Both make better ice than a freezer tray, but they're built for different drinks. Choose by what's in your glass.
Side by side
| Nugget | Clear | |
|---|---|---|
| How it's made | Flakes scraped off a chilled cylinder, pressed into pellets | Frozen in layers, pushing air out |
| Texture | Soft, chewable, porous | Hard, dense, clear |
| Melts | Faster | Slower |
| Best for | Soda, iced coffee, iced tea | Cocktails, whiskey, entertaining |
| Our picks cost | About $160 to $599 | About $150 to $400 |
Choose nugget if
You drink soda, iced coffee or iced tea, love chewable ice, or have kids. Our pick: the GE Profile Opal 2.0, or the Frigidaire EFIC255 on a budget.
Choose clear if
You make cocktails or drink whiskey and want ice that melts slowly. Our pick: the NewAir ClearIce40, or the Euhomy Rock Plus for 2-inch cubes.
Questions
Can one machine make both?
Not among the countertop machines we cover. Nugget and clear ice are made in completely different ways.
