10 Best Home Nugget Ice Makers 2025 in the United States

The Scotsman Commercial Nugget Ice Maker (HID312A-1) is designed for high output, producing up to 260 pounds of nugget ice per day, making it ideal for homes with high ice demand or small businesses. Its air-cooled system is energy-efficient, which can help reduce energy costs compared to other models with lower capacity.

The touch-free infrared dispensing is a convenient feature that minimizes physical interaction, helping keep the machine clean and reducing wear and tear, which translates to lower maintenance costs over time. Additionally, the maintenance-free bearings and removable dust cover further enhance its easy upkeep, making it a low-maintenance option.

The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker is a compact, countertop machine that can produce up to 35 pounds of chewable nugget ice per day, making it a solid choice for home use. It starts making ice quickly—within 7 minutes—and its 2.3-liter water tank supports steady ice production. The ice quality is a highlight here, offering soft, crunchy nugget ice that melts slowly, which is perfect for drinks like cocktails and sodas.

Its size is convenient for kitchen counters, not taking up much space while still holding a reasonable amount of ice visible through a clear casing. One-click self-cleaning is a useful feature, simplifying maintenance and keeping ice fresh with minimal effort. Noise level is low at about 43 decibels, so it won’t disturb your household or gatherings. The use of refrigerant R600a is generally favorable for lower environmental impact.

While the ice storage capacity is decent, it is not very large, so frequent use might require emptying the ice bin regularly. Also, weighing around 22 pounds, it is portable but not ultra-lightweight, so moving it around may need some care. This ice maker effectively balances speed, ease of use, and ice quality for those looking to enjoy nugget ice at home without fuss.

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL is a countertop nugget ice maker that stands out for producing soft, chewable nugget ice quickly—ready in about 10 minutes—and can make up to 38 pounds of ice per day. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy beverages with that satisfying crunch and want plenty of ice on hand. Its 1-gallon water tank means you don’t need to connect it to a water line, adding convenience and portability. The ice storage drawer holds about 3 pounds, which is decent but may require frequent emptying if you entertain often or need large amounts of ice at once.

The unit is fairly compact but weighs 38 pounds, so it’s portable enough to move around a kitchen but not something you’d carry frequently. One modern feature is its built-in WiFi and voice control compatibility, letting you check ice status or schedule ice making through an app or smart assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.

Regarding maintenance, cleaning requires special filters and descaling powder sold separately, which adds some ongoing costs and effort. The machine uses 300 watts of power, typical for this type of appliance, but it may produce some noise during operation, so placing it in a spot where sound isn’t disruptive is advisable. This ice maker is well-suited for home users who want quality nugget ice with smart features and decent daily production, though be prepared for regular cleaning and limited ice storage capacity.