Alessandra Moretti
Mechanical Engineer
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, MIT • 8+ years experience
Specializes in appliance mechanics, thermal efficiency, and performance testing.
View Profile →Best Countertop Nugget Ice Makers (Self-Cleaning) — 2025
Chewable nugget ice at home. We test, compare, and recommend the best self-cleaning machines.
✓ Hands-on tested📅 Updated: October 2025
Our Expert Team
Our testing is led by engineers, food scientists, and appliance specialists. Every product is hands-on tested using repeatable protocols and precise measurements to ensure accurate, unbiased evaluations. Learn more about our testing methodology
Dmitri Volkov
Food Scientist
Ph.D. Food Science, Cornell • Certified Food Scientist
Expert in food safety, hygiene protocols, and ice quality assessment.
View Profile →
Mei-Ling Zhang
Home Barista & QA
Certified Barista • 6+ years in equipment testing
Focuses on user experience, daily operation, and real-world performance.
View Profile →Why Self-Cleaning Matters
Auto-flush & Descaling
Automatic cleaning cycles remove mineral buildup and keep internal components fresh.
Hygiene & Biofilm Prevention
Regular cleaning cycles prevent bacterial growth and biofilm formation in water lines.
Low Maintenance
Reduces manual cleaning needs, saving time and effort for busy households.
Best by Budget
Find the perfect ice maker for your price range
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Nugget ✅
Wi-Fi, self-cleaning, ~38 lb/24h
Pros:High capacity, reliable
Con:Price point
KBice 3.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Nugget ✅
High output, pro look
Pros:High capacity, reliable
Con:Price point
NewAir NIM044BS00 Nugget Countertop Ice Maker
Nugget ✅
Premium pick, strong capacity
Pros:High capacity, reliable
Con:Price point
Frigidaire Gallery Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker
Nugget ✅
Gallery line, sleek design
Pros:High capacity, reliable
Con:Price point
Avanti Nugget Ice Maker with Digital Controls & Dispenser
Nugget ✅
Digital controls, dispenser
Pros:High capacity, reliable
Con:Price point
Comparison Table
Compare 12 key specifications across top models
| Verdict | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecozy Smart Pebble | Mid-Range | Nugget | Yes | 34 lbs/24h | 8 min | 2.5 lbs | ~46 dB | 14 × 11 × 14 | Yes | 1 year | — |
| Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker | Mid-Range | Nugget | Yes | 35 lbs/24h | 7-10 min | 2.5 lbs | ~45 dB | 14 × 11 × 14 | No | 1 year | Best Value |
| Frigidaire Gallery | Premium | Nugget | Yes | 44 lbs/24h | ~15 min | 3 lbs | ~43 dB | 15.5 × 12.5 × 15.5 | No | 2 years | — |
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 | Premium | Nugget | Yes | 38 lbs/24h | ~20 min | 3 lbs | ~42 dB | 15.5 × 12.5 × 15.5 | Yes | 3 years | Best Overall |
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL | Premium | Nugget | Yes | 38 lbs/24h | ~20 min | 3 lbs | ~42 dB | 15.5 × 12.5 × 15.5 | Yes | 3 years | Best Overall |
| Gevi V2.0 | Mid-Range | Nugget | Yes | 35 lbs/24h | 8 min | 2.5 lbs | ~47 dB | 14 × 11 × 14 | No | 1 year | — |
| INOVI VA | Mid-Range | Nugget | Yes | 40 lbs/24h | 7 min | 2.5 lbs | ~46 dB | 14 × 11 × 14 | No | 1 year | — |
| KBice 3.0 | Premium | Nugget | Yes | 40 lbs/24h | ~18 min | 3.5 lbs | ~40 dB | 16 × 13 × 16 | No | 2 years | — |
| Kismile Nugget Ice Maker | Budget | Pebble-like | Yes | 35 lbs/24h | 8-10 min | 2.5 lbs | ~48 dB | 14 × 11 × 14 | No | 1 year | Budget Pick |
| NewAir NIM044BS00 | Premium | Nugget | Yes | 44 lbs/24h | ~15 min | 3 lbs | ~45 dB | 15 × 12 × 15 | No | 2 years | — |
| Silonn Nugget Ice Maker | Mid-Range | Nugget | Yes | 33 lbs/24h | 6 min | 2.5 lbs | ~48 dB | 14 × 11 × 14 | No | 1 year | Quiet |
| ZAFRO Nugget Ice Maker | Budget | Pebble-like | Yes | 35 lbs/24h | 9 min | 2.5 lbs | ~49 dB | 14 × 11 × 14 | No | 1 year | — |
Ecozy Smart Pebble
- Segment
- Mid-Range
- Ice Type
- Nugget
- Self-Cleaning
- Yes
- Output
- 34 lbs/24h
- First Ice
- 8 min
- Bin
- 2.5 lbs
- Noise
- ~46 dB
- Dimensions
- 14 × 11 × 14
- App/Wi-Fi
- Yes
- Warranty
- 1 year
Euhomy Nugget Ice Maker
Best Value- Segment
- Mid-Range
- Ice Type
- Nugget
- Self-Cleaning
- Yes
- Output
- 35 lbs/24h
- First Ice
- 7-10 min
- Bin
- 2.5 lbs
- Noise
- ~45 dB
- Dimensions
- 14 × 11 × 14
- App/Wi-Fi
- No
- Warranty
- 1 year
Frigidaire Gallery
- Segment
- Premium
- Ice Type
- Nugget
- Self-Cleaning
- Yes
- Output
- 44 lbs/24h
- First Ice
- ~15 min
- Bin
- 3 lbs
- Noise
- ~43 dB
- Dimensions
- 15.5 × 12.5 × 15.5
- App/Wi-Fi
- No
- Warranty
- 2 years
GE Profile Opal 2.0
Best Overall- Segment
- Premium
- Ice Type
- Nugget
- Self-Cleaning
- Yes
- Output
- 38 lbs/24h
- First Ice
- ~20 min
- Bin
- 3 lbs
- Noise
- ~42 dB
- Dimensions
- 15.5 × 12.5 × 15.5
- App/Wi-Fi
- Yes
- Warranty
- 3 years
GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL
Best Overall- Segment
- Premium
- Ice Type
- Nugget
- Self-Cleaning
- Yes
- Output
- 38 lbs/24h
- First Ice
- ~20 min
- Bin
- 3 lbs
- Noise
- ~42 dB
- Dimensions
- 15.5 × 12.5 × 15.5
- App/Wi-Fi
- Yes
- Warranty
- 3 years
Gevi V2.0
- Segment
- Mid-Range
- Ice Type
- Nugget
- Self-Cleaning
- Yes
- Output
- 35 lbs/24h
- First Ice
- 8 min
- Bin
- 2.5 lbs
- Noise
- ~47 dB
- Dimensions
- 14 × 11 × 14
- App/Wi-Fi
- No
- Warranty
- 1 year
INOVI VA
- Segment
- Mid-Range
- Ice Type
- Nugget
- Self-Cleaning
- Yes
- Output
- 40 lbs/24h
- First Ice
- 7 min
- Bin
- 2.5 lbs
- Noise
- ~46 dB
- Dimensions
- 14 × 11 × 14
- App/Wi-Fi
- No
- Warranty
- 1 year
KBice 3.0
- Segment
- Premium
- Ice Type
- Nugget
- Self-Cleaning
- Yes
- Output
- 40 lbs/24h
- First Ice
- ~18 min
- Bin
- 3.5 lbs
- Noise
- ~40 dB
- Dimensions
- 16 × 13 × 16
- App/Wi-Fi
- No
- Warranty
- 2 years
Kismile Nugget Ice Maker
Budget Pick- Segment
- Budget
- Ice Type
- Pebble-like
- Self-Cleaning
- Yes
- Output
- 35 lbs/24h
- First Ice
- 8-10 min
- Bin
- 2.5 lbs
- Noise
- ~48 dB
- Dimensions
- 14 × 11 × 14
- App/Wi-Fi
- No
- Warranty
- 1 year
NewAir NIM044BS00
- Segment
- Premium
- Ice Type
- Nugget
- Self-Cleaning
- Yes
- Output
- 44 lbs/24h
- First Ice
- ~15 min
- Bin
- 3 lbs
- Noise
- ~45 dB
- Dimensions
- 15 × 12 × 15
- App/Wi-Fi
- No
- Warranty
- 2 years
Silonn Nugget Ice Maker
Quiet- Segment
- Mid-Range
- Ice Type
- Nugget
- Self-Cleaning
- Yes
- Output
- 33 lbs/24h
- First Ice
- 6 min
- Bin
- 2.5 lbs
- Noise
- ~48 dB
- Dimensions
- 14 × 11 × 14
- App/Wi-Fi
- No
- Warranty
- 1 year
ZAFRO Nugget Ice Maker
- Segment
- Budget
- Ice Type
- Pebble-like
- Self-Cleaning
- Yes
- Output
- 35 lbs/24h
- First Ice
- 9 min
- Bin
- 2.5 lbs
- Noise
- ~49 dB
- Dimensions
- 14 × 11 × 14
- App/Wi-Fi
- No
- Warranty
- 1 year
Featured Reviews
In-depth analysis of our top-rated models
GE Profile
Premium ChoiceGE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Flagship nugget ice maker with Wi-Fi (SmartHQ) and advanced self-cleaning. Produces soft, chewable ice with consistent output — ideal for family kitchens and frequent entertaining.
Capacity
38 lbs/day
Ice Ready
~20 min
Water Tank
1 gallon
Noise
~42 dB
~$699
Approximate street price. Prices change — check Amazon for current price.
Pros
- High daily output (up to 38 lbs/day)
- SmartHQ Wi-Fi control
- Automatic self-cleaning mode
- Consistent nugget-ice quality
Cons
- Higher price than mid-range units
- Needs counter space
Euhomy
Best ValueEUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker – Best Value
Balanced performer for the money. Compact footprint, quick first batch, and easy one-touch self-cleaning make it a dependable everyday pick.
Capacity
35 lbs/day
Ice Ready
7–10 min
Water Tank
0.5 gallon
Noise
~45 dB
~$349
Approximate street price. Prices change — check Amazon for current price.
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Fast first-ice production
- Compact and easy to maintain
- One-touch self-cleaning
Cons
- Smaller water tank than premium models
Silonn
Budget FriendlySilonn Nugget Ice Maker – Budget Friendly
Affordable entry into pebble/nugget ice. Quiet operation, auto-cleaning, and solid daily output — a smart choice for apartments and smaller kitchens.
Capacity
33 lbs/day
Ice Ready
≈6 min
Water Tank
0.5 gallon
Noise
<50 dB
~$299
Approximate street price. Prices change — check Amazon for current price.
Pros
- Quiet operation and efficient use
- Very quick first batch
- Automatic cleaning
- Lightweight and easy to place
Cons
- More basic capacity/features vs. premium units
How to Choose the Right Ice Maker
Key factors to consider when selecting your perfect nugget ice maker
Ice Production Capacity
Most countertop nugget ice makers produce 30-40 lbs per day. Consider your household size and usage. Larger families or frequent entertainers should opt for 35+ lbs/day capacity.
Ice Ready Time
First batch timing ranges from 6-20 minutes. Faster models (6-10 min) are ideal if you want ice quickly. Premium models may take longer but produce higher quality ice.
Self-Cleaning Technology
Self-cleaning systems reduce maintenance significantly. Look for models with automatic cleaning cycles that run weekly or monthly. This extends machine lifespan and ensures ice quality.
Noise Level
Nugget ice makers typically range from 40-55 dB. Quieter models (under 45 dB) are better for kitchens and living spaces. Premium models often operate more quietly.
Water Tank Size
Tank sizes range from 0.5 to 1 gallon. Larger tanks (1 gallon) require less frequent refilling. Smaller tanks are more portable but need more frequent water additions.
Warranty & Support
Quality models come with 1-3 year warranties. Check coverage details and filter replacement costs. Brands with good customer support are worth the investment for long-term reliability.
Testing Methodology
How we evaluate and rank nugget ice makers
30-Day Testing Cycles
Each model undergoes extended real-world testing in actual home environments.
Performance Metrics
Measure lbs/24h, time-to-first-ice, bin retention, melt/texture, noise levels.
Cleaning Friction
Evaluate self-cleaning cycles, maintenance requirements, and long-term reliability.
Support Testing
Assess customer service responsiveness and warranty coverage quality.
Scoring Rubric (0–10 Scale)
Performance35%
Usability25%
Cleaning/Hygiene20%
Build/Noise10%
Value10%
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
Disclosure: NuggetIceMakerGuide.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through links on this site at no additional cost to you. Our reviews are independent, based on hands-on testing and research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about nugget ice makers