Best Nugget Ice Makers in 2026
Updated on Feb 13, 2026
Nugget ice makers have become a must-have for people who care about their drinks. The soft, chewable pellets cool faster than traditional cubes, don’t water drinks down as quickly, and are simply more enjoyable to use, whether you’re making cocktails, iced coffee, or sodas at home. Not all nugget ice machines are created equal though. The best ones on this list produce consistent ice, run quietly, and can keep up with daily use without constant refilling or maintenance
Best Overall
1
9.8
ProductLust
Score
Score
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker
- Produces the gold-standard nugget ice texture—soft, dense, and ultra-chewable.
- Large removable side tank means far fewer refills than basic countertop models.
- Scale-inhibiting filter and advanced cleaning system help ice taste fresh and reduces maintenance headaches.
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From Amazon
Best Value
2
9.2
ProductLust
Score
Score
COWSAR Nugget Ice Maker
- Punches far above its price with fast ice output and consistent nugget size.
- Noticeably quieter than most mid-range competitors.
- Clean stainless look without the premium price markup.
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From Amazon
3
9.0
ProductLust
Score
Score
Frigidaire Gallery Nugget Ice Maker
- Delivers high-quality nugget ice without the Opal price tag.
- Simple, no-nonsense controls that just work.
- Excellent balance of size, output, and everyday reliability.
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From Amazon
Most Popular
4
8.8
ProductLust
Score
Score
Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker
- Strong daily ice production for families or frequent entertaining.
- Built-in self-cleaning makes maintenance less of a chore.
- Practical design focused on function, not gimmicks.
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From Amazon
5
8.6
ProductLust
Score
Score
Cuisinart Nugget Ice Maker
- Consistent nugget ice texture with reliable brand backing.
- Straightforward setup with minimal learning curve.
- Better for moderate use than nonstop ice demand.
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From Amazon
6
8.1
ProductLust
Score
Score
VEVOR Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
- Solid ice output for the price, especially in short bursts.
- Includes practical extras like scoop and basket.
- Best suited for casual home bars rather than daily heavy use.
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From Amazon
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References
- The 3 Best Nugget Ice Makers, According to Our TestsFood & Wine
- Best Nugget IcemakersConsumer Reports
- 3 Best Nugget Ice Makers, According to Testing and ReviewsGood Housekeeping
About this list
Last Updated
Feb 13, 2026
Number of items
6
How we came up with this list
ProductLust's reviewed multiple sources, including Food & Wine, Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping. These sources provide comprehensive reviews and ratings based on speed, noise level and size. We identified models like the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker, COWSAR Nugget Ice Maker and Frigidaire Gallery Nugget Ice Maker as the best options in this price range.
Frequently asked questions
A nugget ice maker is a countertop or freestanding machine that produces soft, chewable ice pellets instead of hard cubes. Nugget ice is made by compacting flaked ice into small pellets, giving it a porous texture that chills drinks quickly and is easy to chew.
Nugget ice has exploded in popularity because it’s more enjoyable to use than traditional ice. It cools drinks faster, absorbs flavor instead of diluting it, and is gentle on teeth. Many people associate it with restaurants, fast-food chains, and cocktail bars, making it feel like a premium upgrade at home.
Yes, nugget ice melts faster than large solid cubes because of its porous structure. However, it also cools drinks much faster, which often balances out dilution. Many people prefer nugget ice for sodas, iced coffee, and cocktails where rapid chilling matters more than long melt times.
Most countertop nugget ice makers produce between 25 and 40 pounds of ice per day. Actual output depends on room temperature, water temperature, and how often the ice bin is emptied.
Many nugget ice makers can produce their first batch in about 10–15 minutes. After that, they continue cycling ice automatically until the bin is full or the machine is turned off.
Most countertop nugget ice makers do not require a direct water line. They use a refillable water reservoir instead, making them easy to place anywhere with a power outlet. Some models also offer optional side tanks to reduce refill frequency.
Nugget ice makers are generally quieter than traditional ice machines, but they are not silent. Expect low humming, fan noise, and occasional ice movement sounds. Higher-quality models tend to run noticeably quieter than budget options.
Most countertop nugget ice makers are roughly the size of a large coffee maker. They typically require about 12–15 inches of width and depth, plus a few inches of clearance for ventilation.
Yes. Like any ice machine, nugget ice makers need routine cleaning to prevent mineral buildup, mold, and off-tasting ice. Many newer machines include a self-cleaning cycle, but manual cleaning is still recommended every few weeks depending on use and water hardness.
Absolutely. Hard water can cause mineral buildup and affect ice flavor over time. Using filtered water or a machine with a scale-inhibiting filter helps produce cleaner-tasting ice and reduces maintenance.
Most countertop nugget ice makers are not freezers. They keep ice cool but not fully frozen, which means unused ice may slowly melt and recycle back into the machine. This is normal behavior and not a defect.
Yes. Nugget ice is designed to be soft and chewable, making it safer for teeth than hard cubes. That said, moderation is still recommended, especially for people with dental issues.
Countertop nugget ice makers use more energy than a refrigerator ice maker but are generally efficient for their output. Energy use varies by model, frequency of use, and ambient temperature.
A nugget ice maker is worth it if you frequently drink iced beverages, entertain guests, or simply enjoy chewable ice. For many users, the convenience and ice quality justify the cost compared to relying on freezer trays or store-bought ice.