Best 8 Nugget Ice Maker Machines To Choose In 2022 Reviews
Would you like to try the softest, most chewable ice?
Get yourself one of these nugget ice maker machines!
This article is devoted only to them and we hope you like it! We listed our top 8 favorite models from this category and reviewed all of their characteristics and features for you. In the end, we also picked our two winners, two models that you cannot go wrong with.
Things To Know About Nugget Ice Makers
What Is A Nugget Ice?
Nugget ice is a type of ice that at first glance, looks very similar to your regular crushed ice. But there is a big difference. The crushed ice is made from large cubes that are then crushed into smaller pieces, while the nugget ice is made from flaked ice which is then compacted into small nuggets. It is also called the pellet or pebble ice.
How Does It Work?
Another often asked question is how do nugget ice machines work. The answer is simple. They scrape the ice flakes off the inside of a chilled stainless steel cylinder and the flakes are then extruded through a round hole. All of that compacts them into soft and chewable nuggets that look very similar to snowballs.
Why Is Nugget Ice So Popular?
Nowadays, these nugget ice machines are getting more and more popular. That is because the nugget ice has a smaller surface than your typical ice cubes or even crushed ice. That way it is melting process is a lot slower and you can enjoy your drink for a bit longer.
Best 8 Nugget Ice Maker Machine Reviews
Best Opal Nugget Ice Maker
FirstBuild Store Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Quick And Efficient
The very first nugget ice machine we are going to mention in this article is by the brand FirstBuild Store. It is their Opal nugget ice maker which takes only about 20 minutes to make some of the softest and crunchiest nugget ice. In total it can make about 24 pounds of ice per day and hold 3 pounds of ice at one time.
Ideal For Countertop
Another benefit of this Opal nugget ice maker is that it has a very elegant design. In addition to that, it is also quite compact and measures at 15.5 x 10.5 x 17.2 inches, which is the ideal size for any countertop.
Other Requirements
With this Opal nugget ice machine, there is no water hook up required. You will only need the 120V grounded electrical outlet. In addition to that, you will also get the 2.5-quart water reservoir which you need to fill in with water before use. As the ice melts, the water is returned to the reservoir so it’s not wasted. It is recommended to use 12 gpg (205 ppm) or less mineral hardness potable water only.
Smart Features And Warranty
In addition to all that you also get a Bluetooth feature with this Firstbuild opal nugget ice maker. That way you can schedule ice making from the FirstBuild app on your phone. With this model, you also get the notification when the bin is full and you need to empty it. There is a limited 1-year part and labor warranty included with this model.
- 5-quart water reservoir
- no water hook up required
- make about 24 pounds of ice per day
- a limited 1-year warranty
- Bluetooth feature
Best Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Countertop Design
The next ice nugget ice maker we are going to mention in this article is by the brand GE. This model has a very elegant design that fits with many different kitchen styles and decors. It comes with the overall dimensions of 15. 5 x 14.25 x 17. 2 inches which means it doesn’t take up too much space on your home countertop.
Bluetooth Included
One of the major benefits of the GE Opal nugget ice maker is that it comes with the Bluetooth technology included. There is a free GE Profile free app you can download on your phone and use it to schedule your ice making process.
Production And Storage Capacity
With this ice maker, you will be enjoying the first batch of ice in only 20 minutes. It can produce a total of 24 pounds of ice a day and you can also store around 3 lbs. Since it requires no water hook up you will only have to fill in the reservoir with some water.
Additional Features
This whole GE nugget ice maker has an eco-friendly feature that allows you to reuse the water melted from the ice and turn it into some more ice. The unit is built mainly out of stainless steel with some plastic parts to it. If you buy the product from an authorized seller you also get a 1-year warranty included.
- produce a total of 24 pounds of ice a day
- store around 3 lbs
- eco-friendly feature of reusing water
- 1-year warranty included
Best Commercial Nugget Ice Machine
Snooker Nugget Ice Maker
Great Space-Saving Design
The best commercial nugget ice maker we could find is the Snooker Nugget, Ice Maker. It is a great space-saving ice maker that will produce enough ice for your commercial establishment. It is the most perfect choice for any bar or a restaurant where you have limited space.
Capacity And Construction
This ice nugget ice maker can produce up to 155 pounds of ice a day. The bin has a capacity of 50 pounds. It is made mainly out of stainless steel which makes it super durable and strong, but also stylish at the same time. There are four legs, that keep this ice maker above the ground levels.
Other Features
Another thing you get with this ice maker is the door activated LED lamp. It will provide you with extra visibility and convenience when you are scooping the ice and also makes the cleaning process a lot easier. You will also get the one-year warranty included.
- door activated LED lamp
- one-year warranty included
- produce up to 155 pounds of ice a day
- 50-pound capacity storage bin
- space-saving design
Best Portable Nugget Ice Maker
NewAir Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Portable And Compact
The best ice maker that makes nugget ice from the portable category is the model by the brand NewAir. This is a small and compact ice maker that makes some of the best soft and chewable ice maker. It is the perfect size to carry with you to different gatherings or events where ice is needed.
Fastest Ice Maker
Another benefit of this ice maker is that it makes ice pretty fast. It takes only 5 minutes to produce the first batch of ice. In total with this ice maker, you can get around 40 pounds of ice a day. Due to the extra-thick walls, the ice that is produced can stay cold for longer periods.
Additional Features
This ice maker is made out of stainless steel and plastic. All of the plastic parts are BPA-free. It is not only super easy to use, but also comes with the self-cleaning feature that saves you both time and energy. There is a transparent ice viewing window also included that lets you see the whole ice-making process.
- made out of stainless steel and plastic
- get around 40 pounds of ice a day
- self-cleaning feature
- transparent ice viewing window
- BPA-free
Best Outdoor Nugget Ice Cube Maker
Scotsman SCN60GA-1SS 15″ Brilliance Outdoor Ice Machine
Certified For Outdoor Use
The Scotsman nugget ice machine we have to share with you today is the SCN60GA-1SS 15″ Brilliance model. This is one of the best outdoor ice machines that make soft and chewable nugget ice. It is perfect for your outdoor barbeques and family gatherings.
Storage And Production
This ice maker can produce up to 80 pounds of ice a day, which is an amount that would be enough even for commercial use. It also stores ice in the storage bin which has 26 pounds of capacity. The ice that comes out of this Scotsman Brilliance nugget ice machine is perfect for cocktails and other types of mixed drinks.
Other Characteristics
This ice maker comes with the stainless steel construction, which makes it sturdy and durable. It comes with the air condenser and a gravity drain included. It is a freestanding ice maker that has the overall dimensions of 22.75 x 14.88 x 33.38 inches.
- stainless steel construction
- produce up to 80 pounds of ice a day
- outdoor use
- gravity drain included
Best Undercounter Nugget Ice Maker
Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 Pearl Self-Contained Ice Machine
Versatile Use
When it comes to the under-counter nugget ice machines, the best one we could find was by the brand Ice-O-Matic. This is the GEMU090 Pearl Self-Contained ice machine that is ideal for any small spaces. It can be used in offices, cafes, and even outdoors. It comes with the air-cooled, self-contained condenser.
Ice Production
With this built-in nugget ice maker, you will get to make 85 pounds of nugget-style ice every day, It comes with the internal storage bin included that also has the capacity of 22 pounds. The ice is made under the optimal air and water temperature conditions which are 70 degrees Fahrenheit for air temperature and 50 degrees Fahrenheit for water temperature. For every 100 pounds of nugget ice that is produced with this nugget ice machine, it needs 12 gallons of water and 10.7 kWh.
Installation Options
Not only is this ice maker easy to install, but it is also easy to use. It comes with a control panel that is easily operated. You will also get the swing-style doors included as well. Since it has a slim profile and it is only 15 inches wide, it can be installed in different locations. The only thing you need to have is the plumbing and electrical power nearby. You can install it under the counter or build it into cabinetry. But thanks to the elegant stainless steel cabinet you can also install it as a freestanding unit.
Other Features
One of the major benefits of this ice maker is that it is a very quiet ice make, which won’t disturb your everyday life. It comes with the standard NEMA 5-15 three-prong plug and 115 Volt power cord included in the package. It also requires a 1/4” (6mm) water connection and a drain. If you don’t have an accessible floor drain you can buy the optional drain pump kit separately. In addition to all that this ice maker unit comes with four 1” adjustable legs that keep this ice maker above the floor.
- elegant stainless steel cabinet
- four 1” adjustable legs
- make 85 pounds of nugget-style ice every day
- standard NEMA 5-15 three-prong plug included
- air-cooled, self-contained condenser
Best Ice Maker And Water Dispenser
Manitowoc CNF-0201A-L Ice Maker and Water Dispenser
Two In One Product
Another nugget ice machine for sale we have to mention today is by the brand Manitowoc. It is their CNF-0201A-L model which is a nugget ice maker and a water dispenser all in one. With this model, you can get up to 261 pounds of ice a day which is what makes it so great for commercial use in cafes, restaurants, or bars.
Additional Technology
With this nugget ice maker, you will get the Manitowoc’s patented cleaning technology. With these features, the cleaning process is managed from start to finish, which saves you time and money. You will also get the New DuraTech™ front panel which makes sit easier to choose all of the settings as well as to start and finish the ice-making process.
Space-Saving Design
This ice maker and water dispenser model are only 16.25″ (41.28 and cm) wide, 24.00″ (61.00 cm) deep and 35.00″ (89.00 cm) tall. It stalls even without the additional legs which are sold separately. There is a blue LED light inside of this ice maker that allows you to see the inside of this ice maker in rooms with limited light.
What Else You Get?
With this model, there is a 3-year warranty on the ice machine compressor. You also get the water and drain connections in the back of the unit which allow you to flush mounting. Thanks to the larger drain pain, the ice spillage is also minimized.
- 3-year warranty on the ice machine compressor
- blue LED light inside of the ice maker
- New DuraTech™ front panel
- Manitowoc’s patented cleaning technology
- get up to 261 pounds of ice a day
Best Sonic Nugget Ice Maker
Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Maker
Commercial Use
The last best nugget ice maker we have for you is another Scotsman model. It is their CU50GA-1 – 65 LB Self-Contained Undercounter ice machine model which is ideal for commercial use in professional environments such as restaurants, cafes, or even outdoor bars. It can produce around 65 pounds of ice per day and efficiently store 26 lb of ice.
Modern Technology
With this ice maker, you will also get the water quality sensor which has to be set through the control panel. With it, you can detect hard water conditions along with the purging mineral-laden water with every cycle. That way the time between cleaning is also extended and the ice tastes the best possible way.
Installation And Ice
This nugget ice machine is only 15 inches wide, which means it can fit many small spaces. It is great for a busy and cluttered kitchen or even a bar. Another thing to know is that this model had been UL approved for outdoor use. It comes with the power cord included for a quicker installation. The entire construction is made out of durable stainless steel and you will also get the R-134A refrigerant. Keep in mind that this model doesn’t include a built-in drain pump and requires a gravity drain at the installation location.
- the R-134A refrigerant
- doesn’t include a built-in drain pump
- efficiently store 26 lb of ice
- produce around 65 pounds of ice per day
- water quality sensor
Conclusion: What Is The Best Nugget Ice Machine For Sale?
From the eight models we reviewed in this article, there are two we consider the best. The first one is the Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Maker which has many amazing benefits. It can produce around 65 pounds of ice per day and efficiently store 26 lb of ice at the time. There is a water quality sensor that saves time between cleaning and detects water conditions. This built-in model can be used outdoors as well. The second model is the GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, which is a countertop nugget ice maker, perfect to keep on your kitchen counter. It takes about 24 pounds of ice a day and reuses the melted water from the ice and turns it back into more ice. That way not only is it super powerful and fast but also an eco-friendly nugget ice maker.
If you would like to read more on some of the best ice under counter ice maker models, we have another article that covers that topic. If you are more into the countertop and portable ice machines, don’t worry we have one article for you too. If you don’t know where to shop for an ice maker machine, check out the best ice machine near me in the article we prepared only for you.