Nugget ice is fantastic!
That soft, chewable ice that soaks in the flavor of your favorite beverage is the best ice there is.
Nugget ice is also easier on your teeth because you don’t have to crunch down hard on it. It’s so soft that it takes almost no effort to bite.
Updated October 2026: The original GE Profile Opal, the NewAir 40 lb nugget maker, the Scotsman SCN60 and the Follett 7 Series have all been replaced by newer models. We’ve swapped in their successors and refreshed prices for every pick.
The perfect Gift from GiftCards.com / Learn More Here
Nugget ice is also popular in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care settings because it’s softer and easier to manage than hard cubes.
Nugget ice is often called hospital ice, Sonic ice, pellet ice or pebble ice.
In this article, I’m going to show you how you can make nugget ice at home, at your business or anywhere else using one of these easy-to-operate nugget ice makers.
Why Nugget, Sonic, or Pellet Ice?
Nugget ice is the talk of the town. As mentioned above, it’s soft, porous ice that soaks up the flavor of your drink.
Nugget ice blends easily and is perfect for cocktails and smoothies.
If you’re always going to Sonic or another fast food restaurant just for the ice, buying one of these ice makers will save you money.
If you run a business or care for healthcare clients and you’re looking for an ice maker, I’d suggest a nugget ice maker.
If you have pica, which is an appetite for substances that are largely non-nutritive, such as ice, then nugget ice will be your best friend.
We’re going to break down each ice maker for you and give you the reasons we believe it might be right for you.
Years ago, it cost thousands of dollars to have a nugget ice maker installed in your home. Times have changed! With the countertop units listed below, you can enjoy nugget ice for a fraction of the cost.
Our Top Nugget or Sonic Ice Makers for 2026
Here are our best picks for a nugget ice maker. The table below gives you a quick overview, and the full write-up for each ice maker follows. Prices change often, so treat them as a rough guide and check the current price before you buy.
| Ice Maker | Best For | Ice Per Day | Approx. Price | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 (with side tank) | Best overall for home | Up to 38 lbs | About $400–$600 | Amazon |
| NewAir 44 lb Nugget Countertop Ice Maker | Most ice from a countertop unit | Up to 44 lbs | Around $370 | Amazon |
| Scotsman Brilliance SRNP110A-1SS | Built-in home kitchen or bar | Up to 110 lbs | About $5,500–$6,000 | Amazon |
| Follett Champion 7 Ice & Water Dispenser | Offices and break rooms | Up to 125 lbs | Dealer pricing | Follett |
| Scotsman UN324A-1 | Bars, restaurants, healthcare | Up to 340 lbs | Around $5,700 | Amazon |
| Scotsman HID312A-1 Meridian | Ice and water for offices and healthcare | Up to 260 lbs | About $5,500–$6,000 | Amazon |
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
Our best overall pick for making fantastic, chewable nugget ice at home is the GE Profile Opal. The original Opal that we reviewed has been replaced by the Opal 2.0, which is the model you’ll find in stores today.
Most inexpensive countertop ice makers produce bullet-shaped ice, not soft, chewable nugget ice. The Opal is a countertop unit that produces genuine nugget ice.
| Ice Production | Up to 38 lbs a day with the side tank (GE’s rating) |
| First Batch | About 10 minutes |
| Storage Capacity | About 3 lbs |
| Ice Maker Type | Countertop / portable |
| Best Features | Wi-Fi scheduling, detachable side tank |
| Uses | Home, Home Bar, Small Office, RV and Camping |
| Best Price | Check price on Amazon |
The Opal 2.0 with the 0.75-gallon side tank carries a list price of around $600, but it’s frequently on sale for closer to $400. GE also sells an Opal 2.0 XL with a 1-gallon tank and an Opal 2.0 Ultra that adds a scale-inhibiting filter, so compare versions before you buy.
Features We Loved
This countertop ice maker doesn’t produce the most nugget ice, but it’s an excellent choice for homes, offices and even small businesses.
The Opal has a sleek stainless-steel design and an LED display that lights up when you use it and dims when it’s at rest.
The original Opal used Bluetooth, so you had to be at home to connect to it. The Opal 2.0 has built-in Wi-Fi instead. You can use GE’s SmartHQ app to check on it and schedule fresh ice, and it works with Alexa and Google voice control.
GE rates the Opal 2.0 at up to 38 lbs of nugget ice a day when it’s used with the side tank, with the first batch ready in about 10 minutes. It isn’t the lightest countertop ice maker on the market, but it is portable. What do I mean by portable? You don’t need a water line or a drain line to make ice.
The side tank gives the Opal more water for making ice.
With the side tank, you don’t need to keep refilling the water reservoir, so you can make more ice without the hassle. It also detaches for cleaning.
Making ice is simple. Set up the unit, plug it in, add water, and you’re ready to make ice.
The Opal also has a cleaning mode, which makes keeping it clean a lot easier, and it comes with an ice bin and a scoop.
What We Didn’t Like
I used the original Opal for several months and enjoyed it. It was well built, performed well and made excellent nugget ice. The design fit my kitchen well; it has a VERY luxurious look to it. The picture above is the Opal in my kitchen, and the glass is filled with chilled cream soda thanks to the power of the Opal.
The negative with my Opal was that it was heavy. GE says you can take it camping or use it in your RV, but I wouldn’t carry it around much. It’s a tank.
I also found it a little loud, though it was comparable to other countertop ice makers I have tried. Owner reviews of the Opal 2.0 mention noise too, along with the need to clean and descale it regularly, so plan for a little maintenance.
When we first wrote this guide, the Opal was one of the very few countertop ice makers that made genuine nugget ice. Today, several brands, including NewAir, sell countertop nugget ice makers.
Still, read listings carefully. Many cheap countertop ice makers make bullet- or hat-shaped ice that isn’t as chewable or soft as Sonic ice, even when the listing uses words like “chewable.” Look for the words “nugget” or “pellet” and pictures of the actual ice.
Check the price of the GE Profile Opal 2.0 on Amazon
NewAir 44 lb Nugget Countertop Ice Maker
The NewAir 40 lb Countertop Nugget Ice Maker we originally recommended is no longer sold. NewAir’s current high-output countertop model is the 44 lb Nugget Countertop Ice Maker (model NIM044BSN2), and it gives you another option for a countertop ice maker that produces nugget ice.
NewAir rates it at up to 44 pounds of nugget ice a day, with the first ice ready in 10 to 15 minutes. It has a black stainless steel finish, a blue LED-lit viewing window, a removable 1.8-liter water reservoir and a self-cleaning function. NewAir lists it at around $370.
| Ice Production | Up to 44 lbs a day |
| First Batch | 10–15 minutes |
| Water Reservoir | 1.8 liters, removable |
| Ice Maker Type | Countertop / portable |
| Best Features | High output, self-cleaning, rated at 46 dB |
| Measurements | 9.5″ W x 13.6″ D x 14.9″ H |
| Uses | Home, Home Bar, Small Office, RV and Camping |
| Best Price | Check price on Amazon |
Features We Loved
When we used NewAir’s earlier 40 lb nugget ice maker, we loved how quickly it made ice, how easy it was to set up right out of the box, and how easy it was to clean.
The 44 lb model is smaller than that earlier unit, and NewAir says it runs at a quiet 46 dB. It doesn’t need a water line, and its removable parts are dishwasher-safe.
What We Didn’t Like
Our main complaints about the earlier NewAir were that it was a bit heavy, a little loud, and looked like a typical portable ice maker. We were hoping for more flair, like the Opal.
We haven’t tested the 44 lb model ourselves. Some owner reviews of NewAir nugget ice makers report units that stopped working after about a year, so keep your receipt and register the warranty.
If you’re choosing between the Opal and a NewAir, you can read my comparison of the earlier models here.
You can also read my full review of the Opal Nugget Ice Maker here and of the NewAir Countertop Nugget Ice Maker here.
Check the price of the NewAir 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker on Amazon
Scotsman Brilliance SRNP110A-1SS (Replaces the SCN60PA-1SS)
Scotsman has discontinued the SCN60PA-1SS we originally recommended. Its replacement is the Brilliance Nugget Ice Machine, model SRN110. The SRNP110A-1SS is the stainless steel version with a built-in drain pump, and the SRNP110A-1SU is the panel-ready version.
Like the SCN60, the SRN110 is a 15-inch undercounter or freestanding unit, and it would make a great ice maker for your kitchen, basement or home bar. You can learn more on Scotsman’s home ice website.
Features We Loved
The model name and retail listings rate the SRN110 at up to 110 lbs of nugget ice a day. Parts of Scotsman’s own product page still say 80 lbs, so check the spec sheet if output matters to you. The bin holds 26 pounds of ice. Scotsman says it uses 40% less energy and more than 50% less water than gourmet cube ice machines.
When we used the older SCN60, it made just enough ice for busy family functions. Several times we had a houseful of people over, and we never had to worry about running out of our precious nugget ice. People loved the ice, too. They kept going back for more.
| Ice Production | Up to 110 lbs a day (see note above) |
| Storage Capacity | 26 lbs |
| Ice Maker Type | Undercounter or freestanding |
| Best Features | Panel-ready option, indoor/outdoor rated |
| Measurements | 14.875″ W x 22″ D x 33.375″ H |
| Uses | Home kitchen, home bar, office or recreation room |
| Best Price | Check price on Amazon |
You can also add a custom wood panel to the front of the panel-ready version, so the ice maker matches the cabinets around it. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, this is a great ice maker to consider.
If you like to entertain outside, the SRN110 has you covered too. Scotsman approves it for indoor or outdoor use, and it has a lighted bin and a field-reversible door. It would make a great nugget ice maker for a patio kitchen or pool room.
The control panel shows power status, a no-water alert and a reminder when it’s time to clean.
What We Didn’t Like
The price. Retailers list the SRNP110A-1SS at roughly $5,500 to $6,000, which is a lot more than the SCN60 cost when we first wrote this guide.
Our only complaint about the older SCN60 was that it was a little loud. It wasn’t terrible, but you knew it was there. Building it in should help with the noise.
Overall, this is a great undercounter ice maker. It’s priced at the high end, but if you want that exceptional nugget ice built into your kitchen, it’s worth a look.
Follett Champion 7 Nugget Ice & Water Dispenser
Follett’s Champion 7 builds on the 7 Series ice and water dispenser we originally recommended. It’s a stainless steel unit built for commercial use, and it makes Follett’s chewable Chewblet nugget ice.
It’s a nugget ice maker that doubles as a water dispenser, so you can fill your glass with nugget ice and then water in one go. This type of unit is popular in offices because it’s compact and gives you filtered water, too.
Features We Loved
The countertop version is only 17.62 inches tall, so it fits on a counter under standard cabinets. An optional base stand raises it to 42 inches and turns it into a freestanding unit.
| Ice Production | Up to 125 lbs a day |
| Storage Capacity | 7 lbs |
| Ice Maker Type | Countertop (freestanding with optional base stand) |
| Best Features | Water Dispenser |
| Measurements | 14.62″ W x 22.38″ D x 17.62″ H (42″ H on the base stand) |
| Uses | Office Building, Lunchroom |
| Where to Buy | Follett.com (find a dealer) |
At up to 125 lbs of ice every 24 hours, it would make an excellent unit for an office, break room, nursing home or retirement residence, and of course, any business.
Follett ice machines are known for their craftsmanship, and the Champion 7 is a solid nugget ice choice for a workplace. It needs a water line and professional installation.
What We Didn’t Love
The Champion 7 isn’t sold on Amazon. You buy it through a foodservice equipment dealer, and Follett’s 7-lb dispensers generally sell for several thousand dollars.
Also, the countertop and freestanding setups are ordered differently. Decide whether you want the base stand before you order, so you get the right height for your home or business.
Overall, it’s an excellent option for making nugget ice.
The Scotsman UN324A-1
The Scotsman UN324A-1 is a large commercial ice maker that produces up to 340 pounds of ice every 24 hours (at 70°F air and 50°F water). It has an equally large storage bin that holds 80 pounds of ice.
This ice maker is a beast. I really mean it. It can really pump out the ice. What makes it special (and why it made our list) is the quality of the ice. Honestly, it’s probably the best nugget ice that I have ever had. This Sonic-style ice falls apart in your mouth, and it tastes incredible.
Features We Loved
This ice maker is perfect for any bar, restaurant or other food-serving business. It’s also great for any healthcare establishment. It’s both stylish and practical, and it’s compact enough to sit under your counter, out of the way.
| Ice Production | Up to 340 lbs a day (about 266 lbs at 90°F air / 70°F water) |
| Ice Capacity | 80 lbs |
| Ice Maker Type | Freestanding/Undercounter |
| Best Features | High output in an undercounter size |
| Uses | Nursing Home, Retirement Home, Healthcare Facility |
| Best Price | Check price on Amazon |
A couple of things stand out with this ice maker. Though it’s mostly used by businesses, it could serve a home for big events or parties. It’s built from durable plastic and stainless steel, and the bin door slides back smoothly and out of the way.
This unit makes some of the best nugget ice on the market. It’s soft and soaks up the flavor of your beverage in every piece.
It’s easy to operate with a simple control panel, and it uses a low-maintenance greaseless bearing.
The legs on the unit are adjustable, so it can be set to the perfect height.
I really like this unit and enjoy the features, the easy operation and the perfect, chewable ice it produces. I found installing this ice maker straightforward. The indented back panel means hoses and cords don’t get in the way, and the ice maker still snugs up against the wall.
You’ll see from the video above that this ice maker is built to last. Expect to pay around $5,700 from commercial equipment retailers, and check the warranty terms with the seller.
What We Didn’t Love
This is a great ice maker. The only thing I didn’t like (and it isn’t really a negative) is that it made far too much ice for our needs. It’s probably a better nugget ice maker for a business.
Watch the model number, too. You’ll see the UN324A-1 (air-cooled), the UN324AX-1 (with a filter) and the UN324W-1 (water-cooled) listed side by side.
Check the price of the Scotsman UN324A-1 on Amazon
The Scotsman HID312A-1 Meridian
The Scotsman HID312A-1 Meridian is a countertop nugget ice and water dispenser that produces up to 260 lbs of ice every 24 hours. It’s compact and holds 12 pounds of ice at one time.
The unit is made from durable stainless steel and dispenses touch-free.
Features We Loved
I find that this ice maker, which also dispenses water, is great for an office or break room because it’s so compact. Getting 260 pounds of ice a day out of a countertop unit this size is a remarkable feat.
| Ice Production | Up to 260 lbs a day |
| Ice Capacity | 12 lbs |
| Ice Maker Type | Countertop |
| Best Features | Small but produces a lot of ice |
| Uses | Offices, Nursing homes and healthcare buildings |
| Best Price | Check price on Amazon |
The design of this ice maker deserves some praise as well. It’s designed to circulate air efficiently so the machine runs consistently, and it has an external air filter.
I found this ice maker pretty easy to clean. The removable front panel was handy, and the removable ice storage bin made cleaning the unit a lot easier.
I believe this ice maker is a great fit for offices and businesses and should be on your shortlist. Expect to pay roughly $5,500 to $6,000. Scotsman also sells push-button and filter-equipped versions (HID312AB-1, HID312AX-1).
What We Didn’t Love
I found that the water came out of the dispenser a little forcefully. It’s not a big deal, but you should be aware of it. You’ll get used to it.
Overall, this is a great ice maker.
How is Nugget Ice Made?
Commercial cube ice makers fill metal cube molds with water and use a refrigeration system to freeze the water into ice.
Once the ice is ready, the metal molds are warmed, and the ice drops into a bin where it’s used to chill your drinks, preserve food or make excellent ice desserts.
Most portable ice makers operate a little differently. Water freezes around metal prongs cooled by a refrigeration system. As the ice builds up, it forms what look like small bullets or hat-shaped pieces. Once the ice reaches the right size, the prongs are warmed, and the ice falls into the storage bin ready to be served.
The ice from these bullet-ice makers is not nugget ice. Some articles online claim that the hat-shaped ice from these units is the same as Sonic or nugget ice.
That isn’t true. True nugget ice makers, like the countertop Opal and NewAir models in this guide, use a different process. Don’t be fooled by bullet-ice machines claiming to make nugget ice.
Nugget ice is made with an entirely different system than conventional ice.
The goal with nugget ice is soft, chewable ice. To get it, the machine scrapes thin flakes of ice off a cylinder chilled by a refrigeration system.
The flakes of ice are squeezed through a narrow tube, which gives the ice that nugget look.
As the compressed ice is pushed out of the tube, small pieces break off.
Some larger nugget ice makers use a blade to cut the ice into smaller pieces.
Making nugget ice isn’t as simple as you might think. The mechanics and design of nugget ice makers are complicated, which is why nugget ice makers cost more than regular ice makers.
What Types of Ice Machines Make Sonic or Nugget Ice?
There are four ways to enjoy nugget ice at your home or business. You can learn more about the different types of ice makers here.
☑️ Portable Ice Makers
The first option for making nugget ice is a portable (countertop) ice maker. A few years ago, there was only one on the market that made authentic nugget ice. Now you can choose from several, including the GE Profile Opal 2.0 and NewAir’s nugget models.
Portable ice makers are popular for two reasons: they are compact and portable. They are also much cheaper than undercounter and commercial units.
☑️ Undercounter Ice Makers
The second way to make Sonic or nugget ice is with an undercounter ice maker.
These units are perfect for your home because they tuck under your counter and out of sight. Many can be built into your cabinets, and panel-ready models let you add a custom cabinet front, so you don’t even know it’s an ice maker. As far as anyone can tell, it’s just another cabinet.
☑️ Commercial Ice Makers
The third way to enjoy nugget ice is a commercial ice maker. These units are generally large, expensive and designed to make large amounts of nugget ice, often several hundred pounds every 24 hours. Restaurants, grocery stores, bars and supermarkets often use commercial ice makers to serve their customers.
If you have the budget and room for a commercial nugget ice maker, it may be the best option for you.
☑️ Countertop Ice Makers
The final type to consider is a commercial countertop unit. Countertop nugget ice makers like these usually have a water dispenser built in as well. They’re common in lunchrooms, nursing homes, retirement residences and healthcare settings.
You can fill your glass with ice and water at the same unit.
Portable ice makers also sit on a countertop, but there’s a significant difference. Commercial countertop nugget ice makers are far too heavy to move around and need a water line. They sit on your countertop but aren’t designed to be portable.
Tips For Making Great Nugget Ice
If you want excellent nugget ice, you don’t have to head over to the Sonic drive-thru. You can use one of the ice makers listed above and enjoy Sonic-style ice every day. How does that sound?
Here are a few tips that will help you make great nugget ice.
➡️ Begin with Clean Water
First, incredible nugget ice begins with clean water. We use reverse osmosis water at our home, and I find that filtered water produces softer, clearer nugget ice. If you buy an ice maker that connects to a water line, I suggest spending a little extra on a good filter for best results. Check your manual first, though, because some ice makers have limits on the type of water they should use.
You can fill portable ice makers with filtered water as well to get better-quality ice.
Some ice makers have a built-in filter. Read the manual to see how often it needs to be replaced. You don’t want this filter to expire, because that can harm the ice maker.
If your ice maker doesn’t have a built-in filter, you can install one for a reasonable price. Click here to read about the best ice maker filters available.
➡️ Keep Your Ice Maker Clean
Second, make sure you keep your ice maker clean. Most nugget ice makers come with an automatic cleaning feature. Run that cleaning cycle regularly, keep the ice basket clean, and only use the ice scoop to get ice.
If your ice maker doesn’t have a cleaning feature, check the owner’s manual to see how it should be cleaned.
Most commercial ice makers have removable front panels and a removable ice bin, which make cleaning easier. The user manual will give you specific instructions for cleaning the ice maker properly, so start with the manual or the manufacturer’s website.
You can also use YouTube as a reference. Type your ice maker’s model number into the YouTube search box and add “clean” to the search. Someone with your ice maker may have made a video that walks you through the cleaning process.
Cleaning your unit thoroughly at least once a month (or as often as the manual says) is essential for keeping it running correctly and producing cold, refreshing, clean ice.
How Each Nugget Ice Maker is Rated
It’s important to us that we help you choose the right ice maker for your home or business. We know there are a lot of options available, and it may not be clear which one is right for you.
We put together this guide and looked at undercounter, standalone, commercial and portable ice makers to give you the top units to buy.
Whether you’re looking for an ice maker for your business, home or office, we want you to choose one that’s going to do the job well.
We rated each of the ice makers above according to the following criteria.
⭐️ Reviews
We have watched countless videos, read the reviews, and heard the positives and negatives from customers just like you.
We didn’t just throw a rating on this website. We made a calculated decision based on customer satisfaction. Does this ice maker do the job it’s supposed to do? That’s the question we set out to answer. With people’s feedback, we built our list of top-rated ice makers, confident that these machines will meet your needs.
⭐️ Value
We’re not going to buy into the hype of product marketers and overpay for an ice maker we can find cheaper somewhere else. We did our homework to make sure these products are worth what they cost.
Paying more for a good product is okay. Spending more on a second-rate product is no good. We want to make sure you get the best value for your money.
Where an ice maker is sold on Amazon, we’ve linked to it so you can check the current price.
⭐️ Quality
Don’t buy junk! It’s not just sound advice; it’s vital at a time when a dollar can be hard to find.
We want to make sure the ice maker you buy is going to last and do the job you bought it to do.
Any mechanical device can fail. No product is perfect.
We looked for products with a reputation for durability as we compiled our list.
We didn’t just look at the quality of the machine, but also at the quality of the ice it makes. What is the nugget ice like? Is it soft and chewable? Is it actually nugget ice at all?
The quality of the ice is essential, and we chose units that make high-quality ice without compromising on efficiency and performance.
⭐️ Usefulness
The final area we used to rate our ice makers was usefulness. We wanted to make sure the ice makers we chose produce lots of nugget ice, store it efficiently and are easy to operate.
Some units work great, if you can ever figure out how to operate the dumb thing.
Our guide helps you avoid that problem. We chose ice makers that are easy to operate, simple to clean and straightforward to maintain.
Questions About Nugget Ice Makers
Below are questions you may have about nugget or Sonic ice makers. If you have a question that isn’t on this list, please head over to our About Us page and send us an email. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible and add your question to the others.
Is Nugget Ice Bad For Your Teeth?
Nugget ice is the gentlest ice there is for chewing. It’s soft and falls apart in your mouth with just a little pressure. If you have dental work or sensitive teeth, though, ask your dentist about chewing any kind of ice.
This may seem hard to believe, but there are whole online communities devoted to ice chewers. They discuss their concerns, ask questions and generally talk about chewing ice.
Ice chewers say that nugget ice is the best type of ice for chewing because it is gentle on your teeth.
Why Is Nugget Ice Better?
There are three main reasons nugget ice is often called “the good ice.”
First, it’s chewable. I mentioned this in the previous question. It’s soft and easy to chew.
Second, it soaks up the flavor of your beverage. When you add nugget ice to your drink, it soaks up the drink like a sponge, so you get to enjoy the taste of your beverage until the very last piece of ice is gone.
Third, it’s small and compact, so you can get more in your cup. Unlike conventional ice cubes, the little pieces of nugget ice fill every gap in your glass.
How Much Do Nugget Ice Makers Cost?
Countertop nugget ice makers are much cheaper than they used to be. NewAir’s smaller countertop nugget models start around $200, and the GE Profile Opal 2.0 typically sells for about $400 to $600 depending on the version and sales.
Undercounter and commercial nugget ice makers cost thousands of dollars. Most of the Scotsman and Follett units in this guide run roughly $5,500 to $6,000 before installation.
The high price of commercial units is one of the reasons we love the Opal Nugget Ice Maker. You don’t need to have it installed, it’s ready to make ice out of the box, and it’s far cheaper than the commercial ice makers on this list.
How Much Ice Do I Need?
How much ice you need depends on your situation. Are you a business or a household? What type of business do you have? How many people are in your family?
My advice is to buy an ice maker that produces more ice than you think you’ll need, so you never have to worry about running out. Choose one within your budget that produces as much ice as possible.
If you’re a business and want a helpful chart for figuring out how much ice you need, click here.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Portable Ice Maker?
Portable ice makers are great units. They’re designed for easy setup, cleaning, maintenance and portability. They aren’t for everyone, though.
The advantage of portable ice makers is that you can take them almost anywhere. They’re perfect for your countertop, RV, camping trip or boat. As long as you have water and electricity, these suckers can go anywhere.
The disadvantage is limited ice production. Even the bigger countertop nugget ice makers top out at around 40 to 45 lbs of ice in 24 hours. That’s great for a large family or a tiny business, but with more people, it gets tight.
Also, most cheap portable ice makers make bullet ice, not nugget ice. Countertop nugget ice makers cost more and tend to be heavier.
Choosing a portable ice maker comes down to portability and how simple it is to set up and use.
Why are Nugget Ice Makers So Expensive?
Nugget ice makers cost more than conventional ice makers because of the process it takes to make nugget ice. It may seem simple, but ice makers that produce nugget ice are complicated.
It’s nice that nugget ice makers have come down in price. Countertop models like the GE Profile Opal 2.0 and NewAir’s nugget ice makers cost a few hundred dollars and are an excellent choice for your home or small office.
What is Sonic Ice Called?
Sonic ice is another name for nugget ice. It’s also called “chewable ice,” “hospital ice,” “nuggets,” “pellet ice” and “pebble ice.”
This type of ice is light and airy. It absorbs the flavor of your beverage, and because it’s made from compacted ice flakes, it’s soft, chewable and loved by ice chewers everywhere.
The best way to get Sonic ice at home is to buy one of the ice makers listed in this guide.
Conclusion
I love nugget ice! I’m glad that newer technology has brought nugget ice makers down in price and made them affordable for more households.
You can enjoy nugget ice at home by buying one of the ice makers in this article. For most homes, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the place to start.
As always, leave your comments or questions below.
Luxe Brands Extra 30% Off with Code: STYLE30. Plus, Free Shipping Shop Now
