10 Best Small Nugget Ice Makers 2026 in the United States

The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice if you're looking for a countertop ice machine that produces chewable, nugget-style ice—great for drinks like cocktails, sodas, and slushies. It can make up to 35 pounds of ice in a day, with the first batch ready in about 7 minutes, so you won't have to wait long for fresh ice. The machine is compact and stylish, fitting comfortably on most kitchen counters without taking up too much space, and it includes a scoop for easy ice handling. It’s also fairly quiet at about 43 decibels, meaning it won't disturb your home environment. One standout feature is its self-cleaning function, which you can start with a simple button press, making maintenance straightforward and hassle-free.

The water tank holds 1.1 liters, so you may find yourself needing to refill it if you use ice heavily throughout the day. While the machine is portable, it requires manual water filling rather than connecting to a water line, which might be less convenient for some. This ice maker is user-friendly and efficient, especially suited for home use where quick, chewable nugget ice is desired without complicated setup or maintenance.

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 Scotsman Commercial Nugget Ice Maker (HID312A-1) excels in various key areas for small-nugget-ice-makers. With its impressive capacity to produce up to 260 pounds of nugget ice per day, it is highly suitable for high-demand environments like restaurants or large offices. Its air-cooled system is efficient, potentially lowering energy usage compared to less capable models.

The touchfree infrared dispensing is a notable feature, reducing physical interaction and lowering maintenance costs while keeping the machine hygienic. Additionally, the machine's sealed, maintenance-free bearings and removable dust cover simplify upkeep, making it less hassle for regular users. The large 11-inch dispensing area accommodates larger containers, and the USB port allows for easy software updates, ensuring the machine remains up-to-date and versatile over time.

Operating on a standard electrical setup with the use of R-134a refrigerant, it combines efficiency with sustainable operation. The Scotsman Commercial Nugget Ice Maker is best suited for commercial settings where high output, ease of maintenance, and efficiency are priorities.