10 Best Ice Machines 2025 in the United States

The Scotsman Brilliance Nugget SCN60PA1SU is a compact undercounter ice machine that produces up to 80 pounds of nugget-style ice daily, making it suitable for small to medium commercial settings or busy home bars where soft, chewable ice is preferred. Its storage bin has an integrated self-closing door, which helps keep the ice fresh and reduces melting, though users with very high volume needs might require frequent emptying. The unit measures about 23 x 15 x 34 inches, fitting neatly under counters but is somewhat heavy at 129 pounds, so installation might require assistance.

It uses R 410A refrigerant and runs on standard 115 volts, which is typical and energy-efficient for this type of machine. The presence of a pump drain suggests it handles water efficiently, which is good for locations without floor drains. Scotsman products generally have a reputation for reliability and ease of service. The lack of detailed noise level information may be a consideration if quiet operation is a priority.

This ice maker is a solid choice for those wanting consistent nugget ice with moderate production and a space-saving design, but users should consider storage capacity and noise factors if these aspects are critical.

The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker is a compact, countertop machine that produces up to 35 pounds of chewable nugget ice per day, with the first batch ready in just 7 minutes. This makes it a solid choice for home users who value quick ice availability, especially for drinks like cocktails or sodas where nugget ice enhances texture and flavor. Its 2.3-liter water tank supports continuous ice production, while the transparent casing and included scoop add convenience by making it easy to monitor and serve ice.

In terms of size, the machine is fairly small (roughly 13" x 9" x 12.8"), making it suitable for kitchens with limited counter space. It operates quietly at about 43 dB, so it won’t disturb the household during use. The self-cleaning function, activated by a simple button press, reduces maintenance effort and helps keep ice fresh without much hassle.

The unit is well-suited for home users looking for a stylish, quiet, and easy-to-use nugget ice maker. Those needing large volumes of ice quickly or a variety of ice shapes might find this model limited.

The Manitowoc CNF-0201A-L is a solid choice if you need a reliable ice machine for busy commercial spaces or places where a steady supply of ice is essential. It produces up to 315 pounds of soft, chewable nugget ice per day, which is popular for drinks like cocktails and smoothies.

The 10-pound storage bin is a bit on the smaller side, so it works best when ice is used regularly without long waiting times. It’s designed to sit on a countertop, but keep in mind its size—about 74 inches deep and 36 inches tall—so you’ll need enough space. Energy-wise, it uses 6.69 kWh, which is moderate but not the most efficient model out there. Manitowoc machines typically run quietly enough for commercial settings. Maintenance involves standard cleaning, but the stainless steel build helps with durability and hygiene.

This ice machine is particularly suitable if your priority is high daily ice output and soft nugget ice, especially in a commercial environment with limited space. However, if you need a larger ice storage or more energy-saving features, you might want to explore other options.