10 Best Ice Makers 2025 in the United States

The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice for anyone wanting quick and convenient ice at home. It produces up to 35 pounds of chewable nugget ice daily, with the first batch ready in just 7 minutes—great for gatherings or daily use. Its 2.3-liter water tank and transparent ice storage let you keep an eye on ice levels easily. The nugget ice, known for its soft, crunchy texture, is perfect for drinks like cocktails, sodas, or slushies and melts slower than regular ice cubes, helping preserve flavors.

This model is compact and stylish, fitting comfortably on most countertops without taking up too much space, and weighs about 22 pounds, making it portable. It’s designed to be user-friendly, featuring one-click operation and LED indicators for water levels and ice status. Maintenance is simplified with a quick self-cleaning function activated by a single button press, which completes in 15 minutes. Noise levels are low at 43 dB, so it operates quietly in the background.

Although specific energy efficiency ratings are not detailed, the use of R600a refrigerant suggests a more eco-friendly design. For those seeking fast, tasty nugget ice without complex setup or loud machines, this Kismile model is a fitting option, while users needing larger ice storage or commercial-level output may find it less suitable.

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL is a countertop nugget ice maker designed to deliver chewable, soft nugget ice that’s great for drinks and easy to enjoy. It produces up to 38 pounds of ice in 24 hours, which is quite impressive for a home or small office setup, and the 3-pound storage bin means you have a ready supply on hand. Its built-in 1-gallon water tank eliminates the need to connect to a water line, making it portable and simple to place almost anywhere, though you will need to refill the tank periodically. The unit is moderately sized, about 17.5 inches deep and 13.4 inches wide, so it fits well on most countertops without taking up too much space.

Energy consumption is average for this type of appliance with a 300-watt power rating. It includes smart features like WiFi connectivity, allowing you to monitor ice levels and set schedules via an app, plus voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, which adds convenience. Similar models typically produce a low hum that is generally unobtrusive.

Maintenance is user-friendly, featuring an advanced cleaning system that keeps the ice fresh and the machine running smoothly, though the cleaning kit and water filter are sold separately. The ice it makes is soft nugget ice, favored for its texture and ability to chill drinks quickly without watering them down. A potential downside is the relatively small ice storage capacity, which might require more frequent scooping if you need larger amounts of ice at once, and the initial purchase cost along with optional maintenance accessories could increase the total expense. This GE Profile model is a stylish, smart, and efficient nugget ice maker that’s easy to use and maintain.

The Scotsman Brilliance Nugget SCN60PA1SU is a solid choice if you need a reliable undercounter ice maker for commercial or home use. It can produce up to 80 pounds of nugget-style ice, which is soft and chewable—great for drinks and healthcare settings. The built-in storage bin with a self-closing door helps keep the ice clean and insulated, though you won’t find a large ice storage capacity compared to some standalone machines.

The machine runs on standard 115 volts with moderate energy use at 120 watts. Its pump drain design simplifies installation but requires access to plumbing. At about 23 by 15 by 34 inches and weighing 129 pounds, it’s designed more for a fixed spot rather than portability. While it doesn’t highlight specific features for easy cleaning, Scotsman is known for durable, easy-to-maintain equipment. The reversible door adds flexibility for tight spaces.

If you want fast, chewable nugget ice from a compact undercounter unit and have plumbing nearby, this machine fits well. For those needing a portable model or a very large ice storage solution, other options might be more suitable.