10 Best Ice Makers 2025 in the United States

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 Commercial Nugget Ice Maker (HID312A-1) is designed for heavy-duty ice production, making up to 260 pounds of soft nugget ice per day. This high output suits businesses or busy settings where a steady, large supply of ice is essential. The nugget ice it produces is popular for its chewable texture, ideal for drinks and healthcare needs. It features a decent-sized storage bin that helps keep ice ready without frequent refills. Its air-cooled system is efficient, helping save energy compared to smaller, less powerful machines. One standout feature is the touchfree infrared dispenser, which reduces physical contact, minimizing wear and making it more hygienic and low-maintenance.

The unit also benefits from sealed, maintenance-free bearings and a removable dust cover, both aimed at reducing service costs and hassle. The dispenser's large, 11-inch opening is convenient for filling bigger cups or containers, and a USB port for software updates adds an extra layer of future-proofing. In terms of size, the machine is fairly large and heavy (over 180 pounds and about 35 inches tall), so it’s better suited for a fixed spot rather than being moved often. It runs on standard electrical power and uses R-134a refrigerant, which balances good performance with energy efficiency.

Cleaning is simplified, but because it’s a commercial-grade machine, it might require regular upkeep to maintain optimal function. This ice maker is a solid choice for commercial or high-demand environments where reliable, fast production of nugget ice is a priority, although it’s not the best fit if you need a compact or portable option.

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.