The Best Nugget Ice Makers (and Countertop Ice Makers) for 2026
By Claire Whitmore. Last updated October 2026.
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Nugget ice, the soft, chewable pellets made famous by Sonic, is one of those small luxuries that’s hard to give up once you’ve had it at home. It soaks up the flavor of your drink, it’s easy to chew and it packs a glass beautifully. A countertop nugget ice maker brings it to your kitchen or home bar.
We based our picks on Wirecutter’s May 2026 testing of countertop ice makers, which compared nugget, bullet and clear-ice machines. We haven’t tested these machines ourselves. Prices change often, so check the current price before you buy.
Quick answer: the GE Profile Opal 2.0 with side tank is the nugget ice maker to get. If you don’t need nugget ice, a bullet ice maker like the Magic Chef MCIM22 costs a fraction of the price.
What is nugget ice?
Nugget ice, also called pellet, chewable or “Sonic” ice, is made differently from ordinary cubes. Instead of freezing water in a tray or mold, a nugget machine freezes thin layers of ice on a chilled surface, scrapes them off as flakes and compresses the flakes into small, soft pellets. The result is airy and porous. That’s why it’s easy to chew, why it soaks up the flavor of your drink, and why it packs a glass so densely.
Because the process is more complex, nugget machines cost more than bullet makers, which freeze water around chilled metal prongs to make hollow, bullet-shaped cubes. Clear ice machines freeze water slowly in layers to push out the air, which is what gives the ice its transparency.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Ice type | Key detail | Approx. price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 (side tank) | Nugget | About 1.5 lb an hour; about 3 lb bin | About $649 |
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 (no side tank) | Nugget | Same machine, refill more often | Less than the tank version |
| Iceman Nugget | Nugget | About half the Opal’s price | Check current price |
| Magic Chef MCIM22 | Bullet | 9 cubes about every 8 minutes; up to 27 lb a day | About $189 |
| Igloo IGLICEBSC26 | Bullet | Self-cleaning | About $130 |
| Luma Comfort IM200 | Clear | Batches every 20-24 minutes | About $246 |
*Prices from Wirecutter’s May 2026 guide. Check current prices.
The best nugget and countertop ice makers
1. GE Profile Opal 2.0 with side tank: best nugget ice maker
Best for: anyone who loves chewable nugget ice and entertains often.
Wirecutter’s top nugget ice pick. It makes about 1.5 pounds of nugget ice an hour and holds about 3 pounds in its bin. The side tank means you refill water less often. It measures about 16.5 inches tall and 17.5 inches deep, so check that it fits under your cabinets. It has Wi-Fi and voice control, and a UV light that Wirecutter didn’t test. GE offers a 60-day return window and a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- The nugget ice maker Wirecutter recommends
- Side tank cuts refills
- App and voice control
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky on a counter
- Short 1-year warranty
2. GE Profile Opal 2.0 without side tank: best value Opal
Best for: smaller kitchens and people who don’t mind refilling.
Wirecutter notes the Opal 2.0 is also sold without the side tank for less. It’s the same nugget ice, with a smaller water reservoir.
Pros
- Same nugget ice for less
- Smaller footprint
Cons
- More frequent refills
3. Iceman Nugget Ice Maker: best budget nugget
Best for: nugget fans who don’t want to pay Opal prices.
Wirecutter found the Iceman Nugget works and costs about half as much as the Opal, but it has little track record.
Pros
- About half the Opal’s price
- Makes real nugget ice
Cons
- Unproven long-term reliability
4. Magic Chef MCIM22: best bullet ice maker
Best for: everyday ice without nugget prices.
Wirecutter’s bullet ice pick at about $189. It makes nine bullet-shaped cubes about every eight minutes and up to 27 pounds a day. Bullet ice is hollow and melts faster than solid cubes, but it’s fast and cheap.
Pros
- Fast
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Bullet ice melts quickly
- Not nugget ice
5. Igloo IGLICEBSC26: best budget bullet
Best for: the lowest price with self-cleaning.
Wirecutter’s budget bullet pick at about $130, with a self-cleaning function.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Self-cleaning
Cons
- Bullet ice
- Basic features
6. Luma Comfort IM200: best clear ice
Best for: home bars and cocktail lovers.
Wirecutter’s clear-ice pick at about $246. It makes batches of clear ice every 20 to 24 minutes. Clear ice looks great in cocktails and melts more slowly than bullet ice.
Pros
- Clear, cocktail-ready ice
- Mid-range price
Cons
- Slower than bullet machines
Nugget, bullet or clear: which ice is right?
| Ice type | Texture | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nugget | Soft, chewable, absorbs flavor | Soda, iced tea, juice, smoothies | Pricier machines; can flatten fizzy drinks |
| Bullet | Hollow, light | Everyday drinks, coolers | Melts fast |
| Clear | Solid, transparent | Cocktails, whiskey | Slower production |
Wirecutter points out that nugget ice’s texture can flatten fizzy drinks faster. If you mostly drink sparkling water or soda, that’s worth knowing.
How to choose a countertop ice maker
Size and fit
Measure the space under your upper cabinets. The Opal 2.0 is about 16.5 inches tall and 17.5 inches deep, which suits most counters but not all, especially once you allow room to open the lid and reach the scoop.
Production and storage
Countertop machines don’t keep ice frozen. The bin is insulated, but ice slowly melts and is recycled into new ice. If you entertain, start the machine a few hours early or bag ice in your freezer.
Water supply
Most countertop machines use a reservoir you fill by hand. A side tank, like the Opal’s, cuts refills.
Cleaning
Every ice maker needs regular cleaning and descaling to prevent mold and scale, Wirecutter notes. Self-cleaning modes help but don’t replace a proper clean. Filtered water reduces scale.
Placement and environment
Countertop ice makers are designed for indoor use around room temperature, about 70°F, according to Wirecutter. They’re not built for outdoor kitchens or hot garages.
Warranty
Most countertop ice makers have 1-year warranties, Wirecutter says. The Opal’s 60-day return window gives you time to make sure it suits you.
Is a nugget ice maker worth it?
A countertop nugget machine costs several times as much as a bullet ice maker, so it’s fair to ask whether the ice is worth the premium. It comes down to how you drink. If your household goes through glass after glass of iced tea, soda, lemonade, cold brew or smoothies, and you love chewable ice, a nugget maker is a daily pleasure. Many owners say it’s one of the most-used appliances in the kitchen.
If you mostly need ice for a cooler, an occasional cocktail or a glass of water, it’s harder to justify. Your freezer’s ice maker or a cheaper bullet machine will do the job. And if you mainly drink fizzy drinks, remember Wirecutter’s note that nugget ice can flatten carbonation faster.
Countertop vs undercounter ice makers
This guide covers countertop machines, which sit on a counter and are filled by hand. Undercounter ice makers are built into cabinetry, plumbed into a water line and drained, much like a dishwasher. They’re a feature of high-end kitchens and home bars, and they cost far more and require installation. A countertop machine is the easy way to get nugget ice without remodeling, and you can move it or store it when you need the counter space.
How to keep your ice maker clean
- Empty and dry the bin and reservoir if you won’t use the machine for a few days.
- Run the cleaning or descaling cycle as often as the manual recommends, more often if you have hard water.
- Wipe the scoop and bin regularly, and don’t leave the scoop sitting in the ice.
- Use filtered water to reduce scale and improve taste.
- Check for any pink or black residue, which means it’s overdue for a full clean.
Tips for better ice at home
Start the machine a few hours before guests arrive so the bin is full. For big parties, make ice ahead and bag it in your freezer. Nugget ice freezes into a block over time, so break it up before serving. Keep the machine away from ovens, dishwashers and sunny windows, since warm surroundings slow production. And give it some space around the vents so it can breathe.
Drinks that shine with nugget ice
- Iced tea and lemonade, where the ice soaks up flavor
- Cold brew and iced lattes
- Mint juleps, mojitos and tiki drinks that call for crushed ice
- Smoothies and frozen drinks blended at home
- Simple chilled water, which is far more appealing over a glass of soft ice
Where a nugget ice maker fits
A nugget ice maker is a natural upgrade for a home bar or coffee station. Pair it with our picks for home bar gifts or set it beside one of the best luxury espresso machines for iced lattes. It also makes a thoughtful gift for home cooks.
How we researched this guide
We don’t test ice makers in-house. Our picks and specs come from Wirecutter’s May 2026 guide to countertop ice makers. Prices are from Wirecutter’s listings and change often.
FAQ
What is the best nugget ice maker?
Wirecutter recommends the GE Profile Opal 2.0 with side tank.
How much nugget ice does the Opal 2.0 make?
About 1.5 pounds an hour, with a bin that holds about 3 pounds.
Is a nugget ice maker worth it?
If you love nugget ice and drink a lot of iced drinks, yes. If you just need ice, a bullet machine costs far less.
Do countertop ice makers keep ice frozen?
No. The bin is insulated, but ice slowly melts and is recycled into new ice.
Can I use a countertop ice maker outside?
They’re designed for indoor use around 70°F, so they’re not suited to outdoor kitchens.
