Have you ever run out of ice on a hot summer day? If yes, you know how sickening it is. You will then have to walk to the nearby local store to buy nugget ice cubes or chewable ice.

However, having a sonic ice maker or the best nugget ice machines save you the trouble and time. If you acquire one, you can access these ice cubes by just pressing a button.

Even so, determining the ideal one for you can be overwhelming. In this review, we present to you the top best sonic ice makers.

Sonic Ice Makers – Our Top Picks

1. Manitowoc CNF-0201A-L – Best in Versatility

Nugget ice makers are ideal for cocktails. However, the Manitowoc helps you with both water and the best nugget ice.

This best sonic ice machines feature the best stylish design you can get. All this thanks to the lovely metal finish. For this reason, they fit well in your stainless-steel counterpart appliances.

Further, you acquire this sonic style ice machine with a self-contained, air-cooled condenser. Its most significant selling point has to do with its high ice production. In other words, it makes up to 315 lbs of ice in a day. After starting it up, it doesn’t take long to begin the production process.

Its bin can store up to 10 lbs. of nugget ice. Apart from that, it’s also stress-free to use. Just select what you want between ice, water, or both. Then place your glass under the spigot against the lever.

Pros

• Attractive design
• High production and storage capacity
• Dispenses water as well as nugget ice
• Build quality is excellent
• 2-year warranty
• Lever water dispenser

Cons

• Quite costly

Findings

This snowflake and nugget ice dispenser will help you produce refreshing quality water. With such high production capacity, this product is ideal for gyms, restaurants, and homes.

2. Scotsman N0622A-1 Prodigy Plus – Best in Production Capacity

Easy preventive maintenance: Easily removed panels allow clear access to internal components. Diagnostic code display ensures the right fix the first time. External, reusable air filter is easily removable

This best sonic ice machines are robust industrial designs. The Scotsman ice cubes comes as a large metallic gray cube. Also, it features big slider doors that allow you to reach the ice container.

This best nugget ice maker do not have a fancy design. By this, it boasts of a heavy-duty professional vibe. Even without a shiny appearance, you cannot miss noticing its robust construction.

The Scotsman ice maker weighs 172 pounds. As such, it is one of the best stationary nugget ice machines you can get. It produces up to 643 pounds per day.

With such high production, it’s almost impossible to run out of nugget ice. You can get this product in hotels, gyms, and restaurants. It’s one of the best commercial nugget ice machines out there.

This nugget ice machine includes a system of sensors that help you with machine status and diagnostics.

Pros

• Produces over 600 pounds of nugget ice in a day
• Intelligent and smart operation module
• QR code on the side for the spec sheets and user manual
• Robust construction
• Uses anti-bacterial materials

Cons

• Costly
• Very heavy hence stationary

Findings

This Scotsman nugget ice maker has bonus features that keep the nugget ice or water clean and safe to boot. Most of its inner parts feature anti-bacterial materials. Hence, it avoids contamination between cleanings.

3. Euhomy IM-02 – Best Commercial

Euhomy freestanding commercial ice maker is extremely reliable and versatile, producing up to 100 pounds of ice per day in a self-contained, 33 lbs. storage capacity. 100 lbs Sonic ice machine features automatic overflow prevention, ice sensor will stop it when ice full.

The Sonic style Ice o matic Euhomy IM-02 is the best deal you can get for your home, canteens, bars, restaurants, and places that need a steady supply of nugget ice or water. The reason being, it has a low-set profile, high production capacity, and simple controls.

It makes an ideal under-counter nugget ice maker. This home sonic product can produce 45-cube batches of diamond-like ice nuggets within 13-20 minutes. At the same time, it can hold up to 33 pounds.

In a day, the sonic Euhomy can produce up to 100 pounds. The capacity is quite remarkable since most under-counter nugget ice makers deliver less.

This home sonic appliance weighs 67 pounds. Its footprint, on the other hand, is 17.3″ by 15.7″. With such, it’s perfect for any standard size counters. When comparing it to other under-counter ice maker counterparts, it is more compact and lighter. For this reason, it requires less space and works relatively faster.

It also includes an illuminated power button alongside LED lights. These lights facilitate clear viewing. Besides that, its full-bin indicator that warns you when the bin is about to be full.

The machine’s design only requires vinegar and water to run through the cycle for cleaning. You don’t have to use a towel or sponge for cleaning the insides.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Long-lasting ice
• High yield
• Ample storage room
• Designed for limited space
• Approved for outdoor use

Cons

• Noisy operation
• Quite heavy

Findings

Manitowoc equips their products with a delay function, and the IM-02 is no exception. It is possible to pause the production process for 4, 12, or 24 hours and by using only hand screws, you can detach its bin, filter, and other parts.

4. IKICH Electric Ice Machine – Best Countertop Ice Machine

With simple control panel, just add water, plug it in, press the power button, select the ice size and forget it. The indicator lights up when the ice is full or you need more water. No plumbing required, easy to fill and clean. With a outlet and drain plug at the bottom, easy to use to empty the unused water. Dont need any complex installation.

The portable ice maker IKICH features a unique design and an LED display on the tank.

It also has a clear window, which you can use to monitor the progress without opening it. For best performance, regularly run its occasional cleaning cycle.

This pellet ice maker for making ice nuggets comes with a 2-liter water reservoir. Its ice basket holds up to 1.5 lbs. of ice. It’s also lightweight, weighing just 17.35 pounds.

About its production, it produces 26 pounds of ice per day. It is pretty fast, and can make nine-cube batches in just six minutes.

Between the wall and the basket, this product features a thick PU foam layer. By this, it delivers excellent insulation. Then again, this appliance also comes with a BPA-free ice plastic scoop.

Lastly, its DC fan and compressor are low noise. Most of its components feature plastic, but it features a stainless-steel finish. For that reason, it still blends in with your other kitchen appliances.

Pros

• Quiet
• Energy efficient
• ETL and FDA certified
• Modern stainless-steel finish
• Portable and Compact

Cons

• A little slow

Findings

With straightforward controls, you can select the different functions. The features include different ice sizes: large and small bullet ice. It also has an automatic standby and warning for low water levels.

5. COSTWAY Ice Machine – Well Designed Ice Maker

Bullet Shape and Available Ice Size – This sonic ice machine nugget ice maker is different from other ice maker, the round and smooth bullet-shaped ice wont hurt your mouth. The hollow design enables the ice float on your drink without affecting its taste. Our type of ice maker has two sizes (small & large) of chewable ice available to be selected, which are always used to cool drinks and food.

COSTWAY has a good renowned legacy in the industry. It delivers several excellent nugget ice makers with different features in the market.

It doesn’t feature stain-less steel but instead features ABS plastic. With such a resilient plastic crust, it is difficult for this appliance to get dents and scratches.

Most people like it because of its quick ability to make ice per day. It produces a full batch in 8 minutes. In other words, it has a production capacity of 26 pounds of ice per day. The ability is remarkable as there are other large models unable to produce such an amount.

It features an ice basket with a 1.5 pounds capacity, and includes warning lights. The lights also warn when the appliance runs out of water or when it’s on/off. Once full, it pushes the machine to a halt.

Besides, it has a half-gallon water reservoir. You need to keep refilling it for continuous ice production.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Quick ice production
• Quiet operation
• User-friendly
• Reasonable price
• Easy to clean and easy to use

Cons

• None (as of reviewing)

Findings

The Costway is among the excellent portable ice makers option that you can get. It is also very budget-friendly, reliable, robust, and highly efficient.

6. Frigidaire EFIC102 – Budget-Friendly

Counter Top Design, Easily Portable, and See-through Design Allows you to Watch as the Ice is Being Made.

The Frigidaire EFICI02 ice maker is quite remarkable. It delivers everything you’d expect in a top-quality package while being cost-friendly.

It’s quite fast. In about six minutes, it can produce nine-cube batches of bullet-shaped ice. The ice production adds to 1.1 lbs. of ice in one hour, which’s quite efficient.

The Frigidaire type of ice maker has a footprint of 15″ by 11″. With a weight of 19 pounds, it’s quite pretty small and lightweight. Hence, it uses less space and is stress-free to carry around.

It includes two ice size options: medium and small. This soft ice nuggets maker can hold 1.2 pounds of ice and 2.2 liters of water. The capacity is ideal for small gatherings.

The machine features plastic. However, it has a stylish finish and could fit among your stainless kitchen appliances. It’s also available in a variety of colors: silver, red, and copper. It also comes with a one-year warranty.

This pebble ice maker is straightforward to operate and features a back lit LED panel. It also includes a few buttons and warning lights. Thus, you’ll know when it’s either empty or almost full.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Easy to fill and drain
• Lightweight and compact
• Reasonable price
• Automatic shut-off
• Quiet cooling

Cons

• Needs regular cleaning
• Few color choices

Findings

This ice machine is also safer and quicker to clean than side drain models. Thanks to its underside drain plug. Also, its cooling fun is quitter than that of most models.

7. Opal Nugget Ice Maker – Best Operation

With its elegant design, the Opal will wow your guests before they even try the delicious ice it makes. Measures at 15.5 x 10.5 x 17.2 inches – The perfect size for any counter top in your home. Installation Clearance – 3 inches, sides and back.

These home nugget ice machine feature a remarkable design with an open window. By this, they allow you to see the ice forming and how full it can get.

This machine doesn’t need a secure water supply. Thus, you can set it up in your home wherever you want. In one hour, it can make up to 1 pound of ice.

You can operate this ice making machine with your mobile device. It features Bluetooth connectivity. With the FirstBuild app, you can conveniently turn it on or off.

This home nugget ice maker is also among the most lightweight you can get. You can use it on your counter. Also, with a decent power supply, you can quickly bring it along for tailgating.

The nugget ice maker comes with a small bin able to hold up to 3 pounds of ice ideal for small gatherings.

Pros

• Portable and stylish design
• Easy to use
• Makes 1-pound in one hour
• Possible to control with
• Bluetooth
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Includes a six months warranty
• Lack refrigeration in its ice bin

Findings

This product delivers a ton of features. Thus, you’ll find it among high end and expensive icemaker options. Unfortunately, it comes with a limited 6-month warranty. Another drawback, this nugget ice maker doesn’t include a refrigeration unit.

8. hOmeLabs HME010019N – Best Sonic Icemaker for the Home

This powerful sonic machine creates delicious, chewable, bullet shaped ice up to 1. 5 lbs. at a time and up to 26 lbs. of ice per day with its 2. 2-liter water reservoir. Measures just 9. 5 x 12. 9 x 14 – an ideal choice for chewable ice anytime, anywhere.

If you are looking for a pebble ice maker machine, the hOmeLabs HME010019N is an ideal pick.

It features plastic and weighs just 19.3 pounds. Also, it has a footprint of 12.9″ by 9.5″. It is among the compact and lightweight designs in the market.

The hOmeLabs ice o matic is fast, and incorporates a high-speed, low-noise exhaust fan. By this, it carries away any excess heat from the coils.

It features a vaster storage capacity bin that supports 1.5 pounds of fresh chewable ice at a time. Such amount is enough for eight or at least six drinks.

About safety concerns, this home ice maker has certification from ETL. Therefore, it is safe for use.

Pros

• Modern design
• User-friendly
• Affordable
• Low-noise operation

Cons

• Plastic construction
• Inadequate ice production in the first five rounds

Findings

Its capacity is not as much as that of commercial sonic ice makers. In just six minutes, this home sonic ice machine can produce eight-cube batches of chewable ice cubes. In one hour, it produces about 26 pounds of ice.

Sonic Nugget Ice Maker – Buying Guide

Without a doubt, there are multiple excellent chewable ice makers in the market. But which one suits you best? Different sonic ice makers come with varying features and functions.

To help you identify the excellent choice, consider the following factors before buying an ice maker:

1) Size:

Buy an ice o matic that best fits the available space. It can fit underneath the counter or on the counter top. Under the counter ice makers are quite large.

Also, consider portability. Large pellet ice makers are bulky and difficult to carry around. Smaller counterparts are convenient to carry around.

If you want ice production on a grand scale, consider the storage capacity of the unit. In such a case, find a soft ice maker able to store a decent amount of ice.

2) Ice Quality:

Ice quality is vital, especially when producing clear ice for commercial purposes. Good ice quality will make your drinks taste and look better than the average.

Commercial ice makers are perfect when it comes to ice quality.

3) Versatility:

The versatility factor should be of crucial consideration if you are in business. Different customers have varying preferences. Also, various drinks need different types of ice.

Commercial ice makers are excellent regarding versatility and different ice types.

4) Installation:

Small and portable crushed ice makers don’t necessarily require installation. However, large counterparts might need a drain and pump for correct installation.

Consider the setup of your home and figure out the best sonic ice machines nugget ice makers for you. Most ice machine brands have professionals who can guide you through the installation process.

5) Warranty:

Nugget ice makers are generally quite costly. Therefore, you ought to consider the warranty service for extra peace of mind.

Small and portable ice makers may not have the most extended warranties. However, they still allow you some time for you to experiment with the product.

Many warranties do not cover any damages resulting from sunlight exposure or outdoor use.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Which ice machine makes sonic ice?

You can use any good sonic ice machine or nugget ice makers to make sonic ice that are mentioned above. You can acquire chewable ice bits to help in the production of snow cones as well as other iced treats. However, a sonic ice maker should be one that will not produce much noise.

How do you make sonic ice at home?

You then need to buy a sonic ice maker that is within your budget and create sonic ice in the comfort of your home. Alternatively, you may need to get ice bags from stores and malls directly. This option is far much cheaper but timely.

What kind of ice maker do hospitals use?

Scotsman sonic ice machines are common in many hospitals for making nugget ice. Other hospitals also use the best sonic ice machines nugget ice maker to make nugget ice. The production of the ice is made under controlled temperature, to produce chewable ice.

How can I keep sonic ice from freezing?

Sonic ice makers do not come with any refrigeration. By this, they ensure the ice is chewable. As a result, the ice doesn’t freeze, become hard, or stick together.

My ice machine stopped producing ice. How can I fix it?

In most cases, your soft ice maker stops operating because of the water running out. Check to find out if that’s the case. If so, just refill your ice o matic.

Another reason may have to do with the ice maker freezing up. To fix this problem, try:

• Replacing the water filter
• Upping the freezer temperature
• Cleaning the inlet water valve
• Thawing the appliance fill tube

Why are nugget ice makers so costly?

Most people think of this as simple machines nugget ice makers. Yeah, they may seem so. However, they are even more complicated than a standard refrigerator.

The reason being, they feature fairly pricey materials and parts. These include control boards, stainless, copper, compressors, pumps, and refrigerants.

How should I clean my nugget ice machine?

Some, e.g., the Manitowoc CNF-0201A-L, have a high-tech self-cleaning mechanism. Anytime it needs cleaning, it notifies you. Then, you can authorize it to start the process.

For the others, you need to consult the specific manual for your ice maker. Then follow the instructions.

What is the best ice machine for the home?

The best nugget ice machines vary with different users. In other words, it comes down to different preferences and needs as well. What I think is the best option for me might not be what you like.

What is the main benefit of a nugget ice machines?

Nugget ice is probably the most preferred type of ice. For an ice buff who expects to produce some, investing in the best nugget ice maker is wise. By this, you have access to high-quality ice with just a single button click.

How small are portable nugget ice makers?

Portable pellet ice makers are small enough to fit on top of your counter, countertop nugget ice. At the same time, they are large enough to hold a significant amount of ice. Most portable soft models are slimmer than 12 inches and stand below 15 inches.

Can I use my nugget ice maker outdoors?

Yes. You can use a sonic ice portable nugget ice maker anywhere as long as there’s a power source. Nonetheless, you should understand that extreme temperatures cause the appliance to strain in producing and making ice.

Final Thoughts

Our top pick is the Manitowoc CNF-0201A-L. Other than its attractive design, it also has a high ice production capacity.

Moreover, it boasts of excellent construction and is a water dispenser to boot. It’s also very straightforward to operate and has a large storage bin.