Nugget ice machines have been used for years in hospitals to create soft chewable ice but when Sonic restaurants starting using nugget ice in their sodas people fell in love with it.
Only in the last decade have companies began to shrink down nugget ice machines so they are small enough to fit in your home – either on your countertop or underneath your counter. Some fridges are now even incorporating nugget ice into their freezers.
The best nugget ice maker is the GE Opal Nugget Ice Maker which is the best quality and has been on the market the longest. It makes 1 pound of nugget ice per hour and has a capacity of 3 pounds. The Newair Nugget Ice Maker is also a great machine and is more budget friendly.
While there are several DIY ways to produce nugget ice, by far the most consistent and effective method is to invest in a nugget ice cube maker.
A warning, though, once you place one of these marvelous machines on your countertop, you may find your kitchen quickly becomes the most popular hangout destination for friends and family!
Difference Between A Nugget Ice Maker and Portable Ice Maker
When you see price tags, you will instantly realize that there is a significant difference between a nugget ice maker and a regular portable ice maker!
Nugget ice makers can be jaw-droppingly pricey, but the result is a fast supply of chewy, pellet ice cubes that mold to the shape of your glass.
The process of creating nugget ice is a lot more complex than producing regular-sized ice blocks and the technology is newer and less companies make nugget ice machines – thus nugget ice makers are quite expensive still.
Countertop ice makers are commonly available machines, and the quality of ice cubes varies considerably between models. You can get some that make white ice and some that can make clear ice like you can see in the video below:
Portable ice makers produce ice cubes similar to the ones you can make using ice cube trays in the freezer – except a lot more efficiently.
What Makes Nugget Ice Better Than Regular Ice Cubes?
While all ice will cool your drinks, nugget ice has a softer, porous texture that allows it to absorb the flavors. This is because nugget ice is made from creating flaked ice (like snow) and then compressing it together into small nugget pieces.
The small size and soft texture make it perfect for chewing and it'll cool down your drinks extremely quickly.
Regular ice is larger and harder and chewing on it can cause damage to your teeth. Nugget ice is smaller and softer and will adsorb and complement the taste of your drink. Since the pieces are smaller than regular-sized ice cubes, drinks cool off faster.
What To Consider When Selecting A Nugget Ice Maker
Since nugget ice makers involve relatively new technology, choosing the best one for your situation may be tricky since they are not yet commonplace in many homes.
The cost of these nifty designer-ice machines is also a major consideration, so if you are serious about buying one, you need to make sure that you get one that will serve your needs in the long term.
We have narrowed down the selection and created this comprehensive list of home nugget ice makers currently available.
Of course, each home has unique requirements, so while checking out our list, keep the following key elements in mind to find the perfect machine that will provide you with an endless supply of cold tongue-tingling nuggets of refreshment.
- Price – Don’t expect to pay under $400 for a home ice nugget machine. While it is the simplest and fastest way to make nugget ice, it most definitely isn’t the cheapest method. Machines under $400 either make regular ice only or won't be from a reputable brand and likely won't work very well.
- Size – Before investing in a machine, check how much space it will need and see where it will fit on your counter. One of the problems with nugget ice machines is they are quite larger so you need to have enough space for them. Some models can be linked directly to a water supply, while others require manual filling.
- Brand and Reputation – Ice nugget makers are costly, so choose a brand with a solid reputation for manufacturing quality products backed up by a solid warranty. Because the machines are complex nugget ice machines can stop making ice so you want a good brand that has troubleshooting guides, good customer service or a warranty to fix the machine if something goes wrong.
- Yield and Storage Capacity – Nugget ice machine make ice quickly and can make a lot of ice. But some make more ice than other. Yield includes how fast the device turns water into cubes and how big the storage bin is.
Is Nugget Ice The Same As Sonic Ice?
Sonic ice is legendary! The super soft ice used in their drinks became so popular that the name stuck, and nugget ice is often called sonic ice.
In fact, nugget ice machines are the exact way Sonic make their ice – just in larger quantities. So with a nugget ice machine you can make Sonic ice at home, saving you money.
If you don’t have a home nugget ice machine, many Sonic drive-in restaurants sell bags of their famous sonic ice, and you can grab a 10 lb bag for around $2-$5. Of course, the restaurants use commercial-sized nugget ice machines to produce such massive quantities.
Luckily, you will only need a countertop version to keep your family supplied with ‘the good ice,’ so let’s get right into it and review the best nugget ice machines designed for home use.
1. GE Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
BEST OVERALL NUGGET ICE MAKER
The GE 2.0 Opal Nugget Ice Maker is our top pick because of its quality, brand recognition, popularity and longevity.
This was the first nugget ice maker on the market and it's currently the most widely used home nugget ice maker. Read more about how the Opal Nugget Ice Maker works.
It's extremely high quality and has an ability to start churning out perfect pebble ice within just 15 minutes and it makes 1 pound of ice per hour or 24 pounds per day. It has a storage bin capacity of 3 pounds, so you'll always have enough ice on hand.
It comes with app connectivity which allows you to set timers for when you want the machine to operate. This can save you money on operation and ensure you always have ice when you need it. Whether that be waking up in the morning or when you come home from work or the kids come home from school.
If you have a family and need plenty of available ice, this model ties together the elements of value for money, brand quality, and solid production.
This sleek, modern design of this nugget ice maker will be a feature on any countertop. It is also easy to monitor the water reservoir, and the entire section can be removed to be refilled. As unused ice in the storage box melts, the water is returned to the reservoir for reuse.
See the latest price of the GE Opal Nugget Ice Maker at Amazon
(or compare to the price of the GE Opal Nugget Ice Maker at Walmart)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Production rate of 1lb of ice every hour | Costly – in excess of $500 |
| Its quick – nugget ice can be available in 15 minutes | Noisy – Makes a slight humming sound while operating |
| The storage bin holds 3 pounds of ice | It’s quite big, so you need sufficient counter space |
| GE is an established name in household appliances | The container is not refrigerated |
| Built-in Wi-Fi and Voice Control |
2. NewAir Nugget Ice Machine
BEST BUDGET NUGGET ICE MAKER
If cost is a main consideration, then NewAir’s Nugget Countertop Ice Maker with a handy self-cleaning function is definitely worth checking out. This unit comes in just below $400 and has some great features despite its lower price.
I love the slim design that lets it slide in alongside your other appliances without taking over or looking like a mini refrigerator on the counter. The cute LED light above the viewing window makes the magical nuggets of crunchy ice look irresistible, and your nugget ice machine will be a feature in your kitchen.
But don’t only take my word on this – check out this review of this machine from someone who has put it to the test:
This is a high quality machine backed by some very high reviews and has a smaller form factor when compared to the Opal machine.
Some people have even said it's more reliable than the Opal as it also has a slightly greater output of ice.
If you don't want an Opal then this is definitely the next brand I would recommend.
See the latest price of the NewAir Nugget Ice Maker at Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheaper than most other nugget ice machines | The machine has a plastic body – all BPA-free parts. This may make it less durable than metal models. |
| Production rate of 44lbs of ice per day | The collection container is not refrigerated |
| Its quick – nugget ice can be available in 10 minutes | |
| Slim design so it won’t take up much counter space | |
| Lightweight and easy to move around | |
| The storage box has a cool blue light | |
| Self-cleaning function |
3. Frigidaire Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker
CHEAPEST NUGGET ICE MAKER
The Frigidaire Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker is a treat for anyone with an adventurous lifestyle. The compact design means it can be taken along on camping trips or tailgate – all it needs is an electrical outlet and a full reservoir.
Voila, within 15 minutes, you and your friends can be enjoying perfect designer ice no matter where you find yourselves.
The Frigidaire is the least expensive pick on our list, and for a little machine, it certainly does offer plenty of bang for your buck.
It doesn't seem to be made to the same extremely high quality standard of the Opal or the NewAir and the lower customer ratings reflects this. However, they do have a newer V2 version which likely improves on the issues the first machine had.
I'd only choose this model if I really didn't like the look of the NewAir or really had to save some money.
See the latest price of the Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker at Amazon
(or compare to the latest price of the Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker at Walmart)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of the least expensive nugget ice makers available | Not all models are self-cleaning |
| Production rate of 44lbs of ice per day | The collection container is not refrigerated |
| Its quick – nugget ice can be available in 15 minutes | Some people may not like the noise |
| Slim design so it won’t take up much counter space | It may be too tall for some kitchen countertops |
| Lightweight and portable | |
| The storage box can hold 3lbs |
4. Euhomy Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
There are some excellent reasons why the Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker is Amazon’s Choice. Its unassuming appearance and compact design conveys that it is ready to work, producing plenty of delectable nugget ice.
The unit could fit on any countertop and make plenty of pellet ice quietly and efficiently. For someone like me who lives in an apartment and where the Opal would take up my entire counter this model is a really great option.
The Euhomy has a neat feature that many other models don’t. If you have it in a suitable place in your kitchen or bar, the machine can be hooked directly to your water supply. No more monitoring the reservoir and topping up during busy parties!
See the latest price of the Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker at Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This affordable nugget ice machine comes in at around $400 | It takes a bit longer to get started than some other models – approximately 18 minutes |
| Production rate of 26lbs of ice per day | The collection container is not refrigerated |
| Compact, neat design. | Not as flashy looking as some other models |
| The storage box can hold 3.3lbs | |
| The reservoir can be manually filled or attached to a water supply | |
| Quiet operation | |
| Automatic cleaning function |
5. Gevi Household Nugget Ice Maker
The nugget ice maker from Gevi ticks all the boxes when it comes to compact, portable, high output, and overall value for money. This ultra-quiet, unassuming-looking appliance can churn out an impressive 29lbs of ‘the best ice’ each day, and the massive ice bucket means there will always be plenty available.
Gevi’s ice nugget maker is a relatively new addition to this market and was only introduced in 2019.
It is well priced at around $400 and includes some handy features you don’t expect on smaller machines.
It can be refilled manually or hooked to the water system. The stainless steel body makes it a robust machine that is easily portable. It also includes a self-cleaning function
See the latest price of the Gevi Nugget Ice Maker at Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Production rate of 29lbs of ice per day | The navy blue color or white tops may not match other kitchen appliances |
| Compact, neat stainless steel exterior | The collection container is not refrigerated – however, it is insulated |
| The storage box can hold 4.8lbs | Not as flashy looking as some other models |
| The reservoir can be manually filled or attached to a water supply | |
| Ultra-quiet operation | |
| Automatic cleaning function |
6. KBice Self Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
The KBIce Nugget Ice Maker adds the convenience of a self-dispensing nugget ice function, so you won’t have to dig about in an ice bucket to fill your glass.
This makes it perfect for busy households and limits the chances of pieces falling onto the floor when people are helping themselves using a clumsy scoop.
The flip side of this is that this machine is better suited for daily trickle traffic rather than sudden surges like at parties. It only has a 1 pound storage bin for ice which means if a larger family wants to fill up all their cups at once they are going to have trouble.
Taking some ice out throughout the day and storing it in bags in the freezer can give you nugget ice during these high volume times…but then you may as well have an ice maker with a regular storage bin and scoop.
While the ice nugget maker can produce 30 pounds daily, its storage capacity is only around 1 pound. It also works best with distilled or bottled water; regular tap water is not recommended.
See the latest price of the KBIce Self Dispensing Nugget Ice Maker at Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Production rate of 30lbs of ice per day | The storage container only holds 1lb |
| Attractive stainless steel exterior | Requires distilled water |
| Neat, self-dispensing design | It can only be filled manually |
| Automatic cleaning function | The first batch can take 25 minutes to make |
7. Northair Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Although this machine hasn’t received rave reviews everywhere, it still has a firm fan base who love the speed of churning out crunchy nugget ice and the decent cost-to-quality ratio.
It is visibly bigger and less compact than some other models, but its size makes it capable of producing a massive 44 pounds of nugget ice per day.
On the downside, one of the most common complaints about the Northair nugget ice machine is that it’s a bit noisier than many other nugget makers, and melting ice from the storage bin sometimes leaks out the front.
The Northair has plenty of excellent reviews, so we are a little on the fence about this one.
Customers all seem to be in agreement that the Northair customer service is excellent, so any challenges experienced after purchasing one of these machines are dealt with promptly.
See the latest price of the Northair Nugget Ice Maker at Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Production rate of 44lbs of ice per day | It may be a bit noisy |
| Easy to fill one-gallon water reservoir | Some reviewers indicate that it tends to leak water |
| Ice storage bin: 3.3lbs | It can only be filled manually |
| Automatic self-cleaning function | |
| Very fast: 10-15 minutes to produce the first batch |
8. GE Profile Opal Dispense Nugget Ice Maker
GE has amped up their already excellent Opal Nugget Ice Maker and introduced the GE Opal Dispense Nugget Ice Maker to take countertop nugget ice makers to the next level.
This machine can quietly deliver ice at an astonishing rate of 1.6 lbs an hour. However, if you don’t need that much ice, its storage bin only holds 1.8lbs, so any sudden rush on the machine may result in it being emptied.
Although the machine has a sleek next-gen appearance, some consumers may not like not being able to see inside. It is impossible to tell if the unit is stocked with crunchy nugget ice, so one loses the visual delight and anticipation of adding nugget ice to drinks.
However, this ice machine is top of the game when it comes to high-tech features. It has a water filter, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a handy dispenser function, so you don’t have to scoop about and get your hands wet each time you need some ‘good ice.’
One of the downside of this machine is it's the most expensive machine on this list (except for the larger under counter ones) but I would expect to pay a premium for the latest and greatest. If you have the money and love the self dispensing aspect of this machine then it's a great buy.
See the latest price of the Opal Dispense Nugget Ice Maker at Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Production rate of 38lbs of ice per day | The storage bin is small, so better suited to trickle use settings |
| One gallon water reservoir | You can’t see inside |
| Automatic self-cleaning function | It has a large reservoir but can only be filled manually |
| Very fast: 10-15 minutes to produce the first batch | You may miss scooping nugget ice from a storage box, especially if you need a lot at a time. |
| Built-in Wi-Fi and Voice control | It costs more than less high-tech nugget ice makers |
| Automatic software updates | Ice storage bin: 1.8lbs |
| Self-dispensing | |
Best Undercounter Nugget Ice Makers
Undercounter nugget ice makers may be a little too large for most home kitchen settings, but we have included our top two pics in this category as they are perfect for entertainment areas or break rooms.
Small businesses and health settings may also need a slightly larger nugget ice production speed without requiring a giant commercial appliance.
The larger the machine, the more you can expect to pay, and these larger capacity models have some pretty hefty price tags.
However, if you need an ample supply of soft, chewy ice, investing in an under-counter nugget ice maker that will keep up with demand is worth the outlay.
9. Ice-O-Matic GEM090 Under Counter Pearl Ice Machine
Nugget ice goes by many names, including sonic, cubicle, and pellet ice. Ice-O-Matic have added another and call their soft, chewy nugget ice ‘pearl’ ice.
This nifty nugget ice maker can produce a whopping 85 pounds of nugget ice a day and stores it in a 22lb ice bin. That is, masses of fresh, tasty, nugget ice!
See the latest price of the Ice-O-Matic GEM090 Nugget Ice Maker at Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Production rate of 85lbs of ice per day | Expensive |
| Quiet operation | You can’t see inside |
| Ice storage bin: 22lbs | It may be too bulky for some homes |
| Easy to install | Not portable |
10. GE Profile Under Counter Pellet Ice Maker
This under-counter nugget ice maker from GE can produce 56 pounds of ice a day and has a 26lb ice storage bin.
It is slightly smaller and less obtrusive than the Ice-O-Matic, and a neat feature is that the front door panel can be customized to fit with the rest of the décor.
Optional inline filters can be fitted to ensure the water in your ice is completely fresh.
See the latest price of the GE Under Counter Nugget Ice Maker at Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Production rate of 56lbs of ice per day | Expensive |
| The front panel can be customized to match the surrounding décor | You can’t see inside |
| Ice storage bin: 26lbs | Not portable |
| Light indicator when cleaning is needed | |
| Inline filters can be fitted |
Cheaper Alternatives To Consider
For many of us, an actual nugget ice-making machine is something that may stay on our wishlist for a very long time. Unfortunately, they are quite pricey, and although everyone agrees that nugget ice is ‘good ice’, a household may have other more urgent budgetary priorities.
However, don’t despair – you can still enjoy the crisp sensation of cool pellet ice refreshment without investing in a machine right away. You can make small amounts of chewy ice at home with just some basic equipment!
1. Silicone Mini Nugget Ice Cube Trays
An easy, cost-effective way to produce small amounts of nugget ice is simply to use mini ice cube trays.
Of course, you will have to wait for them to freeze and then manually pop them all out, so the process takes longer than a nugget ice machine. But it’s a great, no-fuss way to enjoy a special drink when you get home from work.
I first purchased this to test out whether or not myself and my kids liked having nugget ice at home. To no one's shock the kids absolutely loved it and even refilled the trays themselves which they rarely do!
If you don’t have mini nugget ice cube trays, you can use regular ice cube trays that are half filled to create smaller-sized ice cubes.
See the latest price of the Silicone Mini Ice Cube Tray at Amazon
2. Professional Lewis Bag and Mallet
This is the perfect gift for anyone you know who needs to get some frustration out, and while they are at it, they can make themselves a delicious nugget ice drink!
It's one of the best ways to make hospital ice if you don't have a nugget ice maker or a nugget ice tray.
Pounding regular ice cubes into pieces may not exactly be pellet ice, but it comes pretty close. And you will be able to quickly turn any store-bought ice into refreshing crushed ice whether you are camping or just showing off your bartending skills.
See the latest price of the Viski Lewis Bag and Mallet at Amazon
Conclusion
Nugget ice machines are costly, but they are a solid investment in style and delicious iced drinks. Having the convenience of sonic ice at your fingertips will make you the envy of friends and family.
As this new technology develops, more models are becoming available, and ‘good ice’ can become a daily treat right at home.
10 Best Nugget Ice Makers For Home:
- GE Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
- NewAir Nugget Ice Machine
- Frigidaire Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker
- Euhomy Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- Gevi Household Nugget Ice Maker
- KBice Self Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- Northair Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker Dispenser
- Ice-O-Matic GEM090 Under Counter Pearl Ice Machine
- GE Profile Under Counter Pellet Ice Maker
