6 Best Small Nugget Ice Makers (October 2026)
The best small nugget ice makers include the Kismile 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker for crowded kitchen counters, the Euhomy Stainless 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker for shared kitchen counters, and the Silonn Nugget Ice Maker with Detachable Basket for serving guests.
On this page (9 sections)
- How we chose small nugget ice makers
- Which small nugget ice maker fits your counter?
- How do you measure space for a small nugget ice maker?
- How much nugget ice do you need for drinks and guests?
- Which convenience features are worth choosing?
- How should you set up a compact nugget ice maker?
- How do you keep a small nugget ice maker clean?
- Which mistakes make a compact ice maker harder to live with?
- Which small nugget ice maker should you choose?
The Kismile 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker is the best small nugget ice maker for most crowded counters because its narrow body leaves more room for daily kitchen work. Choose a handled Silonn instead if you need to carry ice to guests or move the whole appliance.
A compact machine earns its space only if you can refill it, scoop ice and clean it without rearranging the kitchen. Measure the working space around the appliance, rather than checking whether its base fits.
For other sizes and ice styles, see our countertop ice maker guide. If chewable ice is not a firm preference, start with our nugget vs bullet ice comparison.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for shared kitchen countersEuhomy Stainless 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for serving guestsSilonn Nugget Ice Maker with Detachable Basket
7.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itSilonn 36 lb Nugget Ice Maker with Carry Handle
Best for moving between rooms - 5
Check itGE Profile Opal Mini Nugget Ice Maker
Best for scheduled drink routines - 6
Check itInoviva 26.5 lb Nugget Ice Maker
Best for occasional drink making
How we chose small nugget ice makers
We prioritized usable counter space, serving convenience and cleaning access when comparing these small nugget ice makers. Kismile leads because its narrow base fits the main need behind this search without requiring app controls or a deep body.
A compact shape matters more here than a small difference in maximum production. A machine that blocks your prep area or cannot open beneath a cabinet is the wrong fit, even with a higher output figure.
We also separated features that solve different problems. A basket handle helps you serve ice, an appliance handle helps you relocate the machine, and scheduling helps you match production to a regular routine.
Daily output, first-ice times and noise figures are brand claims. Use them to narrow your options, while allowing for room temperature, water temperature and how often you remove ice.
Which small nugget ice maker fits your counter?
Choose Kismile for a narrow everyday spot, then consider the others for the specific way you refill, serve or move ice. The comparison below separates production figures from the features you will use each day.
| Product | Best for | Daily output | Dimensions (D x W x H) | Cleaning | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kismile 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker | crowded kitchen counters | Up to 35 lb | 11.02 x 8.27 x 12.2 in | One-touch self-cleaning | 8.1 |
| Euhomy Stainless 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker | shared kitchen counters | Up to 35 lb | 11 x 9.1 x 12.6 in | Hold CLEAN for about 5 seconds | 8.0 |
| Silonn Nugget Ice Maker with Detachable Basket | serving guests | Up to 33 lb | 7.8 | ||
| Silonn 36 lb Nugget Ice Maker with Carry Handle | moving between rooms | Up to 36 lb | Self-cleaning cycle, about 15 minutes | 7.2 | |
| GE Profile Opal Mini Nugget Ice Maker | scheduled drink routines | Up to 36 lb | 15.6 x 8.6 x 14.56 in | 7.0 | |
| Inoviva 26.5 lb Nugget Ice Maker | occasional drink making | Up to 26.5 lb | Self-cleaning cycle | 6.5 |
Kismile 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker: a small nugget ice maker for crowded counters
Kismile 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker
- 11.02 x 8.27 x 12.2 in (D x W x H)
- Up to 35 lb daily output
- One-touch self-cleaning
- First ice in 7 minutes
The narrow base makes room for nugget ice on a crowded kitchen counter. Simple cleaning controls and visible status indicators suit daily drink making.
Pros
- Narrow 8.27 in body
- Visible ice and water status
- 15-minute self-cleaning cycle
Cons
- No carry handle identified
- Requires room for refilling and ventilation
The Kismile suits a kitchen where the ice maker must share space with a coffee maker, kettle or cutting board. It measures 11.02 in deep, 8.27 in wide and 12.2 in high, making width its main advantage.
Its 1.1 L water tank and clear view of the ice help you keep an eye on supply during the day. LED indicators also show water, production and cleaning status, so you do not have to judge everything through the casing.
Kismile claims up to 35 lb per day and first ice in 7 minutes. That suits repeated drink refills, but the first batch should be treated as the start of production rather than a ready supply for a gathering.
Holding ON/OFF for 5 seconds starts a 15-minute cleaning cycle. Buy it for a permanent counter spot and simple controls; skip it if carrying the machine or serving with a handled basket is your main need.
Euhomy Stainless 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker: clear controls for a shared kitchen
Euhomy Stainless 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker
- 11 x 9.1 x 12.6 in (D x W x H)
- Up to 35 lb daily output
- Separate ICE and CLEAN controls
- First ice in 7 minutes
Separate ICE and CLEAN buttons make the controls easy to explain in a shared kitchen. The stainless steel body suits buyers who want that finish and have room for its wider base.
Pros
- Stainless steel body
- Separate cleaning button
- Ice scoop and basket
Cons
- Wider and taller than the Kismile
- No app scheduling identified
The Euhomy suits a shared kitchen where several people need to understand the controls quickly. Press ICE to begin production, or hold the separate CLEAN button for about 5 seconds to start the cleaning cycle.
Its stainless steel body measures 11 in deep, 9.1 in wide and 12.6 in high. Choose it over Kismile if you prefer that finish and have enough room for the slightly wider, taller body.
Euhomy claims up to 35 lb per day with first ice in 7 minutes, using a 1.1 L tank. Those figures give it no clear production advantage over the top pick, so controls and counter fit should drive the choice.
Before first use, remove the protective film if the surface appears blue or green. Skip this model if your available width is very tight, and read our Euhomy nugget ice maker review for a closer look at its daily-use features.
Silonn Nugget Ice Maker with Detachable Basket: carry ice to the table
Silonn Nugget Ice Maker with Detachable Basket
- Up to 33 lb daily output
- Detachable basket with handle
- Detachable top
- Self-cleaning
Carry the handled basket to the table while leaving the appliance in place. A detachable top also gives you access for manual cleaning and descaling.
Pros
- Handled serving basket
- Detachable top for cleaning access
- Low-water and full-basket indicators
Cons
- Lower claimed output than the leading picks
- Basket handle serves ice rather than moving the appliance
This Silonn suits people who make ice in the kitchen but serve drinks elsewhere. Its detachable basket with a handle lets you carry collected ice to a dining table without moving the appliance.
The distinction matters in a small kitchen. Once you have found a place with suitable airflow and outlet access, you can leave the machine there instead of shifting it whenever guests arrive.
Silonn claims up to 33 lb per day and first ice in 6 minutes. Low-water and full-basket indicators show when you need to refill the tank or remove ice.
The detachable top gives access for manual cleaning and descaling alongside the automatic cleaning function. Choose it for serving convenience and cleaning access; skip it if you need a handle for carrying the whole unit.
A removable basket is useful for a short trip to the table, but it is not an insulated serving bucket. Transfer the ice to a suitable container when you need it to last through a longer meal.
Silonn 36 lb Nugget Ice Maker with Carry Handle: move the appliance
Silonn 36 lb Nugget Ice Maker with Carry Handle
- Up to 36 lb daily output
- Carry handle
- First ice in 5 minutes
- Self-cleaning
The appliance handle suits homes where the ice maker changes locations. An opening top lid gives access for manual care, but conflicting dimensions need checking for a tight counter.
Pros
- Handle for carrying the appliance
- Open-lid cleaning access
- Visible ice level
Cons
- Conflicting size measurements need confirmation
- Plastic construction
Choose this Silonn when the appliance itself needs to change locations, such as moving between a kitchen counter and an indoor drinks station. Its carry handle serves a different purpose from the other Silonn's basket handle.
Silonn claims up to 36 lb per day and first ice in 5 minutes. A window shows the ice quantity, while indicator lights signal an empty tank or full basket.
The opening top lid gives access for manual care, and the self-cleaning cycle takes about 15 minutes. During unpacking, retrieve the power cord from beneath the top lid before setting up the machine.
Silonn provides conflicting dimensions for this model, so confirm its exact size before buying for a tight space. The handle makes it worth considering for relocation, but it should not be chosen on an assumed footprint advantage.
Skip it if you want to carry only the finished ice. Before moving any ice maker, switch it off, drain it as instructed and follow its transport guidance.
GE Profile Opal Mini Nugget Ice Maker: plan around a regular drink routine
GE Profile Opal Mini Nugget Ice Maker
- 8.6 x 15.6 x 14.56 in (W x D x H)
- Up to 36 lb daily output
- Wi-Fi and app control
- Top-fill water station
App scheduling suits a regular iced-coffee or evening-drink routine. Top filling and a front drain aid access, but the deep body needs more counter space than its narrow width suggests.
Pros
- Scheduling and maintenance alerts
- Top-fill water station
- Front drain and drain-and-dry system
Cons
- Deep 15.6 in body
- 27 lb weight limits easy relocation
The Opal Mini suits someone who wants to schedule production around morning coffee or evening drinks. SmartHQ app support adds scheduling and maintenance alerts, giving it a clear reason to choose it over simpler button-operated models.
Its body measures 8.6 in wide, 15.6 in deep and 14.56 in high. At 27 lb, it makes more sense as a machine with a permanent home than one you frequently carry between rooms.
GE claims up to 36 lb per day, and the removable bin holds 2 lb. The top-fill station lets you add water without removing that bin, which is useful when you want to refill without interrupting access to the ice.
A front drain tube helps with draining, and GE says its drain-and-dry system reduces excess internal water between cycles. Choose it for scheduling and refill access; skip it if depth is your main limit.
Our GE Profile Opal Mini review covers its controls and care features in more detail.
Inoviva 26.5 lb Nugget Ice Maker: simple operation for smaller sessions
Inoviva 26.5 lb Nugget Ice Maker
- Up to 26.5 lb daily output
- 1.4 L water capacity
- Self-cleaning
- First ice in 6 minutes
Simple controls suit buyers who make iced drinks in smaller sessions. Included ice bags help with transferring extra ice to the freezer, though output is the lowest in this group.
Pros
- Simple start control
- Self-cleaning function
- 5 ice bags included
Cons
- Lowest claimed daily output here
- Conflicting dimensions complicate a tight fit
The Inoviva suits buyers who want simple controls for occasional iced drinks and do not need the highest production figure. Inoviva claims up to 26.5 lb per day, with first ice in 6 minutes.
Its 1.4 L water capacity is larger than the tanks specified for Kismile and Euhomy. That does not establish how often you will refill it, since refill needs also depend on ice use and operating conditions.
The machine weighs 16.8 lb and includes a scoop, basket and 5 ice bags. Those bags give you a way to move spare ice to the freezer rather than leaving it in the collection basket.
Holding the start button for 3 seconds activates self-cleaning. Choose it if the basic controls and included bags match your routine; skip it if you expect heavy back-to-back serving.
Its published dimensions differ between descriptions, so it is not a safe choice for a precisely measured gap without confirmation. Lower output also does not prove that it uses less electricity or makes less noise.
How do you measure space for a small nugget ice maker?
Measure width, depth, height and operating clearance before choosing a model. A machine can fit beneath a cabinet yet still be awkward to fill or open there.
Mark the full working area on your counter
Use painter's tape to mark the machine's base, then add the ventilation clearance required by its manual. Keep that space clear of walls, dish towels and other appliances that could block airflow.
Check whether the front edge leaves enough room to remove the basket safely. A unit placed too close to a counter edge can turn a routine scoop of ice into an awkward reach.
Check lid movement and refill access
Allow room for the lid to open and for a water pitcher to reach the filling point. Do not count a spot as usable if you must slide a full machine out from under a cabinet at every refill.
The Opal Mini illustrates why width alone is misleading: its narrow body still extends well back across the counter. Compare the shape with your backsplash, cabinet overhang and the space you need for food prep.
Decide where draining will happen
Choose a spot where you can reach the drain or move the emptied machine safely for care. Drain access matters because a machine that is difficult to empty is more likely to have water left inside between uses.
Also check that the cord reaches a suitable outlet without crossing a sink or work area. Follow the appliance's electrical instructions rather than planning around an extension cord.
How much nugget ice do you need for drinks and guests?
Choose around ice needed at one time, then use daily output to judge replenishment. A full-day production figure does not describe what will be ready when several people fill large cups together.
Separate first ice, ongoing production and storage
First-ice time tells you when production begins delivering ice. It does not tell you when the basket will be full, so allow more time than the advertised startup figure before serving several drinks.
Maximum daily output assumes production over a full day under the brand's conditions. A short evening session, warm room or pauses caused by a full basket can change how much ice you collect.
Storage is a separate limit. Unless a machine specifically provides frozen storage, plan to use fresh ice soon or transfer it to a freezer.
Plan for the busiest serving window
Think about the cups you actually use and how many people refill them close together. Large iced coffees and tumblers can draw down a small basket faster than occasional glasses with a little ice.
For a gathering, make ice ahead and freeze extra portions in clean food-safe bags. Spread the ice out before freezing when practical, and expect some nuggets to stick together.
If you regularly need a large amount all at once, a compact maker may work better as a top-up source. Do not choose it solely because a daily output number looks larger than your estimated party needs.
Which convenience features are worth choosing?
Pay for features that remove a repeated task in your own routine. Handles, app controls and cleaning access solve different needs, so no single model offers the best fit for everyone.
Pick a basket handle for serving, an appliance handle for moving
A handled basket makes sense when drinks are served away from the machine. A carry handle makes sense when you genuinely need the appliance in different places.
Neither feature removes the need for a stable, ventilated operating spot. Moving the appliance also means dealing with remaining water and following the transport steps in its manual.
Choose scheduling only if your routine benefits
App scheduling is useful when you want production to begin before a predictable drink break. It adds less value if you tend to make ice at random times and are happy to press a button.
Scheduling does not fill the water tank, wash the scoop or move finished ice to the freezer. Check whether those tasks, rather than switching the machine on, are the parts of your routine that need attention.
Consider sound where you will sit
Allow for compressor, fan and falling-ice sounds when choosing a location. A kitchen counter and a desk beside your chair create different expectations, even for the same appliance.
Do not choose from a decibel claim alone, since distance and measurement conditions affect comparisons. Leave space between the machine and nearby objects that could rattle against it.
How should you set up a compact nugget ice maker?
Set it on a level, ventilated counter, clean it as directed and use the water type its manual permits. Complete those steps before making ice for drinks.
Unpack and prepare the machine
Remove packing materials from the basket, reservoir and other accessible areas. Check the manual for any upright standing period required after shipping or transport, rather than starting it immediately after unpacking.
Wash removable food-contact parts and run the initial cleaning or rinse process specified for the model. Use only the cleaners and concentrations allowed by its instructions.
Fill with suitable water
Use potable water within the temperature guidance in the manual, and stay below the maximum fill mark. Do not add juice, milk, sweeteners or flavorings unless the machine specifically permits them.
Water choice can affect mineral buildup and operation. Our guide to using distilled water in a nugget ice maker explains what to check before changing water types.
Give production time to build
Start the machine before you need several servings, then watch how quickly your normal drink routine uses the collected ice. That gives you a useful basis for planning future starts and freezer reserves.
For occasional use, empty and dry the machine as directed before putting it away. If you want a regular operating routine, read our guide to leaving a countertop ice maker on.
How do you keep a small nugget ice maker clean?
Use routine washing, the cleaning cycle and descaling as separate parts of care. An automatic cycle moves cleaning solution through parts of the machine, but it does not wash every exposed surface for you.
Clean the parts that touch your ice
Wash the scoop and removable basket according to the manual, and clean reachable surfaces around the filling area. Store the scoop where its handle stays clean, and avoid reaching into the ice with your hands.
Use fresh water and follow the instructions for draining water that has been sitting unused. Before extended storage, complete the required drying steps rather than closing up a damp machine.
Descale for mineral deposits
Descaling removes mineral buildup and may require a different process from routine cleaning. Follow the model's schedule and water-hardness guidance, and use an approved descaler rather than assuming any household acid is suitable.
Both Silonn models offer top access for manual care, while the Opal Mini provides a front drain. These features help only when you can reach them in the spot where the appliance sits.
For that model family, follow our guide to cleaning and descaling a GE Opal ice maker. Our portable ice maker cleaning guide covers general care steps for other countertop machines.
Which mistakes make a compact ice maker harder to live with?
The biggest mistakes are buying for maximum output alone, blocking access and treating the basket like a freezer. Avoid those errors before weighing smaller differences between models.
- Measuring only width: include depth, lid movement and the manufacturer's ventilation clearance.
- Expecting a full basket at startup: first-ice time describes the beginning of supply, not a party-ready reserve.
- Choosing a handle for the wrong task: decide whether you need to carry ice or the appliance.
- Skipping manual care: clean removable parts and descale as instructed, even when automatic cleaning is available.
- Leaving ice for much later: use freezer storage when you need to keep a reserve frozen.
- Assuming lower output means lower running costs: daily production alone does not establish energy use.
A useful final check is to walk through filling, scooping and draining in your chosen location. If any step requires lifting a water-filled machine or clearing half the counter, choose another spot or model.
Which small nugget ice maker should you choose?
Pick Kismile for a crowded permanent counter, Euhomy for simple shared controls, or the detachable-basket Silonn for serving guests. Choose the carry-handle Silonn when moving the appliance is a real need, after resolving its size measurements.
The Opal Mini fits a scheduled drink routine when your counter can take its depth. Inoviva is an option for smaller serving sessions, but its lower output and uncertain dimensions give it less appeal for heavy use or a tight gap.
Before ordering a small nugget ice maker, settle 3 things: where it will operate, how you will refill it and where spare ice will go. For a broader comparison by use and budget, continue to our best nugget ice makers for home guide.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
-
2
Best for shared kitchen counters
Euhomy Stainless 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for serving guests
Silonn Nugget Ice Maker with Detachable Basket
7.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest nugget ice maker in this guide?
The Kismile is our compact pick because its confirmed dimensions combine a narrow body with modest depth. It measures 11.02 in deep, 8.27 in wide and 12.2 in high.
Compare all 3 measurements and leave the clearance required for airflow, refilling and opening the machine.
How much ice can a small nugget ice maker make?
The brands claim daily output of 26.5 to 36 lb for these machines, but that means production over a full day, not ice available at once. Actual output depends on conditions and use.
For guests, start early and build a freezer reserve rather than relying on the first batch.
Do small nugget ice makers keep ice frozen?
Do not assume a countertop nugget ice maker provides freezer storage. A collection basket can hold finished ice without keeping it frozen for long periods.
Move ice to a freezer for later use, and read our guide to countertop ice makers that keep ice frozen before choosing around storage needs.
How do you clean a small nugget ice maker?
Use the cleaning cycle, manual washing and descaling steps specified for your model. A self-cleaning button does not replace cleaning the scoop, basket or reachable food-contact surfaces.
Drain and rinse as directed, and follow our guide to cleaning a GE Opal ice maker for care specific to that family.
Should you buy a small nugget ice maker or a bullet ice maker?
Choose a small nugget ice maker if soft, chewable ice is the main reason you want the appliance. Choose by ice shape first, then compare fit, output and care.
Our nugget vs bullet ice maker guide explains the differences so you can decide which style belongs on your counter.
