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The soft, chewable texture of nugget ice—sometimes called pellet, pebble, or Sonic ice—has developed a devoted following among ice enthusiasts.
Unlike traditional ice cubes, nugget ice offers a unique mouthfeel and superior beverage-cooling properties due to its distinctive manufacturing process.
A great option for a heavily discounted nugget ice machine is the Simzlife Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, now on sale at Walmart for $189 (originally $350). A stellar price compared to others in the market.
How is nugget ice made?
Nugget ice is fundamentally different from crushed ice, which is simply larger ice blocks broken into pieces. Instead, nugget ice forms through a continuous process where water flows over an evaporator plate kept at approximately 20 degrees Farenhiet creating a semi-frozen slurry of ice crystals and water.
A rotating auger then scrapes this partially frozen mixture and compresses it through small openings, creating the characteristic soft nuggets. The ice is harvested while still partially formed with the residual water acting as a glue, creating those characteristic soft, porous nuggets.
The resulting product is approximately 60% ice and 40% air by volume, giving it a porous structure that absorbs beverage flavors while providing a satisfying crunch. According to Jeff Biel of Scotsman Ice Systems, “Nugget ice can be made softer, containing about 25 percent water and 75 percent ice, or harder, with only about 15 percent water.”
Cools your drink faster
This unique structure also helps nugget ice cool drinks faster and more evenly than traditional ice cubes, without rapid melting that dilutes beverages. “Unlike traditional ice cubes that freeze inside molds, nugget ice forms layer by layer, creating a unique, porous structure,” according to ice maker company Vivimoo, making it ideal for both casual enjoyment and specialty beverages.
Shop the Simzlife Nugget Ice Maker Countertop for $189.69 (originally $350)