Any ice enthusiast will tell you that not all ice is the same. Nugget ice, pebble ice, or sonic ice are the best because they come in tiny bits that are soft, porous, chewable, and absorbs the taste of your cocktail or soda. The secret to a dashing cocktail is not just the type of ice you use or your preferred liquor but also serving it in a good gin and tonic glass.
It is ideal for scotch, bourbon, or whatever your choice of drink is because it lets the color of your beverage show through and eventually settles at the bottom. It is famous thanks to Sonic and Chick-Fil-A.
An under-counter ice maker is a perfect addition to your kitchen if you enjoy making cocktails, frequently host gatherings, or prefer having ice-cold beverages.
The best under-counter nugget ice maker effectively produces enough clear and tasty ice cubes to meet your needs. Read on to find our top recommendations and the qualities to look for when choosing the best under-counter ice makers.
Nugget vs. Bullet vs. Crushed Ice
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Chewable, pearl, sonic, nugget, pebble, and pellet ice are all the same type of ice. Scotsman produced the first nugget ice maker in 1981, but now the competition has increased, and several companies make nugget ice makers.
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Sonic ice is the best because it is transparent and chewable and doesn't alter the flavor of your beverage, but bullet ice isn't. Instead, it is a thin hazy form of ice resembling a bullet and melts faster than regular ice. Sonic and Chick-fil-A are some of the first food restaurants to develop a reputation for their sonic ice.
Pebble ice is lighter, fluffier, more absorbent, and easier to chew than regular ice. In addition, it easily fits into a cup due to its compact size.
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On the other hand, crushed ice from a refrigerator ice dispenser has a chewier texture than regular ice cubes but is not the same shape or feel as nugget ice. Bullet ice is as cylindrical as nugget ice but just as hard as the food in your freezer trays.
Countertop vs. Under-counter/Built-in Ice Maker
1. Built-in Nugget Ice Maker
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You can have an endless supply of ice with a built-in nugget ice maker in your bar or kitchen. Most built-in ice makers fit perfectly under the counter and do not take up extra counter or floor space in your kitchen. They can either come as panel ready or with a stainless steel swing door that fits your style.
They also have large capacity ice bins so you will not run out of ice during a party. Additionally, an under-counter ice maker can produce 60+ pounds of nugget ice daily.
They are more expensive than countertop ice makers because they are powerful machines that produce lots of pebble ice and last longer. More electricity is required to run these machines compared to the countertop ones.
2. Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
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A counter ice maker is portable so you can place it anywhere in your kitchen, living room, or bar. However, it is limited in terms of storage compared to the under-the-counter, as most can produce 40-60 pounds of ice nuggets daily.
Best Under-counter Nugget Ice Maker
1. Electactic Nugget Ice Maker
- Compact Design: The dimensions of our Nugget Ice Maker Machine is...
- 24H Keep ice for longer: Electactic Commercial Nugget Ice Maker...
- Quiet and Efficient Ice Making: Powerful compressor can produce...
- Large Capacity Fast Ice Making - This built-in & Freestanding...
- Self-Cleaning Function & Automatic Water Supply - Press the...
It has been quite advantageous to use the Electactic Nugget Ice Maker. The first batch of ice was created in less than 6 mins giving a constant supply of the nugget ice for beverages. It is portable and can easily fit under the bar countertop, making it easy to access during parties.
The two ice box divisions are convenient and the mini one is very useful when traveling. It guarantees that one has a constant supply especially for preparations that require a lot of ice like making iced drinks and beverages. The insulating quality is great; even after a party, all the ice is nearly still intact and could be used again.
As with the other features, the self-cleaning feature makes cleaning much easier. With just a push of the button it does everything for you thus enabling one to fully indulge in his/her beverages. In summary, if you are in the market for a durable and effective ice maker, this Electactic model can be a good choice for you.
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2. NewAir Nugget Ice Maker
- [HIGH-CAPACITY ICE PRODUCTION] – Enjoy the luxury of up to 66...
- [CONVENIENT DIRECT CONNECTION] – Say goodbye to the hassle of...
- [DURABLE AND STYLISH DESIGN] - The smudge-resistant...
- [SMART SCHEDULING AND CONTROL] - With a versatile timer, you can...
- [HYGIENIC AND SAFE OPERATION] - This self cleaning ice maker has...
This machine will offer you continuous supply of chewable nugget ice. With the ability to produce 66 pounds daily, you can cool all your beverages in time for that gathering or movie night. The ice is very coarse, this is excellent for cocktails, sodas and even chewing on as some people do.
What makes installation easier is the fact that the device connects directly to a water line. You are not going to have to drag yourself to the store to get ice in bags anymore. The programmable timer on the machine allows the user to easily set a schedule that the ice production will follow.
It is however important to note that some users have noted leaking problems at some point in time, a possible issue especially soon after buying the product. The size may also be an issue, as you may need to ensure that the appropriate space is given in the kitchen or bar area.
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3. EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker
- 6 MINS ICE-MAKING & NUGGET ICE: Quench your thirst fast with...
- COMPACT & PORTABLE DESIGN: Our nugget ice maker has a sturdy...
- SMART & AUTO-CLEANING: Unlike other ice makers that run in...
- QUIETER & ENERGY-SAVING: Our countertop nugget ice maker...
- ETL CERTIFICATION & SERVICE PROMISE: Our nugget ice maker is ETL...
You are going to love how fast the EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker produces that satisfying snow-like ice nuggets. It’s especially suitable for beverages and it doesn’t water them down; great for barbecues or casual family dinners. The slim model is easy to place in smaller locations, and you can take it for a weekend camping or to a friend’s house easily.
Using this machine is quite simple. Auto-clean is also an incredible bonus to this ice maker as it saves much effort that may be used to clean the appliance frequently. This definitely handles the cleaning part and it reduces one more chore. You will also have all the satisfaction you need whether you utilize its services often, or only once in a while.
However, there are minor drawbacks. It may also be somewhat loud, particularly when other ambient noise levels are comparatively low. Furthermore, some users have reported the ice full sensor may fail to work causing jams.
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4. GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
- Note : Please check the dimension and item weight of the product...
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE - Serve up chewable, crunchable,...
- 24 POUNDS OF ICE PER DAY - Begin enjoying your first batch of ice...
- BUILT-IN WIFI AND VOICE CONTROL - Easily pair your ice maker’s...
- WATER TANK - Eliminate the need for an outside water source with...
Some of the features that make the GE Profile Opal 2.0 special include crisp and fluffy ice that improves your drinks. As soon as the product is unpacked, the installation process becomes very easy. Place it near a water source for easy access; the availability of the extra water tank makes its usage even easier.
The multiple features are quite remarkable. Being able to connect to the SmartHQ app means you can monitor the ice production, or change settings if needed. It can be really convenient for any household especially with families with active kids who enjoy snacking on ice.
However, there can be strange features you may encounter. One thing that needs to be kept under check is the water level; it sometimes gives indications that are not correct about refilling requirements. You may also have to clean up around the vents from time to time in order to improve efficiency.
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5. ecozy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
- Crunchy Ice: Elevate your drink experience with the ecozy nugget...
- 7 oz of Ice in 20 Mins: This ice maker delivers 7 oz of soft,...
- Big Output, Small Footprint: This compact pellet ice maker (11.3...
- Effortless Self-Cleaning: The self-cleaning feature uses...
- Store Ice in Fridge: If the ice cubes in the basket are not used...
The ecozy Nugget Ice Maker Countertop is among the best appliances for those people who like chewable little pellet ice. This ice maker features shockingly stylish looks and impressive performance that will revolutionize ice production for home, kitchen, office and all other events and affairs.
It makes 33 lbs of delicious, chewy nugget ice daily for beverages and snacks so you can keep your guests refreshed. Besides, it has a small counter top model, a large ice cube storage basket and color touch screen control panel for easy operation. The self-cleaning is enhanced, thus requiring minimal maintenance while the pace at which the production occurs, guarantees that the first batch is ready within minutes. If used on a daily basis, it is an excellent appliance because it does not make much noise and is energy friendly.
It is also somewhat more expensive than conventional models, but the high quality of chewable ice and ease of use of this product proves its expediency.
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Factors to Consider When Buying an Under-counter Nugget Ice Maker
1. Installation
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You can easily install most under-counter nugget ice makers by following the instructions in the manuals. However, you can always hire a plumber if the task seems daunting.
What kind of drain does your nugget ice maker have? It either comes with a drain pump that raises the water to the water pipes under your sink, a gravity drain that directs excess water to floor pipes, a drain pump, or you have to drain it manually.
The choice is dependent on your kitchen layout. However, we recommend the gravity drain because drain pump failure is a frequent complaint among under-counter nugget ice maker owners. Additionally, check if you have enough space to insulate your ice maker machine because it can be quite noisy.
2. Production and Storage Capacity
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The ice within the ice maker is stored in a plastic or stainless steel container, which is conveniently detachable when cleaning. On the other hand, pan-style ice makers store the ice in removable stainless steel pans. Most residential under-counter ice makers can produce 20-100 pounds of ice daily and store 12-50 pounds.
3. Filtration
Regular cleaning and descaling are crucial for your ice maker because of the mineral deposits left behind by tap water. In addition, we recommend purchasing a filter for your ice maker because it increases the longevity of your machine. Some ice makers come with an inbuilt filter, while for others, you need to purchase one.
4. Style
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If you are an interior design enthusiast like me, you probably know what your perfect kitchen should look like. For instance, I like a contemporary look, so most of my appliances are stainless steel or black. Thankfully, many under-counter models have a stainless steel exterior blending in with modern kitchens.
However, if that is not your style, some panel-ready models are available and suitable for a traditional kitchen. So pick an under-counter nugget ice maker that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
5. Frequency of Production
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So, how much ice do you require, and how often do you need it? An under-counter nugget ice maker is a good purchase if you frequently host large gatherings or are a chomping ice fanatic.
Additionally, it is a great purchase if you do not have the patience to wait for 20 minutes for a batch of nugget ice. Otherwise, you may regret paying for a high-quality 100+ pound ice maker that is barely used.
However, you can always purchase a portable or countertop ice maker that doesn't produce the same amount of ice nuggets or provide as much storage as an under-counter nugget ice maker. It also has no installation issues.
6. Size
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Always measure the available kitchen space and carefully check the ice maker's measurements before purchasing one. For instance, determine the depth and width of your cabinets because most ice maker machines measure 34'' tall by 15'' wide. Also, consider the space required for an under-counter nugget ice maker door to swing open if you select one without a reversible door.
7. Warranty
Under-counter nugget ice makers are expensive and have a higher breakage rate than regular ice makers. Therefore it is important to know the kind of warranty a company provides in case the machine breaks down.
Like any other expensive appliance you own, some companies will pay the full cost for repairs while others will pay for components and not labor. Ensure you read your warranty agreement and register your appliance as soon as it is installed.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
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1. Why are Nugget Ice Makers So Expensive?
Most nugget ice makers cost more than $100 because of all the engineering involved during the production process. Additional features such as self-cleaning, water filtration, and automatic shut-off raise the price considerably.
Nugget ice makers are made for commercial use. Hence they have a high output, storage capacity, and material cost because they are huge, heavy, and well insulated.
2. Are Filters Present in all Nugget Ice Makers?
Using a filtering system produces the best quality of ice. It also keeps the machine limescale free and clean. However, not all ice makers come with a filter, so you can purchase a filter separately or use bottles or filtered water to make your nugget ice.
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3. Are Drains and Water Lines Necessary for all Nugget Ice makers?
Built-in ice makers need access to water lines to produce ice, but not every unit needs a drain line. You can manually drain melted ice water from units that don't require a drain line.
4. What is the Life Span of Under-counter Nugget Ice makers?
An under-counter ice maker typically lasts 5-10 years, depending on the materials used, frequency of use, where it is used, and how well it is maintained.
5. How Frequently Should I clean My Nugget Ice Maker?
Clean it every 6 months to maintain efficient operation. Run the self-cleaning cycle and clean and empty the ice bin if your machine has this function. Alternatively, use the user manual to find information on cleaning an ice machine without a self-cleaning function.
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