Combines fast nugget-ice production, handy auto-cleaning and strong user satisfaction at a substantially lower cost than established premium competitors, offering outstanding value for home and party use.
Price Position vs Similar
$189.99
CheaperTypicalPricier
At the listed price this unit is well below many popular countertop nugget ice makers (premium/mid‑range models command noticeably higher prices). It positions this model as a budget‑friendly alternative to common brands.
Usability
Unknown
PoorFairGoodGreatExcellent
Very easy to use—portable countertop design with a handle, 5-minute ice production, auto-cleaning, and a perfect user rating indicate strong ease of setup and everyday operation for most people.
Overview
Looking for chewable, café-style ice without a built-in freezer? The Nugget Ice Maker Countertop is a portable, plug-in machine that promises soft “sonic” nugget ice ready in about 5 minutes and up to 40 lbs per day. It’s marketed for kitchens, offices, parties, and large families, and the current listed price is $189.99 with an average Amazon rating of 5.0 stars — a strong indicator that buyers appreciate the package.
Key Features & Highlights
Fast first batch: Ice ready in roughly 5 minutes for quick drinks and iced coffees.
High daily output: Up to 40 lbs/day of nugget-style ice — generous for a countertop model.
Nugget / Soft Sonic Ice: The popular chewable, soft-textured ice ideal for cocktails, smoothies, and soda.
Auto-cleaning: Built-in cleaning cycles reduce maintenance and help keep the machine hygienic.
Portable counter design: Compact footprint with a carry handle for moving between kitchen, patio, or office.
A Nice Fit for You If…
You love chewable “nugget” ice for drinks, smoothies, and juices.
You host small parties or gatherings and need steady ice without frequent refilling.
You live in an apartment or have no room for a freezer add-on and want a countertop solution.
You want a relatively low-maintenance machine with auto-cleaning features.
You need a portable option that’s easy to move between kitchen, office, and outdoor entertaining.
Your household goes through a lot of ice daily (kids, sodas, iced coffee) and needs a higher output.
You prefer softer ice that sits differently in drinks than hard cubes.
Practical Use Cases
Weekend barbecues: Put the machine on an outdoor counter or patio table to keep drinks flowing without trips to the freezer.
Home cafes: Deliver fast iced coffees and frappes that benefit from nugget ice’s textured melt-and-chill behavior.
Office kitchen: A compact unit that supplies multiple coworkers throughout the day without constant refills.
Family evenings: A steady stream of chewable ice for kids’ drinks and smoothies, reducing the need for bagged freezer ice.
Small events: Keeps a continuous supply of ice for punch bowls and drink stations during parties.
Experience & Feedback
In daily use, owners can expect a simple “fill-and-go” routine: add water to the reservoir, press start, and the first batch will form quickly. The nugget-style ice gives a softer chew and mixes well in drinks — particularly noticeable in iced beverages and blended drinks where texture matters. The compact countertop footprint and the visible carry handle make transferring the unit straightforward; it’s designed to be moved rather than permanently plumbed in.
Maintenance is kept easier by the advertised auto-cleaning feature, which reduces hands-on scrubbing between uses. Noise is typical for countertop ice machines — expect a compressor hum and periodic scraping sounds during cycling, louder during production and quieter at idle. Storage is simple: when not in use it tucks onto a pantry shelf or counter, though the reservoir and chute will need occasional wipes to avoid mineral buildup depending on local water hardness.
Pros & Cons
Rapid Start: First ice in about 5 minutes gets drinks ready fast.
High Output: 40 lbs/day keeps up with busy households and small parties.
Great Texture: Nugget/sonic ice is easy to chew and chills drinks evenly.
Portable Design: Countertop footprint with a handle makes relocation easy.
Price-Friendly: At $189.99 this sits in an accessible range for many buyers.
Typical Noise: Compressor and scraping sounds are noticeable during ice-making cycles.
Water Source: Uses a reservoir rather than direct plumbing, so expect occasional refills for heavy use.
Comparative Advantages
Compared with many compact countertop ice makers, this unit stands out for combining a fast first batch time with a high daily output and nugget-style ice — features often split across pricier or larger models. The added auto-clean function and carry handle tilt it toward users who want convenience and mobility without stepping up to built-in or plumbed-in commercial machines.
Audience Fit
Best for homeowners and renters who want café-style nugget ice without a major appliance install, hosts who entertain frequently, and offices that need a convenient ice solution. Less ideal for someone who wants a completely silent unit or who prefers to plumb an ice maker directly into water lines to avoid manual refills.
FAQs
How fast does it make ice?
First ice is ready in about 5 minutes, with a maximum output of up to 40 lbs per day.
What type of ice does it produce?
It produces nugget or “soft sonic” ice — chewable, textured pieces ideal for drinks and smoothies.
Is it easy to move around?
Yes. The countertop design includes a carry handle intended for portability between locations.
Does it require frequent cleaning?
It features an auto-cleaning function to reduce the need for manual maintenance, though occasional wiping of the reservoir and dispenser is recommended.
Who is this machine best for?
Large families, home entertainers, office kitchens, and anyone who prefers nugget ice and steady daily output without a built-in appliance.
Final Verdict
The Nugget Ice Maker Countertop hits a sweet spot: quick first-ice timing, impressive daily output, and the much-loved texture of nugget ice — all in a portable, countertop-friendly package with auto-cleaning convenience. At $189.99 and a strong customer rating, it’s a compelling choice for households and small hosts who want café-quality ice without installing a new appliance. If you prioritize chewable ice, frequent entertaining, or a mobile unit you can move from kitchen to patio, this machine is worth a close look. If you require whisper-quiet operation or hard-plumbed water hookups, consider alternatives tailored to those specific needs.
How It Stacks Up
The Nugget Ice Maker Countertop ($189.99) positions itself as a value-packed, midrange countertop nugget maker: fast (ready in ~5 minutes), high output (advertised 40 lbs/day), portable with a handle and auto-cleaning. Compared with established alternatives it undercuts many premium models on price while keeping the soft, chewable “sonic” ice that most buyers want for drinks and entertaining.
GE Profile Opal 2.0 — Premium positioning (noticeably pricier). Standout: reputation for consistent nugget texture, larger ice bin options and more advanced controls. Downside: higher cost and larger footprint. Best if you want a long-term, feature-rich countertop unit and don’t mind paying more.
NewAir Countertop Nugget Ice Maker — Mid-to-premium. Standout: stainless styling and often marketed for steady home-or-small-office output. Downside: typically costs a bit more than this Nugget model and can be heavier. Good for kitchen counters where durability and appearance matter.
Igloo Countertop Nugget Ice Maker — Budget-friendly. Standout: lower entry price and simple operation. Downside: smaller bin and lower daily output compared with the 40 lb/day target unit. Ideal if you need occasional nugget ice for small households or single-room use.
Euhomy Countertop Nugget Ice Maker — Budget-to-mid. Standout: compact footprint and competitive features like quick cycles and easy cleaning. Downside: fewer bells-and-whistles and variable long-term reliability reports. Good for tight spaces and buyers prioritizing value over premium build.
Who should buy this Nugget Ice Maker: households, regular entertainers and large families who want fast, high-output nugget ice at a midrange price with the convenience of portability and auto-cleaning. Who should consider an alternative: choose a premium Opal 2.0 or NewAir if you want a more premium finish, larger bin or reputation-backed model and don’t mind paying extra; pick an Igloo or Euhomy if upfront cost and compact size are your top priorities.
