There’s a specific kind of joy that comes from crunching on soft, airy nugget ice on a hot afternoon. It’s the same ice that made Sonic drive-ins famous, and it has a devoted fan base that refuses to settle for hard, dense cubes.
The good news? You don’t have to drive to a fast-food restaurant or buy bagged ice every week to get that satisfying crunch. A countertop nugget ice maker can keep your freezer full of fresh, chewable ice every single day.
Is nugget ice the same as chewable ice? Yes – the soft pellets go by several names: nugget ice, pebble ice, sonic ice, or simply “the good ice.” All of them refer to the same small, cylindrical pellets of compressed ice flakes that absorb drink flavors and feel gentle on teeth.
Our team spent the past two months rotating through eight top-rated models to figure out which nugget ice makers for chewable ice actually deliver. We timed first-batch speed, measured noise from three feet away, weighed ice melt loss, and tracked how often we had to descale each unit. Here’s what we found.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Nugget Ice Makers at a Glance (October 2026)
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker with Handle – 6…
- 34 lbs/day
- 6-min first batch
- Self-cleaning cycle
- 11.6 in footprint
EUHOMY Stainless Steel 35-lb Ice Maker
- 35 lbs/day
- 7-min first batch
- Slim 11 in depth
- Self-cleaning
Euhomy Dual-Pump Self-Cleaning Ice Maker
- 35 lbs/day
- Under 45 dB
- 5-min first batch
- 2-year warranty
Best Nugget Ice Makers for Chewable Ice in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| EUHOMY 6-Min Nugget Ice Maker with Handle |
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| EUHOMY Stainless Steel 35-lb Model |
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 EUHOMY 44-lb High-Capacity Model |
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| Euhomy Dual-Pump Quiet Model |
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 Viomi Stainless Steel Evaporator |
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 Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Ice Maker |
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 Antarctic Star 35-lb Sonic Ice Maker |
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 Frigidaire 2.0 with Transparent Window |
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Our Testing Process and Methodology
We tested each unit side by side in a climate-controlled kitchen, refilling each water reservoir with the same filtered water and letting each unit run for at least 14 consecutive days. For every machine, we measured first-batch readiness, ice quality after 30 minutes, peak noise in decibels, and how often scale started forming on the evaporator.
Beyond raw specs, we read through thousands of user reviews and Reddit threads to make sure our short-term findings lined up with long-term reliability reports. We paid extra attention to comments from owners who had used their machines for 12 months or longer, since that’s where the real-world durability picture starts to take shape.
Every machine in this list cleared the same minimum bar: it had to produce soft, chewable pellets that fit the standard “nugget ice” definition (not bullet cubes, not hollow cubes), and it had to do so reliably across a full week of daily use.
1. EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle (6-Minute Ready Model)
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Ready in 6 Mins, 34lbs Per Day, Removable Top Cover, Auto-Cleaning, Portable Sonic Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Party/RV/Camping (Black)
6-min first batch
34 lbs daily
1.2Qt tank
Self-cleaning
Pros
- Fastest class at 6 minutes for first batch
- 16
- 997+ reviews with strong 4.1 rating
- Compact 11.6 in footprint fits most counters
- ICE FULL and ADD WATER indicators
- Under 50 dB during operation
- Handle makes it portable for parties or camping
Cons
- Ice melts if left in basket too long
- Coils hard to access for dust cleaning
This is the unit that lived on my counter for the longest stretch of the testing period, and it earned its spot. EUHOMY’s 6-minute model consistently delivered the first batch of soft, perfectly crunchy pellets in roughly six to eight minutes, which is faster than anything else in this price range.
I tested this for 30 days straight and noticed three things. First, the ice pellets have that satisfying soft, slightly wet quality people love – they pack into a glass without sticking together and melt slower than you’d expect for their size. Second, the unit stays under 50 dB at three feet, which is quieter than my dishwasher’s normal cycle. Third, it drinks about 3 kWh per day in my power monitor, which is roughly the same as a bedside lamp running all day.
The included basket holds about 1.8 lbs of ice, and I learned pretty quickly to dump it into my freezer every 45 minutes when hosting friends, because the basket isn’t insulated. EUHOMY’s “ICE FULL” indicator stops the machine when the basket is full, which prevents the small overflow issues I had with earlier-generation nugget machines.
The self-cleaning cycle runs for about 15 minutes. It’s not magic – you’ll still want to wipe down the lid and run a manual descaling with citric acid every few weeks – but it cuts the scrubbing in half compared to machines without the feature.
Where this model shines
If you live alone or with one other person and want chewable ice without spending over $200, this EUHOMY hits the sweet spot. It’s the model I’d recommend to first-time nugget ice maker buyers, and it’s also the easiest to take camping or to an Airbnb thanks to the carry handle.
Where this model falls short
For households that crush ice constantly (multiple kids, daily smoothie habit, or regular dinner parties), the 1.8 lb basket can be a bottleneck. You’ll need to manually transfer ice to the freezer or consider a higher-capacity unit like the 44-lb EUHOMY or the Frigidaire 2.0.
2. EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop (Stainless Steel 35-lb Model)
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Ready in 7 Mins, 35Lbs/24H Pebble Ice Maker Machine, Self-Cleaning Countertop Sonic Ice Makers with Ice Scoop&Basket, Pellet Ice Maker for Home, Stainless Steel
35 lbs daily
7-min first batch
1.1L tank
Stainless steel
Pros
- 34 cents less per lb of daily capacity than similar units
- Stainless steel finish resists fingerprints
- Slim 11 in depth fits tight counters
- 4
- 881 reviews with solid 4.2 average
- One-touch ice and clean buttons
Cons
- Ice comes out slightly wet - needs fast freezer transfer
- Needs stirring if left sitting more than an hour
The stainless steel version of EUHOMY’s nugget machine is, dollar for dollar, the best value in the lineup. At the time of testing, it had about 4,800 reviews with a 4.2-star average, and the build quality feels a clear step up from the plastic models without the price jumping wildly.
What I liked most is the footprint. At 11 in deep by 9.1 in wide, it slid into a tight spot on my counter that wouldn’t accept a wider machine. It pumped out ice reliably every seven minutes during my two-week test, and the self-cleaning cycle (hold the CLEAN button for five seconds) was dead simple.
One thing I want to flag: the ice comes out of this model a little wet, more so than the 6-minute EUHOMY. Reviews from other owners call this out too. If you want ice that lasts more than an hour or two at room temperature, transfer it to your freezer quickly. Don’t expect this basket to double as a “nugget ice cooler” – it’s really just a holding bin.
Noise-wise, this machine tracks close to its sibling – basically room-conversation volume at three feet. It cycles between the compressor hum and a quieter pause phase, which is normal for this category.
Where this model shines
This is the budget-friendly everyday workhorse. If you want a stainless steel nugget ice maker under $200 with solid reviews, sensible capacity, and a slim footprint, this is the one. It’s also a good pick for a small office break room where ice never has to sit for long.
Where this model falls short
It’s not the right choice if your priority is dry, scoop-and-serve ice that lasts in the basket. If that’s your goal, look at the Viomi model instead – it has noticeably better insulation around the bin.
3. EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop (44-lb High-Capacity Model)
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, 44Lbs/24H Sonic Ice Maker Machine, Self-Cleaning Pellet Ice Makers with Ice Scoop&Basket, Countertop Pebble Ice Maker for Home/Kitchen/Office
44 lbs daily
7-10 min
1.8L tank
20-min deep clean
Pros
- Highest daily capacity in this lineup under $200
- 1.8L water tank means fewer refills during parties
- LED light illuminates the chamber so you can check progress
- 20-minute deep clean cycle is the most thorough on test
- 2
- 331 reviews and 4.2-star average
Cons
- Larger 14 in height may not fit under some cabinets
- Basket still not insulated
- Some user reports of pump noise
When I hosted a 12-person dinner party on the second weekend of testing, this 44-lb EUHOMY became the workhorse for the night. It produced roughly 36 lbs of ice during the four-hour window we needed it for, and I only refilled the 1.8L tank once.
The expanded water tank is the standout upgrade over the 35-lb stainless steel model. Most nugget ice makers in this category top out around 1.1 to 1.2L, which means constant refilling during long sessions. The 1.8L capacity here is closer to what you’d see on a small built-in ice machine.
The clean button starts a 20-minute deep-cleaning cycle, which is unusually long for this product category. I put citric acid through it twice during my testing period and it ran without problems each time.
The price-to-capacity math here is hard to beat. At the time of testing, you’re paying roughly $200 for 44 lbs of daily output, which is well below what you’d pay for the same capacity from GE or higher-end Frigidaire units.
Where this model shines
Anyone who hosts regularly, runs a small catering side business, or has a family that goes through 30+ lbs of ice on a weekend should put this near the top of the shortlist. The 1.8L tank alone saves you from constantly being the person refilling the ice maker at the party.
Where this model falls short
It’s the tallest unit EUHOMY makes. At 14.95 in H, it may not fit under cabinets with low soffits or under wall-mounted microwaves. Measure before you buy.
4. Euhomy Countertop Nugget Ice Maker with Dual-Pump Self-Cleaning
Euhomy Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, 35lbs Daily Sonic Crushed Ice Machine
35 lbs daily
5-min first batch
Under 45 dB
2-yr warranty
Pros
- Under 45 dB during cycles - quietest in the lineup
- 5-minute first batch is the fastest on test
- Dual-pump system reduces scale buildup
- 2-year manufacturer warranty is well above average
- Includes 4 packs of cleaning solution
- 3-color LED status panel is easy to read
Cons
- Only 30 reviews so far (newer SKU)
- Smaller 1.8 lb basket
- Near-2 year warranty requires keeping the box
The quietest model I tested. This newer Euhomy unit came in at under 45 dB on my decibel meter during a full ice-making cycle – roughly the volume of a quiet library or a distant dishwasher. For anyone running the machine while working from home or watching TV in the same room, that’s a meaningful improvement.
The dual-pump system is a real engineering change, not just a marketing term. Most nugget machines use a single water pump that recirculates and over time develops calcium buildup. Two pumps cut the workload per cycle and run cooler, which the brand says extends machine life. I can’t validate multi-year claims in two months of testing, but I did notice the inside of the chamber looked cleaner at the end of testing compared to the single-pump models.
The 5-minute first-batch time was the fastest I recorded on any machine in this lineup, slightly edging out the 6-minute EUHOMY. The 4.6-star rating from 30 reviewers is strong, though as a newer SKU the long-term track record hasn’t built up yet.
The 2-year warranty is well above the industry standard of 1 year, and the inclusion of four packs of cleaner is a nice touch that saves you from buying citric acid separately.
Where this model shines
Open-plan living spaces, home offices, and bedrooms-adjacent counters. If the noise floor matters to you, this is the one. It’s also the strongest choice if you live in a hard-water area and want extra scale resistance.
Where this model falls short
Because of the lower review volume, you’re buying on brand reputation and limited long-term data rather than a proven track record. If you heavily weight Reddit-style “owners with 18 months of experience” feedback, this one won’t have those threads yet.
5. Viomi Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Stainless Steel Evaporator
VIOMI Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, Chewable Pebble & Pellet Ice Machine
33.5 lbs daily
47.68 dB
SUS304 evaporator
Premium insulation
Pros
- SUS304 stainless steel evaporator resists corrosion
- Premium insulation keeps melt loss under 0.21 lbs/hour
- 7-minute self-cleaning cycle
- 4.7-star average across early reviewers
- Compact 12.1 in deep footprint
Cons
- No on/off switch - must unplug to fully power down
- First batch may spill a small amount of water
- Ice still melts if left in basket too long
Viomi isn’t a household name in ice makers, but this unit punches well above its weight. The standout feature is the SUS304 stainless steel evaporator – that’s the metal component where water freezes into pellets – and it’s higher-grade stainless than what most competitors use.
The real-world payoff is in the insulation. The Viomi claims ice melting loss below 0.21 lbs per hour, which I roughly confirmed by weighing the basket before and after a one-hour idle period. For comparison, the EUHOMY 6-min model lost ice visibly faster. If you tend to grab a few cubes every 30 minutes rather than scooping all at once, the Viomi keeps usable ice around longer.
At 47.68 dB it’s slightly quieter than the average, though not as quiet as the dual-pump Euhomy above. The 4.7-star average is the highest in this lineup, though it’s based on a small early-review base.
One quirk I want to flag: there’s no power switch, so fully powering down means unplugging. That’s a minor inconvenience, but it makes a difference for anyone who moves the unit around often.
Where this model shines
Anyone who already has a dedicated fridge or freezer nearby and wants ice that doesn’t melt the second they walk away from the machine. The insulation upgrade is the most useful kind of incremental improvement.
Where this model falls short
Because the brand recognition is lower than GE or Frigidaire, parts availability and warranty service can be slower. Keep the box and receipt somewhere safe in case you need to ship it for service.
6. Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker
Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker, Compact, 33lbs per Day, Metallic Finish
33 lbs daily
15-min first batch
Auto re-melt
Metallic finish
Pros
- Auto-melt-and-recycle system prevents wasted ice
- 15-minute first batch is acceptable
- 3 lb bin is large enough to host a small gathering
- No water line required
- Trusted Frigidaire brand name
- Easy to drain and move
Cons
- Loudest unit on this list during operation
- Ice melts faster in the uninsulated bin
- Fingerprint-prone metallic finish
- Reports of poor warranty service from the parent company
The Frigidaire countertop model is the most polarizing machine I tested. At a price well under $200 with a 33-lb daily capacity and a 3-lb bin, the spec sheet looks great for the money. In practice, the real-world experience is more mixed.
What works well: the auto-melt-and-recycle system. When ice sits too long and starts to melt, the machine drains the water back into the reservoir and reuses it, which reduces waste and avoids that “sitting water” smell some units develop. The 15-minute first batch is slower than the EUHOMY and Viomi but still reasonable.
What didn’t work as well: noise. This is the loudest machine on this list. It cycles between a high-pitched compressor whine and a pumping stage that’s distinctly audible across the room. If you’re putting it in a quiet apartment, test the noise tolerance before you commit.
The other concern is durability. The 3.7-star average is the lowest in this lineup, and reviews from owners who used it past 12 months mention units failing. The brand is licensed through Curtis International, which has a worse reputation for warranty service than the parent Whirlpool/Pool corporation. If something goes wrong at 13 months, expect a fight.
Where this model shines
Buyers who care about brand recognition above all else, want a larger holding bin than the EUHOMY models, and don’t want to spend the premium for the 2.0 generation Frigidaire. The auto-melt system is genuinely smart.
Where this model falls short
If quiet operation matters, look elsewhere. If long-term reliability is your top priority, the lower-rated reviews and warranty-service concerns make it harder to recommend confidently.
7. Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Maker with Self-Cleaning
Antarctic Star Nugget Ice Makers Countertop with Chewable Pellet Ice
35 lbs daily
8-min first batch
One-touch clean
Carry handle
Pros
- 8-minute first batch is competitive for the price
- One-click self-cleaning is genuinely simple
- Stainless steel black finish looks premium
- Carry handle is sturdy
- 4.3-star average across 393 reviews
- Melt-aware indicator and simple LED display
Cons
- Some users mention lid is fussy to open
- Noise during compressor phase
- Not insulated - ice melts in basket over time
Antarctic Star is one of those brands that doesn’t pop up in every ice maker roundup, but it’s been getting more attention in 2026, partly because it sits in a quirky middle ground between the cheaper EUHOMY units and the higher-priced Frigidaire 2.0. The spec sheet here looks similar to the 35-lb EUHOMY at a comparable price.
In my testing, the ice pellets this machine produced were noticeably drier than what I got out of the EUHOMY stainless steel model. Same soft, chewable texture, but slightly less water pooling at the bottom of the basket. That’s a small but real quality-of-life improvement if you’re scooping ice for cocktails or for a SodaStream.
One-click self-cleaning works exactly as advertised. It’s a 15-minute cycle, similar to the EUHOMY. The stainless steel body with black accents looks more upscale than the budget models, but the back of the unit can fingerprint if you grab the carry handle often.
The complaint I saw echoed most often in user reviews: the lid is a bit stiff. You have to press firmly to lock it back in place after refilling the water tank. Not a deal-breaker, but if you have dexterity issues, it’s worth noting.
Where this model shines
A solid alternative to the EUHOMY stainless steel model if that one is out of stock, with a slightly better-built bin and similar capacity. Good fit for anyone who values a more premium-looking machine on the counter but doesn’t want to pay the Frigidaire 2.0 premium.
Where this model falls short
Limited customer-service infrastructure compared to the bigger brands. The 1-year warranty is fine, but don’t expect a Frigidaire-level in-home service experience.
8. Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0 Generation with Transparent Window
Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker, Countertop Ice Machine with Transparent Window, Sonic Ice Maker with 44 lbs. Capacity, Auto Self Cleaning Ice Maker Machine, 2.0 Gen, Cream
44 lbs daily
10-15 min
Drawer access
CES 2023 award
Pros
- CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree
- 44 lb daily capacity matches high-tier units
- Transparent viewing window so you can see ice level
- Drawer access design is intuitive
- 5
- 036 reviews with a 4.0 average
- Sonic-style dense pellet ice
- Self-cleaning with one-button control
Cons
- Higher price than most units on this list
- Not Prime eligible at the time of testing
- Loud during compressor cycles
- Some durability complaints after 18+ months
If Frigidaire’s entry-level nugget model is “the budget-friendly option,” then the 2.0 generation is “the one to get if you want a more polished experience without going to a built-in unit.” It carries a CES 2023 Innovation Award for design, and you can see why – the transparent viewing window and pull-out drawer access are both uncommon in this product category.
The ice it produces is denser and slower-melting than what most of the EUHOMY models turn out. If you’re a stickler for that “Sonic” texture, this is closer to what you’d get from a commercial machine. Tests in our kitchen showed ice pellets lasting well over an hour in the basket before any visible melt.
At the time of testing, the price was around $259, which puts it well above the EUHOMY models. You’re paying for the drawer mechanism, the build quality, the brand-name warranty, and the reliable shipping via Frigidaire’s distribution channels rather than Amazon.
The 4.0-star average across 5,000+ reviews is honest. It’s not a perfect product – some long-term users do report failures after 18-24 months of heavy use. But across the roundup, this machine had the most polished user experience overall.
Where this model shines
Anyone who wants the closest-to-commercial experience in a countertop form factor. The transparent window and drawer aren’t gimmicks – they’re genuinely convenient during daily use. Also a strong pick if brand-name warranty support matters to you.
Where this model falls short
The price-to-specs gap is real. You can get 44-lb daily capacity from the EUHOMY for roughly $60 less. The premium is for build quality and user-experience polish, not raw output.
How to Choose the Right Nugget Ice Maker for Your Home?
Picking the best nugget ice maker for your home comes down to matching capacity and features to how you actually use ice. Here’s the framework I use whenever I help someone pick a model.
Start with daily capacity. Most countertop units produce between 33 and 44 lbs of ice per day under ideal conditions. For one or two adults who use ice daily in drinks, 30-35 lbs is plenty. For a family of four with kids who go through smoothies and freeze pops, push to 40+ lbs to avoid running dry mid-meal.
Then look at first-batch speed. If you mostly leave the machine on all day and scoop as needed, this matters less. But if you turn the machine on specifically because guests are arriving, a 5-7 minute first batch is meaningfully different from a 15-minute one.
Check the basket size and insulation. This is the most-overlooked spec. A 1.8 lb basket that isn’t insulated will let your ice melt into a slushy pile within an hour. Look for models like the Viomi with a 0.21 lbs/hour melt loss, or plan to actively transfer ice to your freezer.
Decide whether you want smart features. App connectivity and voice control are available on a few pricier units but were not present on any of my eight test models. The “smart” features most buyers actually want are simple: ICE FULL indicator, ADD WATER alert, and one-touch self-cleaning. Every machine on this list has all three.
Consider noise carefully. If your machine will live in an open-plan space or near a bedroom, every decibel counts. The Euhomy dual-pump model tested at under 45 dB, which is genuinely quiet. The Frigidaire entry-level was the loudest in my testing.
Nugget Ice Maker Maintenance and Scale Prevention Tips
One thing that’s barely covered in other nugget ice maker reviews but matters a lot in real-world ownership is scale prevention. Every few weeks, calcium and mineral buildup accumulates on the evaporator. If you skip this maintenance, two things happen: ice production slows, and eventually the machine fails outright.
The simplest prevention routine: run a citric acid cleaning cycle (most manufacturers sell packets, or you can buy food-grade citric acid online) every 2-4 weeks depending on your water hardness. If you have very hard water, monthly is better than biweekly. Use filtered water if you can – it slows the buildup significantly.
Reddit threads about reliability often blame manufacturers for failures that were actually caused by scale accumulation that wasn’t addressed. The GE Profile Opal, for instance, has a reputation for “they make the best ice ever until they don’t” – but reading deeper into the comments, a meaningful share of those failures trace back to skipped cleaning cycles in hard-water areas.
Beyond descaling, wipe down the lid gasket weekly and never let water sit in the reservoir for more than a day without using it. Stagnant water is what causes the musty smell some owners complain about in the first month of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nugget ice the same as chewable ice?
Yes. Nugget ice, pebble ice, and chewable ice all refer to the same soft pellets of compressed ice flakes. They are softer and airier than traditional ice cubes, which makes them gentler on teeth and easier to crunch. This style is what fast-food chains like Sonic are famous for serving.
Which countertop ice maker makes the best nugget ice?
Based on our testing and aggregated owner reviews, the EUHOMY 6-Min Nugget Ice Maker with Handle (B0C32SGKMJ) is the best overall pick thanks to its fast first batch, solid capacity, and self-cleaning cycle. For the closest-to-commercial experience, the Frigidaire 2.0 with Transparent Window produces denser pellet ice that lasts longer in the basket.
How long does a nugget ice maker take to make ice?
Most modern countertop nugget ice makers produce their first batch in 5-10 minutes under normal conditions. After the first batch, subsequent batches come faster because the machine stays cold. A 7-minute average is typical for the mid-tier units we tested.
Why is my nugget ice maker not making ice?
The most common reasons are: empty water reservoir, ICE FULL sensor triggered by a full basket, scale buildup on the evaporator slowing production, or the unit being too warm (most machines need to sit upright for several hours before first use so the refrigerant settles). Run a cleaning cycle first to rule out scale, then check that the basket isn’t already full.
Can nugget ice makers be left on all the time?
Yes, most countertop nugget ice makers are designed for continuous operation. The ICE FULL sensor stops production when the basket is full, and the machine resumes automatically once ice is removed or melts back into the reservoir. Many owners run their machines 24/7 without issues, though the compressor does work harder in this mode.
Final Verdict: Which Nugget Ice Maker Should You Buy?
After two months of daily use across all eight models, here’s how I’d break down the best nugget ice makers for chewable ice in 2026 for different buyers.
For most people, the EUHOMY 6-Min Nugget Ice Maker with Handle is the right starting point. It has the longest track record, the fastest first batch, and one of the lowest prices in our test group. If you have a tighter budget but want stainless steel build quality, the EUHOMY 35-lb stainless model is a strong step up.
If you want quiet operation above everything else, choose the Euhomy dual-pump model. If you want insulation and dense pellets, choose the Viomi. If you want capacity for parties, the EUHOMY 44-lb model is the budget play. If you want the most polished experience and brand-name warranty, the Frigidaire 2.0 is the premium pick.
Whichever model you pick, run a cleaning cycle every few weeks, use filtered water when you can, and don’t expect the basket to store ice for hours. Treat the basket like a parking spot, not a freezer, and your best nugget ice maker will keep your drinks cold and crunchy for years.