NuggetIcePick – Best Nugget Ice Machines 2026

Find the best nugget ice machines. We test GE Opal, countertop, and built-in models for chewable pellet ice. Compare texture, production speed, and value.

Updated 2026-03-09 Independently reviewed
Best Nugget Ice Machines 2026

Our Top Picks

Our Top Pick
1
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker

9.4/10

Premium nugget ice maker with WiFi, TrueFill, and 38 lbs daily production.

$599

Pros

  • ✓Best-in-class nugget texture
  • ✓38 lbs daily production
  • ✓WiFi and smart app control
  • ✓TrueFill auto-fill system
  • ✓Scale-inhibiting filter
  • ✓First ice in ~10 minutes
  • ✓Sleek stainless design

Cons

  • ✗Premium price
  • ✗Requires counter space
  • ✗Louder than bullet ice makers

The gold standard for home nugget ice. Worth every penny for pellet ice enthusiasts.

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2
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker (Standard)

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker (Standard)

9.2/10

GE Opal 2.0 with WiFi and TrueFill, standard tank configuration.

$549

Pros

  • ✓Authentic nugget ice
  • ✓WiFi connectivity
  • ✓TrueFill system
  • ✓38 lbs daily production
  • ✓Scale-inhibiting filter
  • ✓More compact than Ultra
  • ✓Same ice quality as Ultra

Cons

  • ✗Smaller water tank
  • ✗Premium price
  • ✗Manual refill more often

Same great nugget ice as the Ultra. Choose this if you don't need the side tank.

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3
GE Profile Opal 1.0 Nugget Ice Maker

GE Profile Opal 1.0 Nugget Ice Maker

8.9/10

Original GE Opal with proven nugget ice production, no WiFi.

$449

Pros

  • ✓Proven GE Opal quality
  • ✓Authentic nugget ice
  • ✓Lower price than 2.0
  • ✓24 lbs daily production
  • ✓Reliable performance
  • ✓No app dependence
  • ✓Stainless steel

Cons

  • ✗No WiFi or TrueFill
  • ✗Lower production than 2.0
  • ✗Manual water fill

Best value in the GE Opal lineup. Same nugget ice, fewer bells and whistles.

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4
Costway Nugget Countertop Ice Maker

Costway Nugget Countertop Ice Maker

8.5/10

Budget nugget ice maker with chewable pellet texture.

$222

Pros

  • ✓Nugget ice at budget price
  • ✓Chewable pellet texture
  • ✓Self-cleaning mode
  • ✓Compact design
  • ✓Good value
  • ✓Stainless exterior
  • ✓Easy to use

Cons

  • ✗Slower than GE Opal
  • ✗Smaller capacity
  • ✗First ice takes 15-20 min

The gateway to nugget ice. Perfect for trying pellet ice without Opal-level investment.

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5
Magic Chef Nugget Ice Maker

Magic Chef Nugget Ice Maker

8.3/10

Budget nugget ice maker from Magic Chef.

$199

Pros

  • ✓Magic Chef reliability
  • ✓Nugget ice texture
  • ✓Reasonable price
  • ✓Compact
  • ✓Self-cleaning
  • ✓Easy operation
  • ✓Good for light use

Cons

  • ✗Slower production
  • ✗Smaller capacity
  • ✗Basic features

Another budget nugget option. Slightly cheaper than Costway, comparable performance.

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6
FirstBuild Opal Nugget Ice Maker

FirstBuild Opal Nugget Ice Maker

8.7/10

Original FirstBuild/GE Opal iteration with nugget ice.

$399

Pros

  • ✓Same nugget ice as GE Opal
  • ✓Proven design
  • ✓Compact
  • ✓Reliable
  • ✓Chewable texture
  • ✓Stainless build
  • ✓Community support

Cons

  • ✗Discontinued, hard to find
  • ✗No WiFi
  • ✗Limited parts availability

If you find one, it's a solid nugget ice maker. New GE Opal 2.0 is the better buy.

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7
Scotsman SCN60 Nugget Ice Machine

Scotsman SCN60 Nugget Ice Machine

9/10

Commercial-grade residential nugget ice machine.

$2499

Pros

  • ✓Commercial-grade quality
  • ✓Authentic nugget ice
  • ✓High production
  • ✓Durable construction
  • ✓Proven reliability
  • ✓Restaurant-quality ice
  • ✓Built to last

Cons

  • ✗Large footprint
  • ✗High price
  • ✗May need plumbing

For the ultimate nugget ice experience. Commercial quality at home.

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8
Ice-O-Matic ICEU150 Nugget Ice Maker

Ice-O-Matic ICEU150 Nugget Ice Maker

8.8/10

Residential nugget ice maker with commercial heritage.

$1899

Pros

  • ✓Commercial ice machine brand
  • ✓Authentic nugget texture
  • ✓High capacity
  • ✓Durable
  • ✓Consistent quality
  • ✓Professional results
  • ✓Long warranty

Cons

  • ✗Large and heavy
  • ✗Expensive
  • ✗Installation complexity

For serious nugget ice households. Overkill for most, perfect for entertainers.

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9
Hoshizaki IM-500SAC Nugget Ice Machine

Hoshizaki IM-500SAC Nugget Ice Machine

9.3/10

Premium commercial nugget ice machine for residential use.

$3499

Pros

  • ✓Best nugget texture we've tested
  • ✓Hoshizaki commercial quality
  • ✓Extremely reliable
  • ✓Energy efficient
  • ✓Easy to clean
  • ✓Professional grade
  • ✓Long lifespan

Cons

  • ✗Very expensive
  • ✗Requires plumbing
  • ✗Large footprint

The ultimate nugget ice. For those who want the best and have the space and budget.

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10
Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker

Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker

8.4/10

Mid-range nugget ice maker from Euhomy.

$299

Pros

  • ✓Mid-range nugget option
  • ✓Chewable pellet ice
  • ✓Euhomy reliability
  • ✓Compact design
  • ✓Self-cleaning
  • ✓Good value
  • ✓Faster than Costway

Cons

  • ✗Not as good as GE Opal
  • ✗Smaller capacity
  • ✗Plastic components

The sweet spot between budget and premium. Better than Costway, more affordable than Opal.

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Our Methodology

We test each nugget ice machine for ice texture, production speed, noise level, and ease of use. Details on testing process. No manufacturer has editorial influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nugget ice?
Nugget ice (also called pellet or chewable ice) is soft, porous ice that's easy to chew—the kind you find at Sonic, Chick-fil-A, and hospitals. It's different from bullet/cube ice from standard refrigerators. Nugget ice makers use a different mechanism to produce this texture, which many people prefer for drinks.
How much does a good nugget ice maker cost?
Budget options start around $200 (Costway, Magic Chef). Mid-range GE Opal 1.0 runs ~$450. Premium GE Opal 2.0 Ultra is ~$600. Commercial-grade units (Scotsman, Hoshizaki) run $1,900-$3,500. The GE Opal 2.0 at $549 offers the best balance of quality and value for most homes.
Do nugget ice makers need plumbing?
Most countertop models (GE Opal, Costway, Euhomy) use a manual-fill water tank—no plumbing. The GE Opal 2.0 Ultra has an optional TrueFill side tank that can connect to a water line. Built-in and commercial units typically require plumbing. For most homes, manual fill is sufficient.

Ready to choose?

Dive into our detailed comparisons to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Best Nugget Ice Machines 2026Overview

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