The nuggets that emerge from this maker are top notch: crunchable, softer than typical cubes, with an optimal melting speed. The 3-quart water reservoir and powerful compressor are capable of cranking out up to 30 pounds of ice a day. The two-ways water refill system allows you to manually or automatically refill the water as needed. What size machine do I need? Icemakers are defined by their production capacity per 24 hours and their ice storage capacity. Ice made by pebble-style machines will retain its temperature longer than those from flake or cube-style machines due to its small size and higher surface area per unit volume ratio. This makes it perfect for maintaining consistent temperatures in commercial settings, as well as ensuring food safety standards are met.

Compared to flake or cube-style machines, pebble-style machines require much less maintenance over time. This is due to their simple design and ability to be easily cleaned with minimal effort. This means that you can enjoy the convenience of a low-maintenance machine without sacrificing quality. Half-cube ice machines produce smaller cubes that fit into glasses more easily while nugget ice makers form small, soft pellets of ice – perfect for slushy drinks and smoothies. Just place the ice cube ice-making machine upright and add 1.7 liters of water to the water tank under the ice basket, this portable ice-making machine will remind you that the indicator light will light up when the water level is low or the ice basket is full, which is very suitable for families , bars, recreational vehicles. Out of all of the nugget ice makers I tested, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 had the best balance of production amount, ease of use, and convenience. It makes just under a pound of ice in an hour and comes with a 0.75 gallon “Side Tank,” so you don’t have to constantly fill its tank throughout your day. This unit is capable of cranking out 38 pounds of ice per day, with the first batch ready to go in 10 minutes or less. Word of warning: in case you haven’t noticed, there is no one “industry standard” name for this style of ice. Different manufacturers call it different things: for example, Ice-o-Matic calls it “Pearl Ice” and Hoshizaki uses “Cubelet”. That said, the most common name I’ve seen is “Nugget”. Home Nugget Ice Makers:The ice maker’s fan is louder than the GE’s Profile Opal line of ice makers, too. So loud that you can hear it in the other room. When ice falls into the bin, it sounds a bit like popcorn popping. Not terribly annoying, but noticeable. As you might suspect, nugget ice makers aren’t as common as standard ice machines. But if you simply have to have those amazingly chewable cubes in your life, there are plenty of high quality nugget ice makers you can fit right on your kitchen counter. Best Nugget Ice Makers

I refilled the reservoir with fresh water and the Opal 2.0 began making ice. The first thing I noticed was how quiet it is. Granted, it does emit a low hum, but it's whisper-quiet compared with the original model.

Other Products in the Range

Compact designs are great for home bars and small restaurants while larger models may be necessary for areas where large amounts of crushed ice are needed such as commercial kitchens or concession stands. It is designed to operate with minimal noise and disruption. It uses a DC low-noise compressor and brushless motor powered fan for continuous operation at 45db, reducing any sound that may otherwise be disruptive to your environment. With the fan efficiently circulating air to dissipate heat, you can enjoy this ice maker without the need to worry about excessive noise or adverse affects on surrounding areas. Pros Yes! Before beginning the operation of your pebble ice maker, it is important to read the manual thoroughly and make sure not to exceed the maximum weight load limit as specified by the manufacturer. The lease figures displayed are an estimate and subject to status. Terms and Conditions will vary depending on the lender sourced. All documentation will be provided prior to approval. Where are you most likely going to need ice? Outside on your patio, in your kitchen, or in your restaurant? There are built-in ice makers that not only boast a larger storage capacity but can blend in with the decor or be hidden out of the way under a counter. Countertop models are smaller, but handy when you just need extra or periodic ice.

It can produce 4.8 lbs of ice per cycle and up to 30 lbs of ice in a day – making it the perfect companion for any gathering or event. The best countertop pebble ice maker can make a full batch of ice in just 14 minutes, so you’ll never have to worry about running out of ice when hosting family or friends. Of course, this is under the assumption you continuously empty its bin as the product keeps churning out more ice. GE says that the smaller capacity is offset by a faster ice production rate. And although my tests found that this ice dispenser did indeed produce ice faster than the competition, I often found myself needing more ice than the bin had available. That's why I recommend this ice maker for commercial settings like an office where it will constantly be used and won't be sitting idle, which results in a bin with melted ice. All of the ice machines we’ve recommended here can produce between 24 and 44 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period. Unless you’re regularly throwing parties, you likely won’t have to worry about capacity. That said, they’re all fairly bulky machines, so choose based on the yield that makes the most sense for you. When it comes to choosing the best pebble ice maker, there are a few key factors that you should consider. The Newair’s ice also wasn’t as soft as the GE ice. It’s perfectly chewable, but it doesn’t make comparable ice to commercial-grade machines as you’d find at restaurants like the GE Profile Opal line does.The Opal 2.0 uses the same ice-making technology as the original model. It takes ice flakes from a chilled cylinder and compresses them into small nuggets like the ones you get at a Sonic drive-in, which are softer than regular ice cubes and easy to chew. The Opal 2.0 can make one pound of ice per hour and has a clear pull-out bin that can hold up to three pounds of ice. The interior reservoir holds enough water to fill the ice bin before having to be refilled. Begin by unplugging your ice maker. Empty its reservoir of any liquid, either by turning the unit upside-down or opening the drain cap if it's equipped with one. Remove the ice bin and wipe it down with a soft sponge dampened with a bit of vinegar and lukewarm water. Next, wipe the interior with the same sponge and vinegar-water solution. (The exterior can simply be wiped down with a wet cloth.) Finish up by wiping everything down with a soft, dry cloth. Let your ice maker completely dry for about an hour before reinserting the ice storage bin and plugging in the machine. If your ice maker is equipped with a cleaning cycle option, engage it now. If your ice maker doesn't have this option, allow it to make ice a couple of cycles and throw out the ice, or feed it to plants. If making the perfect ice cube has become an A-1 priority for you, you’re in the right place. But simply choosing any nugget ice maker won’t do. In addition to basic aesthetic and size considerations, keep the following in mind before settling on your chosen winner. Price

Pebble ice makers also take up less storage space than other types of machines, making them ideal for businesses with limited counter or floor space. The compact design allows you to get more out of your existing space and maximize efficiency. Consider the noise level of your pebble ice maker before purchasing it. Some machines are very quiet and won’t disrupt an area, while others may be too loud for a kitchen or office setting. If you ask any ice lover, they’ll tell you that not all ice is created equal. In fact, many people swear that nugget ice—also called pebble ice and Sonic ice—is the best ice because it comes in small chunks that are soft and chewable. While a high-end machine may help you get the best results, it might be too expensive for your budget. Therefore, choose one that fits within your price range and provides good value for money.Pebble icemakers are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. Not only do they produce more consistent ice cubes than traditional forms of ice production, but they also have several other advantages as well. Nugget ice is notoriously difficult to DIY. While Jim Meehan has a video suggesting you can make nugget ice with a mallet and lewis bag, this isn’t consistent with the descriptions of “nugget ice” that I’ve found from true nugget enthusiasts. The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank is an undeniable all-rounder with its good looks, generous capacity, and ease of use. Factors to Consider Water connection and dispenser The Profile Opal Ice Dispenser is GE's latest ice maker that promises ice production at an impressive rate of 1 pound per hour, which in theory means you could make 24 pounds of ice in one day.