Fans of Sonic’s nugget ice have been shelling out more than $500 for the GE Opal, to recreate the experience at home. But have you ever considered there may be a better type of ice out there?
In case you’re not familiar, “bullet ice” is slightly larger than nugget ice (which is also known as pebble ice), and is shaped like half a cylinder. Like nugget ice, it’s also somewhat softer to chew than traditional ice, and some argue that its surface area allows it to cool down drinks faster than traditional ice.
To keep your drinks cold and to give you endless ice to munch on, we rounded up the top-selling countertop bullet ice machines on Amazon, all under $100. Every machine included makes nine ice cubes in six minutes and can make a total of twenty six pounds of ice in 24 hours. Most have self or auto-cleaning functions and easily work with the push of a button.
If you’re an ice lover, you’ll be happy to snag one of these more affordable countertop ice machines to take in your camper or use on your counter all year long.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Promising review: "I looked at so many countertop ice makers before deciding on this one. I am so glad I got this. The ice maker is very quiet. Self Cleans and makes ice quickly. I can use it at home as well as take it with me in the rv. I would purchase this again!" — karen martin
Promising review: "I have always wanted nugget ice like sonic or chick fil a, but I refuse to spend the $ for the nugget machine, we got this one, and while it makes bullet ice, it is more nugget-like consistency. Great for munching. My son decided to make Coke Zero ice, and it was rather easy to clean the machine afterwards. We like it so much, we are going to even take it camping with us." — Raymond Gutierrez
Promising review: "Very quiet when running, makes bullet ice cubes. Love this product. have pool parties and bbq’s and this has helped tremendously, don’t have to keep buying more ice, just make my own. I love it ." — Christine Vancleave
Promising review: "I love this little ice maker, it's so quick to make ice you put water in you can choose some large or small cubes and a it's surprising how fast it makes ice. I take the ice out and put it in a bowl in the freezer. As my freezer doesn't have an ice maker." — Dave C
Promising review: "The perfect bullet ice maker! This icemaker is awesome. Super easy and very quick. Not too much noise, but sometimes I forget it's on until it kicks the ice out. I don't know why it took me so long to get one, but I am not going another year without proper ice!! Totally recommend! And by my fav, Frigidaire!" — Girliebird
Promising review: "Buying a table top ice machine was one of the best purchases I’ve made in a long time! I love my drinks COLD and this machine makes ice as quickly as I drink it. I especially like the taste because the ice is made fresh and and I use my favorite bottled waters to make it. It also encourages me to drink more water as well which is a freakin’ miracle!" — Dr. Nancy M. Gruber