NewAir Nugget Ice Maker Review: Why You Need This Game-Changer in Your Kitchen

Picture this: you’re hosting a summer barbecue, and your guests are raving about the ice in their drinks. Not just any ice, but that soft, chewable nugget ice you’d find at Sonic or Chick-fil-A. That’s the magic I discovered with the NewAir Nugget Ice Maker, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

If you love refreshing drinks or just can’t resist munching on ice, this machine is a must-have. It’s reliable, user-friendly, and delivers that coveted “good ice” right to your countertop. Trust me, you’ll want this in your kitchen.

My Experience With the NewAir Nugget Ice Maker

When I first unboxed the NewAir Nugget Ice Maker, I was struck by its sleek, stainless steel design.

It’s not just an appliance; it’s a statement piece that fits seamlessly into my modern kitchen.

Setting it up was a breeze—plug it in, fill the water reservoir, and press the “ICE” button.

Within minutes, I heard the satisfying clink of nugget ice dropping into the bin.

I couldn’t believe how fast it worked! The first batch was ready in under 10 minutes, and I was already scooping out those perfect, chewable pellets for my iced coffee.

Using it daily has been a joy. My family, especially my kids, are obsessed with the ice. They fill their water bottles with it before school, and I’ve noticed they’re drinking more water because of it. The machine produces up to 44 pounds of ice per day, which is more than enough for our household of four, even during gatherings.

The insulated bin keeps the ice cold, though it’s not a freezer, so I transfer extras to my fridge if we don’t use it all. The blue LED light adds a fun vibe, especially at night, making it a conversation starter at parties.

One thing I appreciate is how intuitive the controls are. The LCD panel shows clear indicators for “making,” “add water,” or “ice full,” so I’m never guessing what’s going on. I also love that it recycles melted ice back into the reservoir to make more, reducing waste.

However, it’s not whisper-quiet—there’s a low hum and occasional clinking, but it’s no louder than my coffee maker. My only hiccup was a slight plastic taste in the first batch, but a quick cleaning cycle with vinegar fixed that. Overall, this machine has transformed how I enjoy drinks at home, and I’m hooked.

Pros Of the NewAir Nugget Ice Maker

Rapid Ice Production: This machine churns out nugget ice in under 10 minutes, which is a lifesaver when you’re hosting or just craving a cold drink fast. It produces up to 44 pounds daily, outpacing many competitors like the GE Profile Opal, which maxes out at 38 pounds.
Chewable, High-Quality Ice: The nugget ice is soft, crunchy, and perfect for everything from sodas to cocktails. It’s the same texture you’d get at fast-food joints, but fresher and cleaner since you control the water quality.
Sleek, Modern Design: The black stainless steel finish and LED-lit ice bin make it a stylish addition to any kitchen or home bar. It’s compact enough to fit under cabinets, though it’s a bit heavy at 36 pounds.

User-Friendly Interface: With just three buttons—ICE, CLEAN, and LIGHT—it’s incredibly easy to operate. The LCD display keeps you informed, and the self-cleaning function simplifies maintenance.
BPA-Free Components: Knowing the parts are BPA-free gives me peace of mind that the ice is safe for my family. It’s a small but important detail for health-conscious users.
Water Recycling System: Melted ice drains back into the reservoir, so the machine keeps producing without wasting water. This feature is both eco-friendly and convenient for continuous use.

The NewAir’s ability to deliver high-quality nugget ice quickly is its biggest strength. I’ve used it for everything from chilling wine in a bucket to making smoothies, and it never disappoints. The design is practical yet attractive, and the controls are so simple that even my tech-averse husband figured it out in minutes. While it’s not perfect (more on that later), the pros make it a standout choice for ice lovers like me.

Cons Of the NewAir Nugget Ice Maker

Noticeable Noise Levels: The machine isn’t silent. It produces a low hum and occasional clinking as ice drops, which can be distracting in a quiet kitchen. It’s louder than the GE Profile Opal, though not unbearable.
Initial Plastic Taste: The first batch of ice had a slight plastic flavor, which was off-putting. Running a vinegar cleaning cycle resolved it, but it’s something to be aware of when you first set it up.

Limited Ice Storage: The bin holds about 3 pounds of ice, which is fine for small gatherings but may require frequent emptying during larger parties. You’ll need to transfer ice to a freezer for big events.
No Automatic Restart: Unlike some models, the NewAir doesn’t automatically resume making ice after the bin is emptied. You have to manually press the ICE button, which can be a minor inconvenience.
Bulky Footprint: While compact for its output, it’s still a hefty 17.2 x 15.3 x 16.5 inches. If your countertop space is tight, you’ll need to plan where to place it.

Price Point Concerns: At around $400, it’s more affordable than the GE Profile Opal, but it’s still a significant investment. Budget-conscious buyers might hesitate, especially compared to bullet ice makers under $150.

These drawbacks don’t overshadow the machine’s strengths, but they’re worth considering. The noise and manual restart can be minor annoyances, and the initial taste issue is easily fixed. If you’re hosting large parties often, you might want to supplement with a freezer for extra storage.

Maintenance Tips For the NewAir Nugget Ice Maker

Run the Self-Cleaning Cycle Regularly: Press the CLEAN button for 5 seconds to start the self-cleaning function, which rinses out impurities. I do this weekly to keep the ice tasting fresh and prevent mineral buildup.

Use Vinegar for Deep Cleaning: For hard water areas like mine, add ¼ cup of white vinegar to the reservoir, fill with warm water to the max line, and run the clean cycle twice. Drain and rinse with plain water afterward to remove any vinegar residue.
Drain After Each Use: If you’re not using the machine for a few days, unhook the drain plug and tubes on the back to empty the reservoir. This prevents stagnant water and keeps the system clean.
Use Filtered or Distilled Water: I use reverse osmosis (RO) water to avoid mineral deposits and ensure the ice tastes pure. Tap water with high mineral content can lead to buildup, so invest in a good water source.

Wipe Down the Exterior: The stainless steel exterior is smudge-resistant, but I still wipe it with a damp cloth weekly to keep it looking pristine. Avoid abrasive cleaners to protect the finish.
Check the Ice Bin and Scoop: Remove the ice bin and scoop, wash them with mild soap, and dry thoroughly to prevent mold. I do this every couple of weeks to maintain hygiene.

Maintaining the NewAir is straightforward, but consistency is key. The self-cleaning feature is a lifesaver, and using filtered water makes a big difference in ice quality. Draining the machine when not in use is a simple step that extends its lifespan. These habits keep the ice maker running smoothly and ensure every batch is as crisp and clean as the first.

Comparison With Other Brands

GE Profile Opal 2.0: The GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the gold standard for nugget ice makers, and I get why it’s so popular. It produces 38 pounds of ice daily, slightly less than the NewAir’s 44 pounds, but its ice is marginally softer and chewier. The Opal’s Wi-Fi connectivity and SmartHQ app let you schedule ice production or control it via Alexa, which is a techy perk I don’t get with the NewAir. However, it’s pricier—often $200 more—and its larger footprint (17.5 x 13.43 x 16.5 inches) takes up more counter space. The Opal also has a side tank for extended water capacity, but I found the NewAir’s recycling system sufficient for my needs. Noise-wise, the Opal is quieter, but the NewAir’s faster output makes it a better value for the price.
Frigidaire EFIC103: The Frigidaire EFIC103 is a budget-friendly option that produces bullet ice, not nuggets, so it’s not a direct competitor. It churns out 26 pounds daily, which is fine for smaller households, and it’s lightning-fast, making ice in about 8 minutes. It’s also more compact and cheaper, often under $150. However, the bullet ice isn’t as versatile or chewable as the NewAir’s nuggets, and it melts faster. The Frigidaire lacks the sleek design and self-cleaning feature of the NewAir, making maintenance a bit more hands-on. If you’re after nugget ice specifically, the Frigidaire won’t cut it, but it’s a solid pick for basic needs.
Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker: The Euhomy is another nugget ice maker that’s gained traction for its compact size and 34-pound daily output. It’s quieter than the NewAir and has a removable ice tray, which makes transferring ice easier. However, its ice is less consistent in texture, sometimes coming out too soft or clumpy. The Euhomy is also slightly cheaper, often around $350, but it lacks the NewAir’s polished design and LED flair. Maintenance is similar, with a self-cleaning cycle, but the Euhomy’s smaller reservoir means more frequent refills. For me, the NewAir’s higher output and better ice quality make it the superior choice.

Thereye Countertop Nugget Ice Maker: The Thereye is a newer player, producing 30 pounds of nugget ice daily. It’s well-built and quieter than the NewAir, but I’ve read mixed reviews about its reliability, with some users reporting leaks or inconsistent performance after a few months. It’s priced similarly to the NewAir, but its ice bin is smaller, holding just 2 pounds. The Thereye’s design is sleek, but it doesn’t have the NewAir’s water recycling system, so you’ll refill it more often. For consistent, high-volume ice production, the NewAir edges out the Thereye, especially for larger gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the most reliable nugget ice maker?

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 is often cited as the most reliable due to its long track record, smart features, and consistent ice quality. However, the NewAir Nugget Ice Maker is a close contender, offering higher output and a more budget-friendly price. Its BPA-free parts and self-cleaning function add to its dependability, though some users report noise issues.

What is the number one rated countertop ice maker?

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 frequently tops reviews for its premium features and Sonic-style ice. That said, the NewAir 44lb Nugget Ice Maker earns high praise for its value, producing 44 pounds daily and delivering comparable ice quality at a lower cost.

Who makes the most reliable ice maker?

GE and NewAir are standout brands. GE’s Opal 2.0 has a strong reputation for durability and customer support, while NewAir’s nugget ice makers are lauded for their robust build and consistent performance, especially for the price. Both brands prioritize user-friendly designs and quality materials.

Does a nugget ice maker use a lot of electricity?

Nugget ice makers, like the NewAir, typically use 150-200 watts during operation, which is comparable to a small appliance like a coffee maker. Running it continuously for 24 hours might cost about $0.50-$1.00, depending on your electricity rates. Energy-efficient models like the NewAir minimize power use with quick cycles and insulated bins.

Conclusion: For the NewAir Nugget Ice Maker

If you’re tired of bland ice or running to the store for bags of nuggets, the NewAir Nugget Ice Maker is your answer. It’s fast, stylish, and delivers that perfect, chewable ice you crave. Despite minor quirks like noise or a smaller bin, its performance and value make it a must-buy. Get ready to elevate your drinks and impress your guests with this countertop gem.