Nugget ice, also called pellet or pebble ice, is the soft, chewable ice made from compacted ice flakes. It packs tightly around a drink, cools it quickly and is pleasant to crunch at the bottom of a glass, which is why it suits a cold horchata, a glass of agua de jamaica or a fountain-style soda.
Countertop nugget machines are larger and more involved than the bullet-ice kind, and they need regular cleaning. This guide covers eight of them, from GE Profile’s Opal machines to Frigidaire, NewAir, Gevi, Euhomy, Silonn and Typhur, using each maker’s specifications, GE’s owner’s manual, the Amazon listings and America’s Test Kitchen’s review of countertop ice makers.
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Quick verdict: which nugget ice maker to buy
The best nugget ice maker for most homes is the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra: up to 38 pounds a day, a removable side tank, a scale-inhibiting water filter and a clear cleaning routine from GE, and America’s Test Kitchen names the Opal 2.0 its best nugget ice maker. For a smaller counter, the GE Profile Opal Mini fills from the top and takes up less space. If you want the largest ice bin here without an app, choose the Frigidaire Gallery Nugget Ice Maker.
A nugget machine is a big appliance for one kind of ice. If you only need ice now and then, a few good trays may do; our guide to the best ice cube trays covers those.
Five nugget ice makers at a glance
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of kitchen, with the output, bin and water setup each maker or listing states. All eight are reviewed in full below.
| Nugget ice maker | Best for | Daily output and bin | Water and controls | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GE Profile Opal 2.0 UltraBest overall
|
Daily nugget ice, fewer refills | Up to 38 lb a day | 0.75-gallon side tank; Wi-Fi app | View on Amazon |
GE Profile Opal MiniBest compact
|
Narrow counters | Up to 36 lb a day; 2 lb bin | Top-fill reservoir; Wi-Fi app | View on Amazon |
Frigidaire Gallery Nugget Ice MakerBiggest bin
|
Ice on hand, no app | Up to 44 lb a day; 3.97 lb basket | Fill reservoir; touch panel | View on Amazon |
NewAir 44 lb. Nugget Ice MakerBest for entertaining
|
Parties and home bars | Up to 44 lb a day | 1.8-liter reservoir; buttons | View on Amazon |
Silonn Compact Nugget Ice MakerBest for small counters
|
Small kitchens, offices | 33 to 36 lb a day (listing gives both) | Fill reservoir; one button | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Output is each maker’s stated maximum; GE notes its own figure drops in a hot room. Check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best nugget ice maker
None of these machines needs a water line: you fill a reservoir, and the GE Opal 2.0 Ultra adds a removable side tank. All of them recirculate melt water from the bin back into the reservoir, so the bin keeps ice but does not freeze it. Each has a cleaning cycle, and every maker expects you to use it.
1. GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra – Side Tank, Filter and a Clear Cleaning Plan
GE’s Opal is the machine most people have in mind when they say nugget ice at home. America’s Test Kitchen rated the Opal 2.0 highly recommended and named it the best nugget ice maker, measuring about a pound and a half of ice an hour and praising the easy side tank and simple self-cleaning. Its reviewers also found it heavy, bulky and expensive, and said the Wi-Fi didn’t add much value.
This Ultra version, model XPIO13SWSS, makes up to 38 pounds a day according to the listing, with the first batch in 10 minutes or less; GE’s own footnote gives 32 pounds a day at a 90°F room temperature. It has a 0.75-gallon removable side tank, a scale-inhibiting water filter (replacements sold separately), a reusable air filter and a touch display, and it measures 17.5 by 13.43 by 16.5 inches with the tank attached, low enough to fit under most cabinets. The SmartHQ app lets you schedule ice and get maintenance alerts.
The owner’s manual is specific about cleaning. GE recommends sanitizing once a week, with a teaspoon of bleach in a full reservoir, and descaling with white vinegar or GE’s Opal cleaning kit, more often with hard water, where it suggests switching to distilled water. It also says to clean the rear air filter at least every 2 months and to unplug the machine when it isn’t in use. We found no CPSC recall for any Opal model.
Why we like it
- America’s Test Kitchen’s best nugget ice maker (Opal 2.0)
- 0.75-gallon side tank means fewer refills
- Scale-inhibiting water filter included
- Detailed cleaning schedule in GE’s manual
Key specifications
| Machine | GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra XPIO13SWSS |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 38 lb (32 lb at 90°F, per GE) |
| First ice | 10 minutes or less |
| Bin | Not stated on this listing |
| Side tank / water line | 0.75-gallon side tank; no water line |
| App / Wi-Fi | Yes, SmartHQ app and voice assistants |
| Self-clean | Clean cycle; weekly sanitizing per GE |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if nugget ice is a daily habit and you will follow GE’s cleaning routine.
Skip it if counter space is tight; it is the largest machine here with its tank on.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Top reviewer pick
- Side tank and water filter
- Clear maker instructions
Cons
- Heavy and bulky, per ATK
- Weekly sanitizing to keep up with
- Replacement filters cost extra
2. GE Profile Opal Mini – Opal Ice in a Smaller Body
The Opal Mini, model P4NM20KZLG, is GE’s smaller nugget machine. According to the listing, it is 30% smaller than the original Opal, at 8.6 inches wide, 15.6 deep and 14.56 tall, and still makes up to 36 pounds a day, about 1.5 pounds an hour, with the first batch in 5 minutes or less.
Instead of a side tank, you pour water into a top-fill station, which is easier than sliding out a reservoir. The removable bin holds 2 pounds and fills all the way automatically. GE added a front drain tube, a drain-and-dry system that clears water from the internals between cycles to limit mineral deposits, front storage for descaling packets, and six descaler packets in the box. It has the same Wi-Fi and SmartHQ app as the larger Opal.
It is newer than the Opal 2.0 and was not part of America’s Test Kitchen’s review, so the figures here are GE’s. For a narrow stretch of counter next to the coffee maker, it is the Opal to look at.
Why we like it
- 8.6 inches wide, per GE
- Top-fill water station
- Drain-and-dry system between cycles
- Six descaler packets included
Key specifications
| Machine | GE Profile Opal Mini P4NM20KZLG |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 36 lb |
| First ice | 5 minutes or less |
| Bin | 2 lb, removable |
| Side tank / water line | Top-fill reservoir; no side tank or water line |
| App / Wi-Fi | Yes, SmartHQ app and voice assistants |
| Self-clean | Descaling routine with included packets |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want GE’s nugget ice in a machine that fits a narrow counter.
Skip it if you serve a crowd; the 2-pound bin empties quickly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Slim footprint
- Easy top fill
- Fast first batch
Cons
- Small bin
- No side tank
- Not yet in any review we read
3. Frigidaire Gallery Nugget Ice Maker – A Big Basket, No App Needed
Frigidaire’s Gallery machine, model EFIC255, has the largest ice basket stated among these picks: 3.97 pounds. According to the listing, it makes up to 44 pounds a day, with the first nuggets in 10 to 15 minutes, and it fits under cabinets for countertop placement.
The ice comes out through a front drawer, and a viewing window shows how full the basket is. A touch panel runs the machine, and an automatic self-cleaning function starts with the press of a button. There is no Wi-Fi, which some people will count as a plus. A scoop and drip tray come in the box, and Frigidaire gives a 1-year limited warranty.
The listing doesn’t state the reservoir size or the cleaning schedule, so read Frigidaire’s manual for both. We found no review of this exact model from a source we could read.
Why we like it
- 3.97-pound ice basket
- Up to 44 pounds a day, per the listing
- Front drawer and viewing window
- Push-button self-cleaning
Key specifications
| Machine | Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 44 lb |
| First ice | 10–15 minutes |
| Bin | 3.97 lb basket |
| Side tank / water line | No; fill the reservoir |
| App / Wi-Fi | No |
| Self-clean | Yes, automatic, one button |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want plenty of nugget ice waiting in the basket and simple touch controls.
Skip it if you want to know the reservoir size before you buy; the listing doesn’t give it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large basket
- High stated output
- No app required
Cons
- Reservoir size not stated
- No side tank
- No independent review found
4. NewAir 44 lb. Nugget Ice Maker – High Output, Dishwasher-Safe Parts
NewAir’s NIM044BSN2 is built for volume. According to the listing, it makes up to 44 pounds of nugget ice a day, with the first ice in 10 to 15 minutes, from a removable 1.8-liter reservoir. A blue-lit viewing window shows the ice as it builds, and NewAir rates it at 46 decibels.
Cleaning is two-part: a built-in self-cleaning function rinses the internal water lines, and the removable parts can go in the dishwasher, which makes the basket and reservoir easier to keep fresh. A detachable ice basket and scoop are included, and it needs no plumbing.
A 1.8-liter reservoir is small for a 44-pound machine, so expect to refill it often during a party. The listing doesn’t state the bin capacity or the warranty, and we found no review of this model we could read.
Why we like it
- Up to 44 pounds a day, per NewAir
- Removable, dishwasher-safe parts
- Self-cleaning rinse of the water lines
- Stated 46-decibel operation
Key specifications
| Machine | NewAir NIM044BSN2 |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 44 lb |
| First ice | 10–15 minutes |
| Bin | Not stated; detachable basket |
| Side tank / water line | No; removable 1.8-liter reservoir |
| App / Wi-Fi | No |
| Self-clean | Yes, rinses internal water lines |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you host often and want high output with parts you can put in the dishwasher.
Skip it if you don’t want to refill a small reservoir through a long party.
Pros and cons
Pros
- High stated output
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- No plumbing
Cons
- Small reservoir for its output
- Bin size not stated
- Warranty not stated
5. Silonn Compact Nugget Ice Maker – Small Enough for Any Counter
Silonn’s SLIM17B is the most compact of these picks whose dimensions are listed, at 11.3 inches wide, 8.66 deep and 12.68 tall, according to the listing. That size suits an apartment kitchen, an office break room or the end of a bar.
The listing is inconsistent about output: the title says 36 pounds a day and the description says 33, so plan on the lower figure. Silonn says the first round of ice takes about 6 minutes. A single button starts the ice, colored indicator lights show the machine’s status, and holding the ICE/CLEAN button for 5 seconds starts the self-cleaning cycle. The top cover comes off so you can reach inside for a deeper clean, which is useful on a machine that holds water.
The listing doesn’t state the bin capacity, reservoir size or warranty. For a household that wants nugget ice for two or three people, the small footprint is the reason to choose it.
Why we like it
- 11.3 x 8.66 x 12.68 inches, per the listing
- Removable cover for deep cleaning
- Self-cleaning cycle
- First ice in about 6 minutes, per Silonn
Key specifications
| Machine | Silonn SLIM17B |
|---|---|
| Daily output | 33–36 lb (listing gives both) |
| First ice | About 6 minutes |
| Bin | Not stated |
| Side tank / water line | No; fill the reservoir |
| App / Wi-Fi | No |
| Self-clean | Yes, hold ICE/CLEAN 5 seconds |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if counter space decides everything and you want nugget ice for a small household.
Skip it if you want exact figures; the listing contradicts itself on output and leaves out the bin size.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very compact
- Removable cover
- Simple controls
Cons
- Conflicting output figures
- Bin size not stated
- Warranty not stated
6. Gevi V2.0 Nugget Ice Maker – Large Reservoir, Two Ways to Fill
First, the recall. In October 2023, the CPSC announced a recall of about 8,800 Gevi countertop nugget ice makers, model GIMN-1102 with date codes before June 1, 2022, because the auger blades could break and send metal pieces into the ice. The machine here is a different, later model, the Gevi V2.0, listed as GIMN-1000B. We found no recall for it, but if you own an older Gevi, check its model number against the CPSC notice.
According to the listing, the V2.0 makes up to 38 pounds a day from a 2.8-liter reservoir, with the first batch in 10 minutes or less. An infrared sensor stops production when the basket is full, a built-in descaling system cleans the internals, and Gevi says its double-layer insulation keeps ice for up to 12 hours. You can fill it by hand or switch to an automatic water-filling mode; the listing doesn’t explain what that mode connects to, so check the manual.
It measures 17.3 by 9.7 by 16.7 inches, runs at about 50 decibels according to Gevi, and has a 12-month warranty. Gevi also offers a free scale-inhibitor sample through customer service.
Why we like it
- 2.8-liter reservoir
- Manual or automatic water filling
- Full-basket sensor
- 12-month warranty
Key specifications
| Machine | Gevi V2.0 GIMN-1000B |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 38 lb |
| First ice | 10 minutes or less |
| Bin | Not stated |
| Side tank / water line | 2.8-liter reservoir; automatic-fill mode (hookup not stated) |
| App / Wi-Fi | No |
| Self-clean | Built-in descaling system |
| Warranty | 12 months |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a big reservoir and the option of automatic filling.
Skip it if the brand’s earlier recall puts you off; the Opal and Frigidaire picks have no recall history we found.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large reservoir
- Two filling options
- Insulated bin, per Gevi
Cons
- Earlier Gevi model was recalled
- Auto-fill setup not explained
- Bin size not stated
7. Euhomy 44 lb. Nugget Ice Maker – One Button for Ice, One for Cleaning
Euhomy’s IM017 keeps the controls to three buttons: ICE starts production, LIGHT illuminates the chamber, and CLEAN starts a 20-minute self-cleaning cycle with no disassembly. According to the listing, it makes up to 44 pounds of nugget ice a day from a 1.8-liter tank, with ice in 7 to 10 minutes.
It measures 13.9 by 9.85 by 14.95 inches, a middle size among these picks. Euhomy notes that new units come with a blue or green protective film to peel off before use. The listing doesn’t state the bin capacity or warranty.
As with the NewAir, a 44-pound rating from a 1.8-liter tank means frequent refills on a busy day. It is a straightforward machine for someone who wants nugget ice without an app or a side tank.
Why we like it
- Three simple buttons
- 20-minute self-cleaning cycle
- Up to 44 pounds a day, per Euhomy
- Interior light to check the ice
Key specifications
| Machine | Euhomy IM017-N1X2-US |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 44 lb |
| First ice | 7–10 minutes |
| Bin | Not stated |
| Side tank / water line | No; 1.8-liter tank |
| App / Wi-Fi | No |
| Self-clean | Yes, 20-minute cycle |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want nugget ice with the fewest controls to learn.
Skip it if you want the warranty in writing before you buy; the listing doesn’t give it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy to run
- Self-cleaning
- High stated output
Cons
- Small tank for its output
- Warranty not stated
- No independent review found
8. Typhur Nugget Ice Maker – App Scheduling and a Cleaning Pump
Typhur’s CM03P is a compact countertop nugget machine with a stainless steel exterior and a built-in carry handle. According to the listing, it makes up to 35 pounds of ice a day and measures about 12.1 by 9.7 by 12.1 inches, so it fits under most wall cabinets.
Its two differences from the other machines here are the app and the cleaning. The Typhur app can start or stop the machine and schedule ice in advance, so a batch can be ready before guests arrive for margaritas. For cleaning, Typhur says a built-in high-pressure pump circulates water through the system, and the box includes eight packs of its ice maker cleaner to help with mineral buildup.
The listing doesn’t state the first-batch time, the basket or reservoir size, or a warranty; check Typhur’s manual for the cleaning schedule.
Why we like it
- Schedule ice from the Typhur app
- Pump-driven self-cleaning, per Typhur
- Eight cleaner packs included
- Carry handle and compact body
Key specifications
| Machine | Typhur CM03P |
|---|---|
| Daily output | Up to 35 lb |
| First ice | Not stated on the listing |
| Bin | Not stated on the listing |
| Side tank / water line | Not stated on the listing |
| App / Wi-Fi | Yes, Typhur app |
| Self-clean | Yes, pump-driven cleaning |
| Warranty | Not stated on the listing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want nugget ice ready on a schedule and a cleaning routine that comes with its own supplies.
Skip it if you want a stated bin size before you buy, or a large batch for a party; 35 pounds a day is mid-range among these picks.
Pros and cons
Pros
- App control and scheduling
- Cleaning pump and cleaner included
- Stated compact dimensions
Cons
- Bin and tank sizes not stated
- App needs Wi-Fi
- Warranty not stated
How to choose a nugget ice maker
A nugget machine scrapes thin ice from a chilled cylinder and presses it into small, soft pieces. That takes more moving parts than a bullet machine, which is why size and cleaning matter more here.
1. Nugget or bullet ice
America’s Test Kitchen describes nugget ice as crunchy and a good match for sodas and seltzers, and bullet ice as soft and quick to melt. Nugget ice packs tightly around a drink, so it suits a tall glass of horchata, tamarindo or iced coffee. For a cooler of beer or a pitcher of margaritas on the rocks, a bullet or square-cube machine, or trays, makes more sense.
2. Output, tank and bin together
Look at three numbers. Daily output is the maker’s maximum, and GE’s own footnote shows it falling in a 90°F room. The water tank decides how often you refill: a 44-pound machine with a 1.8-liter tank needs topping up often, while the Opal 2.0 Ultra’s side tank and Gevi’s 2.8-liter reservoir go longer. The bin decides how much ice is ready when guests arrive, from 2 pounds on the Opal Mini to 3.97 on the Frigidaire.
3. The bin doesn’t freeze
America’s Test Kitchen points out that these machines are not freezers. Ice in the bin slowly melts and the water is recirculated to make new ice. For a party, run the machine ahead and bag nugget ice in the freezer, then set it out in an insulated bucket.
4. Cleaning, mold and scale
Any machine that holds standing water can grow mold and build up mineral scale if it isn’t cleaned. America’s Test Kitchen recommends cleaning about once a month, more often in hard-water areas. GE’s Opal manual is stricter: sanitize once a week, descale on a schedule that depends on your water, and consider distilled water if yours is hard. If your tap water is hard, plan for more frequent descaling. Follow the maker’s own instructions for which cleaner to use.
5. App, side tank or water line
Wi-Fi lets you schedule ice and get cleaning reminders on the GE machines, and Typhur’s app schedules ice too, though America’s Test Kitchen found it didn’t add much value. None of these picks lists a water-line connection; a side tank or a large reservoir is the practical way to refill less often.
How we picked these eight nugget ice makers
We read America’s Test Kitchen’s review of countertop ice makers in full, which names the Opal 2.0 its best nugget ice maker, and GE’s owner’s manual for the Opal 2.0 Ultra for its cleaning schedule. Everything else comes from the makers’ Amazon listings. We were unable to read Wirecutter’s or Serious Eats’ coverage, so we do not cite them. We looked for variety in size, output, tank and controls, and left out several near-identical listings from the same brands.
We checked every brand against the CPSC recall database. The only countertop nugget ice maker recall we found was Gevi’s GIMN-1102 in October 2023, which we describe above; the Gevi pick is a different model. We found no recall for any GE Profile Opal machine or for the other picks, and a search of cpsc.gov turned up none for Typhur. We have not used these machines ourselves.
Nugget ice maker questions, answered
What is the best nugget ice maker for home use?
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra for most homes, and the Opal Mini if space is tight. America’s Test Kitchen named the Opal 2.0 its best nugget ice maker.
Which nugget ice maker brand is best?
GE Profile’s Opal line is the one reviewers name most often, and its manual gives the clearest care instructions. Frigidaire, NewAir, Euhomy, Silonn, Gevi and Typhur all make capable machines whose figures here come from their own listings.
Is the GE Opal worth it?
If you drink nugget ice every day and will clean it weekly as GE recommends, yes. America’s Test Kitchen also notes it is heavy, bulky and expensive, so a smaller machine may suit occasional use better.
How often should you clean a nugget ice maker?
Follow your manual. GE recommends sanitizing the Opal 2.0 Ultra once a week and descaling based on water hardness; America’s Test Kitchen suggests cleaning ice makers about once a month at minimum.
Do nugget ice makers need a water line?
None of these picks lists one. You fill a reservoir by hand, and the Opal 2.0 Ultra adds a removable side tank so you refill less often.
Our final pick for chewable ice
Buy the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra for daily nugget ice with the clearest cleaning plan, or the Opal Mini for a smaller counter. Choose the Frigidaire Gallery for the biggest basket without an app, and the NewAir 44 lb. machine if you entertain.
More appliance and fixture guides: countertop ice makers, induction cooktops, kitchen faucets, water filter pitchers, oven thermometers, oven mitts, electric hot plates.
On a budget? See our guide to the best value nugget ice makers.
Nugget ice is at its best in a cold drink: read our guide to aguas frescas, make a pitcher with a horchata mix, or serve it from one of the best drink dispensers. When you’d rather someone else made the horchata, see our drinks or call to order.