13 Best Nugget Ice Makers That Chill My Drinks in a Jiffy

Written by Crystal Martin Updated on Feb 07, 2024  |  285.8K
Best Nugget Ice Maker
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No worries folks! I have got you covered with the best nugget ice makers – with my experience, they can be a permanent solution to your ice requirements during parties and fun events. Because I believe that it is irrational and quite unrealistic to visit a restaurant you get your desired pieces of ice. From picnics to barbecues, you can now have all the ice you and your folks need to make lip-smacking cocktails. Thanks to advanced technologies, you can also get a peek inside the device and watch the ice being made. For the unversed, these ice makers take the upper hand at making crunchy and chewable nugget ice for your smoothies and cocktails.

The best part about these devices is that they don't deliver hard and tasteless bullet ice, unlike traditional ice makers! But they promise a constant delivery of awesome crunchable and munchable pounds of ice that satisfies your cravings. Before you wonder if it is one good feasible option for your countertop, let us tell you that these are given a sleek design to enhance the glamour of your modern kitchen or bar. Apart from the top-notch look, nugget ice makers come with a water tank so that you don't require the help of anyone else.

Plus, other than that, the highly efficient items come with a compact design and a large capacity that promises you a better service than any other ice maker. They are also equipped with self-cleaning mechanisms that helped me keep build-up and mold at bay. So without waiting, let's get started with my product recommendations.

13 Best Nugget Ice Makers

I was able to get fresh ice in just 10 minutes with the help of GE Profile’s Opal 2.0 ice maker – it takes the upper hand at delivering 3 lb of ice for all your party or household needs. It also made the ice much more crave-worthy, chewable, and crunchable when compared to the traditional hard ice cubes. The best part about the portable ice maker is that the device comes with built-in WiFi along with the ability to be operated through a SmartHQ app which makes the process a whole lot easier.

Dimension: 17.5"D x 13.43"W x 16.5"H

Bin Capacity: 3lb

Pros
  • Side tank included
  • Voice control
  • Built-in WiFi
  • Versatile
  • Convenient cleaning solution
  • LED display screen
Cons
  • The warranty service could be better
  • Editor’s Pick

    Freezimer Dreamice X3 Nugget Ice Maker

    Freezimer Dreamice X3 Nugget Ice Maker
  • House parties have always been my favorite, but the hassle of arranging essentials, especially ensuring enough ice for drinks made me skip hosting them in the past year. All thanks to the Freezimer Dreamice X3 Nugget Ice Maker, I can now make instant chewable, crunchy ice nuggets at home. The kid-friendly machine further ensures that I can keep it anywhere, being rest assured that children will be safe around it. Noting more, just 10.2 inches high, you no longer have to scrub ice to clean the machine – all credit goes to its advanced 5-minute self-cleaning system that keeps the ice maker in pristine condition always. 

    Dimension: 11.2"D x 14.5"W x 10.2"H

    Bin capacity: 40 pounds

    Pros
    • Cost-effective
    • Kid-friendly
    • Available in 4 color variants
    • Innovative design
    Cons
    • A bit large in size
  • LED-lit Viewing Window

    Newair Nugget Countertop Ice Maker

    Newair Nugget Countertop Ice Maker
  • Along with a self-cleaning capacity, Newair brings you the perfect ice maker for your home, office, and kitchen. The refillable water tank comes with a self-cleaning function that forms nuggets of ice for your smoothies and drinks. The best part is that it has a cool blue LED light that makes the process way easier than one can imagine! Furthermore, the showstopping design and easy-to-clean features made it more appealing to me. So, get yours today!

    Dimension: 17"D x 10"W x 17"H

    Bin Capacity: 44 Pounds

    Pros
    • Best design
    • Easy-to-handle
    • Refillable water tank
    • BPA-free construction
    • Self-cleaning unit
    • LED-lit viewing window
    Cons
    • It could be more durable
  • Most Cost-effective Option

    TYLZA Commercial Ice Maker

    TYLZA Commercial Ice Maker
  • The commercial ice maker by TYLZA is powerful enough to produce 63 pieces of ice in 11-20 minutes, and up to 160 lbs of ice in 24 hours. Adding to that, it is compact and can be installed anywhere — tabletop, under the counter, etc. It is also equipped with a multi-function LCD panel, making it easy to operate. Besides, being made of durable stainless steel, it ensures optimum performance for years to come. The bonus? It comes with a 12-month warranty and lifetime technical support for your convenience. 

    Dimension: 17"D x 15"W x 31.5"H

    Bin capacity: 35 pounds

    Pros
    • Durable
    • Scratch-resistant
    • Easy to operate
    • Ideal for professional as well as personal use
    Cons
    • A bit noisy
  • Large Capacity

    GE Profile Opal 1.0 Nugget Ice Maker

    GE Profile Opal 1.0 Nugget Ice Maker
  • The countertop pebble ice maker is equipped to make 34 lbs of ice per day. It also has a side tank that promises to give you all the ice that you need for your household! The variety of settings makes it a perfect option for your home, gym, and bar for parties or daily necessities. The best part is that the ice maker promises to deliver nugget ice which retains its flavor while delivering crunchable, chewable, craveable pieces.

    Dimension: 17.3"D x 9.67"W x 17.1"H

    Bin Capacity: 3 pounds

    Pros
    • Large capacity
    • Refillable side tank
    • Convenient cleaning solution
    • Perfect for cocktails
    • Prevents mold
    • Versatile
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Self-cleaning Features

    Thereye Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

    Thereye Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
  • The top-loading nugget ice maker has 2 ways to refill the container. With a stainless steel finish, it is best for offices, bars, and parties. The self-cleaning feature ensured that the process was easy and that there were no hassles in my daily life. The best part about the icemaker is that whenever I had an ice craving, it gave me the most chewable and crunchy results – I’m never going back to traditional ice cubes. The powerful compressor further takes the upper hand by making the ice in less than 15 minutes.

    Dimension: 17.63"D x 10.43"W x 17.72"H

    Bin Capacity: 39.8 pounds

    Pros
    • Chewable pieces
    • Crunchable ice
    • Less making time
    • 2 ways water refill
    • Self-cleaning feature
    • Optimal melting speed
    Cons
    • It could be more durable
  • Best for Low Noise

    Xbeauty Nugget Ice Maker

    Xbeauty Nugget Ice Maker
  • I enjoy the easy-to-chew, crunchy ice that this nugget ice maker continues to make. It can work sustainably for 24 hours, providing ice for your drinks, seafood, fruits, and beer. The transparent body allowed me to get a peek at the production process on the inside, while the low noise ensured that my surroundings got the right vibe while the ice was in process. It also has a stainless steel body which promises a better and durable future with the device.

    Dimension: 12"D x 11"W x 8.5"H

    Bin Capacity: 35 pounds

    Pros
    • Versatile
    • Durable
    • Self-cleaning function
    • Transparent body
    • Sustainable
    • Low noise
    Cons
    • Ice falls backward
  • In-box Lighting

    SMETA Nugget Commercial Ice Maker

    SMETA Nugget Commercial Ice Maker
  • This huge commercial ice maker comes with one of the biggest capacitors and is ideal for your industrial needs. The most intriguing part is that it delivers 32 pieces of ice in 12-18 minutes. The classy intelligent control panel lets you get a peek inside when the lights are off at night. Furthermore, the high-power compressor makes the process way faster while the heavy-duty metal body, made with UL certification ensures the top performance.

    Dimension: 16"D x 15"W x 27"H

    Bin Capacity: 66 pounds

    Pros
    • Self-cleaning
    • Self-cleaning
    • Heavy-duty metal body
    • Durable
    • In-box lighting
    • Produces crystal-clear ice
    Cons
    • May grow mold on the inside
  • Highly Efficient

    Kndko Nugget Ice Maker with Handle

    Kndko Nugget Ice Maker with Handle
  • The one-click design of this countertop nugget ice maker functions in a way that helps me produce a full basket of ice in 1.5 hours – this was more than enough for my cocktail parties at home, and can even be used in bars. Apart from the rugged durable body, the ultra-quiet option is what I loved the most! Furthermore, it gave me an indication when the water or ice was full – this made the process more enjoyable and easy for me. The efficient double self-cleaning device also promises to keep the hard water residues at bay! Get yours to unveil the convenience.

    Dimension: 11.22"D x 8.67"W x 12.6"H

    Bin Capacity: 1.5 pounds

    Pros
    • Good taste
    • Continuous ice making
    • Highly efficient
    • Double self-cleaning
    • Melts slowly
    • Drains water easily
    Cons
    • Could be quieter
  • 12 Months of Warranty

    Gevi Household V2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

    Gevi Household V2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
  • The self-cleaning ice maker is designed in such a way that it fits perfectly under any wall cabinet which ensures great space-saving. With 1" thick material insulation and double layer space insulation, the drip-proof design conveniently makes the ice and keeps it for 12+ hours. The touch control panel and transparent viewing windows are here to elevate your experience when you are using the device. Furthermore, the brand covers you with its 12 months of warranty and a lifetime of tech support.

    Dimension: 17"D x 9.7"W x 16.9"H

    Bin Capacity: 30 pounds

    Pros
    • Extra thick insulation
    • Sleek design
    • Self-cleaning function
    • 12 months of warranty
    • Lifetime tech support
    • Drip-proof
    Cons
    • It could have a lower noise
  • Equipped with Humanized Accessories

    VEVOR Nugget Ice Maker

    VEVOR Nugget Ice Maker
  • This is one good portable nugget ice maker that delivers a whopping 62 lbs of ice every 24 hours. It got my ice ready in 8 minutes, thanks to the long-lasting insulation effect that the brand gets the credit for. It has a UVC function and a self-cleaning mode which produces the ice without any interruptions too! Furthermore, in case of power failure, you can keep the ice for over 8 hours. Yes, it is that easy to keep your party going! What more do you need? 

    Dimension: 20"D x 12.2"W x 21.6"H

    Bin Capacity: 62 lbs

    Pros
    • Portable
    • Auto-dispense
    • Intelligent-mode
    • Protective features
    • Humanized accessories
    • Works during power failure
    Cons
    • Could have better customer support
  • Best Compact Design

    Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop

    Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
  • Ideal for home and office uses, this countertop ice maker works great at delivering the perfect-sized ice cubes that will definitely be the center of any cocktail party! Apart from that, this portable device is also suitable for camping, picnics, barbecues, and other fun family events. It makes ice faster than traditional ice makers with no noise or disturbance. The automatic self-cleaning cycle is what deserves special accolades for ensuring the longevity of the device.

    Dimension: 12.83"D x 14.88"W x 10.12"H

    Bin Capacity: 33 pounds

    Pros
    • Hassle-free maintenance
    • Fast production
    • Low noise
    • Compact design
    • Portable
    • Smooth operation
    Cons
    • Could be larger
  • Zstar Nugget Ice Maker Countertop

    Zstar Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
  • This countertop nugget ice maker takes only 6-8 minutes to deliver the perfect ice cubes for my special events. It has a sleek and stylish appearance which exudes a sophisticated vibe even after the party is over. Don't be deceived by the compact size – the energy-efficient technology is equipped to deliver all the chill you need for your drinks. With a self-cleaning mode, it ensures that build-ups and mold os kept far away from the device.

    Dimension: 11.29"D x 8.66"W x 12.68"H

    Bin Capacity: 33 pounds

    Pros
    • One touch operation
    • Humanized multiple function
    • Portable
    • Compact design
    • Self-cleaning device
    • Fast production
    Cons
    • Fast production

    Now that you have gone over my expert recommendations, take a look at how you can pick the best one—

    How to Choose the Best Nugget Ice Maker?

    Here are the parameters to consider—

    a) Production quality- Nugget ice makers are usually required to make perfect cocktails and beverages! Thus, to fulfill that need, the ice quality should satisfy your ice crunch by providing the best texture.

    b) Capacity- Before picking an ice maker for yourself, make sure to check the bin capacity and how much it can produce for large gatherings.

    c) Usability- Modern-age nugget ice makers are exactly what you need to add a user-friendly design to your home. Look for the latest features like LED panels, WiFi networks, and smooth app-controlled operations to make the process a lot less hassle-free.

    d) Maintenance- The only thing to look for to ensure top-notch maintenance is whether the device comes with a self-cleaning feature that not only prevents mold from growing but also keeps hard water residues at bay. Thus, getting a device with an ease of cleaning is important.

    e) Speed- Faster ice production will keep your party mood going without having to keep checking on your ice. Check how much it can produce without delays for an uninterrupted operation.

    Conclusion

    That's the tea! These are my suggestions for the best nugget ice makers that are here to fulfill all your party needs! As per my expertise, it is safe to claim that they can be one profitable investment if you don't like to compromise with the serveable temperature of your drinks. The ending lines would be if you need a large capacity, GE Profile’s Opal 1.0 Nugget Ice Maker is what you need. Similarly, if you need a compact design, the Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop could be your answer. On the other hand, if you want a fuss-free low maintenance device, the Thereye Countertop Nugget Ice Maker is what you should grab! Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    Are nugget ice makers worth it?
    Yes, nugget ice makers are absolutely worth it if you are a partygoer who doesn't like to compromise on the temperature of your drinks. They also work way more efficiently than traditional ice makers!
    Why does nugget ice melt slower?
    Nugget ice contains air which makes the ice melt slowly
    Can I leave my Nugget ice maker on all the time?
    The nugget ice maker will keep on running, unless turned off, until the water reservoir is empty or the ice bin is full.
    Can you use tap water in a nugget ice maker?
    You can definitely use tap water but it is always recommended to use distilled water to make them taste better.
    How do nugget ice makers work?
    Nugget ice makers continue to make the ice unless stopped, unlike the traditional ice makers.
    Are nugget ice makers easy to use?
    Yes, not only that, but they are also easy to maintain and easy to clean.
    How long does it take for a nugget ice maker to produce ice?
    A well-equipped nugget ice maker takes around 8 minutes to make the ice.
    What features should I look for in a good nugget ice maker?
    The foremost feature that should be there is the self-cleaning services to make your experience a lot better!

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our in-house writer, Crystal, is a full-time party hopper, and let us tell you that she doesn't compromise when it comes to drinks and food quality. It took quite her energy and time to round off the best nugget ice makers available in the market. She has considered parameters like capacity, dimension, ice-making time, and features to shortlist the best ones. She has also gone through multiple online reviews to get an insight into what people are saying for a clearer idea. And we hope this works out pretty well for you!

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO

    Crystal is an enchanting wordsmith with a passion for interior decoration, crafting content that can transform mundan More