As you compare nugget ice makers, consider how much ice they can make per day, how much ice the machines can hold, whether the ice compartment is refrigerated, and whether it hooks up to a water line or must be filled manually. Further, some machines can dispense nugget ice into your cup, ideal for daily use, while others have an ice bin for scooping, which is better for parties. How We Selected 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. Another factor to consider when purchasing a pebble ice maker is the size. You need to make sure that it will fit in your space and that it can accommodate the amount of ice you need for your business. Generally, pebble ice makers come in two sizes – compact or full-sized. 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.

Pebble ice makers are also more affordable than their counterparts, making them an ideal option for businesses on a budget. The low cost and easy maintenance mean you can get quality crushed ice without breaking the bank. Type of Ice Maker Machine on the market When it comes to choosing the best pebble ice maker, there are a few key factors that you should consider. When it comes to finding the right ice maker machine to suit your needs, there are a variety of options available. Ice makers should be kept clean to prevent bacteria growth and reduce mineral scale buildup. A self-cleaning cycle, which cleans the inside of the machine (often with a chemical cleaner), makes maintaining and cleaning the machine easier. 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.

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 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. After 15 minutes, ice began filling the bin, and after three hours or so the bin was full of fantastic crunchy nugget ice. The app did a good job of informing me of the Opal’s current status, and the machine had no trouble adhering to my ice-making schedules. Bring Your Favorite Ice Home 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.

Alternatively, you can also manually fill it up with pure water which makes it ideal for outdoor activities like parties and camping trips. Refilling with pure water also ensures that you get better-quality ice cubes as well. The Opal 2.0 is able to connect to Wi-Fi and can be programmed to respond to voice commands. (It also has a UV light for sanitizing, though we did not test the machine’s purported antimicrobial technology.) Ice makers can generate a few different kinds of ice, including the most popular: cube, nugget, crescent, and gourmet ice. The Opal 2.0 has a sleek design, with a transparent, illuminated reservoir for the ice. A detachable side water tank attaches to the machine with magnets. The side tank allows for more ice to be made between refills; you can also opt for a cheaper version without the side tank. 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 dispenserWhile the benefits of having an undercounter ice maker are clear, not all ice makers are the same. Choose the best undercounter ice maker for your kitchen by considering the following criteria: the ice maker type, ice quality, machine capacity, cooling system type, installation requirements, and any additional features. Type

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. Along with production rate, storage capacity is another important factor. The size of the storage bin determines how much ice is accessible after the machine has had a few hours to fill it. The best thing about this machine is its intuitive controls, which placed it just a notch above the other bullet-style ice machines we tested. 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. 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.

Clear Ice Makers

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. Some ice machines also require a drainage line to siphon off any water in the machine. These appliances rely on either gravity or a drain pump to move the water, which is typically more convenient. Non-draining ice machines handle water internally. Other Features Those who need a small undercounter ice maker for a small kitchen may find the Whynter built-in ice maker to be a good option. It has a compact size of 25 inches tall by 15 inches wide by 18 inches long and weighs only 52 pounds.

Be sure to consult with your local utility company for more information about the estimated energy costs associated with running your pebble ice maker. Conclusion Since ice makers not only produce, but also store ice cubes, these two factors are among the most important features. Also consider the machine’s production rate, which is the maximum quantity of ice the unit can produce in a 24-hour period. Widely considered to be the gold standard among at-home nugget ice makers, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 can produce an impressive 24 pounds of ice per day. It also has wifi and voice control capabilities, which don’t necessarily seem like things you’d need in an ice maker — but as the old saying goes, go big or go home. With this machine, you’ll be going big at home.Be aware of potential water spills as the machine is operating and take appropriate measures to prevent them from occurring. Lastly, always unplug the machine before cleaning and making any repairs. How much energy does a pebble ice maker use? Cube ice makers offer large, solid cubes of ice that are great for use in drinks, salads and other applications.