Nugget ice is the most popular type of ice right now. It’s often used in many different kinds of food and beverages. But, not everyone knows the secret behind making nugget ice at home. That’s where nugget ice makers for home use come into play.
Nugget ice machines are more common in commercial settings, but they are also possible for residential use. In this article, we will look at five top-rated nugget ice makers currently on the market. We will take a close look at some of their pros and cons and provide you with the best recommendations to help you buy the best nugget ice maker!
What Are Nugget Ice Makers?
A nugget ice maker is a small and compact device that makes ice. You can use nugget ice makers at home, in your office, or on a trip. As the name suggests, these ice makers make nugget ice.
Nugget ice makers make a soft and fluffy form of ice perfect for flavored drinks such as lemonade or iced tea. You can even use nugget ice in beverages like margaritas or daiquiris. Nugget ice retains the flavor of your drink longer than other types of ice. Nugget ice makers tend to be less expensive than Pellet Ice Makers. They can make more ice per batch and make it faster too.
What Is Nugget Ice?
Nugget ice is small and crunchy pieces of ice with a soft center. This type of ice has a larger surface area than cubed or flaked ice. With a larger surface area, nugget ice melts slower. So, your drink stays concentrated and better-tasting for a long time. And, who doesn’t like less watery drinks?
How To Choose A Nugget Ice Maker
Choosing the best nugget ice maker for home is easier when you understand what you need in an ice maker. To pick the best nugget ice machine, consider the following tips when shopping for the best nugget ice maker:
Design
Nugget ice-making machines are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. There are stainless steel models, while others have white, black, or another coloring. Choose an ice maker in the color, shape, and design that matches your home or use case.
Usability
When shopping for a nugget ice maker, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does it have indicator lights?
- Are there alarms?
- Are the buttons easy to use?
- Is it easy to clean?
- If not, does it have a self-cleaning feature?
- Is it easy to install and setup?
Indicator lights can tell you when ice is ready or when water needs to be refilled to make more lights. Alarms can do the same. Clearly labeled buttons with good sizing are a must for anyone to understand how to use the machine. Think about how easy the ice machine is to use.
Portability
When looking for the perfect nugget-ice maker, always consider whether you plan to use it in one place or if you’d like to move it around.
Some ice makers are large and heavy. Stationary ice makers are suitable for home/family use. But, if you plan on taking your ice maker on RV or camping trips and the like, opt for a smaller, more portable ice maker.
Capacity
Finally, consider how much ice the nugget ice maker can make and hold. Some ice makers make more ice per day than others. For example, if you have a large family, a machine that can create up to 50 pounds of ice per day is better than one that can only make 20 pounds per day.
Features
- Pick a nugget ice maker that offers options for 2 or 3 ice sizes.
- Underside Drain Plug – This makes it easy to quickly drain and clean the ice maker. Plugs placed on the bottom of the reservoir are best.
- Removable Ice Bin – For easy cleaning.
- Self-Cleaning Mode – A luxury feature for those who dread cleaning their units.
- Smart Ice Makers/Bluetooth Ice Makers – Another luxury feature that lets you control your ice makers using an app on your phone.
- Filter – To keep your water and ice clean and free of debris.
If you like nugget ice and want to know which nugget ice maker might be best for you, these are our top picks for the best nugget ice makers on the market.
Best Nugget Ice Makers At A Glance
- Best For Splurge: Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- Best For Quick Ice: NewAir Nugget Ice Maker
- Best For Nugget Ice: GE Profile Opal 2.0 | Countertop Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank
- Best For Convenience: KBice Self Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- Best For Mid-Range: Frigidaire EFIC235-AMZ Nugget Ice Maker
- Best For Fast Ice/Price: AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker
- Best Value: Euhomy Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
The Best Nugget Ice Makers
These are the best nugget ice makers:
Best For Splurge – Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
The Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker can produce up to 24 pounds of ice in 24 hours. It only takes 20 minutes to make a fresh batch of ice. It has Bluetooth and is small enough to fit neatly on your countertop.
Not only does this small countertop ice maker make soft, crunchy, deli-style nugget ice, but it’s also a portable ice maker so you can take it with you on the go. Although, it does need a plug and water to make ice. It’s perfect for small gatherings and those who want to enjoy this ‘delicacy’ by themselves.
Please don’t take our word for it! Here’s what other customers are saying about this expensive nugget ice maker:
I love my Opal Nugget Ice Maker. It has the most modern, sleek design and makes the best nugget ice around. The sound of the machine is also very soothing and it’s so easy to use. I am so happy with my purchase and would recommend it to everyone!
Best For Quick Ice – NewAir Nugget Ice Maker
The NewAir Nugget Ice Maker has an easy-to-clean stainless body and fits nicely in any room. While most nugget ice makers may take up to 25 minutes before you can get your first batch of ice, this one produces nugget ice in less than 12 minutes.
Best For Nugget Ice – GE Profile Opal 2.0 | Countertop Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker comes with a Side Tank so that you can store even more nugget ice. It can make up to 24 pounds of ice a day and hold 3 pounds of ice at a time.
The side tank is optional and can be removed at any time. And, despite its size, the Opal is also a very portable ice maker.
So, whether you have a large nugget-ice-loving family or you want to host parties on the beach, it won’t let you down.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Removable side water tank
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:
- Ice bin isn’t refrigerated
Here’s what one customer had to say about this nugget ice maker:
I have the privilege of owning the Opal Nugget Ice Maker. It is by far the best nugget maker I have ever used. The quality of ice it produces is unparalleled, and I don’t find myself having to clean up all around it. The design is sophisticated, but still functional–it always looks great in my kitchen! All in all, I highly recommend it!
Best For Convenience – KBice Self Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
KBice is the first self-dispensing nugget ice maker. It’s also made from environmentally friendly material.
Our only caveat is that it only makes about 2.4 pounds of nugget ice per day, which is much less than the other ice makers on the list.
That being said, it’s convenient due to its small size, portability, and auto dispenser functionality.
Pros:
- Built-in dispenser
- Self-cleaning
Cons:
- Small ice bin
- Requires distilled water
Best For Mid-Range – Frigidaire EFIC235-AMZ Nugget Ice Maker
The Frigidaire EFIC235-AMZ Countertop Ice Maker Crunchie Nugget Maker can make up to 44 pounds of ice per day. All while being compact with a beautiful design that goes well in any room. It makes 3 pounds of nugget ice per cycle.
Here’s what a customer had to say about the Frigidaire Ice Maker,
This is the best ice maker on the market. I have had mine for almost a year now and it has never malfunctioned. It is very simple to use, just fill up the compartment with water, set your desired scoop size, wait for the ice to form, and you are good to go! It also looks very slick on my countertop next to my sink.
Best For Fast Ice/Price AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker
The AGLUCKY Countertop Ice Maker makes up to 26 lbs of ice per day. Unlike other ice makers that take up to 30 minutes to start making ice. The AGLUCKY can produce ice cubs in 6-8 mins and includes an ice scoop and basket.
Pros:
- Makes ice quickly
- Low noise
Cons:
- Smaller capacity
Best Value – Euhomy Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
The Euhomy Countertop Nugget Ice Maker is one of the few portable ice makers that make nuggets, sonic ice, and small pellets that also have a tank. It has a self-cleaning and auto water-refill feature. It makes 26-30 lbs of ice per day.
Pros:
- More affordable (in terms of value for money)
- Easy to use
Cons:
- The bin is not refrigerated
Best Selling Nugget Ice Makers On Amazon
Conclusion
Choosing the best nugget ice maker will keep your drinks as cold and refreshing as they should be. When shopping for a nugget ice-making machine, it’s essential to consider things like ease of use, design, and portability.
There are many other options available, but we’ve listed the best ones worth buying. So, it’s easier for you to make a decision. You can also check out our article about the best ice makers if you need more options. Best of luck, and enjoy your sonic ice!
Last update on 2023-02-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API