There’s regular ice… and then there’s nugget ice — the soft, crunchy, chewable kind you find at Sonic or high-end coffee bars.
If you’ve ever wanted that same satisfying crunch at home or in your café, a commercial nugget ice maker is your ticket.
These powerful machines produce pebble-like ice that chills drinks fast, blends perfectly in smoothies, and keeps customers coming back for more.
Below, we’ve rounded up the 5 best commercial nugget ice makers for bars, coffee shops, and serious ice enthusiasts at home.
ICEVIVAL Commercial Nugget Ice Maker
The ICEVIVAL Commercial Ice Machine brings high-capacity nugget ice production to your kitchen, bar, or restaurant.
With durable construction, auto-cleaning, and flexible installation options, it’s built for those who demand premium, chewable ice every day.
Key Highlights:
- 🧊 Massive Output: Produces 66 lbs of nugget ice per day with batches ready in just 5–15 minutes
- ❄️ Superior Ice Retention: Keeps up to 80% of ice frozen for 24 hours
- ⚙️ Smart LCD Control: One-touch auto-cleaning, 24-hour timer, and easy monitoring
- 🏠 Flexible Installation: Works as both built-in or freestanding unit with dual-drawer storage
- 💪 Commercial-Grade Build: Durable black design, 198W power, and safety certification for long-term reliability
EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker
If your home, bar, or business needs a steady supply of ice, the EUHOMY commercial under-counter machine is built to keep up.
Producing up to 100 lbs of ice per day with a 33 lb storage bin, it’s powerful, quiet, and fully ETL-certified for both residential and commercial use.
What We Love About It
- Produces 100 lbs of ice per day with 33 lb storage capacity
- ETL-certified for safe commercial & home use
- Smart LCD panel lets you adjust ice size & monitor temperature
- Auto-cleaning function extends machine life
- Quiet, energy-efficient compressor
- Works as freestanding or under-counter
- Great for home bars, outdoor kitchens, cafés & small businesses
GarveeTech Commercial Ice Maker
If you need a heavy-duty ice machine that keeps up with restaurants, food trucks, bars, or busy home entertaining, the GarveeTech commercial ice maker delivers serious output.
Producing 78 cubes per batch in as little as 8–15 minutes and up to 150 lbs of ice per day, it’s built for high-demand environments with smart controls, fast cycles, and a durable stainless-steel body.
What We Love About It
- Makes 78 cubes per batch in just 8–15 minutes
- Huge 150 lbs/24h daily ice production
- 30 lb storage bin keeps plenty of ice ready to serve
- Smart LCD panel with indicators + adjustable ice thickness
- Delay timer for scheduled on/off
- Strong 340W compressor for reliable commercial operation
- Triple-layer construction: food-grade ABS, insulation & stainless steel
- Auto-clean function + blue interior light to slow melting
COTLIN 20″ Commercial Ice Maker Machine
This powerhouse ice maker is basically your backstage pass to never running out of ice again.
With a sleek stainless steel build, built-in water filter, and a super-insulated 33 lb storage bin, it keeps ice cold, clean, and ready on demand.
Plus, the dual-fan cooling system and smart LCD panel make it feel way more “high-tech restaurant gear” than “basic appliance.”
What We Love About It
- Brushed stainless steel exterior + BPA-free food-grade bin
- Cranks out up to 200 lbs of ice daily
- 33 lb insulated storage keeps ice from melting too fast
- Adjustable ice thickness + scheduled ice-making
- Automatic cleaning cycle + self-diagnosis system
- Transparent viewing window + interior lighting
- Includes PP water filter for cleaner, clearer ice
- ETL-certified with lifetime support from COTLIN
COWSAR Commercial Ice Maker Machine
This compact commercial ice maker keeps the vibes high and the drinks cold—whether it’s for your home bar, restaurant, office kitchen, or outdoor setup.
With an 80 lb daily output, fast cycles, and a stainless-steel build, it’s designed to deliver constant, clean ice without taking up much space.
What We Love About It
- Pumps out 80 lbs of ice per day with 11–18 min cycles
- 24 lb insulated storage bin keeps ice solid longer
- Stainless steel exterior that’s durable, hygienic & easy to clean
- LCD control panel to adjust ice size + monitor temperature
- Auto-clean function for low-maintenance operation
- Freestanding design with raised feet to avoid moisture issues
- Dual water inlet options for flexible setup
- ETL-certified for both home & commercial use
Choosing the Right Nugget Ice Maker
Output Capacity
For home use, 25–50 lbs per day is usually plenty. Commercial settings like bars or cafés should aim for 70 lbs or more daily production.
Storage & Size
Consider where you’ll install it — undercounter, countertop, or freestanding. Models like the Scotsman SCN60PA offer large storage while still fitting standard cabinetry.
Water Source
Some units connect directly to water lines, while others (like KBice) use refillable tanks — ideal if plumbing access is limited.
Maintenance
Look for self-cleaning systems or removable components. Regular cleaning prevents buildup and keeps the ice tasting pure.
Noise & Speed
Commercial-grade machines can be loud, so if you’re installing one at home, opt for quieter models like the GE Opal 2.0 or NewAir.
FAQs
What makes nugget ice different from regular ice?
Nugget ice is softer and more porous than cubed ice. It absorbs flavor better, chews easily, and chills drinks quickly without diluting them as fast.
Do I need a water hookup for a nugget ice maker?
Not necessarily. Models like the GE Opal 2.0 and KBice feature refillable water tanks, so no plumbing is required — perfect for home or office setups.
How often should I clean my ice maker?
For best performance, clean your nugget ice maker every 1–2 weeks. Machines with self-cleaning cycles make this simple — just run the cleaning mode and rinse.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re serving cold brew at a café or margaritas at home, nugget ice takes every drink to the next level.
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 is unbeatable for everyday use, while the Scotsman SCN60PA and Manitowoc CNF-0201A-L dominate in high-demand commercial settings.
Whatever your space or budget, these commercial nugget ice makers deliver the perfect crunch, every single time.
Related Reading
11 Best Nugget Ice Makers (Quiet, Chewable Ice) in 2025
Inoviva Nugget Ice Maker – Best Self Cleaning Ice Maker
How Long Does It Take An Ice Maker To Make Ice?
Why Are Nugget Ice Makers So Expensive?