If you’re on the hunt for a high-tech kitchen gift for a home cook, this was one of the best ice makers we tested. This machine has three UV light settings so you can dim or brighten the viewing window and protect against bacteria growth throughout use. The cleaning setting is super easy to use, and the machine is quiet while running, save for the pitter-patter of those nuggets being made. It’s sleek and comes in both stainless and black stainless finishes.
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After I poured myself a glass of seltzer and topped off the cup with ice, it was instant bliss. As someone who isn’t always great about staying hydrated while working from home, I’ve found that the nugget ice has made me more excited to fix up some fun beverages. frigidaire washing machine My occasional afternoon Diet Coke feels like a treat, and I love adding the nugget ice to my morning cold brew; it makes prepping for the day while half-awake a total breeze. After reading this, maybe you realize you don’t need an ice machine at all.
When you first unbox the EFIC255, the manual recommends you run a cleaning cycle. This is standard practice for all countertop units of this type, as it flushes out the internals. While the Frigidaire machine makes ice, it doesn’t keep it frozen like a freezer would. Instead, it’ll reuse any melted ice water to produce new ice until the water runs out, or until you fill up the reservoir again.
Clear-ice makers produce solid blocks of ice that you often need to break up into individual cubes. They’re also bigger than typical bullet-ice machines and usually more expensive. This is a large machine, and this particular model has an additional side tank for water. You can buy it without the tank, but at this price point, you might as well buy the whole thing and enjoy the Opal’s full potential. During testing, the ice block was well formed and easier to break apart than the block made by other machines. Similar to other standard countertop ice makers, the Magic Chef MCIM22/HNIM27 makes nine bullet-shaped cubes every eight minutes.
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. Most ice makers available today come with a 12-month warranty, but be sure to check your specific model’s offering. We like the black and stainless steel design of this machine, which lends a modern aesthetic to what can otherwise be a bulky contraption sitting on your countertop. We also appreciate the 12-month warranty and self-cleaning capabilities.
By following the step-by-step cleaning process outlined in this article, you can maintain the cleanliness, functionality, and longevity of your ice maker. Cleaning the interior of your is vital to remove any buildup, mold, or bacteria that may affect the quality of your ice. This step ensures that your ice maker continues to produce clean and refreshing nugget ice.
In terms of actually using your ice, the KBice maker has the nugget ice market cornered on built-in dispensing. That said, a few models do require a water line, so be sure to check what’s required before purchasing. Looks aren’t everything — especially when you’re purchasing an arguably non-essential appliance — but we can’t deny the aesthetic appeal of Frigidaire’s V2 nugget ice maker. The stainless steel body looks sleek and will match almost any kitchen setup, while its ability to produce 44 pounds per day will ensure you’re kept flush with fresh, glorious nugget ice.
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. A removable drain plug makes draining water a mess-free process, while a five-cycle automatic cleaning function effortlessly keeps the inside fresh for new, clear ice. The ice cubes from this machine can be made in small or large sizes. However, this ice maker can’t handle as much water as some of the others, so we did need to refill often to compensate for maximum output.