If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Trending Products & Deals Nugget Ice Fans Are Comparing This ‘Little Gem’ With Machines That Are Triple the Price Bonus: It’s on sale right now. By Sharon Lockley Sharon Lockley Sharon Lockley has over 20 years of experience as an editor and writer and has been contributing to Food & Wine, the Spruce Eats, and Allrecipes since 2019. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Published on April 8, 2024 Photo: iStock / Getty Images It goes by many names: nugget ice, pebble ice, Sonic ice, and sometimes just the good ice. What is so special about this type of cube is that it is slow-melting and soft, perfect for a tall glass of water, favorite cocktail, or even chewable chunks. If you’re one of those people who longs for this kind of ice, you need a nugget ice maker.These gadgets keep the good ice coming and do it in mere minutes. There’s hundreds of options on the market to choose from, but shoppers say this Antarctic Star countertop ice maker “works as well as any of the high-priced machines.” Better yet, it’s even more affordable since it’s 21% off at Amazon right now. Antarctic Star Store Nugget Countertop Ice Maker Amazon Orig. $215 $170 at Amazon This Antarctic Star countertop ice maker is designed to produce a lot of ice in a short time without taking up much space. Using the machine is as easy as filling its 1.1-liter water tank and pushing a button. In about ten minutes you’ll have soft, chewable nugget-shaped ice. And if you’re hosting a party, there will be plenty of ice on hand for you and your guests, as it can make up to 34 pounds of ice in 24 hours. The machine’s footprint is compact, measuring 8.50 by 11.22 by 12.60 inches, and it weighs about 22 pounds, so it’s easy to maneuver and store when not in use. It has a lot of other nice features, too. Like, the transparent lid, so you can keep tabs on your ice supply, and the indicator lights that turn on to let you know when the ice bucket is full or if water is running low. There’s also a handle to make it easy to carry, and a holder on the back to keep the included ice scoop readily available. Plus, unlike some models on the market, this one has a self-cleaning function. Over 2,000 shoppers have given this ice maker their seal of approval for how well it performs and at such a low price point. “This ice machine is the perfect option for my family compared to the expensive GE Opal that my parents have,” wrote one reviewer. “It produces the exact same ice at a fraction of the cost, [and] makes ice quickly,” they add. Another customer is happy to have stumbled upon this “little gem” when looking for an ice maker for their home. “A more affordable price than the competition,” and “it makes ice super quickly,” wrote a third reviewer. And the quality of the cubes? “The ice itself is excellent — very chewable, pretty much the perfect texture in my opinion,” reports another shopper. The Antarctic Star ice maker gets the job done quickly and ensures you always have the good ice on hand. With this around, the ice-cold drinks can keep flowing. Grab it now while it’s on sale for $170. Shop More Countertop Ice Maker Deals at Amazon: Frigidaire Countertop Extra Large Ice Maker Amazon Orig. $200 $150 at Amazon Silonn Countertop Ice Maker Amazon Orig. $110 $90 at Amazon Aglucky Countertop Ice Maker Amazon Orig. $120 $80 at Amazon Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker Amazon Orig. $90 $75 at Amazon At the time of publishing, the price was $170. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit More Fresh Finds from Food & Wine 8 Produce Savers That Have Made a ‘Huge Difference’ for Thousands of Shoppers at Amazon This Shopper-Loved Gadget Strips Corn Off the Cob in Seconds These String Lights on Amazon Start at $14 and Can Instantly Upgrade Your Outdoor Space