While a countertop ice maker can produce regular ice cubes, we suggest a nugget ice maker for the ultimate ice upgrade. Nugget ice, often referred to as pellet ice or even Sonic ice, is outstanding because to its minuscule size and enticingly gritty feel. Little enough to fit into a travel mug, Moscow Mule mug, or highball glass, nugget ice allows liquid to circulate around each piece of ice due to the compressed layers of frozen water that make up each perfectly formed nugget. This ingenious form is delightful to chew on when it melts slowly and keeps drinks cool.
Nugget ice lovers will be happy to hear that it’s feasible to get ice without having to go to a restaurant, as this isn’t always feasible. Make it comfortable in your own home.
Quick List:
- Best Overall: Scotsman SCN60PA-1SS Brilliance Nugget Ice Maker
- Best for Commercial Use: Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 Sonic Ice Maker
- Best Value for Money: NewAir Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- Best for Small Spaces: Joy Pebble Portable Ice Maker
- Best Countertop Model: GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker
- Best Budget Option: KBice Self Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- Best High-Capacity Countertop: Frigidaire EFIC235-AMZ Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- Best Built-In Option: Scotsman CU50GA-1A
Detailed Comparison
| Model | Ice Production | Design | Features | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker | 24 lbs/day | Countertop | Bluetooth connectivity, self-cleaning | High-quality ice, mobile app control, fast production | Noisy, expensive | |
| Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 Sonic Ice Maker | 85 lbs/day | Under-counter | Water filter system, durable | High capacity, reliable, commercial-grade | High cost, space, professional installation | |
| Scotsman CU50GA-1A | 65 lbs/day | Built-in/Freestanding | User-friendly control panel, stainless steel | High production, sleek design, energy-efficient | Expensive, large footprint | |
| NewAir Countertop Nugget Ice Maker | 40 lbs/day | Countertop | Quick production, self-cleaning | Affordable, fast production, easy to use | Smaller capacity, occasional noise | |
| Joy Pebble Portable Ice Maker | 26 lbs/day | Portable | Quick production, self-cleaning | Compact, budget-friendly, fast production | Lower capacity, frequent refilling | |
| Frigidaire EFIC235-AMZ Countertop Nugget Ice Maker | 44 lbs/day | Countertop | Large storage, LED display | High production, easy to use, efficient | Noisy, higher cost | |
| Scotsman SCN60PA-1SS Brilliance Nugget Ice Maker | 80 lbs/day | Built-in/Freestanding | User-friendly controls, stainless steel | High production, premium quality, energy-efficient | Expensive, professional installation | |
| KBice Self Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker | 30 lbs/day | Countertop | Self-dispensing, BPA-free | Convenient, compact, easy to use | Lower capacity, noisy |
Scotsman SCN60PA-1SS Brilliance Nugget Ice Maker
FEATURES:
- 15” cabinet width, produces up to 80 lbs. of nugget ice in 24 hours
- Uses 40% less energy and more than 50% less water than dedicated cube ice machines
- Accepts custom wood panel to match surrounding cabinetry
- Approved for indoor or outdoor use
- Lighted bin
- Concealed hinge system
- User-friendly control panel informs whether power is on, alerts a no-water condition, and a time to clean reminder
- Available with built-in drain pump
- Field reversible door
Pros:
- Attractive
- Easy Access
- Holds Temperature Well
- Quiet
- Makes Sonic Ice
Cons:
- Unreliable
This small Scotsman home ice maker can produce up to 65 pounds of chewable, soft nugget ice every day, and it fits neatly beneath any typical kitchen counter. This unit is an excellent daily ice provider since the compressed form of Scotsman’s nugget ice is appropriate for chilling drinks and blending blended beverages. This type is perfect for use on patios and other exposed outdoor locations because it is made of sturdy stainless steel.
Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 Sonic Ice Maker
Features:
Specifications:
- Daily Ice Production at 70° F air/50° F water: 85 lb.
- Daily Ice Production at 90° F air/70° F water: 60 lb.
- Ice Dimensions (H x Dia): 1/2 x 3/8 in.
- Storage Capacity: 22 lbs.
- Width: 14-7/8″
- Height: 33-3/8″
- Depth: 23-5/8″
- Product Weight: 133 lb.
- Ice Bin Included: Yes
- Leveling Legs: Yes
- Reversible Door: Yes
The greatest discussions can occasionally take place over refreshing drinks. Of course, you need ice to make a drink ice-cold. Thankfully, Ice-O-Matic’s GEMU090 undercounter ice maker can handle all of your refreshing cooling demands.
Ice-O-Matic Pearl® ice is ideal for a wide range of beverages, including soda, margaritas, and slushies. The GEMU090 can produce up to 85 pounds of chewable, soft ice every day, and its bin can hold up to 22 pounds of it. Because of the machine’s antimicrobial design, you always get pure, clean ice. It also fights against bacteria and odor. Your clients will enjoy their drinks cold thanks to the crisp, soft ice from Ice-O-Matic.
The GEMU090 is not only a stylish and compact ice maker, but it also makes amazing ice. The machine’s undercounter design and straightforward 115 volt plug allow it to be installed practically wherever. Your restaurant, cafe, or break room will seem classier thanks to the Ice-O-Matic’s elegant appearance and silent operation. With its sleek appearance and compact size, the GEMU090 is a great option for any home, restaurant, or bar.
Whether serving your family outside on the patio or to clients at their table, the Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 will keep the beverages cold and the good times flowing.
NewAir Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
FEATURES:
- Enjoy restaurant-quality, addictively chewable nugget ice in your own home.
- Large capacity ice maker churns out up to 44 pounds of nugget ice daily.
- LED-lit viewing window provides upscale, attention-grabbing design.
- Compact but spacious ice machine fits perfectly on kitchen countertops.
- Self-cleaning function makes for fresh-tasting ice every time.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Model: NIM044BS00
- Product Type: 42~44lb/day Counter Top Nugget Ice Maker – Black SS
- Product Dimensions: 15.04″D x 9.84″W x 16.54″H
- Product Weight: 34.17 lbs.
- Product Color: Black Stainless Steel
- Voltage: 110~120V (US market)
- Amps: 2.7 amps,200 watts
- Frequency: 60 Hz
- Certifications: ETL /cETL
- Type: Portable Ice Maker
- Daily Ice Making Capacity: 44 pounds
- Refrigerant: R-600a
- Ice Shape: Nugget
- Installation: Freestanding
- Energy Star Rated: No
- Display Type: Digital/LED Indicator
- Full Ice Basket Indicator: Yes
- Add Water Indicator: Yes
- Timer: No
- Self-Cleaning Function: Yes
- Includes Ice Scoop: Yes
- Automatic Overflow Protection: No
- Ice Storage: Yes
- Removable Ice Bin: Yes
- Reversible Door: No
Pros:
- Best ice
- Speed
- Compact
Cons:
- Noise
- Durability
- On/off button
The Newair Nugget Ice Maker has you covered. It’s perfect for anyone who wants reliable, perfectly formed nugget ice for drinks and crushed ice for smoothies — without having to rely on a local fast-food place to be open. With the ability to push out 44 pounds of the good ice each day, your cravings will never go unsatisfied again.
Any appliance that takes up precious space on your kitchen counter should earn that spot. That’s why this nugget ice maker has been designed with convenient drawer access and a viewing window that lets everyone see the good ice that awaits. Did we mention the cool blue LED light? It turns this ice maker into an interactive work of art.
This portable ice maker can go anywhere, thanks to its refillable water tank. All you need to do is plug it in — no complicated tubing or hoses required. It fits in any kitchen, taking up less than one square foot of counter space while making enough ice for the whole family.
Say goodbye to musty, freezer-burned ice forever! The convenient self-clean function and BPA-free construction ensure that you have pure, fresh ice at your fingertips for every occasion — without having to worry about complicated maintenance schedules.
Joy Pebble Portable Ice Maker
Specification:
- Size: 15.28 x 14.57 x 31.42 inches
- Weight: 55 pounds
- Storage：33 pounds in about 6-8 hours
- Power Supply: 115-120V/60Hz
- Wattage： 250 watts
- Daily production：100 lbs per day or 500 cup/24H
- Ice cubes quantity per cycle: 45 Pcs/batch in about 13min
Features:
- 100/Day or 500 cups & 33lbs Basket Storage.
- 2-Way to Add Water & 2-Type of Placement
- Easy to Use & Multiple Operations
- Perfect Clear Ice In Hand
- Powerful and Safe for COMMERCIAL and HOME Use
Up to eight bullet ice cubes can be made in nine minutes with the small and effective Joy PebbleTM Countertop Ice Maker. This compact automated ice maker is ideal for any countertop due to its sleek black style.
This ice maker’s self-cleaning function, which makes maintenance simple and guarantees that your ice always tastes clean and fresh, is one of its best features. Just add water, then let the machine take care of the rest.
With simple settings that let you choose the ice size and cycle duration as desired, the Joy Pebble Countertop Ice Maker is also very simple to operate. Furthermore, it won’t interfere with your daily activities or entertainment because it operates quietly.
If ice is necessary
This is a dependable and practical ice maker for beverages, desserts, or any other use. In summary, the Joy PaddleTM model is a highly viable option for anyone searching for a countertop ice maker that is both effective and self-cleaning.
GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker
Pros
- Ice Size
- Machine Quality
- Ease of Use
- Yield
Cons
- Cleaning
- De-Scaling
- Noise
- Size and Portability
This machine can produce up to 24 pounds of ice a day, or one pound of ice every hour, which is kind of a strange fact. It really is that quick and effective! Even though I have never needed or used even a small portion of that, it’s comforting to know that I am capable of doing so.
When people visit, we will empty the large container (which can store three pounds of ice), and it refills really rapidly. It moves really quickly. In just twenty minutes, when you plug it in and begin producing ice, you will have enough pieces for one or two drinks.
It includes a charming tiny ice scoop and a drip tray to guarantee that your counter top is always free of debris and runoff. Not to mention, I purchased the one with the side water tank since it makes three times as much ice.
The ice maker’s side tank is simple to connect to. I fill it with distilled water, which is a simple extra step that pays off over time because it eliminates the need to descale the machine.
KBice Self Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Features:
- ACCESSIBILITY: Dispensates itself is easy to use, mess-free, and clean. Simply add distilled, bottled, or RO pure water to the reservoir.
- CAPACITY: The machine can generate up to 32 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period
- COUNTERTOP SIZE: 12″ W by 16″ D by 17.5″ H in inches.
- CUSTOMER SERVICE: There is a limited one-year parts and labor warranty on KBICE Nugget Ice Makers.
Specification:
- Dimensions (Overall): 17.5 inches (H) x 12.0 inches (W) x 16.0 inches (D)
- Weight: 15.0 ounces
- Ice Storage Capacity: 2 pounds
- Electronics Condition: New
- Water Source: Reservoir
- Appliance Placement: Countertop
- Ice Shape: Nugget
- Daily Ice Production: 32 pounds
- Number of Ice Sizes: 1
- Product Name: KBICE 2.0 Self Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, Crunchy Pebble Ice Maker, Sonic Ice Maker, Produces Max 32 lbs of Nugget Ice per Day, LED Touch Display Panel
- Wattage Output: 12 watts
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty. To obtain a copy of the manufacturer’s or supplier’s warranty for this item prior to purchasing the item, please call Target Guest Services at 1-800-591-3869
- TCIN: 88840579
- UPC: 723098190223
- Origin: imported
The Target PlusTM Partner supplied the item details mentioned above. Target makes no claims regarding the accuracy or completeness of this material. Manufacturers occasionally change the products they make and the labels on them.
It is advised that you not rely exclusively on the data provided. You can check the product label, get in touch with the manufacturer directly, or give Target Guest Services a call at 1-800-591-3869.
This appliance is the most attractive of the lot, in my opinion. The combination of black and stainless steel is gorgeous and has a very clean, contemporary design. It’s also the biggest, which is not good if you don’t have a lot of counter space. Having said that, this machine’s dispensing is really easy to use and gratifying.
You’ll never need to get out a scooper again, and this machine is so easy to use that I would give it to my kids. Oh, even without the bottom drip tray, it fits a Stanley cup nicely! It’s hardly a drawback, but unlike other ice producers, this one doesn’t have a visible indicator of how much ice has been produced. Additionally, the water level is hidden from view. Actually, adding water to it is funny at first, but enjoyable as well. Pouring the water in, you insert the funnel into the opening on the front. Additionally, the machine beeps to alert you when it is full because the fill line is hidden from view. The ice stones are excellent in texture and precisely crunchy—everything you could hope for. Another feature on this one is self-cleaning.
This machine is my favorite because of its style, functionality, and affordability! I believe the value is greater than the cost, and the dispenser is so fulfilling that I will always be a fan.
Frigidaire EFIC235-AMZ Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Features:
- Unique soft, yet crunchy nuggets that float in your favorite beverage
- 10-15 minutes to first nugget of ice
- Ice shape: chewable square crunchy nuggets
- Compact design plugs into any electrical outlet at home and can come with you to your next camping or tail gaiting party
- As ice melts, the water returns to the reservoir, where it will simply be made back into more ice.
- Quick and Powerful
- No water hookup required, just plug it into any 115v grounded (standard) electrical outlet and fill the reservoir with water.
- Capacity: Holds up to 3 lbs. (2.5 quarts) in ice basket
- Produces extra larger capacity of 44 lbs. of ice in a day
- Operating Temperature Range F-50 to 104
Specifications:
- Capacity: 44 Pounds
- Voltage : 120 Volts
- Connector Type :Portable ice maker; self contained
- Door Material Type : Plastic
- Ice storage : 3 Pounds
- Material Type : Stainless-Steel, Plastic
With the Frigidaire stainless steel nugget ice machine, you can have soft, crunchy nugget ice like you receive at restaurants. Within ten to fifteen minutes of plugging it in for the first time, it produces up to 44 pounds of fresh ice per day. Up to three pounds of ice can be stored in the spacious basket.
Your drinks will become rapidly chilled with the Frigidaire nugget ice, which is tiny than a sugar cube. Convenience was the design goal when creating this ice machine. Simply plug it into any regular 115V grounded electrical outlet and fill the reservoir with water to avoid the need for a water hookup.
The water returns to the reservoir as any leftover ice melts, where it is merely recycled into more ice. Additionally, upkeep is hassle-free, our the nugget icemaker has an easy-to-use self-cleaning feature. Its small and lightweight design makes it simple to place on your counter or tote along on your upcoming camping excursion or tailgate celebration.
Scotsman CU50GA-1A
Features:
- Produces up to 65 LB of Gourmet Ice / 24 hours
- Self-contained air-cooled condenser
- Built In Storage Bin holds up to 26 LB of Ice
- 115 Volt/60Hz/1-phase electrical
- Comes with power cord for quick install
- Durable Stainless Steel Construction
- Uses R-134A Refrigerant
- 34-3/8″ High
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Scotsman
- Model: CU50GA-1
- Connectivity: Electric
- Voltage: 115
- Phase: 1
- BTUs per hour: 1,965
- Production: 65 pounds per day
- Dimensions: 34.37″(h) x 14.87″(w) x 22″(d)
- Weight: 112 lbs
The commercial air-cooled Scotsman CU50GA-1 undercounter ice maker has a 26-pound storage capacity and can create up to 65 pounds of gourmet ice in a 24-hour period. Gourmet ice cubes from Scotsman’s are the ideal complement to high-end beverages since they melt slowly and are beautifully clear. This gadget produces 1″ x 1-⅛” x 1-¼” full size cubes with a distinctive form that have no taste or odor and don’t affect the flavor of drinks. Scotsman uses a water quality sensor to identify hard water conditions and automatically remove mineral-rich water after each harvest cycle in order to generate ice of this caliber. Ice is crystal clear because only the finest water is frozen into full-size cubes.
An intuitive control panel informs users of the device’s status and features a warning system in case the water supply is cut off, along with automatic cleaning reminders. An ice scoop is included with this machine to help you handle the gourmet ice appropriately. There are outdoor applications with this item.
The unit is measured 14⅞” wide, 22″ front-to-back, and 34⅜” high, including the height-adjustable 1″ feet. It has a sleek stainless steel appearance. This model requires tubing with an internal diameter of ⅝” and employs a gravity drain.
This machine uses 34 gallons of water and 14.40 kWh to generate 100 pounds of gourmet ice. American standard 115v/60/1-ph power is used by this unit.
Undercounter ice maker Scotsman CU50GA-1 is UL and NSF certified. Ice Maker Undercounter With Bin, Gourmet Cube, 1″ x 1.13″ x 1.25″ cube size, air-cooled, 15″ wide, self-contained condenser, horizontal evaporator, gravity drain, reversible door, stainless steel exterior, 1″ adjustable legs, power cord with NEMA 5-15P plug, 115v/60/1-ph, 5.0 amps, NSF, cULus, engineered and assembled in the USA