10 Best Small Nugget Ice Makers 2026 in the United States

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker offers an impressive ice-making experience with its ability to produce up to 38 pounds of chewable nugget ice in 24 hours. It’s designed for those who enjoy fun ice snacking or want ice that cools drinks quickly. One of its standout features is the large water tank, which means fewer refills compared to other machines. It also has a smart, sleek touch display that’s easy to use and lets you control functions like cleaning and WiFi connection. Speaking of cleaning, the advanced system helps keep the machine fresh and running smoothly without much hassle.

This model starts making ice fast, delivering the first batch in about 10 minutes, which is great if you need ice quickly. The machine is fairly compact, but at around 38 pounds, it’s not super lightweight, so it’s best suited for a kitchen counter rather than frequent moving. The included scale-inhibiting filter helps reduce buildup, meaning less maintenance over time.

This ice maker represents a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, high-capacity nugget ice machine with smart features and easy upkeep, making it perfect for home entertaining or daily use. However, if you need something very portable or ultra-quiet, you might want to consider other options.

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL is a small nugget ice maker designed for countertop use, boasting a stainless steel finish and a compact footprint. One of its standout features is its ability to produce up to 38 pounds of chewable nugget ice per day, with the first batch ready in as little as 10 minutes. Its removable drawer can store up to 3 pounds of ice, making it suitable for small gatherings or daily use.

The attached 1-gallon water tank eliminates the need for a constant external water source, simplifying its setup and maintenance. The built-in WiFi and SmartHQ app integration allow users to monitor and control the device remotely, including voice commands through Alexa and Google Assistant.

However, some users might find the cleaning process a bit demanding, especially since the water filter and cleaning kit are sold separately. Noise levels can also be a concern, as some users have reported it to be relatively loud during operation. Additionally, its weight of 38 pounds makes it less portable compared to other smaller units. Nevertheless, for those who prioritize convenience and the unique texture of nugget ice, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL is a solid choice.

The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice if you're looking for a countertop machine that makes soft, chewable nugget ice quickly. It produces up to 34 pounds of ice daily and starts delivering ice in about 6 minutes, which is great for keeping drinks chilled during home parties, camping trips, or even in an RV. Its 1.8-pound removable ice basket stores enough ice for immediate use but might require frequent emptying if you need larger amounts at once.

The compact size and built-in handle make it fairly portable, and it fits comfortably on most kitchen counters without taking up too much space. An added bonus is the quiet operation at under 50 decibels, so it won't be disruptive in small spaces or late at night. Maintenance is user-friendly with an automatic cleaning cycle and alerts for when you need to add water or remove ice, making it less of a hassle to keep the machine running smoothly.

On the downside, the 1.2-quart water tank means you’ll have to refill it regularly during heavy use, and while the ice basket is removable, some users might find the overall 19.8-pound weight a bit heavy for more frequent transport. The machine runs efficiently on 129 watts, which helps keep electricity costs low. This ice maker suits those who want quick, tasty nugget ice in moderate quantities without too much fuss, especially in home or travel settings. For users needing large volumes of ice or preferring a lighter machine, other options may be more suitable.