What’s the Best Nugget Ice Maker?
Reviews, Ratings & Buying Guide
Nugget ice a.k.a. sonic/ pellet ice has become one of the most popular types of ice in the last couple of years.
The reason for this spike in popularity is pretty obvious! Nugget ice is super soft and chewy, all the while providing the same cooling qualities as cubed/solid ice.
Actually, my wife and I have become a bit obsessed with sonic ice and sonic ice makers ever since we received our first machine a few years back. That’s why 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 for home.
This includes reviews, ratings, buying guides and more!
So without further ado, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Top Rated Nugget Ice Makers - Quick Overview
Name
Details
#4 - Best heavy duty nugget ice maker
What is Nugget/Sonic/Pellet Ice?
what’s all the fuss about nugget/sonic/pellet ice? As you know, cold drinks almost always taste better than drinks at room temperature, especially on those hot summer days!
But why do people prefer sonic ice over the traditional ice cubes?
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 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.
What is a Nugget/Sonic/Pellet Ice Maker?
A nugget ice maker is a super practical ice machine that creates nugget ice at the press of a button. It can be used for both commercial or private use. Many established fast-food restaurants such as chick-fil-a and Sonic Drive-in are known for serving sonic ice with their powerful commercial sonic ice makers.
In fact, the term Sonic ice actually originated from the fast-food chain Sonic Drive-in. In contrast to what some blogs are writing, nugget, sonic, and pellet ice are exactly the same.
As you’ll see in the F.A.Q. there are A LOT of synonyms for nugget ice and nugget ice makers. Most people use the terms nugget, sonic, and pellet ice maker interchangeably!
How Do Nugget Ice Makers Work?
How do nugget ice makers work you might ask! If we look at it simplistically, the process actually consists of 3 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!
The Benefits Of Nugget Ice
There are a lot of cool things to say about sonic ice, but let’s cover the most important ones:
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. Melts relatively slow
Due to its structure, nugget ice can retain its form for a very long time (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 have enough time to enjoy your drink or dessert!
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!
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
List of The 9 Best Nugget Ice Makers - Reviews
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
$$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: General Electric (GE)
- Ice storage capacity: 3 pounds
- 24 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15.5 x 10.5 x 16.5 inches
- Batch time: 20 mins
- Bluetooth connectivity
- No water hook-up required
- Voltage: 120 V
- 1 year warranty
- # Reviews: 11,000+
The GE Profile Opal | Countertop Nugget Ice Maker is our top #1 pick and it’s – without a doubt – the best nugget ice maker out there. Its predecessor has over 11,000 reviews on Amazon with a 4.5-star rating and the next-gen 2.0 has over 340 overwhelmingly positive reviews! Check the full review by clicking the button below!
Name
Details
#2 Best Price (Discount)
Pro's
- Creates ice very fast
- Large water reservoir
- Competitive price
- Easy to clean and set up
Cons
- Relatively loud
- Some users commented that ice melts rather quickly and can run out the front onto the floor.
- Water reservoir is on the top and a bit clunky to take off
- UV light function unclear
Quality
Price
$$
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+
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
$$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: KBice
- Ice storage capacity: 2 pounds
- 30 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 16 x 17.5 x 12 inches
- Turnaround time: 30 mins
- No water hook-up required
- Voltage: 115 V
- 1 year warranty
- # Reviews: 300+
Name
Details
#4 Best heavy duty nugget ice maker
Pro's
- Super fast ice production
- Large ice storage capacity
- Self dispense feauture is super practical
- Great customer service
- Massive amounts of ice a day
Cons
- Very expensive
- Very big and heavy
Quality
Price
$$$$$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: Manitowoc
- Ice storage capacity: 10 pounds
- 315 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 100 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 24 x 16.25 x 35 inches
- Turnaround time: 10-15 min
- Can hook up ice maker to water supply
- Voltage: 115 V
- Warranty: 2-year Parts & Labor; 5-year Compressor
- # Reviews: 10+
Name
Details
#5 Very quiet
Pro's
- Both a water tank and water line feature
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Very quiet (for a nugget ice maker)
- Very solid build with a great design
Cons
- Softness of the ice isn't always consistent
- Once full, it doesn't continue making ice even when it melts (untill opened)
Quality
Price
$$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: Crownful
- Ice storage capacity: 3 pounds
- 26 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 37.9 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 20.16 x 12.2 x 19.13 inches
- Turnaround time: 18 min
- Both water tank and hook-up
- Voltage: 120 V
- 12 months warranty
- # Reviews: 50+
Name
Details
#6 Highest speed (countertop)
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
$$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: Northair
- Ice storage capacity: 3.3 pounds
- 44 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 40.7 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 9.8 x 16.1 x 19 inches
- Turnaround time: 10-15 min
- No water hook-up required
- Voltage: 115 V
- 90 days warranty
- # Reviews: 90+
Name
Details
#7 Good, but not enough at this price point
Pro's
- High ice production
- Large ice storage capacity
- Built with quality materials
- Easy installation
Cons
- Expensive
- Relatively heavy
- A bit noisy
Quality
Price
$$$$
Our Rating
Specs
- Brand: Scotsman
- Ice storage capacity: 36 pounds
- 79 pounds of ice a day
- Weight: 90 pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15 x 24 x 38 inches
- Turnaround time: 10-20 min
- Can hook up ice maker to water supply
- Voltage: 115 V
- Warranty: 3 Year parts and labor
- # Reviews: 10+
Name
Details
#8 Good, but not great
Pro's
- Fast ice production
- User friendly
- Large water tank
Cons
- Low price-quality ratio
- Quirky interface
- Very loud
- Quite some users reported having issues
Quality
Price
$$$
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+
Name
Details
#9 Very 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: 10-20 min
- Can hook-up ice maker to water-supply
- Voltage: 115 V
- Warranty: 1 year
- # Reviews: 2
How To Choose The Right Countertop Ice Maker
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 nugget ice maker 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.
Take a look at my article on how to choose a nugget ice maker for an in-depth look at each feature.
Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to choose the best nugget ice maker for home!
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, i’m going to address some frequently asked questions about pellet ice makers to make sure you know everything you need to know!
1. Where To Buy Nugget Ice?
There are a lot of stores and restaurants that sell nugget ice. If you’re looking to buy a nugget ice maker, 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.
2. 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!
3. Should I Choose a Counter-top, Freestanding or Under-counter Machine?
Again, which type of nugget ice maker is best for you 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 small (er) 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. These standalone ice makers are 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.
4. Can I Make Nugget Ice Without A Nugget Ice Maker?
A lot of people want to know if they can make sonic ice without a sonic ice maker.
The answer is… kind of…
Although it’s impossible to get the same soft and chewy structure as you’d get with a nugget ice maker, it is possible to create small pebble-style ice at home.
You just need the right tools and follow the right steps!
Take a look at my article on how to create pebble ice at home if you want to find out more!
5. Is Nugget Ice Bad For Your Teeth?
No, nugget ice is not bad for your teeth. Due to its soft and chewy texture, it’s incapable of damaging your teeth.
Traditional ice cubes, on the other hand, can be damaging to your teeth. By chewing on solid ice cubes, you can wear down the protective layer around your teeth, exposing your nerves and ultimately causing your teeth to be sensitive.
6. What Is Sonic Ice?
You’ve heard of nugget ice, but what is sonic ice? Well, as I said before, 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, compressed flaked ice, pebble ice (altough pebble ice is less soft and chewy) 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 sonic ice) interchangeably.
7. Why Is Sonic Ice So Good?
A lot of people seem to ask the question, “why is the sonic/nugget/pellet ice so good“. 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 ;)).
8. Who Invented Sonic Ice – Nugget Ice?
After decades of research and development, in 1981 nugget ice (and nugget ice makers) were finally invented.
It is actually one of the most popular and prominent ice maker companies known to date that invented nugget ice and nugget/ pellet ice over 40 years ago.
It was the Scotsman Company that invented a process to make nugget ice.
9. What Is The Difference Between Flake Ice And Nugget Ice?
Many people can’t seem to tell the difference between flake ice and nugget ice.
While nugget ice has a more solid form that is about the size of a tater-tot, flake ice can vary from small pieces of ice that look like coarse snow, up to pieces that are 9 mm thick.
10. What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Nugget Ice Maker?
Considering its price tag, it’s perfectly reasonable to wonder about the life expectancy of nugget ice makers.
There are several different factors that will determine how long a nugget ice maker will last. The most important factors are how much the ice maker is used and how well it has been maintained over the years.
A safe estimate of the life expectancy of a nugget ice maker would be roughly 4 to 10 years (depending on the brand and the other factors mentioned before), or within the warranty of the machine. But beyond the warranty, there is no actual guarantee.
11. Is Eating Nugget Ice Good For Weight Loss?
Yes, nugget ice can help you lose weight. There is actually something called “the ice diet”.
According to Weiner – one of the founders of the ice diet – you are actually serving two purposes while eating ice. On the one hand, you are burning calories, and on the other, you’re not eating positive-calorie foods.”
When you eat large amounts of ice, your body needs to burn energy to melt it. So by this logic, eating ice would help you burn calories while also providing some level of satiety as it fills space in the stomach and mouth.
So, it’s definitely worth a try if youre looking to shed some pounds!
12. Are Nugget Ice Makers Really Worth It?
There is no universal answer to the question of whether or not a nugget ice maker is worth it, as it mostly depends on personal preference.
You simply have to weigh the pros against the cons and answer some critical questions as honestly as possible. You can find these questions along with the pro’s and cons in my “are nugget ice makers really worth it” article.
13. Why Are Nugget Ice Makers So Expensive?
You can spend anywhere from $350 up to $5000+ depending on which type of sonic ice maker you choose. For the average person, this is actually quite a lot of money. Why are these nugget ice makers so expensive?
Well, it’s due to the fact that they are very sophisticated machines using complex technology. The technology that is used for nugget ice makers is quite a bit more sophisticated than traditional ice makers. You can read all about it by clicking here.
14. What Size is Nugget Ice?
Of course, there is no universal size for nugget ice, as the process of creating nugget ice is pretty complex and involves a lot of different steps. The process of freezing, shaving, and compressing the water/ice makes sure each nugget of ice is unique.
However, generally speaking, most nugget ice makers will produce nugget ice in sizes ranging from 1/2 to 1 inches in width and length.
15. How Do I Clean My Nugget Ice Maker?
The cleaning procedure actually differs between each nugget ice maker, however, if you’re looking for a general guide you can find it by clicking here.
Two essential elements are some “ice machine cleaner & descaler” and a dish sponge. If you already have both these things, you’re good to go. Follow the 20 steps in the article mentioned before and your nugget ice maker will be as clean as a whistle and you’ll be able to enjoy some fresh ice.
16. Should I Go For A Nugget Ice Maker With A Water Tank or Water Line?
There is no universal answer to the question of whether you should go for a nugget ice maker with a water tank or water line. Each one has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, and which one is best for you ultimately boils down to personal preference.
A benefit of a pellet machine with a water line is there is no need to go through the hassle of regularly refilling your nugget ice maker. On the other hand, a great benefit of having one with a water tank is that you have more flexibility on the ice maker’s placement in your home. You can find both the pros and cons to each one in my Water line VS. Water tank article.
17. Does Eating Nugget Ice Hydrate You?
Yes, eating nugget ice does hydrate you. Nugget ice is simply frozen water, which means the moment the ice melts (at the warm touch of your mouth) it’ll turn to water. So it’s simply an alternative way to consume water.
You can find more information on how nugget ice hydrates you by clicking here.
18. Why Is My Nugget Ice Maker Making White Ice?
Although nugget ice is always a bit cloudy and white compared to regular ice cubes, there are times when it can seem “a bit too white”.
Nugget ice appears more white than usual when the ice contains trapped air bubbles, minerals, and impurities.
It isn’t necessarily bad, however, clear ice can be seen as superior as it contains more pure water and melts slower. Possible solutions for white nugget ice can be found in the corresponding article (linked above). Give it a quick read and you’ll be able to enjoy fresh ice in no time.
19. Can I Leave My Portable Nugget Ice Maker On All the Time?
Similar to other types of household appliances, you can leave your portable nugget ice maker plugged in and turned on for as long as you like.
This is because portable nugget ice makers – just like any other type of household appliance – are actually designed to be powered on continuously.
If you want to learn everything there is to know about nugget ice maker energy consumption click the link above.
20. Are All Nugget Ice Makers Noisy?
Well… yes, all nugget ice makers produce noise (to a greater or lesser extent).
Like all ice makers, nugget ice makers are known to be quite noisy. The biggest source of noise from most nugget ice makers is the vibrations caused by the machine running which then transfer into the counter.
However, there are some ice machines that are quieter than others. In addition, there are some measures you can take to make your sonic ice maker quieter. Find out everything you need to know about noisy nugget ice makers by clicking the link above.
21. What Is Chewy Ice?
Chewy ice is the soft and crunchy ice that is more commonly known as nugget ice. As I said before, this type of ice goes by many different names, such as sonic ice, pellet ice, the good ice, pebble ice and hospital ice.
Why it has so many different names is unclear. Whether you want to call it nugget ice, sonic ice, pellet ice or any other type, it all comes down to the same thing, and that’s the soft and crunchy ice that we all love!
22. Which Types of Ice Are There?
You probably already know that there is more than enough choice with regards to ice! There are a lot of different types of ice you can choose from. When it comes to the ice type, all of them have different traits, benefits, and disadvantages, and are created using different technologies.
In general, there are 8 different types of ice which are:
- Nugget Ice
- Regular/half Ice
- Cubes
- Crescent Ice
- Crushed Ice
- Full Cube Ice
- Block ice
- Gourmet Ice
- Dry Ice
23. What Are the Best Residential Nugget Ice Makers for Home?
If you’re not looking to produce massive amounts each day (as you can do with a commercial ice maker), it’s definitely better to go with a residential sonic ice maker.
The best residential sonic ice makers are:
- The GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker
- The Frigidaire EFIC235-AMZ
- The KBice Self-Dispensing Nugget Ice Maker
- The Crownfull Nugget Ice Maker
24. What Are the Cheapest Countertopl Nugget Ice Maker Options?
If you’re looking to buy a nugget ice maker without breaking the bank (but still want value for your money) I’d recommend one of the following the options:
- FRIGIDAIRE EFIC235-AMZ
- Northair Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- KBice Self Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
You can further analyze my top 3 cheapest countertop nugget ice makers here.
25. What Are the Best Self Dispenser Nugget Ice Makers?
If you want your nugget ice maker to treat you like the prince/ princess you are, then you definitely want to go for a self dispenser feature.
The best self dispenser nugget ice makers are:
- KBice Self Dispensing Nugget Ice Maker
- Manitowoc CNF-0201A-L
- Scotsman HID525A-1
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 and to choose the best nugget ice maker for home.
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!
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