The 5 Best Nugget Ice Maker of 2022 | Expert Recommendation & Details Review

Are you tired of buying large amounts of ice from the store? Can’t wait for the refrigerator to make your ice? Then purchasing a nugget ice maker to keep your summer drinks chilled is the answer for you. Get ready to make instant ice, ready for those summer parties and frozen cocktails

How do you choose the best ice maker for you? To make the process easier we have rounded up the top five, best nugget ice makers for you to choose from. Nugget ice makers vary in size, shape, function, and style. That’s why choosing the best ice maker can be a challenging task. Below we discuss the five best ice makers to help you make the correct decision. Let’s get freezing.

What Is Nugget Ice?

 

Nugget ice is made using a process whereby layers of flaked ice are frozen together. Creating pockets of air in the pellet ice nuggets, as a result allowing the ice to float. Nugget ice is more chewable and airy and more importantly doesn’t melt as quickly as other traditional crushed ice.

What Is a Nugget Ice Machine?

A nugget ice machine is a technology to make nugget ice at home or kitchen. Powered by an electrical source, the device fits on any counter while the ice is produced. Traditional ice makers freeze water into a hard ice cube over a long period of time. Nugget ice is produced quickly by scraping the ice crystals from a chilled stainless steel cylinder The ice crystals are extruded through a round hole, compacting them into a chewable nugget.

What To Look For Before Buying A Nugget Ice Maker?

 

Production of Ice

First, look at the production level of ice. If a nugget ice maker produces ice slowly and in small quantities, then that is not an optimal choice as it uses considerably more energy. You will also need to determine the volume of ice you require on a general basis.

Ice Shape

Nugget machines generally produce uniform shapes of ice that are made in the unit freezing cylinder. What you want to ensure is that the device produces a consistent size nugget each time. Look out for the reviews regarding this.

Budget

Ice makers generally have a hefty price tag. The machines are costly due to the technology used to create the ice. Choose one that suits your needs, based on how much ice you will generally need and how quickly the machine will produce the ice.

Different Features

Different features can make an ice maker cooler—features like a timer, presetting of the ice, or the ability to be controlled from an app remotely. Many smart machines are designed to have control water usage. Once again look for a device that suits your needs. Generally, the more features they have the more expensive the unit will be.

Warranty

Countertop ice makers are still a somewhat new technology, and improvements in the technology are made regularly.  Make sure the model you buy has a solid warranty and that the company is reputable.  This is an investment and you deserve to be covered and protected in case of a factory fault or mechanical failure.

Our Top Picks

Buying Guide & Expert Recommendations Top 5 Nugget Ice Maker

 

Ge Profile Opal Ice Maker – Best Overall Nugget Ice Maker

 

Do you want the best nugget Ice maker for your home? Then, Ge Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker would be your best choice.

Countertop Size

A compact design ideal for countertop use. Its elegant design and technology make for an appealing unit while producing nugget ice perfectly. Ideal for a large family. 

Powerful and Smart

You can get the soft, crunchy nugget size ice within 20 minutes. The shape of the ice is a lot look like a restaurant. You can control the ice maker by the official Ge Profile Opal app.

Material and Portability

The body of the Ge Profile Ice Maker is made from stainless steel and plastic. Does not require to be hooked up to a water connection due to the water reservoir. Making this a portable nugget ice maker. 

Features

• Produces a large quantity of ice, suitable for a big family and perfect for the home.
• You can make quality ice nuggets within 20 minutes.
• Bluetooth connection and a dedicated app make it convenient to control the ice maker remotely.
• No need for additional accessories. So, it enhances portability.
• The stainless steel body is very durable and rust-free.

Why Do We Recommend It?

Ge Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker makes high-quality nugget ice quickly. It is very suitable for both professionals and beginners.

Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop – Highly Rated Nugget Ice Maker 

 

Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop is a consumer-grade ice maker that makes small, round ice cubes. It is a great choice for parties, celebrations, and everyday use. You can make up to 26 pounds of ice in one day with our machine. It is easy to operate and has an automatic cleaning option. The compact design allows it to fit on any countertop or tabletop.  It comes with an ice basket, ice scoop, water line, and instructions.

Automatic or manual refill system

This machine has a new model of ice maker water refill system. You can choose to add water manually or automatically, and you need to connect the machine with your plumbing system in order for it to work.

Self-cleaning feature

Press the ice maker’s “Clean” button for more than 5 seconds to enter the “Cleaning Program” to clean it before making the first time of ice. Need to run clean cycle about weekly even with filtered, softened, and RO water.

Countertop Size

It is about the size of a bread maker and requires 6 inches buffer on all sides, has a water supply line hooked up in the back. Keep that in mind for countertop space real estate. 

Easy to use

It’s really easy to use.. just add water and it does Its thing!

Features:

• Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker takes only 18-20 minutes to make ice.
• Stainless steel cover
• Automatic refill system
• The ice made is perfect for cocktails, margaritas, or soft drinks since they are soft for chewing.
• Self-cleaning is quite easy by turning on the cleaning mode.

Why Do We Recommend It?

Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop has a really high rating on Amazon, is easy to use and clean, looks good, countertop size, cant be wrong with it.

NewAir Nugget Ice Maker – Fastest Nugget Ice Maker

 

Do you need a fast nugget ice maker? Let us introduce to you the NewAir Nugget Ice Maker. This is the fastest nugget ice maker for you. 

Enough Space for Ice

The inner space of the NewAir Ice maker is enormous. It can hold up to 24 lbs. ice cubes at a time. “Nugget ice” is very soft and small in size. Allowing you to produce ice professionally.

Fastest Ice Maker

Most ice makers take up to 20 minutes to produce ice. But NewAir Icemaker uses some great technology to make ice quickly. It takes only 12 minutes to turn water into ice.

Compact and Melt-Resistant

NewAir ice maker is very compact in design but has a generous space to hold enough ice. The Ultra-insulated storage container prevents ice from melting. 

Features

• NewAir Ice Maker takes only 12 minutes to make ice.
• Ultra-insulated storage protects the ice from melting.
• Self-cleaning technology helps to clean the ice maker without hassle.
• BPA-free plastic ensures you that there is no harmful chemical in ice.
• The ice is small in shape and feels soft inside the mouth.

Why Do We Recommend It?

Fast and having a premium design recommend the NewAir Icemaker as the best choice for you.

CROWNFUL Compact Ice Maker for Countertop– Best Budget Nugget Ice Maker

 

This Compact Ice Maker by CROWNFUL is a workhorse. It’s perfect for large family gatherings, taking with you in your RV, or just sitting on your counter at home. It has a built-in self-cleaning feature and cranks out “bullet” style cubes quickly. Both the small and large size cubes are consistent and it comes with a small scoop to distribute the ice as needed. The viewing window on the top allows you to see the amount of ice in the machine. 

Large Water Tank Capacity

The large capacity of the 2.8L water tank brings you more ice cubes, enough to meet the need for ice cubes at the party.

Two types of “bullet” style cubes

• Small Ice (width: 0.3in- height: 0.9in) is perfect for beverages, fruit teas, and other drinks.
• Large Ice (width:1in- height: 1.4 in) is perfect for cocktails, whiskeys, and other drinks.

Infrared Sensor Technology

The ice machine uses advanced infrared sensor technology to ensure you never have a problem with overflowing. If it detects that there’s no more room in the bin, then this will be indicated by an “ICE FULL” indicator light turning on and stopping the production

Automatic Cleaning

This ice maker has a self-cleaning mechanism – just drain the water, add clean water, put it on a clean cycle, and it pumps it throughout, so you don’t have to be wiping it down or anything like that.

Features:

• Small & Large Ice Cubes Selectable
• Multiple Functions with Self-Cleaning
• Compact Ice Maker & Wide Applications
• Efficient & Fast
• CROWNFUL offers a 12-month warranty and lifetime support.

Why Do We Recommend It?

CROWNFUL Compact Ice Maker has a really good price, it’s portable and really fast.

FRIGIDAIRE EFIC235-AMZ Ice Maker – Best beginner choice

 

Frigidaire Ice Maker is very popular for its ice-making ability. It is effortless to use for a beginner. 

Size

Frigidaire Icemaker has an elegant design and is well-sized for any countertop. This medium size countertop unit provides a compact design, but it can hold enough ice for daily use.

Fast and Powerful

Within 15 minutes, you will enjoy soft, crunchy ice, ideal for your home kitchen.

Automatic and High Capacity

Frigidaire Icemaker can produce 44 lbs. ice per day and holds 3 lbs. of ice at a time. If the ice melts, the water is collected by a reservoir to turn it into ice again.

Features

• The stainless-steel body is durable and rust-free.
• You can place the ice maker on any countertop.
• Accessories like Icemaker, Side tank, Ice Bin, Ice Scoop, and drip tray are included.
• It takes only 15 minutes to make ice.
• The ice production ability is 44 lbs. ice per day and can hold 3 lbs. ice.

Why Do We Recommend It?

The most innovative feature of the Frigidaire ice maker is the straightforward user interface. It is very suitable for beginner or non-professional people.

Alternatives for Nugget Ice Makers

If you’re purchasing a new refrigerator, it could be worth considering one with a built-in nugget ice maker. This saves space in your kitchen as you don’t need an entirely separate ice machine for all your nugget needs. They can produce ice at a fast and consistent rate and will offer you a steady supply of nugget ice.

When should we buy an ice cube machine?

 

The most significant reasons for considering purchasing an ice cube machine are a lack of space and human forgetfulness. Now let’s look at why this is the case and when it may be worth buying such a machine in additional situations.

If you want flavorless ice cubes

One of the significant drawbacks of ice cubes manufactured conventionally is that they often overpower the flavor and scent of other items stored in the freezer. As a result, it’s not unusual for ice cubes to absorb the taste of other food stored in the fridge or freezer and ruin your favorite beverages’ pleasure.

This cannot happen in an ice maker machine since if freshwater is poured into the device, the ice will not contact anything else. You can be sure to obtain flavorless and fragrance-free ice cubes, which are a must-have for high-quality beverages or cocktails.

In case of lack of space

Cold beverages are popular all year, however, many people enjoy cold beverages in the spring and fall. On the other hand, few people do not have a big refrigerator that can be used to keep a variety of soft drinks and other beverages chilled in larger amounts.

It’s far easier to have an ice maker instead of filling your fridge with cubes, which you’ll have to throw away after a few days. Of course, we can also consider the ice cubes with bags, which always allow us to fill our freezer, but they take up so much space that they cannot be considered a good idea of a tiny refrigerator.

If we are forgetful

Forgetfulness has little to do with ice cube machines, right? Surprisingly, a lot! Surely many individuals want an iced drink when they get home from work, but they are frequently confronted with the fact that they forget to put the conventional ice cube-making compartments in the freezer.

In this example, we either wait a few hours, which is rather far from reality, or we give in to common sense and make some new ice for our drink with the aid of an ice maker machine in a few minutes. Practical, quick, and comfortable, or perfectly suited to our fast-paced existence!

If you like cocktails

Ice cubes and shattered ice are an essential part of many cocktails, so if you enjoy preparing delicious mixed beverages or long drinks at home, an ice maker machine is a must-have.

No one knows in advance when you’ll want a Margarita or a Pina Colada, so while the components are being prepared, fill the machine with as much water as it takes for a refreshing drink.

If you have a lot of unexpected visitors

If you want to be a good host, this is extremely important. Apart from such a machine, all we have to do now is fill it with water, switch it on, and provide the ice-cooled beverages or cocktails to guests who unexpectedly showed up.

How do ice cube makers operate? What’s the mechanism behind ice maker machines?

 

In general, ice maker machines are pretty simple to use, and we have nothing more to do with them than ice racks in the freezer except that they are considerably faster.

Most ice cube machines, by type, are operated as follows:

• The machines must first be filled with clean tap water or mineral water. If you want to speed up the process, it is worth using cold water for it.
• Once we’ve filled the tank, all we have to do is wait patiently until the first ice cubes are ready.
• Depending on the technique and circumstances of usage, it might take anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes for the first batch to be prepared.

Three useful tips for running an ice cube making machine

1. If you want large, solid ice cubes that are more frozen, plan on running the machine several hours ahead of time to guarantee a successful outcome.
2. If you’re serving a large group with the ice cube maker, don’t wait for it to drain entirely; it’s better to fill the cold water on it frequently so that new ice cubes are created faster.
3. If you want to have a single drink and want ice cubes that are a little quicker, fill the water tank halfway. In this situation, the device finishes faster, so we can generally add fresh ice to our glass in 15-20 minutes.

What type of ice maker should we buy?

 

Purpose of use

If you’re looking to buy an ice cube maker, its purpose is the first and most essential thing to think about. In this area, you have two alternatives:

1. If you buy the ice maker for home use. In such a scenario, we can use virtually any of the equipment suggested above if we only need to make ice in small amounts for non-industrial purposes, but we enjoy iced beverages and like to drink cocktails or whisky throughout the year, for example. Since they are not cheap products, always consider whether you will take advantage of the tool when shopping for home use. For many, buying a bag of ice on warmer summer days can be more than enough for the traditional ice maker. So let’s always think carefully about what we would use the machine for.
2. If you buy the ice maker for catering purposes. In this case, of course, the above items will not always be sufficient. It is not worth considering them since there are solutions on the market suitable for industrial production that can produce more ice in a shorter amount of time without stopping.

Quantity of ice cubes that can be made

If we decide that we need an ice cube maker, finding the answers to these questions will be critical: how strong is the machine we’re purchasing, and how many ice cubes can produce? The number of ice cubes may generally show that this product type can make.

Manufacturers typically record this number as the total ice we can make with that unit in 24 hours. Even at the entry level, solutions with a power of 11-17 pounds are typical, while machines in the higher category can produce up to 22-33 lb of ice per day.

In general, therefore, if you require a lot of ice, premium alternatives would be preferable; whereas if less is enough, entry or mid-range products will be suitable for us.

Size of the water tank

The size of the water tank is also crucial when picking an ice maker. It determines how much ice a device can create in a given amount of time, and it’s just as important as the quantity of Ice generation capacity. The two are nearly directly linked, therefore increasing water tank size means improved performance, while reducing the tank size means fewer ice cubes.

Most ice makers have a 2-3 liter water tank, but there are notable variations between the various types because this amount is more than enough when used at home. Industrial ice cube makers rarely use tanks instead of taking water straight from the mains.

Size of the ice tank

It’s critical to pay attention when selecting an ice-making machine to figure out how much ice tank it has. This is because most consumers are more concerned with the water tank or the number of pounds of ice a device can make rather than how much ice the device may store at once.

A machine may produce more than 22 pounds of ice in 24 hours, but it can only keep up to 2 pounds at once. As a result, performance is not as significant if the equipment isn’t emptied regularly, i.e., even if you turn it on the day before, it won’t make any ice.

Nowadays, most ice cube machines for home use are capable of storing 1.6-2 pounds of ice at the same time, and there is only a very minimal difference.

External properties

 

Size of the ice making machine

Even though the market is small, i.e., there are few ice cube machines on store shelves, the size of the device in question will still be a major element to consider because there will be smaller and even portable models and models with greater capacity depending on performance.

It is always up to us how much we choose for ourselves. There are two things to think about, which are:

1. Power, i.e., how often we want to use the machine and how much ice we want to produce with it because we want a compact device in vain if we need several kilos of ice every day.
2. The feature of our kitchen, i.e., we would like a larger machine in vain if it does not fit anywhere in the given room, while it is extremely tiring to pack it in the closet after each use.

Product design, material use

Everyone likes to have a good look in their kitchen, and the room has a uniform overall effect. Fortunately, for most ice cube machines, manufacturers have taken great care to keep everything in place in this area.

The machines are available in black or silvery gray, which is universally associated with the modern style. Of course, because the devices are mostly constructed of plastic and feature few metals, they are light, stunningly designed, and characterized mainly by cleanliness without exception.

In general, the ice-making machines have a transparent surface on the upper part of the machine that is usually constructed of solid plastic and gives insight into the tank to check how much ice is in it.

Size and shape of ice cubes

 

When it comes to ice makers, the form and size of the final product are also important. It’s critical to select an ice cube maker with this in mind because different-sized ice cubes have varying amounts of usefulness. It’s also crucial to consider what size and shape your finished product will be.

Most ice cube makers have at least two options, making them suitable for making at least one smaller and larger ice, but some tools have a more diverse palette.

Larger ice cubes are good for more complex cooling jobs, such as putting them in buckets, cooling bottles, and food. Smaller pieces can be used to chill beverages if you want a cold drink or a nice cocktail.

The ice cube has a wide range of products in terms of shape, but in practice, it is not particularly important that a traditional cube, triangle, cylinder, or even ball-shaped final product is produced in the device.

Important accessories and features

 

In addition to everything that has been said above, certain accessories and characteristics are also necessary. These are, in a broad general sense, considered.

Shovel

A handy shovel that is ergonomically designed for exhaustion and fits perfectly with the ice cube maker would be pretty helpful to have on hand. There’s no need to get downhearted even if the manufacturer doesn’t include one because spoons and other household items work well enough.

Timer

The timer has become a standard feature on more and more ice cube makers, yet it may still be worth paying attention to if for no other reason than because, in certain circumstances, it might make our lives simpler.

You can also use the timer to program the machine to start making ice cubes several hours before you get home or begin your party, ensuring that you have plenty of refreshing ice ready when you finish your job or when the party starts.

Lights and sounds

It’s also a good idea to double-check that the selected ice maker includes a range of lights and sounds so we can always make the most of it.

It’s crucial since, as previously said, lights and sounds can signal if the water tank or ice maker is empty or whether the latter has filled, and the ice-making process is halted because we may not be able to monitor.

Control panel

Most manufacturers try to develop a single, simple-to-use ice cube maker since no one likes complicated mechanisms. The control panel is one of the essential accessories, which always includes some easier controls and a smaller display in the case of superior machines.

The ice cube maker does not need a monitor, but the buttons surrounding it are crucial, so they have at least one power button on and off and the ability to alter the size of the ice cube. They may be deemed basic in terms of operation, with everything else being superfluous.

Major Benefits of Nugget Ice Makers

 

• A nugget ice maker will give you chewable airy ice.
• It makes nugget ice very quickly for your drinks.
• You will get a perfect size of nugget ice at any time.
• You don’t need to wait for the refrigerator to make ice.
• A nugget ice maker is a convenient and smart gadget for the kitchen.
• Some nugget ice makers are designed for hospital or clinic usage.

 

Why Are Nugget Ice Makers So Expensive?

 

Nugget ice is a different shape produced from traditional ice machines. The main property of the nugget ice is its chewable and soft texture. The technology and compressor used to make the ice form the more costly part of the production of such units. Thus leaving the finished product with a heavy price tag.

Ice makers in general require more power to make ice. However, the monthly power-consuming depends on usage could be around 350kWh. Making it pretty costly.

FAQ

 

Is an ice maker worth it?

If you don’t want to buy the ice from the store or you don’t want to wait for your refrigerator, then an ice maker would be worth it for you.

What is the best nugget ice machine?

GE Profile Opal Amazing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker is the best nugget ice maker.

Can you make sonic ice at home?

Sonic ice is also called the nugget ice. There are a range of machines that suit budgets for home use

Is chewing Nugget Ice bad for your teeth?

Yes, chewing the ice is bad for your teeth. Not only for the teeth but also chewing ice is harmful to enamel and gum.

Is nugget ice good for mixed drinks?

Nugget ice is not perfect for every kind of drink as it has a tendency to melt quicker.

Why is an ice-making machine better than traditional methods?

There are two main reasons for this:

1. Most ice makers are straightforward machines, so they can quickly produce ice even in the timed version. As a result, if we need it fast, many times such a machine will be able to generate new ice cubes for us within minutes.
2. Hygiene, cleanliness are also two crucial aspects. This is interpreted to imply that ice cubes in a freezer may absorb unpleasant scents. On the other hand, an ice maker is certain to produce tasteless and odorless pieces of ice.

What can ice created by an ice maker be used for?

Basically, the machine is capable of producing ice that meets all your needs. You can make any shape or size of ice cubes you desire. The ice produced by this method is so clean, flavorless, and odorless that it will not affect the aroma of cocktails or high-quality beverages, so anybody who enjoys high-quality drinks should use the ice maker.

In addition, of course, the ice cubes produced in it may be utilized for a variety of purposes, so it’s primarily used to refrigerate and chill a variety of meals and beverages.

How can I know if the ice cubes are frozen enough?

This is another aspect that tends to confuse people because there is no fixed answer here. The best way to test them would be to insert one of your fingers into the cube and feel it with your skin. If it seems cold, this means it’s ready.

Can ice mush be made with the ice maker?

We do this indirectly through the use of a food processor. There is no grinder in the ice makers, which would allow us to get ice mush simply by pressing a button, but we do it indirectly. All required is to pour the pieces into a blender and blend them until we get the desired result.

Who is the ice cube maker best suited for?

This is a big time-saver for those who enjoy ice-cooled beverages and snacks all year, constantly deal with bigger businesses, host parties and gatherings where they frequently run out of ice!

It’s a wonderful option if we’re forgetful, but it’s not insignificant either if we prefer cocktails or drink high-quality beverages for which high purity, flavorless ice is required.

What is the cost of an ice maker?

If we want ice cube machines for home usage, entry-level solutions are available on the market today, starting at $130. This is not cheap, but it will undoubtedly be profitable if we use or consume a lot of ice.

The better machines typically cost between $400 and $800, although many far more costly choices. Of course, the price of industrial ice manufacturing equipment is astronomical, but bars and restaurants are the only customers in this category.

Is it worth buying an ice cube machine?

A particularly common question about the product category is whether it is worth buying the ice maker or not?

Basically, there is no adequate answer to this since it is a question of individual preference. If we have the money, if we can do it, if we can take advantage of it in everyday life, it will definitely return the price, but let us not forget that it is an expensive thing that represents an unnecessary luxury for many.

There are many less expensive options if you enjoy a glass of cold soft drinks at night or want ice cubes in the hot summer sun.

However, if the whole family is hooked on ice beverages, if we need ice cubes every day, or if we are obsessed with high-end alcoholic drinks – which must be served with ice – there can be no doubt that such an investment will pay off handsomely.

How easy is it to clean ice makers?

An important issue is especially important for all devices working with water, such as ice maker machines. Fortunately, the manufacturers of the machines have also shown great attention in this area, so most of them are designed to be easy to access the parts where the device comes into contact with water or to highlight these elements entirely, but it is increasingly common that we have nothing to do with cleaning.

Many manufacturers now use a special self-cleaning solution within their machines, so we have to start the cleaning program that we do not have to worry about mold, unpleasant deposits, and more.

How many ice cubes can these machines produce?

Performance varies greatly for the ice-making machines. At the entry-level, 11-17 pounds of ice production within a 24-hour cycle is extremely good, but some models can produce up to 22-33 lb of ice in a day. We rarely need more than that when we use it at home.

Devices for industrial use can guarantee many times this, some machines produce up to 220-330 pounds of ice in 24 hours, but under normal conditions, a household does not need this amount of ice production.

How long does it take to make an ice cube for a machine like this?

The ice cubes produced by an ice maker are determined in large part by their performance. Some versions can produce a few ice cubes in a matter of minutes, but others take 15-20 minutes to finish the first dose. This feature should be considered before purchasing an ice maker.

 

Final Verdict

 

Nugget ice is growing in popularity among home users and restaurants. The cost however of acquiring a commercial nugget ice maker is proving to be a barrier to its availability despite its high demand. 
This article will help you find a suitable option for your needs. We have listed a more affordable and portable alternative to the more expensive commercial ice makers.

Out of the five ice makers we have reviewed the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker is the best ice maker in our opinion. Its quick and smart technology brings the ice machine top of the list.

Last update on 2022-08-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API