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 Brilliance Nugget SCN60PA1SU is a solid choice if you need a reliable undercounter ice maker for commercial or home use. It can produce up to 80 pounds of nugget-style ice, which is soft and chewable—great for drinks and healthcare settings. The built-in storage bin with a self-closing door helps keep the ice clean and insulated, though you won’t find a large ice storage capacity compared to some standalone machines.

The machine runs on standard 115 volts with moderate energy use at 120 watts. Its pump drain design simplifies installation but requires access to plumbing. At about 23 by 15 by 34 inches and weighing 129 pounds, it’s designed more for a fixed spot rather than portability. While it doesn’t highlight specific features for easy cleaning, Scotsman is known for durable, easy-to-maintain equipment. The reversible door adds flexibility for tight spaces.

If you want fast, chewable nugget ice from a compact undercounter unit and have plumbing nearby, this machine fits well. For those needing a portable model or a very large ice storage solution, other options might be more suitable.

The EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker is a solid choice for those wanting quick and soft chewable ice at home, parties, or on the go. It produces up to 34 pounds of nugget-style ice daily, which is enough for most small gatherings or personal use. The machine starts making ice in about 6 minutes, so you get fresh ice pretty fast. Its compact size and built-in handle make it portable and easy to move around, fitting well on kitchen counters or even in an RV. The ice produced is small, soft pellets that cool drinks quickly and are gentle on your teeth, great for iced coffee or smoothies.

The water tank holds 1.2 quarts, and the removable ice basket can store about 1.8 pounds of ice at once—this means you might need to scoop ice out regularly during heavy use. The automatic cleaning feature combined with a removable top cover makes maintenance straightforward, helping keep the machine hygienic without much effort. It also has helpful alerts to remind you to add water or empty the basket, which is convenient.

Quiet operation (under 50 dB) and low energy use (about 1 kWh per 8 hours) are nice touches, making it suitable for use in quiet environments like offices or bedrooms. The stainless steel build gives it a durable, modern look. The ice storage capacity is modest, so it's not designed for large parties without frequent emptying. Also, since it uses a water tank, you’ll need to refill it manually rather than connecting it to a water line. This ice maker is especially suitable for users who want soft, chewable nugget ice quickly and quietly, with easy cleaning and portability. It fits well for home use, small get-togethers, or camping trips but is less appropriate for heavy commercial use or big events requiring continuous large ice output.