Top Nugget Ice Maker Brands: Chill in Style

If you're looking to enhance your beverage experience with refreshing nugget ice, you've come to the right place. Nugget ice makers have become increasingly popular for their ability to produce that beloved soft, chewable ice that's perfect for cocktails, sodas, or simply munching on. With various options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. In our article, we've compiled a list of top brands renowned for their quality, efficiency, and innovation. Discover our recommendations and find the perfect nugget ice maker for your home below.

Illustration of nugget ice maker

Best brands of nugget ice maker in 2025

Scotsman

Scotsman Ice Systems is a leading producer of nugget ice makers, renowned for their ability to produce soft, chewable ice nuggets that enhance beverage service. In 2023, Scotsman nugget ice machines played a significant role in the food service sector, holding more than 50% of the revenue share in the global nugget ice maker market. Their machines are praised for improved energy efficiency, advanced sanitation technologies, and increased production capacities. The North American market, where Scotsman has a strong presence, accounted for 45.60% of the global nugget ice machine market revenue in 2023. Scotsman's innovations in smart ice maker features, including smart app control and voice integration, further enhance user experience.

GE Appliances

GE Appliances is a leading producer of nugget ice makers, known for its innovative and high-quality products. In 2023, countertop nugget ice machines from GE Appliances, such as the Opal 2.0 Ultra, dominated the market with a significant share due to their compact size, advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control, and maintenance efficiency with scale-inhibiting and reusable filters. The Opal 2.0 Ultra, launched in June 2024, has been a standout model, enhancing user experience with smart technologies. GE Appliances' products cater to both residential and commercial sectors, contributing to the global nugget ice machine market growth expected to reach USD 416.84 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030. The brand's commitment to innovation and customer feedback, as seen through its FirstBuild initiative, has been crucial in driving market growth.

Opal

The Opal brand, part of GE Profile, is a leading producer of nugget ice makers, known for their compact and advanced features that meet modern consumer demands. In 2023, countertop nugget ice machines, dominated by Opal models, held a 76.48% market share due to their convenience and technological integration. The Opal 2.0 Ultra, for instance, produces up to 38 pounds of ice per day and features Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control, enhancing its appeal in smart kitchens. These machines are highly rated, with the Opal 2.0 receiving the Evergreen Award for its exceptional performance. The global nugget ice machine market, driven by Opal's innovations, is expected to reach $416.84 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030.

Manitowoc

Manitowoc is renowned as one of the best producers of nugget ice makers, known for their high-quality and efficient ice production. With a market share of over 20% in the commercial ice machine sector, Manitowoc has been a leader since its founding in 1902. Their nugget ice makers are favored for their ability to produce up to 1,000 pounds of ice per day, making them ideal for large-scale operations. Manitowoc's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has earned them numerous industry awards. Their products are energy-efficient, with some models saving up to 30% on energy costs.

Luma Comfort

The Luma Comfort brand is renowned for producing high-quality nugget ice makers, with models like the Luma Countertop Nugget Ice Maker capable of producing 44 lbs of restaurant-quality nugget ice daily. This brand stands out for its sleek, low-profile designs and features such as configurable delay timers and easy-to-clean functions. The Luma Comfort nugget ice makers are ideal for both home and commercial use, fitting seamlessly into modern kitchens and home bars. The global nugget ice machine market, which includes Luma Comfort products, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030, driven by increasing demand for convenient and portable ice-making solutions. In 2023, the North American market, where Luma Comfort is popular, accounted for 45.60% of the global market revenue.

Frigidaire

Frigidaire, though not exclusively focused on nugget ice makers, is a renowned brand in the home appliance industry, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and user-friendly designs. While Frigidaire's primary offerings are refrigerators with built-in ice makers, their products are highly regarded for their durability and advanced features such as adjustable shelves and precise temperature control. In the broader context of ice makers, the nugget ice machine market is growing, with North America accounting for 45.60% of the global market revenue in 2023 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030. Frigidaire's reputation for dependability and value for money makes it a trusted choice among consumers. However, for specific nugget ice makers, brands like GE Appliances, Scotsman Ice Systems, and NewAir are more prominent. For more detailed insights into their durable appliances, check out this Frigidaire refrigerator review.

NewAir

NewAir is a leading brand in the nugget ice maker market, known for its compact, efficient, and convenient ice makers. In 2023, countertop nugget ice machines, a category where NewAir excels, dominated the market with a significant share of 76.48%. NewAir's products, such as the NewAir 44lb. Nugget Countertop Ice Maker and the NewAir 15" Undercounter Ice Maker, offer self-cleaning functions and refillable water tanks, catering to various budgets and preferences. The brand's range includes options from under $200 to over $400, ensuring fresh, high-quality ice for home use. NewAir's innovations, including smart app control and voice integration, enhance user experience and contribute to the market's growth at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030.

Bluestone Appliance

Bluestone Appliance, though not highlighted in recent market reports, could potentially be a strong contender in the nugget ice maker market, given the growing demand for convenient and portable ice-making solutions. The global nugget ice machine market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030, driven by technological advancements and increasing consumer preference for high-quality, chewable ice. Key players like Scotsman Ice Systems and GE Appliances dominate the market, but new entrants can capitalize on the rising demand in both residential and commercial sectors. North America holds a significant market share, with 45.60% of the global revenue in 2023. Online sales are also expected to grow at a CAGR of about 5.7% from 2024 to 2030. For additional insights into ice makers, explore this Marvel Refrigeration guide.

Aglucky

Aglucky, a renowned brand in the nugget ice maker market, delivers high-quality and efficient ice-making solutions. The AGLUCKY nugget ice maker can produce up to 35 lbs of pebble ice per day and generates ice in just 7 minutes, establishing it as a top choice for both residential and commercial use. As part of Ningbo Rowan Electric Appliance, Aglucky offers a range of ice makers that garner praise for their consistent ice quality and robust production capacity. With a compact and portable design, measuring 8.66 x 12.68 x 11.3 inches and weighing 18.7 pounds, these ice makers are ideal for home and kitchen use. Aglucky's products, such as the AGLucky HZB-12/B model priced at $79.99, are available at competitive prices, ensuring accessibility without compromising on quality.

Igloo

Igloo, although well-known for its coolers and ice chests, is not a prominent producer of nugget ice makers. The market for nugget ice machines is dominated by brands like GE Appliances, Scotsman Ice Systems, and NewAir, with the global market size estimated at USD 291.99 million in 2023 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030. Countertop nugget ice machines, such as those from GE Profile, hold a significant market share of 76.48% due to their compact size and advanced features. The North American market, particularly the U.S., accounts for a substantial 45.60% of the global revenue in 2023. Technological advancements and consumer preference for convenient and portable ice-making solutions drive this market growth. For more detailed insights, visit the nugget ice machine market report.