The 2025 Best Nugget Ice Makers, According to Our Tests
In the ever-evolving world of kitchen appliances, ice crushers have become a must-have for both home and commercial use. These machines are characterized by their ability to produce soft, chewable ice pellets - often referred to as “sonic ice,” “pebble ice,” or “pellet ice” - that have gained immense popularity due to their superior cooling properties and wide range of applications, has gained immense popularity. For a pure ice lover, it's definitely not practical to always go to the store to buy ice, especially if the nearest restaurant is a few states away. To make life easier, the advent of extruded ice makers is definitely the icing on the cake, so you can have all the ice you want to use up right at home. In this blog, we tested 2 extruded ice makers from the Kismile brand, which can provide you with some reference when picking an ice maker.
Our Favorite Nugget Ice Maker
The Kismile Countertop Nugget Ice Maker is the best nugget ice maker due to its sleek design, compact footprint, and ice yield.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Nugget Ice Maker:
Nugget Ice Makers ,Pebble Ice Maker Z5820DN at Kismile |$389
Best Value Nugget Ice Maker:
Nugget Countertop Ice Maker Z5815NB at Kismile |$239
Best Overall Nugget Ice Maker:
Nugget Ice Makers ,Pebble Ice Maker Z5820DN
Pros
This nugget ice maker produces a lot of ice for its compact size, and it even auto-recycles melted leftovers.
Cons
It's a lot more expensive than the previous version of the same machine.
Get Sonic-style chewable ice anytime with this powerhouse machine! Produces 45lbs of pebble ice daily, with first batch ready in just 15 minutes. Features self-cleaning (10-minute cycle), touchless dispensing, and a 2.5QT removable tank for easy refills. Perfect for drinks, parties, or RV trips!
No more store runs - this countertop nugget ice maker keeps your drinks frosty with upgraded 5-hour insulation. Hygienic touch-free operation, large capacity, and portable design make it ideal for homes, bars, or outdoor adventures. Just press & enjoy!
Dimensions: 10.63"D x 15.94"W x 16.93"H | Storage Bin Capacity: 45 pounds | Ice Production Capacity: 45 pounds per day
Best Value Nugget Ice Maker:
Nugget Countertop Ice Maker Z5815NB
Pros
Despite its low price, this self-cleaning machine can put out 34 pounds of ice per day.
Cons
The machine is bulky, especially with its tiny ice bin.
This compact ice maker produces 34lbs of chewable nugget ice daily - perfect for drinks and whiskey. Just press one button for quick ice in minutes, with quiet operation, self-cleaning (15-min cycle), and a transparent lid to monitor progress.
At just 8.5x11.2x12.6 inches, it fits any countertop while featuring auto-shutoff alerts (low water/full basket) and a built-in scoop holder. Ideal for homes, offices, or outdoor parties! Highlights: speed, chewable texture, quietness, and compact design in snackable format.
Dimensions: 12.68"D x 11.3"W x 8.66"H | Storage Bin Capacity: 1.1L| Ice Production Capacity: 34 pounds per day
How We Tested Nugget Ice Makers
We put these nugget ice makers through rigorous real-world testing to find the best performers. Here’s how we evaluated them:
1. Design
We examined build quality, footprint, and convenience features like water tank capacity, portability, and noise levels. Compact yet sturdy models with intuitive controls scored highest.
2. Ease of Use
From setup to daily operation, we tested how user-friendly each machine was. One-touch buttons, self-cleaning functions, and clear indicator lights made some models stand out.
3. Performance
We measured ice production speed (lbs/day), consistency of nugget size, and how quickly the first batch was ready. The fastest machines delivered chewable ice in under 15 minutes.
4. Melting Test
We compared how long nugget ice lasted in drinks versus traditional cubes. The best ice retained its texture while cooling beverages longer without diluting flavor.
Final Verdict: The top performers balanced speed, durability, and chewability—perfect for cocktails, sodas, or snacking straight from the machine!
Factors to Consider
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Nugget Ice Maker
1. Value for Money
45lb Model: Ideal for heavy use, offering premium features like touchless dispensing and extended insulation at a higher price point. Best for frequent entertainers.
34lb Model: More budget-friendly while still delivering chewable nugget ice. Great compact option for small families or occasional use.
2. Ice Yield and Capacity
45lb/Day: Massive 45-pound daily output with 2.5QT tank—perfect for parties and all-day ice needs.
34lb/Day: Compact but efficient 34-pound capacity in a space-saving design (just 8.5x11.2 inches).
3. Ease of Cleaning
Both Models feature one-touch self-cleaning (10-15 minute cycles).
45lb Model: Removable tank and porcelain components simplify deep cleaning.
34lb Model: Transparent lid helps monitor cleanliness.
Other Nugget Ice Makers We Tested
Nugget Pebble Ice Maker Countertop Z5815NA ($209.99 at Kismile)
The Kismile nugget ice maker delivers bar-quality Sonic-style ice at home, producing 33lbs of chewable pebble ice daily. Its ultra-fast operation makes first batch in 12 minutes (subsequent batches every 2 mins) with smart infrared sensors for ice level alerts. The space-saving 12x9x13" design features one-touch controls, 15-minute self-cleaning, and whisper-quiet operation - perfect for kitchens, parties, or travel.
Nugget Sonic Ice Maker Stainless Steel Z5815SNH ($189.99 at Kismile)
The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker delivers professional-quality, chewable pebble ice just like your favorite soda shop. This compact powerhouse produces 33 pounds of ice daily, with your first batch ready in just 12 minutes (and subsequent batches every 2 minutes). Featuring smart infrared sensors, one-touch operation, and an automatic 15-minute self-cleaning cycle, it combines convenience with performance. Its space-saving 11.8"×9"×13" design operates quietly, making it ideal for home use, parties, or even travel - ensuring you always have perfect ice on demand.
Final verdict
The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker isn’t just another kitchen appliance—it’s your ticket to refreshing, Sonic-style ice anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re hosting a party, mixing cocktails, or simply craving chewable pebble ice for your favorite drink, this compact yet powerful machine delivers speed, convenience, and professional-quality results. With its smart features, effortless cleaning, and space-saving design, it’s the ultimate upgrade for ice lovers.
