A Nugget Ice Maker is a type of ice maker that produces soft, chewable, and small cylindrical ice pieces commonly known as “nugget” ice or “Sonic” ice. Nugget ice is popular in the food and beverage industry, particularly in restaurants, bars, and convenience stores, because it is easy to chew and ideal for making blended drinks and cocktails.
Nugget ice makers use a unique process that compresses and freezes ice flakes into small, soft, and chewable nuggets. Some home appliance brands also offer nugget ice makers as a convenient and luxurious feature in their refrigerators or as standalone countertop appliances.
Nugget ice makers can be used for various applications, including home and commercial use. Here are some common uses of Nugget Ice Makers:
Beverage Service – Nugget ice is popular in restaurants, bars, and coffee shops because it blends well with drinks and cocktails, making it ideal for beverage service. Nugget ice is also popular for soda fountains because it does not clump together like regular ice, ensuring consistent soda dispensing.
Healthcare Facilities – Nugget ice is often used in healthcare facilities because it is easy to chew and gentle on teeth, making it an ideal option for patients with sensitive teeth or recovering from oral surgery.
Home Use – Nugget ice makers are becoming increasingly popular for home use, particularly for those who enjoy entertaining or making specialty drinks at home. Some home ice makers are designed as standalone appliances, while others are built into refrigerators or freezers.
Factors to consider when choosing an Nugget Ice Maker
When choosing a Nugget Ice Maker, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you select the right one that fits your needs. Here are some of the essential factors to consider:
- Capacity – Consider the amount of ice you need to produce daily. Nugget ice makers come in various sizes, and some can produce more ice than others. If you plan to use it for commercial purposes, you need a unit that can produce more ice than if you plan to use it for home purposes.
- Size – Consider the size of the ice maker and ensure that it fits in the space you have designated for it. You also need to consider the weight of the unit, especially if you plan to install it in a specific location.
- Power requirements – Nugget ice makers use a lot of power to produce ice, and it is essential to ensure that your electrical system can support the unit you plan to purchase. Check the power requirements of the ice maker and ensure that they are compatible with your electrical system.
- Ease of Use and Maintenance – Ensure that the Nugget Ice Maker you select is easy to operate and maintain. Consider factors such as the ease of cleaning, the need for regular maintenance, and the availability of replacement parts.
- Price – Nugget Ice Makers can vary widely in price, and it is essential to consider your budget when making a purchase. However, it is important to note that cheaper units may not produce as much ice or may not last as long as more expensive units.
- Brand and Warranty – Consider the brand reputation and the length of the warranty offered. A reputable brand with a long warranty period will give you peace of mind, knowing that you have invested in a quality product.
5 Best Countertop Nugget Ice Makers 2023
1. GE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank is a popular home appliance designed to make chewable and crunchy nugget ice in a matter of minutes. The ice maker is compact, stylish, and can fit on most kitchen countertops.
Check Price on AmazonOne of the unique features of the Opal 2.0 is the side tank, which is a separate water reservoir that can be attached to the ice maker. This allows you to have a larger water capacity, which means you can make more ice without having to refill the water tank frequently.
The Opal 2.0 is also equipped with Bluetooth technology, which allows you to connect to the Opal app on your smartphone. This app enables you to control the ice maker from your phone, set the ice-making schedule, and get notifications when the ice is ready or when the water tank needs to be refilled.
In terms of performance, the Opal 2.0 can make up to 24 pounds of ice per day, and it can produce the first batch of ice in as little as 20 minutes. The ice produced by the Opal 2.0 is soft and chewable, making it perfect for drinks, cocktails, and other beverages.
Overall, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank is a high-quality and convenient appliance that can enhance your home bar or kitchen. It is easy to use, produces high-quality ice, and comes with several features that make it a great investment for any ice lover.
2. Newair 44lb. Nugget Countertop Ice Maker
The Newair 44lb. Nugget Countertop Ice Maker is a popular home appliance that is designed to make chewable nugget ice in large quantities. This ice maker is compact and can easily fit on most kitchen countertops.
Check Price on AmazonOne of the unique features of the Newair Nugget Ice Maker is its ability to produce up to 44 pounds of ice per day, which makes it a great choice for home use, small businesses, or outdoor gatherings. The ice maker can produce the first batch of ice in as little as 15 minutes, which means you don’t have to wait long for your ice to be ready.
The Newair Nugget Ice Maker also features a self-cleaning function, which makes it easy to maintain and keep clean. The ice maker has a removable bin that can hold up to 3 pounds of ice at a time, and it is designed to keep the ice frozen for long periods.
In terms of performance, the Newair Nugget Ice Maker produces soft, chewable ice that is perfect for drinks, cocktails, and other beverages. The ice produced is also more compact than regular ice cubes, which means it will not dilute your drinks as quickly.
3. Xbeauty Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
The Xbeauty Nugget Ice Maker Countertop is a compact and efficient ice maker that is designed to make soft, chewable nugget ice. This appliance is perfect for home use, small offices, or outdoor gatherings, as it can produce up to 26 pounds of ice per day.
Check Price on AmazonOne of the standout features of the Xbeauty Nugget Ice Maker is its ability to produce the first batch of ice in as little as 6 minutes, which means you don’t have to wait long for your ice to be ready. The ice maker also has a built-in sensor that detects when the ice bin is full, and it automatically stops producing ice to prevent overflow.
The Xbeauty Nugget Ice Maker is also designed with convenience in mind. It has a compact size that can fit on most countertops, and it comes with a removable ice bin that can hold up to 1.5 pounds of ice at a time. The ice maker is also easy to clean, with a self-cleaning function that helps to keep it hygienic.
4. Viski Professional Lewis Bag and Mallet Bartender Kit
The Viski Professional Lewis Bag and Mallet Bartender Kit is a set of bartending tools that is designed for crushing ice with a traditional method. The kit includes a canvas Lewis bag and a wooden mallet, which can be used together to create finely crushed ice for cocktails.
Check Price on AmazonThe Lewis bag is made of heavy-duty canvas material and is designed to hold ice while it is being crushed. It is durable and reusable, and it can be easily cleaned by hand or in the washing machine. The wooden mallet is also durable and can be used to crush the ice inside the bag.
This kit is perfect for making craft cocktails at home or in a professional bar setting. It is designed to help you achieve the perfect texture and consistency of ice for drinks such as juleps, mojitos, and other classic cocktails.
One of the benefits of using the Viski Professional Lewis Bag and Mallet Bartender Kit is that it is a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to using an electric or manual ice crusher. The canvas bag and wooden mallet can be used over and over again, and they do not require any electricity or batteries to operate.
Overall, the Viski Professional Lewis Bag and Mallet Bartender Kit is a great investment for any cocktail enthusiast or professional bartender. It is easy to use, durable, and produces high-quality crushed ice that is perfect for a wide range of drinks.
5. Gevi Household Countertop Nugget Ice Maker Machine
The Gevi Household Countertop Nugget Ice Maker Machine is a popular appliance that is designed to make soft, chewable nugget ice. This ice maker is compact and can easily fit on most kitchen countertops.
Check Price on AmazonOne of the unique features of the Gevi Nugget Ice Maker is its ability to produce up to 44 pounds of ice per day, which makes it a great choice for home use, small businesses, or outdoor gatherings. The ice maker can produce the first batch of ice in as little as 8 minutes, which means you don’t have to wait long for your ice to be ready.
The Gevi Nugget Ice Maker also features a self-cleaning function, which makes it easy to maintain and keep clean. The ice maker has a removable bin that can hold up to 1.5 pounds of ice at a time, and it is designed to keep the ice frozen for long periods.