The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker Is No. 1, but These Other Models Surprised Us—and Cost Less
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If you're a fan of soft, crunchy, chewable ice, a countertop nugget ice maker can bring that sought-after texture right to your kitchen. Also known as pellet or "Sonic" ice, nugget ice is made of compacted flakes that are soft, airy, and easy to munch on and slow to melt. It's especially good for soaking up the flavor of whatever you're drinking, making it a favorite for everything from sodas and cocktails to iced coffee and just plain, old water.
Nugget ice makers have become increasingly popular home appliances, but the machines themselves can be relatively advanced. They require more complex internal components than basic ice makers, and thus tend to cost more—often starting around $400 for a high-quality design. Depending on the appliance, you'll also find features like large ice baskets, water reservoirs, self-cleaning cycles, and high daily production.
To help you find the right machine for your kitchen and budget, we researched, tested, and reviewed the best nugget ice makers from manufacturers such as GE, Euhomy, and Gevi. Whether you're entertaining friends or just ready to retire the built-in ice maker on your fridge , these are the models we recommend.
Best Nugget Ice Makers
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Best Overall: GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker
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Best Value: Euhomy Smart Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
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Biggest Storage Capacity: Gevi V2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
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Easiest to Clean: Silonn Nugget Ice Maker
How We Tested and Selected
The selection of countertop nugget ice makers available from trusted and reliable brands is limited, so we dug to find and test the best options by considering product specs, capabilities, and prices. During testing, we ran cleaning cycles to get the systems ready to go. We then timed how long it took for each machine to produce one batch of ice, and again for how long it took to fill the ice basket completely.
Throughout our setup and testing, we evaluated each model's ease of use, reliability, and the quality of the ice they made. We took note of any cool or unique features like app compatibility, storage options, and more.
Our home appliance writer, Nick Hilden, also spoke with Jessica Randhawa, founder and head chef at the Forked Spoon, and Yu Jiang Zhao, mixologist, about what to keep in mind when choosing a nugget ice maker.
1) GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker
This was the nugget ice maker that made our tester throw out their ice trays once and for all. It takes everything we liked about the previous version, GE Profile Opal 2.0, and boosts the ice production speed, upgrades a smattering of components and functions to make it easier to clean and enhance its lifespan, and includes an external water tank and ice scoop to boot.
We've found that it churns out ice at a rapid enough pace to keep round after round of cold beverages for a sizable gathering. It has an easy-to-use app that offers smart functions such as scheduling alerts for maintenance. Additionally, its sleek design has a timeless vibe that won't look dated two years from now.
It's got a footprint nearly that of two shoeboxes side by side, which is a bit big for a smaller kitchen. It can also get somewhat noisy when it's actively producing ice—about the volume of a loud refrigerator—though it's basically silent when it's just keeping it cool. But if you're looking for reliable, convenient ice on demand, there's none better.
- Delivers first batch of ice in 10 minutes
- Included external water reservoir and ice scoop are a nice touch
- Upgraded components and cleaning functions improve lifespan and make maintenance easier
- Can be somewhat loud when producing ice
- Could be large for a smaller kitchen
2) Euhomy Smart Nugget Ice Maker
This little unit packs a surprising amount of ice production power, churning out as much or more than any of the larger models on our list (40 pounds per day). Additionally, its compact size makes it perfect when you have less countertop real estate to spare, or if you want portable ice production for a backyard barbecue or camping in an RV.
Our testing found that it churns out ice fast, with the first batch in under ten minutes. Its operation is as straightforward as they come, and its cleaning is easier than most other machines, with an automatic cleaning mode that requires little effort on your part besides draining out the water that runs through the system.
All told, it's a great ice maker for anyone who wants a no-fuss model that will look nice in the kitchen without taking up too much space. It also offers similar performance to larger, more expensive models, minus the roomy storage capacity.
- High ice output rate for size and price
- Compact design is perfect for small kitchens or RVs
- Sleek design looks much better than most mid-budget models
- Less storage capacity than larger models
3) Gevi V2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
The Gevi 2.0 is the kind of ice maker you won't mind taking up prime countertop real estate, given its polished design. The bin holds almost five pounds of ice (the largest capacity on our list), and the machine has thick insulation on all sides to keep cubes frozen for longer.
One of our favorite features is the door on the ice maker that opens to a 90-degree angle. To achieve this, the Gevi ditches the viewing window that's present on other models, but this design choice allows you to pull the ice basket forward. This made it very simple to scoop our pellet ice once the container was full.
The instruction manual says that it takes about 15 to 30 minutes for the first cubes to form, but I noticed a couple of pellets had dropped around the 9-minute and 20-second mark. They were fairly wet to start but began forming more compactly over time and were the perfect, crunchy texture. However, it takes a few hours to get a full basket, which is tricky if you need ice immediately.
The water reservoir is kind of awkward to access with the door style, but the Gevi also comes with a hose that hooks up to your tap if you want it to fill automatically.
- Insulated bin keeps ice longer than most, and it has a large capacity
- The machine automatically starts to refill the ice bin once levels have started to go down
- We liked the pull-out door and ice basket because it made scooping that much easier
- Takes about 3 to 4 hours to get a full basket, so you’ll have to plan accordingly
4) Silonn Nugget Ice Maker
Ice makers require regular cleaning to ensure both quality ice and a long lifespan for the unit, and we found that the Silonn Nugget Ice Maker makes it easier than the rest. Most notable is its self-cleaning function, which is as effortless as it gets: Push a button to start the clean cycle, and let it do its thing. This is unlike other models that require removing a lot of parts or going through a complex series of steps. We also like that you can just toss its removable water reservoir and ice bin in the dishwasher, with no hoses or bottles to clean.
In terms of operation, it delivers most everything you want from a solid ice maker. It produces a hefty 44 pounds of ice a day, and its 2.6-pound bin holds plenty of ice for several rounds of drinks. It's straightforward and intuitive to use—all you need to do is fill it with water—and is somewhere in the middle in terms of countertop footprint.
It does produce more noise than other popular models. Most nugget ice makers crank the volume up when actually producing ice, but this one has a noticeable hum even when on standby. For reliable ice with no-hassle cleaning, however, it's hard to beat.
- We like the ability to clean the bins in the dishwasher
- Rapid ice production speed and 2.6 lbs tank provided us with plenty of ice
- We thought it was relatively loud even when not producing ice
What to Consider
Ice Production Speed and Capacity
One of the key benefits to a good nugget ice maker is that it can churn out upward of 30 or even 40 pounds a day, making it ideal for hosting large, thirsty groups. The best models can have the first cubes ready within about 10 minutes, and will have a full bin within an hour or so.
A countertop machine, of course, can't store three dozen pounds of ice. Most ice bins hold 1 to 3 pounds, which will replenish as depleted. It's rare to go through a full bin, so unless you expect to host a particularly large number of people, this may not be the most pressing concern.
Water Source
The vast majority of home nugget ice makers are equipped with a built-in water reservoir. These are great for at-home use as they don't require installation and are highly portable, making it easy to pack them away for storage.
The larger the tank, the more ice the machine will produce. However, this also means that it will require more counter space. Models with smaller water reservoirs eat up less room, but require you to refill them frequently.
You can plug some models directly into your home plumbing system, which eliminates the need to fill a tank as it will draw water continuously. These, however, may require expert installation depending on your DIY skills, and will usually end up in a cabinet or closet rather than on your countertop.
Size
The bigger the ice maker, the more countertop space it uses, so consider how much room you have in your kitchen. Our top pick, the GE Opal 2.0 , is a great ice maker, but it has a pretty big footprint for a kitchen with limited counter real estate. When measuring dimensions, don't forget about the inch or two of clearance that you'll need for the fan, which keeps the motor from overheating.
If you have the space for it, Randhawa recommends placing the model in the pantry. This not only keeps your countertops open, but can muffle the operating noise.
Noise Level
"With most nugget ice machines you should expect some sound when operating on standby, but they can get pretty noisy when producing ice," says Randhawa. "That might not matter in the din and clatter of cocktail hour, but could be more bothersome when things quiet down."
It's difficult to determine how loud a particular model will be without actually hearing it as there is no standardized noise rating. Your best bet is to check reviews for what previous buyers or reviewers have to say.
How Do Nugget Ice Makers Work?
Nugget ice makers compact excess water and flakes to push out airy pieces of ice that you can chew on.Trevor Raab
Nugget ice makers use a large metal cylinder with an auger inside that freezes as the machine runs. Water then pours into the cylinder and starts to freeze along the walls, producing a thin sheet of ice that the auger scrapes and pushes through the machine as ice flakes.
The machine then squeezes the flakes to push out excess water and compacts them into small, airy pieces so that what you end up with is a soft, porous nugget of ice that (probably) won't crack your teeth when you chew it. They're ideal for beverages because they take on the flavor of the drink, and there's really nothing quite like that taste and texture.
Nugget Ice Maker Tips
Nugget ice maker aren't made equal, as some have different capacities, ice production speeds, and cleaning directions.Trevor Raab
There are a few things to know about setup.
Unfortunately, nugget ice makers aren't ready to use right out of the box. Once you've gotten your unit, it's best to let it sit upright on a level surface for at least two hours before plugging it in. This helps the refrigerant settle. The time may vary depending on the model you have, so it's best to refer to the manual for the specific time.
You should also run the self-cleaning or sanitizing cycle before getting started. A combination of equal parts water and vinegar can get the job done. By doing this, you're clearing the machine of any lingering residue or grime that could affect the clarity and taste of the ice. After completing a cycle with the solution, you can run another one with just water for a full wash-down.
Protect your investment with regular maintenance.
Nugget ice makers are not a set-it-and-forget-it machine—they require regular cleaning and additional upkeep. One of the main concerns with these appliances is calcium buildup, or limescale, which accumulates if you have hard tap water.
To prevent this, it's a good rule of thumb to occasionally descale your ice maker. You can make a 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and water, put it in the reservoir, and run it through the machine for a few cycles. Another tip is to use filtered water.
Self-cleaning modes should be run at least once a month, but if you're a frequent party host, every other week couldn't hurt. If you're using a nugget ice maker that hooks up to a water line, you would benefit from an inline filter. Vacuuming the fan and blowing out the condenser also prevents clogs from dust and debris that may cause overheating.
Keep production steady, and store extra if needed.
Nugget ice makers make anywhere from 24 to 44 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period. They start up relatively quickly (as little as 10 minutes) but may take up to an hour to fully fill the ice bin.
Models with large capacity bins are best for big groups, while smaller ones are good for home bars and entertaining a couple of friends. Some options have ice bins that are insulated to keep ice from melting, while others just have an acrylic bucket in which ice melts faster.
For those that regularly host large gatherings or just don't want to run out of nugget ice, we suggest running your nugget ice maker the day before and storing nugget ice in the freezer. Alternatively, you could stockpile extra nugget ice just in case you're burning through more than expected the day of your event.
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