Which ice machine makes sonic ice？
If you've ever ordered a cold drink at Sonic Drive-In, you've likely fallen in love with their signature soft, chewy, and crunchy ice cubes. This unique ice—known as Sonic ice or granular ice—is so distinctive that once you've tasted it, ordinary ice cubes just won't satisfy your taste buds anymore.
Subscribe
To join our mailing list and never miss a baby update!
- Now, more and more people are wondering:Can you truly recreate that unique texture and satisfying crunch at home?The short answer is yes—thanks to modern flake ice makers, you can now make Sonic ice right in your kitchen. Let's dive into what makes Sonic ice special, how these machines work, and the best ice maker for home use in 2025.
"After 250 hours of research and testing, including interviewing five baby wearing experts and walking over 100 miles in 15 wraps, slings, and meh dais, we think that the Gemlak Baby Carriers is the best"
Lily
What Is Sonic Ice
Sonic ice is affectionately known as “chewable ice” or even “Nugget ice,” named after the popular car wash chain. It's more than just frozen water. The defining characteristic of Sonic ice is its soft, chewable texture. Unlike the hard, solid blocks of traditional ice cubes, nugget ice consists of small, irregularly shaped pellets or nuggets that are relatively easy to bite off. Imagine the satisfying crunch of these nuggets as you chew them or their cooling effect in a beverage. They deliver a pleasantly powdery crunch that dissolves effortlessly in your mouth.
Most Popular
The 2025 Best Nugget Ice Makers, According to Our Tests
April 13,2025
Trending Articles
Which countertop ice maker keeps ice frozen?
October 29,2025
The Best Under-Counter Ice Makers of 2025, According to Our Tests
April 12,2021Jul 25, 2025
How to Fix Ice Not Ejecting from Ice Maker
Jan 15, 2025
Why Sonic Ice Is So Popular
So, why the fuss? What is it about nugget ice that makes it so craveable for so many? The answer lies primarily in its unique sensory experience.
Chewing ice cubes is undoubtedly the biggest draw. For those who enjoy chewing ice, gold ice cubes offer a satisfying outlet, much gentler on the teeth than trying to bite into a hard block. It's a harmless pleasure that enhances the overall enjoyment of the drink.
Besides its chewy texture, it also absorbs the flavor of beverages, transforming ice cubes into a pleasant and delicious treat as they melt. Sipping soda or iced tea with ice cubes means there's a touch of flavor with every chew.
Its physical properties also contribute to its appeal in beverages. Its small volume and large surface area mean it can quickly cool drinks, providing a rapid pick-me-up. It's also ideal for blending drinks and smoothies because its softer texture makes it easier to use in a blender and produces a smoother consistency than crushing hard lumps.
Whether it's the nostalgic associations with places like Sonic, the simple joy of carefree ice slurping, or the enhanced drinking experience, the unique combination of texture, flavor absorption, and rapid cooling has garnered a passionate fanbase for Gold Nuggets.
Sonic Ice vs. Regular Ice
Feature | Sonic Ice (Nugget Ice) | Regular Ice Cubes |
Texture | Soft, airy, chewable | Hard, solid |
Shape | Small nuggets/pellets | Cubes or crescents |
Cooling Speed | Faster, melts evenly | Slower |
Sound | Quiet when blending | Loud, cracks easily |
Best For | Beverages, cocktails, iced coffee | Storage, large coolers |
The table clearly shows the significant difference between sonic ice and regular ice, especially since most ice makers on the market can only produce bullet ice or cube ice. These types of ice are harder and melt faster, greatly affecting the taste. If you really want to try a sonic ice maker, you need a granular ice maker that can simulate the ice crushing and compression process of restaurant-grade machines. The Kismile nugget ice maker stands out in this regard. Designed for home use, it can quickly, cleanly, and in large quantities produce soft, chewy granular ice.
How is Sonic Nugget Ice Made
Have you ever wondered how crushed ice is made? The process of making sonic ice is quite different from that of cubic ice, although both begin with the production of flake ice.
In a typical Sonic ice maker, water flows through a metal cylinder cooled by a refrigeration system. The extremely low temperature causes the water to form thin, protruding ice flakes on the cylinder's side walls. Simultaneously, a rotating propeller scrapes against the inner wall of the cylinder, peeling away the formed ice spikes and pushing them to the tips of the blades.
If it stopped there, the product would be flake ice—commonly found in fresh seafood and fruit and vegetable display cases. But home ice makers go a step further: the ice flakes are pushed into a thin tube for compression. An extruder at the end of the tube causes the ice to naturally break into smaller pieces or be cut into uniformly sized granules by blades.
How to Select the Best Sonic-Style Ice Maker for Your Home
If you love sonic ice and want to enjoy this fun at home, choosing the right Sonic ice maker is crucial. This concise guide will help you find the model that best suits your needs.
Types of Nugget Ice Makers
- Undercounter Nugget Ice Makers: Installed beneath your kitchen counter, these units are sleek and high-capacity. They’re perfect for larger households or frequent entertainers and save counter space.
- Countertop Nugget Ice Makers: Compact and portable, these sit on your counter and are easy to move. They’re ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments and offer flexibility for occasional use.
Kismile’s Top Picks
- Nugget Pebble Ice Maker Countertop Z5815NA：This compact nugget ice maker produces soft, chewable Sonic-style ice in minutes, with easy one-button operation, self-cleaning, and smart sensors for effortless use anywhere.
- Nugget Sonic Ice Maker Stainless Steel Z5815SNH：This Kismile nugget ice maker quickly produces soft, chewable Sonic-style ice, featuring one-button operation, self-cleaning, and smart sensors — all in a compact, quiet design perfect for home or travel.
- Kismile Nugget Countertop Ice Maker Z5815NB：This compact nugget ice maker quickly produces up to 34 lbs of soft, chewable ice per day, featuring quiet operation, one-button control, self-cleaning, and a space-saving design perfect for home, office, or parties.
- Kismile Nugget Pebble Ice Maker Z5820DN：This high-capacity nugget ice maker produces up to 45 lbs of soft, chewable ice per day, featuring a 15-minute fast cycle, touchless dispensing, a 2.5-quart water tank, and effortless self-cleaning—perfect for home, parties, or travel.
If you're looking for an ice maker that makes Sonic ice, explore our selection of the best nugget ice makers to find the one that best suits your needs. We offer a range of options, from compact undercounter nugget ice makers to large-capacity commercial nugget ice makers. If you have any questions or need assistance with your purchase, feel free to contact our helpful customer service team at support@kismile.com.