The Must-Have Small Appliance If You Love Hosting and Entertaining
The Must-Have Small Appliance If You Love Hosting and Entertaining
Whoever believes it's possible to have too much of a good thing has clearly never thought about a kitchen brimming with ice cubes. Whether you're an avid host or prefer all of your liquids chilled to perfection, a few ice cubes can turn any beverage from "meh" to "ahhh..." (And, since freezing ice cubes are the culinary equivalent of watching paint dry, it's great to have a lot on hand for when the moment strikes.) If you want to quench your thirst for chilly concoctions, you might want to consider adding a nugget ice maker to your cart. Unlike their pebble counterparts, which churn out traditional cubes, nugget makers produce small, freezing flakes making it easy to get the right amount of cool every time. Another thing to love? They melt nicely into your beverage without compromising taste.
What's not so easy, however, is finding the right machine for your space, budget, and needs. To help streamline the search—so you can enjoy those chilled beverages in no time—we've culled the market for the very best nugget ice makers worth purchasing. Plus, if you want some extra peace of mind, we also broke down some helpful shopping tips.
What to Consider
Believe it or not, there's more that goes into choosing a nugget ice maker for your home than you think. The first big decision you'll need to make is size. Generally, ice makers are available in a compact countertop construction or bulkier silhouettes that you'll usually spot in industrial kitchens. (Though the smaller options are more space and budget-friendly, countertop ice makers can still cost a few hundred dollars.)
From there, you'll want to think about how the ice maker fits your needs. Is it connected to a water line or do you need to manually add more water when it's running low? Can you dispense the ice directly into your cup or do you not mind scooping flakes out from a bucket? And, of course, how much ice can this machine make in one sitting? While there's no right or wrong answer (it all boils down to personal choice), it is important to think through these big questions before adding one to your cart.
How We Selected Them
With so many options to choose from, it's essential that we help you find the best nugget ice maker for your needs. To do so, we pored over dozens of models carefully scanning each of their features and reviews. In addition to looking for ice-making speed, maximum capacity, and how easy it is to refill, we also kept our eyes peeled for special characteristics that make the entire process a lot easier. (For instance, timers? WiFi connectivity? Self-cleaning modes? Check, check, and check.) And, of course, we've also factored in how the ice tastes to make sure you have soft, chewable, and fantastically frozen results.
1) Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Thereye
amazon.com
$399.99
Though finding a nugget ice maker that can adapt to your ever-changing lifestyle might seem like a tall order, Thereye's Countertop Nugget Ice Maker is an instant crowd-pleaser.
Don't let its compact design fool you, this option can produce up to 30 pounds in one day making it perfect for hosts and cold beverage enthusiasts alike. (In fact, the brand claims that the first batch of ice will be ready in a matter of 15 minutes!) While this option doesn't have a refrigerated bin that keeps ice cold, its self-cleaning feature will make daily cleanups super easy.
But, what really makes Thereye's Countertop Nugget Ice Maker a cut above the rest is its versatility. With two ways to fill with ice, you can do it manually or hook it up to a water source for an automatic flow. Whether you move the ice maker's spot in your home or switch homes altogether, it's designed to stick around for years to come.
2) Ice Maker Machine Countertop
E EUHOMY
amazon.com
$219.99
As E Euhomy's ice maker proves a lot can happen in 13 minutes. In that time, this countertop machine can make as many as 24 soft, chewable nugget ice cubes. (In other words, you can squeeze in a quick workout and have a fresh batch of ice waiting for you in no time.) This machine also has a digital display that allows you to schedule a fresh batch or adjust the ice's thickness, which will ultimately increase or decrease the amount of time it takes to get some frozen flakes.
The countertop machine can hold up to 2.2 liters of water, so it can make up to 120 ice cubes in one swoop. (Don't worry, this model operates quietly so it'll fit seamlessly into your day-to-day routine.) Thanks to its recycling system—which collects, filters, and reuses any melted H20—you can rest easy knowing that no water goes to waste.
3) Profile Opal 2.0
GE
amazon.com
$479.00
Bring your ice machine into the 21st century with GE's Profile Opal 2.0. Decked with WiFi connectivity (and a corresponding app), you can check the status or schedule fresh ice from the comfort of your couch. Simply pour your water into the detachable side tank, and its special filtration system will ensure you're sipping on clean and downright delicious ice.
Though the GE Profile Opal 2.0 ice maker can hold up to 48 ounces at once, this option can make up to 24 pounds of ice per day. (Yes, that's right, one pound of ice per hour.) But, if you're in a pinch, a small batch of ice will be ready in about 20 minutes. Once you're done for the day, you can turn on this machine's self-cleaning mode, which enlists UV lights to combat mold, mildew, and pesky bacteria.
4) KBice Self Dispensing Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
KBice
amazon.com
$399.00
If opening up a container and shoveling flakes every time you need a refill sounds like a total drag, KBice's Nugget Ice Maker will be a breath of fresh (and frozen) air. It may be a bit picky about the water it uses as KBice says it will not produce ice with hard tap water, so bottled or distilled H20 is best. It also has a special self-dispensing feature that makes retrieving ice as easy as...well, pressing a button.
The KBice's Nugget Ice Maker can make up to 30 pounds of ice per day, it's worth noting that this machine is very compact. In fact, its internal storage container can also hold up to two pounds of ice at a time. But, if you're willing to add more water, you can have a fresh batch in 25 minutes.
5) Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
CROWNFUL
amazon.com
$399.99
Very few things can cramp your style quite like assuming you have a basket full of fresh frozen nuggets, only to see a pool of melted water at the bottom of your ice maker. Fortunately, this option from Crownful is here to help. It may not have a refrigeration system—it's also not a freezer—but it does have a special, three-layered insulation that can create a longer storage time. According to Crownful, it can retain up to 70% of ice for 12 hours. (As for those melted pieces? That spare H20 will filter back into the reservoir so it can be used again.)
Crownful's ice maker can make up to 26 pounds over the course of a day and its bin can store up to three pounds at a time. (Translation: it's a suitable option for larger parties.)
6) Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
Xbeauty
amazon.com
$239.99
A nugget ice maker is a wonderful addition to your kitchen, but it's no secret that the appliance can be a little pricey. If you want to make this investment easier on your wallet, this pick from Xbeauty is a sound choice. The frills-free model has a convenient touchscreen to simplify the entire process. All you need to do is manually add water up to the maximum line, press the "Ice/Self-Clean" button, and it'll take care of the rest. According to Xbeauty, it can produce nine pieces every six minutes and up to 44 pounds per day.
Another thing to love? It doesn't make a huge, churning noise every time you want to make a fresh batch of ice. At 45 decibels, you'll notice a quiet hum, just like the one your fridge makes.
7) Commercial Ice Maker
Kismile
amazon.com
$1099.99
Though countertop machines might be a great entry point for budding beverage enthusiasts, anyone who has used an ice maker for a long time might be ready to kick things up a notch. In that case, take a gander at Kismile's Commercial Ice Maker. Not only is this heavy-duty option incredibly versatile and it can be built into a row of cabinets or stand solo, but it also makes a lot of ice. (Try about 265 pounds of ice per day?)
The LCD panel allows you to alter the thickness of your ice making it possible to churn out 48 cubes in just minutes. But, if your machine's running continuously, it'll automatically shut off once it's filled with ice. One caveat, this pick has plenty of room for leftover ice and keeps them cold for a considerable amount of time. In other words, you'll have to use up your ice or move everything over to a proper freezer.
Shop our list of the best nugget ice maker for home. There are several finds here at all styles and price points, snag this hosting and entertaining must-have.