The best nugget ice maker under $300 is the Euhomy IM039. It makes soft, chewable nugget ice in about 5–7 minutes, up to 35 lbs a day, with dual-pump self-cleaning and quiet operation under 45 dB.
We compared seven top-rated countertop nugget ice makers under $300 on Amazon, using only the features and specs each brand lists. Prices, ratings and review counts come from Amazon at the time of writing and may change. Premium models like the GE Profile Opal generally cost more than $300.
Nugget ice is the soft, crunchy ice many people know from restaurants, and countertop machines now make it at home. Below you’ll find our top picks, a comparison table, detailed reviews, a buying guide and answers to common questions.
Top 3 Nugget Ice Makers Under $300
Euhomy IM039 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker (35 lbs)
EUHOMY IM017 Nugget Ice Maker (44 lbs)
EUHOMY Smart Nugget Ice Maker with App/Alexa ControlNugget Ice Makers Under $300 Compared
| Image | Product | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Euhomy IM039 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker (35 lbs) Best Overall | Up to 35 lbs per day · First nugget ice in 5–7 minutes | 4.4/5 13,156 reviews | Check Price |
| 2. EUHOMY IM017 Nugget Ice Maker (44 lbs) Highest Output | Up to 44 lbs per day · Ready in 7–10 minutes | 4.4/5 4,474 reviews | Check Price |
| 3. EUHOMY Smart Nugget Ice Maker with App/Alexa Control Best Smart Nugget Ice Maker | Up to 42 lbs per day · Ready in 7 minutes | 4.4/5 331 reviews | Check Price |
 | 4. EUHOMY Stainless Nugget Ice Maker (35 lbs) Best Stainless Design | Up to 35 lbs per day · Ready in 7 minutes | 4.4/5 2,285 reviews | Check Price |
 | 5. EUHOMY Portable Nugget Ice Maker with Handle (34 lbs) Best Portable | Up to 34 lbs per day · Ice in as little as 6 minutes | 4.6/5 1,701 reviews | Check Price |
 | 6. Kismile Nugget Ice Maker (35 lbs) Best Alternative Brand | 35 lbs per day · First ice in 7 minutes | 4.3/5 1,880 reviews | Check Price |
 | 7. EUHOMY IM047 Nugget Ice Maker (40 lbs) Fastest First Batch | Up to 40 lbs per day · Ice in about 4 minutes | 4.4/5 468 reviews | Check Price |
1. Euhomy IM039 Countertop Nugget Ice Maker (35 lbs) – Best Overall
Euhomy 2026 Upgraded Countertop Nugget Ice Maker, 35lbs Sonic Crushed Ice
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 13,156 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Euhomy IM039 is the best nugget ice maker under $300. It makes soft, crunchy nugget ice in about 5–7 minutes, up to 35 lbs per day, and uses an advanced dual-pump self-cleaning system to keep ice fresh. It costs about $190 with 4.4 stars from 13,156 Amazon reviews.
Nugget ice, sometimes called pellet or sonic ice, is made from compacted ice flakes, which gives it the light, chewable texture people love from restaurant soda fountains. The IM039 delivers that texture in a compact countertop unit that runs under 45 dB.
Key features
Fast nugget ice. The first batch arrives in about 5–7 minutes.
Dual-pump self-cleaning. Helps keep the water system and ice cleaner.
Quiet and compact. Under 45 dB and ETL certified, measuring 12.28 x 11.14 x 8.5 inches.
What it’s like to own
Euhomy recommends running 2–3 self-cleaning cycles with fresh water after deep cleaning with descaler. A detachable lid makes the interior easy to reach.
As with all countertop nugget makers, the basket isn’t refrigerated, so move extra ice to the freezer.
Best for: Nugget ice lovers who want a proven model.
May not fit: Buyers who need ice stored frozen.
2. EUHOMY IM017 Nugget Ice Maker (44 lbs) – Highest Output
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, 44lbs/24H, Ready in 7-10Mins, Black
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 4,474 reviews
Pros
Cons
The EUHOMY IM017 is the highest-output nugget ice maker on this list, producing up to 44 lbs of ice a day. It costs about $200 with 4.4 stars from 4,474 Amazon reviews.
Its first batch is ready in 7–10 minutes, and one-touch control keeps it simple: press “ICE” and it starts.
Key features
44 lbs per day. More ice for big households and parties.
One-touch operation. No complicated settings.
Auto deep cleaning. The machine handles routine cleaning for you.
What it’s like to own
EUHOMY says its compact design avoids taking over half your counter.
Choose it if you regularly host or have a household that goes through a lot of ice; the slightly longer first batch is the trade-off for its high output.
Best for: Families and frequent hosts.
May not fit: Small counters.
3. EUHOMY Smart Nugget Ice Maker with App/Alexa Control – Best Smart Nugget Ice Maker
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 331 reviews
Pros
Cons
The EUHOMY Smart Nugget Ice Maker adds app and Alexa control, at about $170 with 4.4 stars from 331 Amazon reviews.
It makes up to 42 lbs of soft, chewable nugget ice per day, with the first batch ready in about 7 minutes.
Key features
Smart control. Bluetooth app and Alexa.
42 lbs per day. High output.
Self-cleaning. Hold the button to start.
What it’s like to own
Setup takes three steps: add water, press ON and enjoy nugget ice. To clean, hold the ON/OFF button to start the self-cleaning cycle.
At 19.3 lbs, it is easy to move but sturdy on the counter. Bluetooth app control works within range of your phone, so it suits homes where you want to start ice from another room.
Best for: Smart home fans.
May not fit: Buyers who want simple controls.
4. EUHOMY Stainless Nugget Ice Maker (35 lbs) – Best Stainless Design
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, 35lbs/24H, Ready in 7 Mins, Stainless
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 2,285 reviews
Pros
Cons
The EUHOMY Stainless Nugget Ice Maker is the best-looking nugget maker under $300, with a stainless finish and compact 11 x 9.1 x 12.6-inch footprint. It makes up to 35 lbs of nugget ice per day for about $150, with 4.4 stars from 2,285 Amazon reviews.
Its first batch of soft, chewable ice arrives in about 7 minutes.
Key features
35 lbs per day. Plenty for daily drinks.
Built-in self-cleaning. Automatic deep cleaning keeps it fresh.
Simple operation. Designed to be easy for anyone to use.
What it’s like to own
Its stainless steel look suits modern kitchens, and EUHOMY highlights dedicated customer support.
It is a balanced, mid-priced choice if you don’t need app control or the highest output.
Best for: Stainless kitchens.
May not fit: High output.
5. EUHOMY Portable Nugget Ice Maker with Handle (34 lbs) – Best Portable
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 1,701 reviews
Pros
Cons
The EUHOMY Portable Nugget Ice Maker with Handle is the best portable nugget maker, at about $147 with 4.6 stars from 1,701 Amazon reviews. It makes fresh nugget ice in as little as 6 minutes and up to 34 lbs per day.
A carry handle makes it easy to move between kitchen, patio and drink station.
Key features
Fast first batch. Nugget ice in about 6 minutes.
One-touch ice making. Fill the 1.2-qt tank and press the button.
Removable top cover. Easy access for cleaning.
What it’s like to own
It runs at under 45 dB and has a one-touch self-cleaning cycle.
Its 34-lb daily output suits most households, though big families may prefer the 44-lb IM017.
Best for: Parties.
May not fit: Big households.
6. Kismile Nugget Ice Maker (35 lbs) – Best Alternative Brand
Kismile Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, 35 lbs/Day, Stainless Steel
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 from 1,880 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Kismile Nugget Ice Maker is a quiet alternative to EUHOMY, at about $145 with 4.3 stars from 1,880 Amazon reviews. It produces up to 35 lbs per day from a 1.1L water tank, with the first ice in about 7 minutes.
Kismile says it was tested at 43 dB in a noise-controlled environment.
Key features
Quiet 43 dB. Good for open kitchens and offices.
5-second self-cleaning. A quick press starts the cleaning cycle.
Chewable nugget ice. Crunchy texture made by crushing ice.
What it’s like to own
Its stainless steel design measures about 12.2 inches tall and fits most counters.
Kismile is a smaller brand, so it suits buyers who prioritize quiet operation.
Best for: Quiet spaces.
May not fit: Brand seekers.
7. EUHOMY IM047 Nugget Ice Maker (40 lbs) – Fastest First Batch
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Max 40lbs Daily Sonic Ice
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 468 reviews
Pros
Cons
The EUHOMY IM047 has the fastest first batch here, making nugget ice in about 4 minutes and up to 40 lbs per day. It costs about $145 with 4.4 stars from 468 Amazon reviews.
A sturdy handle and compact 11.92 x 9.33 x 12.83-inch size make it easy to move.
Key features
4-minute ice. Quick relief when you need ice fast.
5-minute self-cleaning. A quick cleaning routine.
45 dB operation. Quiet and energy-saving.
What it’s like to own
It is ETL certified for safety.
With a smaller review base, it suits buyers who value speed and output per dollar.
Best for: Impatient drinkers.
May not fit: Big batches.
How to Choose a Nugget Ice Maker
What makes nugget ice different
Nugget ice is made by compacting flakes of ice into small, airy pellets. It is soft enough to chew, cools drinks fast and absorbs flavor.
Bullet ice makers are cheaper and simpler, but if you love chewable ice, a dedicated nugget maker is the only way to get it at home.
Daily output
Output ranges from 34 lbs (EUHOMY portable) to 44 lbs (EUHOMY IM017) per day. Higher output helps if several people use the machine or you host often.
First-batch times vary from about 4 minutes (EUHOMY IM047) to 7–10 minutes (IM017).
Self-cleaning and maintenance
Nugget makers have more internal parts than bullet makers, so cleaning matters. Look for self-cleaning programs like the Euhomy IM039’s dual-pump system or Kismile’s 5-second self-clean.
Descale periodically and run fresh-water cycles afterward, as Euhomy recommends, to keep ice tasting clean.
Noise
Nugget makers run continuously when making ice. Kismile lists 43 dB, and several EUHOMY models list 45 dB or under.
Place the machine away from bedrooms and on a level surface to reduce vibration.
Smart features
The EUHOMY Smart Nugget Ice Maker connects via Bluetooth for app control and works with Alexa, so you can start ice before you get home.
Smart features are convenient but not essential; one-touch machines work just as well for most people.
Size and storage
Most units are about 11–12.8 inches tall and fit under upper cabinets. Check depth and allow ventilation space.
Remember the basket isn’t refrigerated; transfer extra ice to the freezer to store it.
FAQ
What is the best nugget ice maker under $300?
The Euhomy IM039, thanks to its fast nugget ice, 35-lb daily output, dual-pump self-cleaning and quiet operation.
Is nugget ice the same as Sonic ice?
Nugget, pellet, pebble and “sonic” ice describe similar soft, chewable ice made from compacted flakes.
Do nugget ice makers keep ice frozen?
No. Countertop nugget makers don’t refrigerate the basket; ice slowly melts and is recycled. Store extra ice in the freezer.
How often should I clean a nugget ice maker?
Run self-cleaning regularly and descale as the manual recommends, followed by fresh-water rinse cycles.
Which nugget ice maker makes the most ice?
The EUHOMY IM017, at up to 44 lbs per day.
Is the GE Opal worth it?
It’s a popular premium option but typically costs more than $300. The models here deliver nugget ice for less.
Final Verdict
The Euhomy IM039 is the best nugget ice maker under $300, with fast ice, strong output, dual-pump self-cleaning and a large base of reviews.
For maximum ice, the EUHOMY IM017 makes up to 44 lbs a day, and the EUHOMY Smart model adds app and Alexa control.
Choose the stainless EUHOMY for looks, the portable EUHOMY for parties, Kismile for quiet operation and the IM047 for the fastest first batch.
Quick picks:
- Best overall: Euhomy IM039
- Highest output: EUHOMY IM017 (44 lbs)
- Best smart: EUHOMY Smart Nugget
- Quietest: Kismile
- Fastest: EUHOMY IM047
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