Summer is coming and that means BBQs, pool parties, and lots of cold drinks. But who wants to drink a warm beverage in the summer? Not us! That’s why we need a nugget ice maker in our lives.
Nugget ice is the best kind of ice. It’s soft, fluffy, and melts quickly so you can enjoy a cold drink without all the usual downsides of regular, cubed ice. Driving down to your local Sonic or Chick-Fil-A may not always be in the cards. That’s why having a nugget ice maker at home is the perfect way to have an endless supply at all times.
By the way, nugget ice, pellet ice and pebble ice all mean the same thing. So if you hear us bring ’em up, we’re referring to the same type of fluffy goodness.
Read on to learn what nugget ice is and why we recommend investing in a home ice maker.
How Does A Nugget Ice Maker Work?
It raises the question: How are we able to create a soft ice considering ice is notoriously labeled as “hard” or “crunchy”.
Here’s the process…
A nugget ice maker works by sliding sheets of ice through a rapidly rotating blade inside a drum. The blade shaves the ice off of the cylinder and pushes it out into an internal catch tray. The ice shavings are then compacted together to form small pellets.
The compacting of the shavings creates small air pockets which make the ice strong enough to stay pebbles while in your drink, but fragile enough to fall apart in your mouth. A quality that you’ll never stop hearing about if you lend an ear to the ice forums.
How Much Does a Nugget Ice Maker Cost?
The truth: nugget ice makers aren’t cheap. Home pebble ice makers start out at around $400 and can make their way into the thousands if you’re looking for over 50 lbs a day.
With that said, the people who buy are never complaining about the quality of the nugget ice. Any complaints at all are usually because the machine broke directly after warranty (a big downer if you don’t invest in the extended warranty).
Pellet Ice Maker Categories
Let’s break down the ice makers available and which one is best for you.
Countertop
Countertop models are the cheapest available and offer plenty of nugget ice for the typical family of 4 to 5. Most models offer a water reservoir which allows you to make continuous nugget ice without having to fill up for each batch.
The major downsides of countertop nugget ice makers are that they take up a decent amount of counter space. They also tend to give out a little more often than the heavier-duty, freestanding options.
Freestanding
Freestanding pebble ice makers can make a serious amount of nugget ice. They can also offer a sleek addition to the kitchen if you have the floor space. There are both freestanding and under counter units available. Choose based on your space availability.
Keep in mind, these models will run you a pretty penny to purchase. Most are well over a thousand dollars and can be time consuming to install if you’re not handy with a wrench.
Some Recommendations
Home Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
You can’t go wrong with the most reviewed model available. GE introduced this model a few years ago and it completely took off. High reviews have stayed consistent despite the relatively complex technology.
Producing 24 Lbs of nugget ice a day, you shouldn’t have any issues running low on ice. It also comes with a water reservoir, bluetooth capabilities and it can store up to 3 lbs at a time. As the ice melts, the water is recycled to become the next batch of nugget ice. Cool right?!
Freestanding Nugget Ice Maker
GE Under Counter Nugget Ice Maker
If you’re looking for an incredible addition to the kitchen bar, look no further. GE outdid themselves and, in our opinion, made the best countertop and under- counter models available.
This GE model creates up to 60 Lbs of pellet ice a day and has a storage capacity of 26 Lbs. You can also choose your favorite front panel to make the style flush with your kitchen design. The best part, it’s designed for both built-in and freestanding applications. Choose what works for you and switch it up if you need to.
Conclusion
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to buy a nugget ice maker! With summer right around the corner, it will be your new best friend. Not only will you never have to deal with lukewarm drinks again, but you’ll also be the envy of all your friends when they come over and see how stylish and practical your new appliance is. Ready to make this purchase? We don’t blame you – nugget ice is pretty awesome!
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