10 Best Nugget Ice Makers 2026 in the United States

The Scotsman Commercial Nugget Ice Maker (HID312A-1) is an impressive choice for anyone looking to produce a significant amount of nugget ice, making it ideal for restaurants, bars, and other high-demand environments. With a remarkable output of up to 260 pounds of ice per day, it has a strong capacity that ensures you'll have plenty of ice ready for a busy service. This high output also translates into energy efficiency, potentially lowering your utility costs compared to less powerful models.

One of the standout features is its touch-free infrared dispensing system. This not only promotes hygiene by minimizing direct contact but also helps extend the life of the machine by reducing wear and tear. Additionally, the design includes maintenance advantages like sealed bearings and a dust cover, which ease the burden of upkeep and decrease the frequency of service calls.

The Scotsman's size and weight could be a drawback if space is limited. With dimensions of 24.38 x 16.25 x 35 inches and weighing 183 pounds, it requires a dedicated spot, which may not suit smaller establishments or home use. The 800 watts of power needed might also raise concerns about energy consumption, although the machine is marketed as energy-efficient. On the usability front, the large dispensing area is great for filling larger containers, and the USB port for software updates is a thoughtful feature that enhances its longevity. Noise levels can vary, so it's worth considering if sound is a concern for your environment.

The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker is a compact, countertop machine designed for home use, producing up to 35 pounds of chewable nugget ice per day. Its 1.1-liter water tank and fast first batch time of 7 minutes make it a solid choice for continuous ice supply without frequent refilling. The ice it produces is known for a pleasant crunch and slow melt, great for drinks like cocktails and sodas. It’s fairly quiet at 43 decibels, so it won’t disturb your home environment. The machine is user-friendly with LED indicators for water level, ice production, and a convenient one-touch self-cleaning function that simplifies maintenance. Its small size (about 12 by 9 by 13 inches) means it fits easily on most countertops and can be moved if needed.

The ice storage isn't very large, so if you need to keep a lot of ice on hand for parties, you may need to collect batches frequently. Also, it relies on a built-in water tank rather than a direct water line, so you’ll need to refill it manually. Weighing around 22 pounds, it’s portable but not something you’d carry around daily. This ice maker suits those who want quick, chewable nugget ice at home without complicated setup or noisy operation, but it might be less ideal if you require very large ice quantities or hands-off water connection.

The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker is a strong choice for anyone wanting soft, chewable nugget ice quickly and conveniently. It produces up to 34 pounds of ice per day and starts making ice in just 6 minutes, which is quite fast for countertop models. The built-in water tank holds 1.2 quarts, and the removable 1.8-pound ice basket makes it easy to access and serve the ice. Its compact size and light weight, along with a sturdy handle, make it truly portable—ideal for home, parties, camping, or even an RV. The clear window lets you see the ice production process, and the ice scoop holder on the back keeps things tidy. One of its best features is the smart auto-cleaning function that runs a 15-minute cycle, helping keep the machine hygienic with minimal effort. It also has helpful indicators for when the ice basket is full or needs more water.

Noise-wise, it operates quietly at under 50 dB, so it won’t disturb your activities. The machine is energy-efficient, consuming about 1 kWh every 8 hours, which helps lower electricity costs. It runs on standard 120-volt power and uses an eco-friendly refrigerant. While it offers good ice storage for a portable unit, the 1.8-pound basket may require frequent emptying during heavy use, which might be a minor inconvenience for larger gatherings. Also, frequent water refills are needed due to the smaller water reservoir. This nugget ice maker delivers convenience, speed, and quality ice in a compact, user-friendly package, making it well suited for casual users wanting easy access to soft, chewable ice without the bulk or noise of larger machines.