The Best Portable Nugget Ice Maker Of 2024: Buying Guide & Reviews
By, Hailey AbbottUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: GE Profile Opal | Countertop Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank
GE Profile Opal Ice Maker is a compact, countertop machine that’s easy to use with its automatic ice-maker function. Produce nugget ice in as little as 15 minutes, and enjoy it in drinks like cocktails and sodas. This Ice Maker offers a system that's easy to use and includes features like auto shut-off and a removable filter basket. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Prime Home Direct Ice Makers Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
They make 100% pure ice, with no added sugar or chemicals. It's easy to use and maintain - just activate the cleaning cycle to eliminate mineral scale buildup to create fresh and clean ice every time. Made of high-quality 304 stainless steel and food-grade ABS materials for long-lasting durability and superior safety to produce healthy, clean ice cubes. Read Review
3. Best Capacity: Gevi Household Countertop Nugget Ice Maker Machine
Gevi is a unique household ice maker that produces nugget-type ice. Unlike those hard ice cubes, crushed nugget ice is made not only to cool down drinks fast but also to retain its flavor and provide crunchy chewable joy. Before you have to drive to chain stores for it, while now you can have it directly from your countertop whenever you like! Read Review
4. Best Adjustable: TRUSTECH Ice Maker - 9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins Nugget Ice Maker
A countertop ice maker that can make two different sizes of ice cubes. The small ice cubes can chill seafood and beer keeping it fresh and cold. Large ice cubes are more suitable for beverages to achieve a rapid cooling effect. Our sensor automatically detects when ice is full and stop producing to prevent overflowing. Read Review
Nugget ice makers resemble mini ice cream makers. It is capable of churning out one bowl of delicious nuggets in just a few minutes. It is also super easy to use and clean. You don’t even need electricity or water to make it work. The only thing you need to do is throw in the nugget cube and push the button. These machines are perfect for on-the-go snacks, parties, picnics, camping, and more. They are so much more convenient than ice trays or ice block makers.
And because nugget ice cubes are smaller in size, they melt faster than regular ice cubes too. If you have read our best cooler reviews article, then you might already be familiar with some of its features including an expandable space, lockable compartments, and an adjustable thermostat that keeps your food icy for longer periods of time. In this article, we will explore 10 of the best portable nugget icemaker that not only meets those requirements but also is comfortable and user-friendly too.
We think GE Profile Opal | Countertop Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank is the best of the best among the top models. If you were dissatisfied with the preceding item, you have the option of selecting Prime Home Direct Ice Makers Countertop Nugget Ice Maker as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched.
RELATED: We reviewed the best ice makers for home for making everything. Read unbiased best ice makers for home reviews and find the top-rated one for you guys.
Our Top Picks
- BATCH MADE ICE - Innovative design avoids clumping and leaks by recirculating melted ice to the water reservoir; You'll always have fresh ice on hand thanks to a smart, automatic ice maker that refills when your ice is running low
- SIDE TANK: Produce approximately 3X more ice with a side tank that easily attaches to the ice maker.
- PORTABLE - Easily move your ice maker as needed. No water hookup required, just plug it into any 120v grounded (standard) electrical outlet and fill the reservoir with water. As ice melts, the water returns to the reservoir, where it will simply be made back into more ice.
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE - Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its flavor, unlike traditional hard cubes; Refreshing nugget ice is made from compacted ice flakes and is perfect for cocktails, sodas and other beverages
- 24 POUNDS OF ICE PER DAY - Never run out of nugget ice; This ice maker produces one pound of fresh ice per hour and has a large-capacity bin that holds up to 3lbs of crunchable nugget ice
- MAINTAINING FRESH ICE: Descale your Opal once a month or more frequently if you live in an area with hard water to keep your nugget ice tasting fresh and machine working smoothly. See product manual for more details on how to care for your Opal ice maker.
- QUIET & ENERGY EFFICIENT - Ice Maker Machine is designed to be quiet; Runs on 120 watts with a silent cooling function. 2.2-liter water reservoir sits below ice basket, allowing you to reuse water from melted ice to make new ice.
- 1 YEAR WARRANTY - Purchase with confidence! Our customer’s satisfaction is of utmost important to us that why all our products are back by our 1 year warranty! Every order includes brand-new quality items that are carefully hand packaged and sealed in a box. If you are not happy with your order, contact us and we'll make it right, on us!
- SELF CLEANING: Maintaining your Prime Home Direct Ice Maker is so simple, just activate the cleaning cycle to eliminate mineral scale buildup to create fresh and clean ice every time. Made of high-quality 304 stainless steel and food-grade ABS materials for long-lasting durability and superior safety to produce healthy and clean ice cubes.
- EASY TO USE SMART FEATURES - Our ice maker has a smart features displayed on an LCD screen that shows the status of ice making, self-cleaning and alerts you when the ice basket is full or the water reservoir is empty. Just plug in the ice maker, fill the tank with water, press the on button, select the size and that's it.
- PORTABLE ICE MAKER - Measuring only 9.5 x 12.9 x 14 inches, this portable ice maker can go anywhere. Our ice makers countertop works fast, bullet-shaped ice-cubes in just 6 minutes—and up to 26 lbs of ice in 24 hrs. The nugget ice maker makes small and large ice cubes that are perfect for refreshments and cocktails. A Removable ice basket and a plastic scoop are included.
- 【🔇Disturbance Free】 With upgraded ice making technology and muted exhaust fan, the ice machine only makes slight steady humming sound that's even less than 40db while working.
- 【💯Thoughtful & Compact Design】 Latest nugget ice making technology, stainless steels housing, oblique translucent lid, intelligible control panel, 34Lbs light weighted body, small footprint occupation and more. Every effort is made for fancy appearance and easy application.
- 【😄Never Run Out of Ice】 26Lbs per 24 hours production capacity, plus an ice basket that holds up to 4.8Lbs and a 2.8L/3quarts water reservoir, you are never going to run out of ice.
- 【🧊Nugget Ice】 Also known as Pebble ice or Chewblet ice. Unlike those hard ice cubes, crushed nugget ice is made not only to cool down drinks fast but also to retain its flavor and provide crunchy chewable joy. Before you have to drive to chain stores for it, while now you can have it directly from your countertop whenever you like!
- 【🤝🏽100% Satisfaction Is Our Goal】 Gevi values your satisfaction. Every Gevi ice maker (purchased via official or authorized channel) entitles 12-month warranty and lifetime tech support. If you encounter any issue with Gevi ice maker, please feel free to contact us.
- 【❄️Keep Ice Cold】 Thick insulation material is used in housing to prevent ice from melting fast. Ice retention rate for 12h is 70% at 80℉ ambient temperature. Note: Ice basket does not have refrigeration system, transfer ice to freezer for long term storage.
- 【💧Dual Water Refill Mode】 Gevi nugget ice maker machine provides two ways of water refill, water hookup and manual.
- 【💵Energy Saving】 Equipped with smart IC chip, pauses ice making process when ice basket is detected full or water running low, restart when basket emptied or water refilled.
- 【🥂Safe and Healthy】 Equipped with automatic self-cleaning function. Run cleaning program periodically for healthy and fresh ice.
- 【☝Easy to Use】 Self-explanatory control panel and intelligible indicators makes the ice maker easy to use, even for the young and old. Just plug in and play.
- Quiet and User Friendly: When making ice cubes, the noise of this ice machine is lower than 40dB, similar to a working refrigerator. The transparent lid allows you to monitor the ice capacity. Our sensor automatically detects when ice is full and stop producing to prevent overflowing.
- High Quality & Self-cleaning: Our ice machine is portable and efficient with size of 10.24 x 14.57 x 13.39 inches Press the on/off button for 5 seconds to start the self-cleaning process.
- Fast Ice Making: The TRUSTECH ice maker only takes 6 minutes to make 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes. Fill 2L of water into the water tank, maximum ice capacity can reach 26 pounds in 24 hours.
- Two Sizes of Ice Cubes: This countertop ice machine can make two different sizes of ice cubes. Small ice cubes can chill seafood and beer keeping it fresh and cold. Large ice cubes are more suitable for beverages to achieve a rapid cooling effect.
- Easy to Control: Our control panel is very easy to operate. Fill the ice maker with water, press the on button, select the size of the ice cubes and that’s it. When the water is insufficient or the ice basket is full, the indicator light will turn on.
- Soft, Crunchy Nugget Ice In Minutes - Keep cool drinks flowing with ice on demand from the Mueller countertop ice maker machine. Favored by bartenders and restaurants for flavor absorbing ability, the crunchy nugget-shaped ice will keep you chilled and refreshed with up to 30lbs of ice per day. Portable to where you need, simply plug in and fill with water with no plumbing required, or else connect to a water supply for fully automated ice making.
- Self-Cleaning Function – Crafted with a durable stainless steel finish and food-grade materials, this sleek looking ice maker countertop will keep up with the demands of frequent use. Use the self-cleaning function to keep your ice cube maker’s interior hygienic and running efficiently for years to come. The convenient drainage valve lets you easily empty after use as well. Measures a compact 17.6 D x 9.7 W x 16.9 H inches.
- Easily Remove and Serve Ice - The ultra-insulated ice maker keeps your ice colder for longer in the 4.4lbs capacity ice basket. Monitor your ice through the large viewing window and open at any time to remove the basket, or else scoop directly with the handy ice scoop to make serving easy and hygienic. Give your drink the ice it deserves!
- Auto Features - Using infrared sensing technology, the energy-saving ice maker machine will stop automatically when it senses the ice basket is full, or when water is low. For maximum water efficiency, unused ice will slowly melt into the reservoir, and ice production will restart automatically so fresh ice is always on hand.
- Superior Quality With Mueller - We are here to offer you only the best quality products designed to make your life easier. If you need any help, please feel free to contact us. Our unparalleled 24/7 live telephone customer support is ready and waiting to assist with anything you need!
- ❉【Fast Ice Making with Super Capacity】:This ice maker machine can churn out its first batch of ice in just seven minutes.Thanks to a high-power cooling process,it can produce up to 26 lbs/12 kg of ice in 24 hrs per day.with its 2-liter/68 oz water reservoir.The crunchy,yet chewy nugget ice it makes is perfect for chilling any cocktail or blended beverage.
- ❉【Healthy & Durable Materials】:The portable ice maker is covered with sturdy stainless steel enclosure to construct the machine,corrosion-resistant and durable to ensure years of extended use,easy to clean and help make safe ice cubes.The size of the ice maker is (H)12.6*(W)8.7*(D)12.3 inches,which makes it perfect to be placed and carried anywhere,such as the kitchen,office,bar,garage,basement,RV,or parties.
- ❉【Simple to Use and Clean】:With a simple control panel,just simply add water,plug it in,press the power button and let it be,no more complex settings required.Indicator lights for "ICE FULL" or "ADD WATER" will alert you in time.Big clear view window for easy observation.No installation and plumbing required.Easy to clean with a simple wipe.
- ❉【Two Sizes of Ice Cubes】:This ice machine can make up to two different sizes of ice (small and large),fitting all of your cocktail-making needs. The ice maker indicators alert you to take out the ice cubes when the basket is full,as well as to add water when the machine is running low.
- ❉【Portable & Compact Ice Maker】:The lightweight and portable design of the countertop ice cube maker is easy to store or carry.You can place the mini portable ice maker countertop top rated prime anywhere,perfect for kitchen,office,bar,camping,RV,or parties.
- SELF-CLEANING FUNCTION: Don't worry about how to clean your ice machine maker. Our countertop ice maker equipped with the self-cleaning fuction.You only need to add water to the tank and long-press the ICE/CLEAN button for 5s to start auto-clean. This function makes cleaning a breeze and greatly simplifies daily maintenance.
- CHEWABLE NUGGET ICE: Kismile nugget ice maker makes crushed, chewable ice, unlike those hard ice cubes, crushed nugget ice is made to cool down drinks faster and provide crunchy chewable joy. Now you don't have to drive to the store to get crushed ice, you can have it directly from your countertop whenever you like!
- COMPACT PORTABLE SIZE: The portable ice maker measures 9.4*13.2*15.3inches. The compact size makes it very easy to carry. The ice maker countertop comes with an ice basket and ice scoop for easy ice storage. Ideal choice for Kitchen/Living room/Bedroom/Office/Party. Enjoy the cold and cool ice cubes anytime.
- EASY TO USE: The ice maker machine is equipped with a smart LCD panel. Any function can be solved in the Self-explanatory control panel: 1-24H timing, ice full reminder, water shortage reminder, self-cleaning. The visible window allows you to monitor the ice making process at any time without opening.
- QUICK CONTINUOUS ICE MAKING: Our ice maker is equipped with a powerful compressor but operates with low noise. After pressing the ICE/CLEAN button, the ice machine began to drop ice continuously after 10 minutes. Keeping the water tank full(capacity of 2.4L), it can produce 44lbs of nugget ice in 24hrs. Your family will never run out of fresh ice cubes.
- 🍺 【Packaging & Warranty】The package includes an ice shovel, ice basket, 9.19ft water inlet pipe, water inlet pipe joint NPT1/2. CROWNFUL offers a 12-month warranty and lifetime support. Customer Satisfaction is our TOP priority. If you have any problems, please feel free to contact us. Note: You'd better put the ice maker upright for at least 2-4 hours before using it.
- 🍹 【Simple & Smart Control Panel】The compact ice maker has the most advanced infrared sensing technology. The indicator light will remind you to take out the ice cubes when the basket is full. You can view the ice making process through the transparent window. It will automatic notify you to add water when the ice machine is short of water. At the same time, it also has an advanced one-touch self-cleaning function, which makes clean-up effortless, allowing for cleaner ice every time.
- 🥂 【Refill Water In 2 Ways】Is it troublesome to manually add water to small ice makers? CROWNFUL nugget ice maker will solve this problem for you. You only need to connect the machine to the water supply system. When the water tank is empty, the machine will automatically add water. You also can add water manually depending on your preference. There are two ways to add water to the machine. You also can choose whichever brings more convenience to you.
- 🍨 【Chewable Ice】Compared to standard tough ice cubes, the crunchy soft nugget ice blends easily with drinks, Cools the drink quickly and the granular Ice serve cold flavor and retain the taste of fresh drinks. Perfect for cocktails, whisky, sodas and other fruit tea chilled beverages.
- 🧊 【Efficient & Fast】The CROWNFUL stainless steel nugget ice machine has a powerful compressor but it operates with little noise. Fast as it could, it makes ice cubes in just 18 mins, producing 26lbs in 24h, and the bin could hold 3lbs at a time. After removing the ice cubes when the ice basket is full, please press the "ON/OFF" key to restart the ice machine. You can make ice anytime and enjoy it anytime.
- 🍹【Super Easy to Use】: No installation required, just add water, you can choose manually or automatically to add water (connect to a water pipe, the ice machine is also equipped with a water filter, you can install it with the water pipe). Press button, then get the bullet ice, there's built-in an ice crusher box, put in ice cubes, press button, then get the shaved ice. A drainage port is located at the bottom of the ice maker for easy maintenance and cleaning.
- 🍻【Quick and Efficient Ice Making & Ice Shaving】: This ice machine can produce about 33 lbs of ice per day. Only 10 minutes can produce 12 pcs of delicious ice cubes, you can do it anytime you want. The built-in ice crusher can make a full batch of fluffy shaved ice in seconds. It includes an ice scoop, a cup and a removable ice basket, so getting ice is a breeze, perfect for these hot summer days.
- 🍺【Full Ice & Low Water Intelligent Protection】: Our shaved ice maker is equipped with low water and full ice indicators. It will automatically stop making ice when there is low water/full ice. The nugget ice maker is equipped with a highly efficient compressor. Not only does the compressor make the crushed ice maker consume little energy, but also there's a recirculating water tank of ice maker, which will not cause water waste.
- 🍨【The Newest and Unique 2 In 1 Ice Machine & Ice Shaver】: Our portable ice maker is the newest and unique 2 In 1 ice machine with crusher on the market. It is very easy to use and convenient to make and shave ice at the same time for your different needs. Its energy, time and space saving features will bring you a super valuable experience. Size:12.2"*15.7"*16.5".
- 🥂【1 Year Warranty for Ice Makers countertop】: Customer satisfaction is our first consideration. IKER offers a 12-month warranty and free replacement. Certificates are complete, with strong quality assurance. Manufacturers' guarantee: If there is a quality problem, free product replacement within one year. If you encounter any problems, please contact us for help any time.
- 【Self-Cleaning & 24H Timer】Our ice makers countertop is equipped with a self-cleaning function. Simply add water to the tank and long-press the ICE/CLEAN button for 5s to initiate automatic cleaning. You can set the nugget ice maker to switch ON or OFF auto within 24 hours. When you wake up in the morning or get home from work in the evening, You can get a lot of ice from the ice machine immediately.
- 【Easy To Use & Compact Design】The countertop ice maker is equipped with a smart LCD panel. Any function can be solved in the control panel：1-24H timing, ice full reminder, water shortage reminder, self-cleaning. The visible window allows you to monitor the ice making process at any time without opening. The scompact size makes it very easy to carry. The ice maker countertop comes with an ice basket and ice scoop for easy ice storage.
- 【12-Month Warranty & Lifetime Tech Support】We value your satisfaction. All of our ice machines are covered by a 12-month warranty and lifetime tech support. If you have any problems with our ice machine, please feel free to call our number, and our after-sales staff will provide you with professional technical support.
- 【NUGGET ICE - THE GOOD ICE】 Also called “Pebble”, “Pellet”, “Chewable”, “opal” or even “Sonic” ice. Unlike traditional hard ice cubes，nugget ice is light and airy, incredibly satisfying to chew on. It doesn’t hurt your teeth. Nugget ice is Favored by bartenders and restaurants for flavor absorbing ability and perfect for cocktails, sodas and other beverages.
- 【44Lbs of Ice Per Day & Water Recycling System】10 minutes fast nugget ice making, up to 44Lbs per 24 hours production capacity, plus a 2.4L water reservoir, you'll always have fresh pebble ice. Energy efficient innovative design by recirculating melted ice into the water tank, the ice machine will just keep making it back into ice,so a pretty convenient cycle to have continuous ice even if you’re not scooping it right away.
What to Look For in a best portable nugget ice maker?
Some of you may be reluctant to select one of the best portable nugget ice maker, to be honest. The main reason is that you didn’t study that before. There are pretty lots of factors that must be considered when investing in best portable nugget ice maker. You are expected to count on our expertise in best portable nugget ice maker to make the right choice.
So now we move on to the significant factors related to best portable nugget ice maker you must keep in mind:
Additional Features
Speed
Noise Factor
Type Of Ice Maker
Size
Ice Storage Capacity
RELATED: We did the research for you. Our research has helped many users find the best ice making machine. Compare prices, features, and opinions from the experts.
FAQs
How Do You Clean An Ice Maker?
Start by unplugging the icemaker. If your ice maker has a drain cap, turn the unit upside down to empty the reservoir. Take out the ice container and use a sponge moistened with vinegar and warm water to clean it. Then, use the vinegar-water mixture to clean the interior. You can also wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. Finally, wipe everything with a dry, soft cloth. Allow your icemaker to dry completely for at least an hour, then insert the ice storage container and turn on the machine. If you have an icemaker with a cleaning mode, activate it immediately. You can also allow your icemaker to create ice for a few cycles, then throw it out or give it to plants.
Can You Leave Ice Makers On All The Time?
The exact answer will depend on your ice maker but, generally speaking, it's no. You can use portable ice makers to make ice. They are not intended to be used to freeze ice. When they're not producing ice, they should be shut off so that the units can have time to cool down between cycles.
Do Portable Ice Makers Need A Water Line?
Most portable icemakers have water reservoirs that can be moved around and do not require a water line. There are some units available that can be used by home owners, but they may need a water supply and drain.
How Do Countertop Ice Makers Work?
Different models may have different ice making processes, but the general principle is that the water gets pumped into the molds to make the ice. When the ice has frozen in the molds, the icemaker monitors and heats them slightly to melt the ice and allow it to be released into the container. As long as water is available, and/or there's enough space within the storage bin to hold more ice, this process will continue.
Do Any Countertop Ice Makers Keep Ice Frozen?
Countertop ice makers don't usually have an area for freezing ice. Even though they may be well-insulated, the ice is still likely to melt. After melting, the water returns to its reservoir and can then be frozen once more. Ice makers that are larger or more expensive may have a freezer section to keep the ice froze.
Should You Use Distilled Water In An Ice Maker?
Be sure to check the specific instructions that come with your machine. Some machines recommend that you only use filtered water. Others suggest that you use distilled water. Each is better than tap water. This can create cloudy cubes in your machine and lead to mineral deposit buildup.
The list of best portable nugget ice maker is frequently updated whenever new data becomes available. Please take more time to visit our website to stay up-to-date with changes in the product.
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About Hailey Abbott
