Nugget Ice Makers

Carter Harris
12 min readJun 18, 2024

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Indulge in an array of tasty treats by trying out the Nugget Ice Maker! This state-of-the-art appliance is a must-have for avid ice enthusiasts and those who can’t get enough of those little, chewy ice cubes known as nugget ice. Featuring a roundup of the best Nugget Ice Makers on the market, discover the perfect combination of performance and convenience in your very own home. Sit back, relax, and prepare to be amazed by our top picks for the Nugget Ice Maker — the ultimate cool tool for everyone’s summer fun arsenal!

The Top 6 Best Nugget Ice Makers

  1. Frigidaire Gallery 44 lbs. Touchscreen Nugget Ice Maker — Stainless Steel Accent, Black — The Frigidaire Gallery Touch Control Nugget Ice Maker offers a perfect blend of sophisticated design, large capacity, and chewable nugget ice, revolutionizing your beverage experience with its easy-to-use controls and elegant finish.
  2. Protable High-Efficiency Nugget Ice Maker with Polygonal Design — The R.W.FLAME Portable Nugget Ice Maker boasts exceptional ice-making efficiency, a compact build, and user-friendly self-cleaning capabilities, all wrapped up in a stylish, eye-catching design for an unmatched nugget ice-making journey.
  3. Frigidaire Gallery Touch Control Nugget Ice Maker for Perfect Chewable Ice — Say goodbye to tough ice cubes and hello to delicious, chewable nugget ice with the Frigidaire Gallery 44 lbs. Touchscreen Nugget Ice Maker — the ultimate solution for your at-home beverage experience.
  4. Frigidaire 33 lb Premium Nugget Ice Maker — Stainless Steel — Experience the perfect blend of convenience and refreshing nugget ice with the Frigidaire 33 lbs. Premium Nugget Ice Maker — Stainless Steel EFIC228, offering high-capacity production, quick nugget ice output, and effortless operation.
  5. NewAir 44lb. Soft Ice Maker with Self-Cleaning Feature — Say goodbye to ice cubes and hello to perfect nuggets with Newair’s 44lb. countertop ice maker, featuring convenient self-cleaning and a sleek, blue LED design perfect for any space!
  6. Create Your Own Nugget Ice: Compact Electric Nugget Ice Maker — Discover the LHRIVER Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, a compact and stylish machine that produces 33 pounds of flavorful nugget ice in 24 hours for home, office, or party use, with a self-cleaning feature for hassle-free maintenance.

As an Amazon Affiliate I may earn from qualified purchases.

Reviews

Frigidaire Gallery 44 lbs. Touchscreen Nugget Ice Maker — Stainless Steel Accent, Black

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A couple weeks ago, I decided to splurge on an ice maker because I love drinking cold beverages on hot days. I purchased the Frigidaire Gallery Touch Control Nugget Ice Maker and I must say, it has met and exceeded my expectations! The first thing that stood out to me is the sleek stainless steel accent and compact size, effortlessly fitting on any countertop. Using it is extremely simple — all I had to do was plug it into an outlet, fill the water reservoir, and tap the control panel to start making ice.

Now, the highlight of this ice maker has to be the unique nugget ice, which is softer and chewier than traditional ice; it even floats in my glass for a delightful experience. My friends and family have all been raving about it, and we’ve even started jokingly referring to it as our “DIY Sonic ice machine. “

However, there have been a couple cons I’ve encountered. For one, there’s the occasional noise the machine makes while making ice. This could be a minor inconvenience for light sleepers or those who enjoy a peaceful work-from-home environment, but I’ve found it doesn’t bother me too much.

Another downside is the need for constant maintenance to ensure the ice maker operates efficiently. Despite having a self-cleaning function, I’ve noticed that we need to clean it more often than I would have liked.

Despite these shortcomings, I’ve grown quite fond of my new Frigidaire Gallery Nugget Ice Maker. It’s not perfect, but as someone who loves staying hydrated with great-tasting ice, this machine has been a worthwhile investment for me.

Protable High-Efficiency Nugget Ice Maker with Polygonal Design

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The R. W. FLAME Protable Nugget Ice Maker Countertop offers impressive ice production with a daily capacity of 26 lbs. This innovative ice maker can prepare 9 bullet ice cubes in just 5–12 minutes.

Its compact size, 8.74'’*11.42'’*11.57'’, allows it to be easily accommodated in various settings. Additionally, the handle provides convenience and portability, making it suitable for gatherings and outdoor activities. The transparent top allows for easy viewing of the ice-making process, while the detachable handle of the ice basket simplifies cleaning.

The dual size option of bullet ice cubes (S/L) caters to different needs, with small ice cubes ideal for chilling seafood and large ice cubes perfect for drinks and alcohol. Furthermore, this nugget ice maker has a self-cleaning function, ensuring health and easy maintenance.

Its distinctive eight-sided appearance adds a unique touch to any countertop.

Frigidaire Gallery Touch Control Nugget Ice Maker for Perfect Chewable Ice

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Get ready to transform your beverage game with the sleek and stylish Frigidaire Gallery Touch Control Nugget Ice Maker. With a generous 44 lb. capacity, this ingenious appliance will provide you with an ample supply of chewy nugget ice that perfectly complements your favorite drinks. Its user-friendly touchscreen interface makes operating the machine a breeze, while the integrated viewing window allows all to see the tantalizing nuggets waiting to be scooped.

The Frigidaire Gallery boasts an adaptable operating temperature range, ensuring it works flawlessly under various cooling conditions. Its easy-to-maintain design includes a self-cleaning function, providing fresh-tasting ice with every batch. The machine’s compact size makes it perfect for countertops or storage under kitchen cabinets, and it’s simple to plug into a standard electrical outlet.

This versatile nugget ice maker also comes equipped with an ice scoop and drip tray, making serving and cleanup hassle-free. Prepare to elevate your beverage experience with the Frigidaire Gallery Touch Control Nugget Ice Maker and indulge in the perfect, chewable ice at your leisure.

Reviewers love this nugget ice maker for its ease of use, crunchy nugget ice, and perfect convenience during use.

Frigidaire 33 lb Premium Nugget Ice Maker — Stainless Steel

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Introducing the Frigidaire 33 lb Premium Nugget Ice Maker, a sleek and modern addition to any kitchen countertop. With its impressive 33 lbs. per day ice production capacity, this nugget ice maker eliminates the need for store-bought ice, offering a refreshing and convenient beverage experience. The nugget ice produced is soft, clear, and crunchy, providing a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. The high ice production capacity ensures you’ll never be short of ice for a chilled beverage.

The ice maker boasts a quick and efficient operation, with the first nugget of ice ready in just 10–15 minutes. In approximately 150 minutes, the ice maker reaches its full ice capacity, providing a constant supply of refreshing nugget ice. The user-friendly push-button control panel makes operation a breeze, while all you need to do is plug the ice maker into a standard 115V grounded electrical outlet and fill the reservoir with water.

The Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker features a sleek stainless steel finish, adding a touch of elegance to any kitchen. Despite its compact size, it does require some maintenance, such as knocking the ice down every 40 minutes to ensure proper operation. Some users have experienced minor issues with noise and durability, but overall, this nugget ice maker is a popular and well-regarded choice for those seeking a convenient and refreshing ice-making solution.

NewAir 44lb. Soft Ice Maker with Self-Cleaning Feature

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When “the good ice” is what you crave, you don’t have to leave the house to get it anymore with the Newair Nugget Ice Maker. This countertop nugget ice maker is perfect for the whole family, and the convenience of having perfectly formed ice at your fingertips makes it a must-have in any home. Its viewing window and cool blue LED light make it an attractive addition to any kitchen, and the countertop design, refillable water tank, and self-cleaning function make it easy to use and maintain.

While it may be a bit noisy and take up a fair amount of space, the Newair Nugget Ice Maker is definitely worth the investment for its ability to produce 44 pounds of good ice each day.

Create Your Own Nugget Ice: Compact Electric Nugget Ice Maker

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The LHRIVER Nugget Ice Maker offers a unique experience with its chew-able, crunch-able, and crave-able nugget ice, which is perfect for various beverages. With its modern design and compact size, this countertop ice machine is both stylish and practical. It’s powered by electricity with a 110V input and is capable of producing up to 33 pounds of ice in 24 hours.

The machine comes with a basket and scoop for easy use, as well as a transparent window that allows you to monitor the ice-making process. One standout feature is the self-cleaning function, which simplifies maintenance. Ideal for home, office, or party use, the LHRIVER Nugget Ice Maker is a must-have for those who love that Sonic-quality nugget ice.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive buyer’s guide for Nugget Ice Makers. In this section, we’ll discuss the essential features, considerations, and general advice to help you make an informed purchase decision when shopping for a nugget ice maker.

What is a Nugget Ice Maker?

A Nugget Ice Maker is a specialized ice-making appliance that produces small, chewable ice nuggets, often referred to as “nuggets” or “Cheweys. “ These ice nuggets have a unique texture and consistency, making them a popular choice for many consumers who prefer this type of ice. Nugget ice makers are typically designed for commercial use, but some models are available for residential use as well.

Features to Consider in a Nugget Ice Maker

When shopping for a nugget ice maker, consider the following features to ensure you get the best product for your needs and preferences. Some important aspects to focus on include: capacity, ice shape, cooling system, and noise level. Additionally, think about the size, weight, and portability of the unit, especially if you plan to use it in a location with limited space. It is also crucial to check the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer.

Advantages of Nugget Ice Makers

Nugget ice makers offer several advantages compared to traditional ice makers. Their unique ice nugget design melts slowly, which is ideal for maintaining the temperature of your beverages over a longer period. Moreover, nugget ice absorbs flavors easily, making it an excellent choice for infused drinks and cocktails. Lastly, the compact size of nugget ice cubes makes them ideal for use in blenders and shakers, ensuring smooth and efficient mixing.

Disadvantages of Nugget Ice Makers

While nugget ice makers have many benefits, they also come with a few drawbacks. Nugget ice machines tend to be more expensive than conventional ice makers. Additionally, the nuggets may not suit everyone’s taste preferences, as some individuals may find them too hard or chewy. Furthermore, nugget ice makers often require more maintenance, as they can be prone to clogging or malfunctioning if not correctly cleaned and maintained.

FAQ

What is a Nugget Ice Machine?

What do you get when you meet water, air, and freezing technology? The answer is a Nugget Ice Machine! This innovative ice maker creates small, crunchy, and chewable ice nuggets, quite different from those typical ice cubes. Instead of the traditional ice cubes, nugget ice is made with small nuggets that melt slower in drinks, giving them a unique texture that’s perfect for blending, cocktails, and smoothies.

You might be surprised to know that the most popular Nugget Ice Machines are not just found in commercial establishments like convenience stores, coffee shops, and gas stations, but also in residential homes. If you’re a fan of unique and flavorful ice, this could be the answer to your cravings!

How does a Nugget Ice Machine work?

To see the magic of a Nugget Ice Machine, let’s take a closer look at how it’s made. This is a multi-step process. First, water is added to the machine which is then mixed with air to cool the liquid. Then, this cold, air-infused water is channeled through a series of molds in the machine’s freezer unit, where it freezes into small, round ice nuggets. Finally, the newly formed ice nuggets are collected in a storage bin, where they are kept at a consistent temperature until ready to use. The time taken to produce ice can vary from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size and capacity of the machine. But with most models, once you fill the water reservoir and set the desired ice production level, all you have to do is sit back and let the machine work its magic!

What are the benefits of using a Nugget Ice Machine?

Ah, the question we all love: what’s in it for me? Nugget ice machines are not just for the cool kids. There’s a lot to love about the ice they produce. For one, you’ll find that using a Nugget Ice Machine can make your drinks more flavorful. The compact, chewable nuggets melt slower in drinks, giving a consistent taste that’s perfect for blended drinks and cocktails. It’s also a great choice for smoothies, as its crunchiness adds an extra texture. Plus, these machines come in various sizes and capacities, making them a perfect fit for both residential and commercial use. And if you’re planning an outdoor event, a portable Nugget Ice Machine could be just the thing you need!

And how do I take care of my Nugget Ice Machine?

The secret to a long-lasting, efficient Nugget Ice Machine lies in proper maintenance. That means regularly cleaning and emptying the ice storage bin to prevent ice buildup and impurities. Also, don’t forget to wipe down any visible surfaces and exterior areas with a damp cloth before each use. To keep your machine in tip-top shape, it’s recommended to deep clean it at least once a year, ideally during the off-season. This involves disassembling the machine, cleaning all internal components, and replacing any worn-out or damaged parts. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, as different machines may require different methods and solutions. And if you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to consult the manual or ask a professional technician for help.

What are some common issues with Nugget Ice Machines?

Like any other machine, a Nugget Ice Machine isn’t immune to problems. The most common issues include low water pressure or insufficient water supply, inadequate storage or insufficient insulation within the ice bin, and malfunctioning sensors or controls. If you encounter any of these issues, it’s important to check and clean the machine’s components and consult the manufacturer’s instructions or a professional technician for assistance. But remember, regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent most of these problems, keeping your machine in great condition for years to come.

Which brands of Nugget Ice Machines are popular?

When it comes to nugget ice machines, you have a variety of brands to choose from. Some popular ones include Scotsman, Hoshizaki, and O’Riley. Scotsman is known for its commercial-grade machines, while Hoshizaki specializes in both nugget and cube ice production. O’Riley, on the other hand, focuses on portable and compact machines. Each brand offers different features, sizes, and capacities to suit various needs and budgets, so it’s essential to research and compare them to find the perfect fit for you. Check online reviews, compare product specifications, and consider factors like capacity, power consumption, and maintenance requirements to make the best decision.

Can you provide some tips for buying a Nugget Ice Machine?

Yes, of course! Here are some tips to help you make the best choice when buying a Nugget Ice Machine:

  1. Determine how much ice you need: Consider the size of the events or gatherings you plan to host and the capacity of the machines available. 2) Think about where you’ll place the machine: Make sure the space is suitable and that the machine is portable if needed. 3) Look for machines with easy-to-clean components and good insulation to keep your ice temperature consistent. 4) Compare prices and features of different brands and models to find the best fit for your budget and needs. 5) Finally, consider the warranty and customer support of the brand you choose. A reliable brand will ensure that your machine continues to work efficiently for years to come.

In conclusion, Nugget Ice Machines are not just a fun novelty item — they offer a unique and enjoyable way to make your drinks more flavorful. With proper care and maintenance, these machines can last for years, providing consistent and high-quality ice production. Remember, the key is to choose the right Nugget Ice Machine for your needs and to treat it with care. Happy ice-making!

As an Amazon Affiliate I may earn from qualified purchases.

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