7 Best Nugget Ice Makers – 2023 Buying Guide

Most people don’t think about the ice when sipping their favorite cold drinks or seeing a bucket full of ice for their wine.
However, ice connoisseurs know that the type of ice you drink or use can change how you taste and experience your beverage.
Nugget ice, also called sonic ice or pebble ice, provides a different shape and texture than your regular ice cube.
It features small chunks of soft, chewable ice that often look like pellets. You’ll often see nugget ice in some restaurants and fast food.
If you’re the type who likes mixing nugget ice into your favorite drink or chewing on ice, you can try producing them at home using the best nugget ice maker based on your needs.
To help you choose the right one, we rounded up seven of the best nugget ice makers in the market today.
What Are the Best Nugget Ice Makers?
Our team chose the GE Opal 2.0, KBice Ice Dispenser, and Gevi Household Nugget Ice Maker with Thick Insulation as the three best nugget ice makers.
All three products offer high-tech features, produce quality nugget ice, and provide users with practicality and portability.
However, we also selected four more pellet ice makers, from countertop models to commercial ice machines. These models excel in specific aspects, such as affordability, portability, and design.
Owning a nugget ice maker allows you to enjoy crunchy, chewy, and restaurant-quality ice in the comfort of your home or outdoors.
When looking for the best nugget ice maker, consider how you’ll fill and dispense water, what type of nugget ice maker you need, what size you prefer, how much ice you need, how much you can afford, and how you’ll clean it.
Considering all of these, check out our review below.
1. GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank – Best Nugget Ice Maker for Home

Overview
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank is a modern countertop machine that produces airy, chewy ice that doesn’t clump or melt quickly. It’s the standard for most ice makers, given its ice quality, storage capacity, ice production, and portability.
Plus, it includes smart features like deep self-cleaning, Wi-Fi, and voice control capabilities, which you don’t see in most nugget ice makers.
More importantly, based on experience, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 lasts long with little to no issues.
However, while this is a countertop nugget ice maker, note that it’s slightly bigger than most machines on this list. Because of its side tank, the Opal ice maker can take up much of your counter space.
Specifications
Brand: GE
Dimensions: 17.5″ (D) x 13.43″ (W) x 16.5″ (H)
Storage Capacity: 3 pounds
Maximum Ice Production: 24 pounds of ice per day
Display Type: LED
Material: Stainless steel
Item Weight: 38 pounds
Included Components: Ice maker, Ice scoop, side tank, drip tray
Installation Type: Built-in, countertop
Voltage: 120 volts
Wattage: 120 watts
Highlights
Produces chewable, bite-sized, fresh ice
Enjoy your first batch in 20 minutes or less
Provides a large storage capacity, holding three pounds or 48 ounces at a time
Uses a water line to supply water to the machine easily
Includes a deep cleaning solution with UV light to prevent mold and mildew and reduce bacteria
Connect the GE Opal 2.0 with the SmartHQ app to monitor its condition and schedule when to produce ice
Access its voice control capabilities via Google or Alexa
Updates the ice maker’s software automatically via a Wi-Fi connection, enabling you to enjoy its latest features and enhancements
Comes with a limited one-year warranty for the entire appliance
Pricing
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 with the side tank feature is one of the market’s most expensive nugget ice makers, priced at over $500 compared to most of its competitors. As a result, it sits under the high-end category, given its price and features.
This product also has a no-tank version, which is slightly less expensive. However, it’s better to buy the one with the side tank at this price range to maximize Opal 2.0’s features.
Bottom Line
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the best nugget ice maker for most homes and offices that can afford it. Given its quality, capacity, and portability, you can also use this for small food businesses.
Moreover, this Opal nugget ice maker will suit smart homes since you can control it via Wi-Fi, Alexa, or Google. Even if you don’t have a smart home, these extra features add convenience in using and maintaining this ice maker.
Ultimately, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 is a good investment, especially if you want hassle-free and chewable ice at home.
2. KBice Self-Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker – Best Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

Overview
The KBice Self-Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker is a practical ice dispenser for any kitchen or wet bar.
It yields 30 pounds of ice daily and sports a sleek design that blends well into your counter space.
Moreover, it’s a self-dispensing ice maker, which means you no longer need to scoop the ice out. Instead, you only need to place your glass, bowl, or container below the dispenser and press a button to dispense nugget ice.
This pellet ice machine also yields a higher ice production capacity than most countertop models on this list. However, it can only hold up to one pound of ice in its ice bin, so you’ll need to empty the storage quickly if you want more ice.
Specifications
Brand: Kitchen Basics 101
Dimensions: 16″ (D) x 12″ (W) x 17.5″ (H)
Storage Capacity: 1 pound
Maximum Ice Production: 30 pounds of ice per day
Material: Stainless steel front panel with plastic body
Item Weight: 40 pounds
Included Components: Ice maker, drip tray, funnel for filling water
Installation Type: Indoor countertop
Voltage: 120 volts
Highlights
Produces soft and crunchy nugget ice similar to what restaurants serve
Takes up less space on the counter, given its compact size
Yields the first batch of ice within 25 minutes
Holds a pound of ice and produces a maximum of 30 pounds of ice per day
Provides a self-dispensing nugget ice maker, so you no longer have to scoop ice into your glass
Includes a self-cleaning function to keep your unit in good condition
Uses BPA-free parts and an R600 refrigerant, making it an environmental-friendly product
Comes with a limited one-year warranty for the parts and labor
Pricing
Compared to similar products in the market, the KBice Self-Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Dispenser leans toward the expensive side. However, its price is still lower than the GE Profile Opal 2.0.
It makes sense since this product includes a self-dispensing feature and self-cleaning technology, which you don’t see in average countertop ice makers.
Nonetheless, this nugget ice maker is ideal if you have the budget and prefer a compact and practical ice dispenser.
Bottom Line
The KBice Self-Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker is a highly convenient ice machine since you only need to fill the water reservoir, wait for the ice to be ready, and dispense it automatically.
It’s the best nugget ice maker if you want a convenient, mess-free, and hygienic ice dispenser, given its self-dispensing and self-cleaning technology.
Also, we recommend this for people or occasions that don’t need a large batch of ice at once since it only holds one pound of ice at a time.
Ultimately, this KBice ice machine is a must-have countertop device for most kitchens and homes with wet bars.
3. Gevi Household Nugget Ice Maker with Thick Insulation – Best in Ice Retention

Overview
The Gevi Household Nugget Ice Maker with Thick Insulation is the best nugget ice maker for ice retention and energy savings.
Its thick insulation layer helps retain most of the pebble ice you produce, even in warm external temperatures. As a result, your ice won’t go to waste.
Also, this nugget ice maker features sensors that stop the device during the ice-making process when the ice basket is full of ice or the water reservoir runs low.
Regarding the nugget ice it produces, you get small, airy, and chewy ice that doesn’t melt quickly and dilute your drinks, unlike regular ice cubes.
Specifications
Brand: Gevi Household
Dimensions: 17.6″ (D) x 9.7″ (W) x 16.9″ (H)
Storage Capacity: 4.8 pounds
Maximum Ice Production: 26 pounds of ice per day
Material: Stainless steel
Item Weight: 40.3 pounds
Included Components: Ice scoop, ice basket, and 1/4″ water inlet hose
Installation Type: Countertop
Voltage: 120 volts
Wattage: 170 watts
Highlights
Produces quality texture with crunchy and chewable ice
Keeps the ice cold for a longer period thanks to its thick insulation
Helps save time as it yields ice in around 15 minutes
Has a smaller dimension than many nugget ice makers, making it one of the most portable in the market
Provides straightforward controls and intelligible indicators so that anyone can use them easily
Includes an automatic self-cleaning feature to keep your ice nuggets clean
Uses a sensor to stop the device from ice-making when the ice bin is full or the water reservoir runs out
Fill the water container manually or use a water hose to refill it automatically
Sports a modern, compact, and intuitive design, suitable for most homes and RVs
Comes with a one-year warranty and can extend to three more months if you register the product
Pricing
The Gevi Household Nugget Ice Machine costs a similar price range as the KBice Self-Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, making it one of the more costly nugget ice machines on the market.
However, its cost reflects the quality of its ice as this Gevi Household product has a different method of forming its ice, ensuring you get soft compressed ice flakes instead of traditional ice cubes.
Note that shipping this product costs a bit more than other models since it’s heavier than many nugget ice makers.
Also, considering the long-term cost of owning this sonic ice maker, the product won’t contribute much to your electricity bill even if you use it for a few hours a day since it uses 170 W.
Bottom Line
The Gevi Household Ice Machine with Thick Insulation is the best nugget ice maker for homes that want to save on water and energy when producing ice.
Moreover, the product’s high ice retention and portability make it suitable for RVs and outdoor activities like camping, tailgating, and road trips.
Besides this, we recommend it for people who want an easy-to-use machine. The ice maker only has two buttons, ‘On/Off’ and ‘Clean’, making them suitable for all ages.
It’s also worth mentioning that its slightly tilted lid makes it easy to access and scoop out the ice.
4. Frigidaire Countertop Nugget Ice Maker V2 – Best Ice Production Capacity

Overview
The Frigidaire Countertop Nugget Ice Maker V2 has the highest ice production capacity for portable ice makers on this list.
Moreover, it can hold up to three pounds of ice at a time and produce ice within 15 minutes.
And when the ice melts, the machine returns it to the water reservoir to turn it back into ice. It’s a convenient feature that helps you reduce wasted water.
Also, this pellet ice maker boasts one of the sleekest designs on the list, featuring a minimalist style and sleek stainless steel body that matches most kitchens and environments.
Regarding ice quality, the ice pellets are hollow and smaller than regular ice cubes. Although they are chewable, note that the nugget ice isn’t like the real compressed ice that nugget or sonic ice that most people know.
In addition, this ice maker tends to leak and is a bit loud while processing ice.
Besides these, the Frigidaire Countertop Nugget Ice Maker V2 is a decent and stylish ice machine for your kitchen or wet bar.
Specifications
Brand: Frigidaire
Dimensions: 13.5″ (D) x 9.5″ (W) x 15.5″ (H)
Storage Capacity: 3 pounds
Maximum Ice Production: 44 pounds of ice per day
Display: LED
Material: Stainless steel, plastic
Item Weight: 25 pounds
Included Components: Ice maker
Installation Type: Countertop
Voltage: 120 volts
Highlights
Features a sleek, stainless steel design that matches most modern kitchens and blends in most environments
Offers a compact and portable countertop nugget ice maker
Produces a maximum of 44 pounds of ice daily and stores up to three pounds of ice at a time, making it one of the best high-capacity nugget ice machines on the list
Yields ice as fast as 15 minutes
Returns melted ice water back to the water container to cut down on waste and help save water, time, and energy
Pricing
The Frigidaire Countertop Nugget Ice Maker V2 costs less than the previous ice machines, sitting under the $500 price range.
However, regardless of its price tag, this counter ice maker competes with others, especially regarding design, practicality, and quality.
If you’re tight on budget, consider getting Frigidaire’s other cheaper nugget ice makers. However, in our opinion, the Frigidaire Countertop Nugget Ice Maker V2 has a sleeker and more modern design out of all the brand’s lineup.
Bottom Line
The Frigidaire Countertop Nugget Ice Maker V2 is the best nugget ice maker for people and occasions that need more ice per batch and day.
Plus, its portability makes it ideal for parties in smaller homes and workplaces and outdoor activities like camping or tailgating.
5. AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker – Best Value for Money

Overview
The AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker is an underrated product, especially since it’s the most affordable machine on this list.
For its price, it can yield a large amount of 26 pounds of ice daily and hold 1.5 pounds of ice at a time.
Also, this countertop nugget ice maker features a self-cleaning function, which helps maintain the device.
It’s also true to its claim of producing ice within eight minutes. However, since it has a quick ice-making process, you need to empty the ice bin quickly to make more.
And although the ice machine has a cooling system, the ice cubes melt after staying inside the bin for too long. So we suggest keeping the ice in an ice bag and storing it in the fridge to keep it from melting.
Although its quality and features don’t beat the GE Profile Opal 2.0, its affordable price makes it an attractive option, especially since ice makers are generally a luxury kitchen product.
Specifications
Brand: AGLUCKY
Dimensions: 12.32″ (D) x 8.74″ (W) x 12.59″ (H)
Storage Capacity: 1.5 pounds
Maximum Ice Production: 26.5 pounds of ice per day
Material: Stainless steel
Item Weight: 16.57 pounds
Included Components: Ice maker, ice scoop, ice bin
Installation Type: Countertop
Voltage: 110 volts
Wattage: 750 watts
Highlights
Produces small or large bullet ice in as fast as six to eight minutes
Offers one of the quickest and most affordable pellet ice makers on this list and the market
Sports an extremely compact size and is lightweight compared to most products on this list, making it perfect for smaller countertops and traveling
Includes an infrared sensor that alerts you when the ice storage is full
Has a low-noise cooling system to keep your ice from melting and help save energy
Uses an ABS plastic layer, insulation layer, and premium PP layer to keep ice from melting quickly
Comes with a one-year warranty and 24/7 after-sales support
Pricing
This AGLUCKY ice maker is the most affordable nugget ice machine on this list, with a price tag of under $200. It’s also one of the most inexpensive ice makers you can get in the market.
You can also get a free delivery and 30-day easy return when you buy directly from AGLUCKY’s website. Plus, the product comes with a one-year warranty policy and 24/7 support.
Also, although it has a 750 wattage, it doesn’t affect your energy bill much since it generates ice quickly.
Bottom Line
The AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker is the best nugget ice maker for most homes since it’s more affordable than other models and fits most countertops.
Moreover, its light weight makes it convenient for traveling, camping, tailgating, and RVs.
Plus, this fast-yielding machine can be a great ice maker for small food stalls or food trucks serving cold drinks.
Its fast ice production and practical size make it the best bang for your buck.
6. Scotsman CU50 – Best Under-Counter Ice Maker

Overview
The Scotsman CU50 provides the best nugget ice maker for homes or offices looking for under-counter ice makers.
Scotsman is the company that invented nugget or sonic ice and one of the world’s leading ice machine manufacturers. In line with its reputation, the Scotsman CU50 features a sturdy stainless steel body and delivers uniquely-shaped and crystal-clear pellet ice.
However, although you can install this ice maker at home, it’s still a commercial unit requiring a dedicated hookup and drain.
It’ll also produce more noise than others on the list since it’s a bigger unit.
Also, this might produce more ice than you need since it can produce up to 64 pounds daily.
Specifications
Brand: Scotsman
Dimensions: 22″ (D) x 14.9″ (W) x 34.4″ (H)
Storage Capacity: 26 pounds
Maximum Ice Production: 64 pounds of ice per day
Material: Stainless steel
Item Weight: 100 pounds
Included Components: Ice maker, ice scoop, ice bin
Installation Type: Under Counter, Built-in
Voltage: 115 volts
Highlights
Made by Scotsman, the leading ice machine manufacturer globally
Yields a clear, unique, gourmet ice shape suitable for wet bars at home
Provides a large ice storage capacity, holds up to 34 gallons of water, and produces up to 64 pounds of ice per day since its a commercial ice machine
Includes a sensor that detects your water’s condition
Uses a built-in drain pump, so it minimizes installation costs
Made from sturdy stainless steel, so it’s ideal for outdoor use
Comes with a limited one-year warranty for parts and labor, while its motor has a five-year warranty after installation
Pricing
The Scotsman CU50 Under-Counter Ice Maker is a commercial type of nugget ice maker, so it’s significantly more expensive than the other nugget ice makers on this list.
It costs over $2,000, which most homes might not afford. Moreover, you need to prepare money for installation costs since this is a commercial unit.
Regarding energy consumption, it consumes around 14.4 kw/h, which slightly impacts your electricity bill.
However, if you can afford the costs of buying, running, and maintaining the Scotsman CU50, this commercial ice machine can serve your home or business well and produce quality ice every time.
Bottom Line
The Scotsman CU50 offers a well-built commercial ice maker from one of the top nugget ice makers globally.
Given its size, capacity, price, and installation needs, we highly recommend this for offices, restaurants, and establishments.
However, homes that can afford to buy and maintain the Scotsman CU50 can install it under their kitchen counter, within their wet bar area, or inside their home office.
7. Prime Home Direct Countertop Ice Maker – Best Portable Nugget Ice Maker

Overview
The Prime Home Direct Countertop Ice Maker boasts the lightest ice machine on this list, making it ultra-portable.
This portable nugget ice maker is also one of the more affordable options, with a quiet ice-making process and self-cleaning function.
In addition, this countertop nugget ice maker features smart sensors that automatically shut off the device if the ice storage is full.
Since this countertop ice machine produces ice within eight minutes, the sensor is a convenient and energy-saving feature.
Specifications
Brand: Prime Home Direct
Dimensions: 12.9″ (D) x 9.5″ (W) x 14″ (H)
Maximum Ice Production: 26 pounds of ice per day
Display: LED
Material: Stainless steel, food-grade ABS material
Item Weight: 19 pounds
Included Components: Ice maker, ice basket, ice scoop
Installation Type: Countertop
Wattage: 120 watts
Highlights
Features a modern and sleek design, compact size, and 19-pound weight, making it very portable for home and travel
Yields nugget ice within six to eight minutes, making it one of the fastest ice machines
Allows you to select one of two ice sizes
Includes a self-cleaning feature that helps eliminate mineral build-up and keep the ice maker clean at a push of a button
Sports a durable exterior made of high-quality stainless steel and food-grade ABS material
Provides a 2.2-liter water reservoir
Shows the ice-making and self-cleaning status on the LED screen
Includes a silent cooling feature to help keep the ice cold
Offers a lower price than most nugget ice makers and includes a one-year warranty
Pricing
The Prime Home Direct Countertop Ice Maker is one of the most affordable options, as it sits under $250.
It comes with a one-year product warranty.
Regarding its running costs, it won’t put much difference in your electricity bill since it only uses around 120 watts and produces ice fast.
Bottom Line
The Prime Home Direct Ice Maker is a well-rounded, affordable ice machine for most homes.
Moreover, it’s the best nugget ice maker for traveling, camping, and tailgating since it’s light and compact.
What Is a Nugget Ice Maker?
A nugget ice maker, or a sonic ice maker, is a portable or commercial machine that produces nugget ice. It’s also called sonic ice or pellet ice and is known as soft, chewy ice.
Moreover, nugget ice differs from other types since it can be shaved, compacted, and shaped. Meanwhile, a regular ice cube is just frozen water, and flake ice is finely crushed ice. Click here to check out more variations of under counter ice makers.
The best nugget ice maker starts by freezing water to produce this unique ice. Then, an auger rotates to make shaved ice. The machine then compacts and shapes the ice shavings into a cylinder. Then, nugget ice forms and eventually goes into the ice basket.
After producing your nugget ice, you can enjoy them with your favorite soda, cocktail, or beverage.
You can also use it to decorate and keep a plate of oysters cool since nugget ice melts more evenly than regular ice.
Summary
Although there’s a limited number of choices of nugget ice makers in the market, we believe these seven products are the best of the bunch.
Overall, we highly recommend the GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank as the best nugget ice maker for any home, office, and need. It produces quality ice, provides enough capacity, features a modern design and practical size, offers smart features, and sports a durable product that lasts longer than most competitors.
The KBice Self-Dispensing Countertop Ice Maker is also the next best nugget ice machine if you need a convenient device for your countertop. It stands out due to its self-dispensing feature, sensible size, and sleek design.
Regardless of which nugget ice maker you choose, hopefully, our list gave you an idea of which product suits your needs best.