We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Countertop Nugget Ice Makers 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Kismile Nugget Ice Makers Countertop,Portable Ice Machine with Crushed Ice, 35lbs/Day,Self-Cleaning,One-Click Operation for Home Use(Silver)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,339
Ice Production Capacity
Size and Portability
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
1223 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
Starts delivering fresh ice quickly and keeps up well with heavy use, eliminating the hassle of waiting or running out during gatherings.
Size and Portability
Compact countertop size blends power and portability, fitting easily in kitchens without taking up too much space.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The one-button self-cleaning function is a game-changer, making maintenance effortless and ensuring consistently fresh-tasting ice.
Noise Level
Operates quietly, so it won’t disturb conversations or household peace while dispensing ice.
Water Source
Refilling is needed for continuous use, but the water tank fills up surprisingly fast, supporting steady ice production.

The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker is a compact and stylish countertop machine that produces up to 35 pounds of chewable nugget ice per day, making it a great fit for home use or small gatherings. It starts making ice quickly, with the first batch ready in just 7 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long for fresh ice. The included 1.1-liter water tank supports continuous ice production, though it needs refilling for extended use. Its transparent lid helps you keep an eye on ice levels without opening the machine.

One standout feature is the simple one-button self-cleaning function, which takes just 15 minutes—this makes maintenance easy and keeps the ice tasting fresh. The machine runs quietly at about 43 decibels, so it won’t disturb your household or conversations. At roughly 11.3 by 8.7 by 12.7 inches and weighing around 22 pounds, it’s reasonably portable but still substantial enough to stay firmly on a countertop. The machine uses a built-in water tank, so it doesn’t require a direct water connection, which adds to its convenience but means you’ll need to refill it manually.

This ice maker is well-suited for those wanting quick, chewable nugget ice with minimal fuss. However, if you need very large batches or automatic water hookup, you might want to consider bigger models.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,339
Ice Production Capacity
Size and Portability
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
1223 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
Starts delivering fresh ice quickly and keeps up well with heavy use, eliminating the hassle of waiting or running out during gatherings.
Size and Portability
Compact countertop size blends power and portability, fitting easily in kitchens without taking up too much space.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The one-button self-cleaning function is a game-changer, making maintenance effortless and ensuring consistently fresh-tasting ice.
Noise Level
Operates quietly, so it won’t disturb conversations or household peace while dispensing ice.
Water Source
Refilling is needed for continuous use, but the water tank fills up surprisingly fast, supporting steady ice production.
#2

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank and Scale Inhibiting Filter, Scoop Included, 38 lbs in 24 Hours, Pellet Ice Machine with WiFi & Smart Connected, Stone White

Rating
9.7
Ice Making Speed
Noise Level
Ice Production Capacity

Most important from
111 reviews

Ice Making Speed
The ice maker starts producing nugget ice within minutes of setup, showcasing impressive speed and efficiency.
Noise Level
Its remarkably quiet operation makes it unobtrusive and suitable for any home environment.
Ice Production Capacity
Consistent ice production ensures a steady supply, perfect for hosting parties or daily use.

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice if you want soft, chewable nugget ice that cools drinks quickly and is fun to snack on. It produces up to 38 pounds of ice per day with the first batch ready in about 10 minutes, which is fast for home use. A standout feature is its large removable water tank, which means you won’t need to refill it often, making it more convenient than models with smaller reservoirs. The machine also includes an advanced cleaning system that helps keep the ice tasting fresh without manual scrubbing, which is great for maintenance.

The touch display is sleek and easy to use, allowing quick control and even WiFi connectivity for smart monitoring. Its size is fairly compact for a nugget ice maker, fitting well on most countertops, though at about 38 pounds it’s not the lightest if you plan to move it often. The inclusion of a scale-inhibiting filter is a nice bonus to prevent buildup and extend the life of the machine.

Priced at a premium level, this model may be more than casual users need. For those who frequently entertain or love nugget ice, this appliance effectively balances performance, ease of use, and cleaning.

Rating
9.7
Ice Making Speed
Noise Level
Ice Production Capacity

Most important from
111 reviews

Ice Making Speed
The ice maker starts producing nugget ice within minutes of setup, showcasing impressive speed and efficiency.
Noise Level
Its remarkably quiet operation makes it unobtrusive and suitable for any home environment.
Ice Production Capacity
Consistent ice production ensures a steady supply, perfect for hosting parties or daily use.
#3

GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL with 1 Gallon Tank, Chewable Crunchable Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, Scoop included, 38 lbs in 24 hours, Pellet Ice Machine with WiFi & Smart Connected, Stainless Steel

Rating
9.4
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Storage Capacity
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
1929 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
The Opal ice maker makes copious amounts of ice and is easy to fill and clean.
Ice Storage Capacity
Pellet ice is the best, and the water tank means refilling only about once a week.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Super easy to use, even set on a schedule.
Noise Level
Reasonably quiet operation, though the dropping of ice can be louder than the compressor.

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL is a solid choice for anyone who loves nugget ice, often referred to as 'the good ice' for its chewable texture. It can produce an impressive 38 pounds of ice in a day, which is more than enough for most households or small gatherings. The quick ice-making speed is also a highlight, with the first batch ready in about 10 minutes. This model features a convenient built-in water tank that eliminates the need for an external water source, making it easier to use and clean.

One of the standout features is its smart technology. The built-in WiFi allows you to monitor and control the ice maker via the SmartHQ app, as well as using voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. This can be quite handy for tech-savvy users who appreciate automation in their appliances.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the ice storage capacity is decent at 3 pounds, frequent users may find themselves needing to refill it often, especially with a high ice production rate. Additionally, the machine might generate more noise than some would like, which can be a factor in a quiet home. The need for separate purchases, such as a water filter and cleaning kit, might also be seen as an inconvenience. In terms of maintenance, the cleaning system is advanced, but it requires regular upkeep to ensure optimal performance and taste. The stainless steel design is sleek and fits well in modern kitchens, but it also means it can be heavy at 38 pounds, which may limit portability. The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL is ideal for ice enthusiasts who want quality and quantity, plus the added convenience of smart features.

Rating
9.4
Ice Production Capacity
Ice Storage Capacity
Ease of Use and Maintenance

Most important from
1929 reviews

Ice Production Capacity
The Opal ice maker makes copious amounts of ice and is easy to fill and clean.
Ice Storage Capacity
Pellet ice is the best, and the water tank means refilling only about once a week.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Super easy to use, even set on a schedule.
Noise Level
Reasonably quiet operation, though the dropping of ice can be louder than the compressor.

Buying Guide for the Best Countertop Nugget Ice Makers

Choosing the right countertop nugget ice maker can significantly enhance your kitchen experience, especially if you love having chewable, nugget-style ice for your drinks. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a countertop nugget ice maker.
Ice Production CapacityIce production capacity refers to the amount of ice the machine can produce in a 24-hour period. This is important because it determines how much ice you can have available at any given time. If you entertain often or have a large family, you might need a machine with a higher production capacity, typically around 30-40 pounds per day. For smaller households or occasional use, a machine with a lower capacity, around 20 pounds per day, might be sufficient.
Ice Storage CapacityIce storage capacity is the amount of ice the machine can hold at one time. This is crucial because it affects how often you need to empty the ice bin. Larger storage capacities, such as 3 pounds or more, are ideal for frequent use or parties, while smaller capacities, around 1-2 pounds, are suitable for personal or occasional use. Consider your typical ice usage to determine the right storage capacity for you.
Ice Making SpeedIce making speed indicates how quickly the machine can produce ice. This is important if you need ice on demand or for events. Faster machines can produce ice in as little as 10-20 minutes, which is great for immediate needs. Slower machines might take 30 minutes or more, which could be fine for regular, daily use. Think about how quickly you need ice and choose a machine that meets your timing requirements.
Size and PortabilityThe size and portability of the ice maker are important for ensuring it fits well in your kitchen space and can be moved if necessary. Compact models are ideal for small kitchens or limited counter space, while larger models might be better for those with more room. If you plan to move the ice maker frequently, look for lighter models with handles or wheels for easier transport.
Ease of Use and MaintenanceEase of use and maintenance includes features like user-friendly controls, self-cleaning functions, and easy-to-remove ice bins. These aspects are important for ensuring the machine is convenient to operate and maintain. Look for models with intuitive interfaces and minimal maintenance requirements if you prefer a hassle-free experience. If you don't mind a bit of upkeep, more advanced models with additional features might be suitable.
Noise LevelNoise level refers to how loud the machine is during operation. This is important if you plan to use the ice maker in a quiet environment, such as an office or a home with open living spaces. Quieter models are typically rated around 40-50 decibels, which is similar to a quiet conversation. Louder models might be around 60 decibels or more, which could be disruptive in certain settings. Consider where you will use the machine and choose a noise level that won't interfere with your environment.
Water SourceThe water source for the ice maker can be either a built-in water reservoir or a direct water line connection. This is important for convenience and installation. Models with a water reservoir are easier to set up and can be placed anywhere, but require manual refilling. Direct water line models offer continuous ice production without the need for refilling, but require a more complex installation. Choose based on your preference for convenience and installation complexity.

FAQ