you name it! I can’t think of a single cocktail that isn’t best served cold. That’s where nugget ice comes in extremely handy. If you serve it in large quantities, nugget ice can retain its structure for a very long time, which enables you to enjoy an ice-cold cocktail with your friends the whole night long!
2. Slushies
I don’t know if you like slushies as much as I do, but our family simply can’t get enough of them. Ever since I was little, I enjoyed going to town on these icy treats. And with soft and chewy nugget ice, it’s super easy to make! The only thing you need is a nugget ice maker, some sugar, flavor extract, and some food coloring and you’re done!
3. Parties
The Best Nugget Ice Makers
Name
Details
#1 -Best Overall
Pro's
- User friendly (easy to use)
- Lots of water storage (no need to refill it often)
- Has it's own cleaning cycle
- You can plan and schedule via bluetooth
- Built with quality materials
- Nice design
Cons
- Can be a bit noisy at times for some
- Relatively big and heavy
- The machine generates heat
Quality
Price
$$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: General Electric (GE)
- Ice storage capacity: 3 pounds
- 24 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15.5 x 10.5 x 16.5 inches
- Batch time: 20 mins
- Bluetooth connectivity
- No water hook-up required
- Voltage: 120 V
- 1 year warranty
- # Reviews: 11,000+
- Click here for more specs
Summary
The GE Profile Opal | Countertop Nugget Ice Maker is our top #1 pick and it’s – without a doubt – the best nugget ice maker out there.
It has over 11,000 reviews on Amazon with a 4.5-star rating! People are very enthusiastic about the overall quality of the opal nugget ice maker. Users reasoned that the nugget ice machine is very solidly built and has a nice design. In addition, they could tell that it’s made of quality materials.
People also commented that it’s super user-friendly (just 1 button to turn it on and off). In addition, the ice machine has an app, which is cool because it usually takes about 20 mins for a full batch, so you can fire it up ahead of time (or even create a schedule if you really want to be prepared).
Users are also very pleased with the fact that it has lots of water storage, which means you won’t have to run around to refill the opal ice maker all the time.
To top it off, it also has its own cleaning cycle which makes it super easy to maintain.
According to some users, there are a few downsides though. It’s a relatively big and heavy machine, and some users did notice noise and heat being generated by the machine.
However, users were more than willing to overlook the few cons as they reasoned they were getting so much value for their money. Some people commented that the opal nugget ice maker far outshined their expectations.
So, in conclusion, if you are looking for an ice maker to give you ‘the good ice’, the GE Profile Opal | Counterop Nugget Ice Maker is the best choice!
Name
Details
#2 - Best Price & Most silent
Pro's
- Relatively quiet
- Easy to clean with it's own cleaning cycle
- Sleek design
- Great price-quality ratio
Cons
- Installation takes a few steps
- Relatively big
Quality
Price
$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: TaoTronics
- Ice storage capacity: 3.3 pounds
- 26 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 40.5 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 16.7 x 9.5 x 16.7 inches
- Batch time: 18 mins
- Can hook ice maker up to water supply
- 1 year warranty
- # Reviews: 20+
- Click here for more specs
Summary
The TaoTronics Nugget Ice Maker for countertop is a great “bank for buck” nugget ice maker.
It’s actually the cheapest Ice Maker on this list, but it measures up extremely well against other, far more expensive nugget ice makers.
Users were very pleased with the quality of the ice, its sleek design, and its low volume production. The latter is especially noteworthy as most ice makers are pretty loud.
In addition, people commented on the ease of cleaning, as the machine has its own cleaning cycle. YOu simply have to press the clean button for 3 seconds and it will start a 5-minute cycle.
The only downside with this ice maker is that it’s pretty big, and installation takes some time. Although the instructions are clear, you won’t be able to use it right away as you have to let it settle for 2 hours and also start a clean cycle before use.
However, at this price point, users weren’t bothered in the slightest by the cons as it provides so much value for your money.
Name
Details
#3 - Most user-friendly
Pro's
- Self dispense feauture is super practical
- Simple installation
- High-end design
- Super easy to use
- Has it's own cleaning function
Cons
- Relatively loud
- Machine dripped water from time to time for some users
- Refilling can become tedious after some time
Quality
Price
$$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: KBice
- Ice storage capacity: 2 pounds
- 30 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 16 x 17.5 x 12 inches
- Turnaround time: 30 mins
- No water hook-up required
- Voltage: 115 V
- 1 year warranty
- # Reviews: 300+
Summary
If you’re looking for the most user-friendly and practical nugget ice maker, then the KBice Self Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker is the best choice!
Users were extremely satisfied with the efficiency of the self-dispensing feature. Some people commented that it’s better for hygiëne, especially if you live with a lot of people.
In addition, people reasoned it’s very easy to install and it has a clean “high quality feel” design.
Similar to the other ice makers, the KBice nugget ice maker has its own cleaning function, which a lot of users áppreciate, as it saves a lot of time in maintenance.
The biggest downside of this model is that it’s relatively loud. In addition, some users claimed the dispenser tends to drip water from time to time, and refilling the machine with water can become tedious after some time.
However, considering the self-dispensing ice machine is so practical and easy to use, the general consensus among users was that it’s worth every penny.
Name
Details
#4 High capacity
Pro's
- Creates ice very fast
- Large water reservoir
- Competitive price
- Easy to clean and set up
Cons
- Relatively loud
- Some users commented that ice melts rather quickly and can run out the front onto the floor.
- Water reservoir is on the top and a bit clunky to take off
- UV light function unclear
Quality
Price
$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: FRIGIDAIRE
- Ice storage capacity: 3 pounds
- 44 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 12 x 17 x 19 inches
- Turnaround time: 15 mins
- No water hook-up required
- Voltage: 120 V
- 1 year warranty
- # Reviews: 700+
Summary
The FRIGIDAIRE EFIC235-AMZ Countertop Nugget Ice Maker is one of the cheapest ice makers on this list, but it still provides a lot of value. That’s why this model came in 4th on our list.
Users were very happy with the high speed of ice production of this ice maker. You’ll be able to enjoy soft, crunchy ice, within 15 minutes. In addition, it’s easy to clean and install. People were also pleased with its large water reservoir, which means you won’t have to refill it often. It’s also relatively light which makes it easier to move.
However, some users were a bit annoyed that the water reservoir is on top (and a bit clunky to take off), which could make it a bit of a hassle to refill.
In addition, it’s pretty loud (similar to the other ice makers) and some reported that the melted ice can run out the front and onto the floor instead of back in the reservoir (which is advertised).
Also, the UV light function is very hard to figure out according to quite a few users.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a reasonably priced portable ice maker that creates great-tasting ice (very fast) with a large water reservoir, and you’re willing to overlook some issues, than this is a great option for you.
Name
Details
#5 Highest speed
Pro's
- Creates ice very fast
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Great customer service
- Great price-quality ratio
Cons
- Doesn't come close to making 44 pounds a day according to some
- A bit noisy
- Some users commented that ice melts rather quickly and can run out the front onto the floor.
Quality
Price
$$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: Northair
- Ice storage capacity: 3.3 pounds
- 44 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 40.7 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 9.8 x 16.1 x 19 inches
- Turnaround time: 10-15 min
- No water hook-up required
- Voltage: 115 V
- 90 days warranty
- # Reviews: 90+
Summary
The Northair Countertop Nugget Ice Maker came in 5th on our list and took the prize of “fastest nugget ice maker”.
Users reported that they were able to enjoy their first nuggets of ice within 10 to 15 minutes. According to a lot of users, the ice machine is also very easy to clean and maintain.
The most noteworthy advantage of this model is the corresponding customer service. Users were very impressed with the quality of customer service they got with Northair, almost all occurring problems were resolved swiftly and friendly.
However, several users commented that this countertop ice maker doesn’t come close to producing 44 pounds of ice a day as advertised. It’s much closer to 30 pounds a day.
In addition, it’s a bit noisy and some users commented that the ice melts rather fast in the ice bin (Approximately 1/3th of the ice will melt within the hour). Some users reported that the melted ice ran out the front and on the floor which can be annoying.
But overall, there was a general consensus that this ice maker has a very good price to quality ratio, which means that if you’re looking for the fastest nugget ice maker and willing to overlook some minor issues, this model is a very good option.
Name
Details
#6 Best heavy duty nugget ice maker
Pro's
- Super fast ice production
- Large ice storage capacity
- Self dispense feauture is super practical
- Great customer service
- Massive amounts of ice a day
Cons
- Very expensive
- Very big and heavy
Quality
Price
$$$$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: Manitowoc
- Ice storage capacity: 10 pounds
- 315 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 100 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 24 x 16.25 x 35 inches
- Turnaround time: 10-15 min
- Can hook up ice maker to water supply
- Voltage: 115 V
- Warranty: 2-year Parts & Labor; 5-year Compressor
- # Reviews: 10+
Summary
Okay, it’s time to bring out the big guns. The Manitowoc CNF-0201A-L Ice Maker is – without a doubt – the best heavy-duty nugget ice maker out there. “Really? why is it in 6th place then?”
Well… it’s the best nugget ice maker in terms of quality, power, and capacity, but it isn’t higher on the list because it’s so expensive. I mean REALLY expensive. Also, it’s really big and quite heavy.
However, you do get a beast of an ice machine that produces 315 pounds of ice a day. You also get to enjoy the convenience of having the self-dispensing feature which is super practical.
Users were also very pleased with the super-fast pace of ice production and the customer service which is great. The design and high-quality materials (stainless steel) are also pretty neat.
The price of this model in combination with its power makes this ice maker a tad more suitable for commercial use. However, if you’re looking for a very powerful nugget ice maker that can produce massive amounts of high quality ice a day, and you’re willing to break the bank for it, this model is the best option for you.
Name
Details
#7 Good, but not enough at this price point
Pro's
- High ice production
- Large ice storage capacity
- Built with quality materials
- Easy installation
Cons
- Expensive
- Relatively heavy
- A bit noisy
Quality
Price
$$$$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: Scotsman
- Ice storage capacity: 36 pounds
- 79 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 90 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15 x 24 x 38 inches
- Turnaround time: Unknown
- Can hook up ice maker to water supply
- Voltage: 115 V
- Warranty: 3 Year parts and labor
- # Reviews: 10+
Summary
Another powerful nugget ice maker. Although a lot less powerful than the Manitowoc, The Scotsman UN0815A-1 takes second place as this ice maker can make up to 79 pounds of ice a day.
It’s built with quality materials (stainless steel) and users were happy with its fast and easy installation.
However, we have to conclude that – at this price point -, the Scotsman just doesn’t provide enough value for your money. Because this model is so expensive, the specs seem kind of underwhelming. It’s also relatively heavy and noisy, so we wouldn’t recommend this model.
Name
Details
#8 Good, but not great
Pro's
- Fast ice production
- User friendly
- Large water tank
Cons
- Low price-quality ratio
- Quirky interface
- Very loud
- Quite some users reported having issues
Quality
Price
$$$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: NewAir
- Ice storage capacity: 4.8 pounds
- 40 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 39.9 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 16.5 x 10.5 x 16.3 inches
- Turnaround time: 12 min
- No water hook-up required
- Voltage: 115 V
- Warranty: 1 year
- # Reviews: 270+
Summary
The NewAir Nugget Ice Maker is a pretty decent machine, but it really doesn’t measure up against the other ice makers higher on the list.
Although users were pleased with the fast ice production, user-friendliness, and its large water tank (which enables you to produce 40 pounds of ice a day), there are a lot of issues that overshadow the positive aspects of the Newair ice maker.
Users complained about the quirky interface and the fact that it’s very loud. In addition to that, there are A LOT of users that reported having some kind of malfunctioning when first receiving the machine. As a result, a lot of users commented that they were a bit disappointed with their purchase.
Due to the relatively low price-quality ratio we wouldn’t recommend this specific countertop model.
Name
Details
#9 Too expensive
Pro's
- Massive amounts of ice production
- Made with high quality materials
- Infrared dispense feauture is super practical
Cons
- Super expensive
- Super heavy and big
- Water line/hose not durable according to some
Quality
Price
$$$$$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: Scotsman
- Ice storage capacity: 25 pounds
- 500 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 208 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 24.25 x 27.13 x 41.5 inches
- Turnaround time: Unknown
- Can hook-up ice maker to water-supply
- Voltage: 115 V
- Warranty: 1 year
- # Reviews: 2
Summary
Altough this beast can produce up to 500 pounds of ice a day, the Scotsman HID525A-1 Meridian Nugget Ice & Water Dispenser has ended last on the list due to its insane price.
Of course, at this price point, you get a high-quality product with a lot of bells and whistles (such as an infrared dispenser and high quality stainless steel) and you’ll also be able to produce crazy amounts of ice every day.
But the price of this commercial nugget ice maker will set you back big time! In our honest opinion, it’s just not worth it. That’s why we wouldn’t recommend this ice maker.
How To Choose The Right Nugget Ice Machine
It’s perfectly reasonable that you want to do some research of your own, so we gladly give you some tips to choose the best machine to suit your needs.
The most important things to look out for in a nugget ice maker are 1) Production capacity, 2) Ice storage capacity, 3) Speed, 4) Size, and 5) Features and traits.
Let’s cover them in detail!
Production Capacity
I would argue that production capacity is the most important factor when it comes to choosing a nugget ice maker. The production capacity between ice machines varies a lot (anywhere from 24 lbs a day to 500+ lbs a day).
In this case, your needs really depend on what you want to do with your nugget ice maker and how many people are going to use it.
If you’re a party animal and are planning to use the machine for a lot of parties/ BBQ’s, then you might want to consider a more powerful one that can produce massive amounts of ice a day.
If only you and your family are going to use the machine, any icemaker with a normal production capacity (+/- 20 lbs) will provide you with sufficient ice.
Ice Storage Capacity
Another important factor is ice storage capacity. It’s important because it doesn’t only determine how much ice you can store each batch, but also how long it takes before the ice starts to melt.
When the / tray is large, fresh will melt slower as the temperature is lower.
Therefore, it’s recommended to go with a nugget ice maker with a decent storage compartment. It’ll keep your ice from melting and you’ll be able to enjoy more nuggets each batch!
Speed
If you’re as impatient as me, then speed is definitely an important factor. No one wants to wait around half an hour before they can get to enjoy their sonic ice. That’s why you should always look for an ice maker with a fast turnaround time.
Keep in mind, the first batch always takes a bit more time as it has to start up. The following batches are produced much faster (in general).
If you really don’t like waiting, it’s recommended to choose an ice maker that has Bluetooth connectivity/ an app with which you can schedule and plan your batches. That way you can create a batch ahead of time and enjoy it right when you need it!
Size
The ideal or maximum size really depends on your room design, layout and other kitche appliance. If you don’t have a lot of space for a big ice machine, then you’ll naturally have to go for a more compact size.
Keep in mind that some nugget ice makers require some clearance on the side for the air intake (which might cause you to lose even more space)
Features and Traits
Lastly, you’ll want to look at the ice machine’s features and traits.
Are you looking for maximum ease of use? Then you might want to opt for a self-dispensing ice machine.
Do you want to schedule your batches? Then you might want to opt for an ice maker with Bluetooth connectivity.
Do you hate noise? Then you might want to opt for the more silent nugget ice makers.
Of course, this all depends on your individual wants and needs, so make sure to do your research!
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, i’m going to address some frequently asked questions to make sure you know everything you need to know!
Where To Buy?
Amazon has the largest variety of nugget ice makers in stock. You can find all kinds of different nugget ice makers such as counter-top, freestanding, under-counter, and more.
You can find the reviewed ice machines on this list through the following links:
- GE Profile Opal | Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- KBice Self Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- FRIGIDAIRE EFIC235-AMZ Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker
- Northair Countertop Nugget Ice Maker 44lbs Per Day with a Ice Scoop
- Manitowoc CNF-0201A-L Ice Maker and Water Dispenser
- Scotsman UN0815A-1
- NewAir Nugget Ice Maker Sonic Speed Countertop Crunchy Ice Pellet Machine
- Scotsman HID525A-1 Meridian Nugget Ice & Water Dispenser
TaoTronics has a pretty sweet deal on their website as well. If you’re looking for the best-priced nugget ice maker, you can visit through the link here:
What Are The Different Types Of Ice Machines?
Of course, there are a lot of different types of ice, which means there are a lot of different ice machines!
The most popular besides nugget ice are: Bullet ice makers, pearl ice makers and cubed ice makers. They come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes, such as counter-top, freestanding, under-counter, portable.
But in my honest opinion, they don’t measure up against the nugget ice makers as nothing beats “the good-ice”!
Which Refrigerators Come with Built-in Nugget Ice Makers
If you’re looking for a refrigerator with nugget ice maker, you’re in luck. Due to the rising popularity of “the good-ice”, some manufacturers actually started to design refrigerators with pellet ice makers built inside.
Samsung just introduced a super fancy refrigerator that makes sonic ice, called Bespoke 4-door flex.
Besides Samsung, there are a few other manufacturers entering the market with new refrigerators with nugget ice makers like LG and KitchenAid.
Definitely something worth checking out!
Should I Choose a Counter-top, Freestanding or Under-counter Machine?
Again, this really depends on your own wants and needs.
Let’s have a closer look at all of them:
Countertop
The main advantage of the countertop models is that they are very easy to set up and install. Most of them have a water reservoir which means you won’t even need to hook it up on a water supply. The countertop models are also the most flexible/portable. Perhaps most importantly, the countertop models are the cheapest of the 3 (prices range from approx. $300-$700)
However, at this price point, the ice makers are usually limited to 25-50 Lbs of nugget a day (which is still a lot for a normal family). In addition, they can take up a lot of space on the counter. Those are definitely some things to keep in mind.
Freestanding
Freestanding models can produce more ice but most of them require a hook up to a water supply. They’re definitely not cheap, but that price tag will get you anywhere between 50-300 Lbs of nugget ice a day.
These freestanding nugget ice makers are usually used for commercial use.
Under-counter
Under-counter nugget ice makers are perfect for those who have a lot of space under the kitchen counter. With these models, you can choose between both built-in and “freestanding” options.
Simar to the freestanding nugget ice makers, the under-counter models do come with quite the price tag.
What Is Sonic Ice?
You’ve heard of nugget ice, but what is sonic ice? Well.. they’re basically the same.
When we speak of sonic ice, we are referring to the soft and chewable ice that is also known as “the good ice”. It also has a lot of other names, such as cubelet ice, hospital ice, pellet ice, pearl ice, flaked ice crushed ice, pebble ice and more.
As mentioned, sonic ice is commonly used in slushes and other desserts. This type of ice is also served at the popular fast-food restaurants chick fil a, Jack’s and Milos.
So in short, most people use the two (nugget ice and sonice ice) interchangeably.
Why Is Sonic Ice So Good?
A lot of people seem to ask this question. But really, why is it so good though!?
Well… it’s not called the good ice for nothing! This type of ice is simply the most satisfying to chew on. You can feel the compressed flaked ice melt in your mouth and give you that cool, tingly feeling. It also doesn’t melt as quickly as most other types of ice which makes it the ideal type of ice for drinks and desserts (or simply to chew on ;)).
To Conclude
There you have it! Everything you need to know about nugget/ sonic ice makers.
I’ve had a blast putting together this information for you, in order for you to make an informed decision for your next nugget ice maker.
I really hope it was of help to you. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below!
Have a good day!
