Which Refrigerators Make Nugget Ice and How to Find One

Yes, several refrigerator brands now make nugget ice in their built-in ice makers

Nugget ice — also called pellet ice or chewable ice — comes from a handful of refrigerator manufacturers, though it is not yet standard on most models. The main brands offering it are GE (under the Opal brand name for standalone units, and built into some GE Profile refrigerators), LG (in select French-door and side-by-side models), and Whirlpool (in certain high-end configurations). A few other manufacturers have added nugget ice to their premium lines in recent years, but availability remains limited compared to traditional cubed or crushed ice.

Nugget ice appeals to people who prefer a softer, more chewable texture and who find it cools drinks faster than larger cubes because of its higher surface area. If you are shopping for a new refrigerator specifically for nugget ice, you will need to check the model specifications carefully — not every refrigerator from these brands includes this feature, and it typically appears only in mid-range to premium models.

Key Takeaways

• GE Profile, LG, and Whirlpool are the primary refrigerator brands that offer nugget ice in their built-in ice makers, though the feature is not available on all models from these manufacturers.
• Nugget ice makers in refrigerators cost more than standard ice makers and are usually found in models priced above $2,000.
• You can verify nugget ice capability by checking the product specifications sheet or the ice maker section of the owner's manual before purchase.
• Standalone nugget ice makers like the Opal machine can be placed on a counter or in a cabinet if your current refrigerator does not have this feature built in.

GE Profile refrigerators with nugget ice

GE's nugget ice technology appears in select GE Profile models, particularly in their French-door and side-by-side refrigerators. The ice maker in these units produces small, soft pellets that resemble the nugget ice sold at fast-food restaurants. GE also manufactures the Opal ice maker as a standalone countertop unit, which some owners purchase separately and place inside or next to their existing refrigerator if they want nugget ice without replacing their whole appliance.

When you buy a GE Profile refrigerator with a built-in nugget ice maker, the feature is listed in the specifications under "Ice Type" or "Ice Maker Features." The owner's manual will include instructions for using and maintaining the nugget ice maker, including how often to clean the dispenser chute and what to do if the ice output slows down. GE Profile models with nugget ice tend to be priced in the $2,500 to $4,000 range, depending on size and additional features.

LG refrigerators with nugget ice

LG offers nugget ice in some of its premium French-door and side-by-side models under the name "Craft Ice." This ice type is softer and slower to melt than standard cubed ice, making it popular for beverages. LG's nugget ice maker is typically found in their higher-end LRMVS models and some of their newer InstaView door-in-door refrigerators.

To confirm whether a specific LG model includes nugget ice, look at the product data sheet on LG's website or the retailer's listing and search for "Craft Ice" or "nugget ice" in the ice maker description. LG refrigerators with this feature generally start around $2,200 and go up from there. The owner's manual will explain how to select nugget ice mode on the dispenser panel and how to troubleshoot if the ice maker stops producing nuggets.

Whirlpool refrigerators with nugget ice

Whirlpool has introduced nugget ice in some of its premium refrigerator lines, though availability is more limited than with GE or LG. When Whirlpool does offer nugget ice, it appears in their higher-end French-door models. You will need to check the specific model number and specifications, as nugget ice is not a standard feature across the Whirlpool brand.

Contact a Whirlpool retailer or visit Whirlpool's website and filter by ice type to see which current models include nugget ice. Whirlpool refrigerators with nugget ice are typically priced similarly to comparable GE and LG models — in the $2,000 to $3,500 range depending on capacity and additional features like water filtration or smart controls.

How to check if a refrigerator has nugget ice before you buy

The safest way to confirm nugget ice capability is to look at the product specifications sheet, which is available on the manufacturer's website or from the retailer. Search the sheet for terms like "nugget ice," "pellet ice," "Craft Ice," or "Opal ice." The ice maker section of the owner's manual (which you can often download as a PDF before purchase) will also state the ice type clearly.

If you are shopping in a store, ask the sales associate to show you the ice dispenser in action if the model is on display. Nugget ice looks noticeably different from cubed or crushed ice — it is smaller, rounder, and softer. You can also call the manufacturer's customer service line with the model number and ask directly whether that refrigerator produces nugget ice.

Do not assume that all models from a brand that makes nugget ice include the feature. For example, not every GE refrigerator makes nugget ice — only certain Profile models do. Always verify the specific model number you are considering.

Standalone nugget ice makers as an alternative

If your current refrigerator does not have a nugget ice maker and you do not want to replace the whole unit, a standalone nugget ice maker is an option. The Opal ice maker is the most widely available standalone model and can sit on a countertop, in a cabinet, or even in a garage. These machines produce nugget ice on demand and typically cost between $400 and $600.

Standalone ice makers require a water line connection (some models can be filled manually, though that is less convenient) and a power outlet. They produce ice more slowly than a built-in refrigerator ice maker — usually 1 to 3 pounds per day depending on the model — so they work best if you want nugget ice for occasional use or as a supplement to your refrigerator's regular ice maker. The owner's manual will explain the water connection process and how to clean the machine regularly to prevent mineral buildup.

Maintenance and troubleshooting for nugget ice makers

Nugget ice makers require the same basic maintenance as any refrigerator ice maker: keep the water filter clean, ensure the water line is not kinked or frozen, and periodically wipe down the ice chute to prevent dust or debris from clogging it. If your water is hard (high in minerals), mineral deposits can build up inside the ice maker and slow production. Running a water filter or using filtered water can extend the life of the machine.

If your nugget ice maker stops producing ice or produces very little, check the water supply first — make sure the valve is open and the line is not frozen. If water is flowing but ice production is low, the filter may need replacement. Consult the owner's manual for the exact filter part number and replacement schedule. Most manufacturers recommend changing the filter every 6 months or after 300 gallons of water, whichever comes first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a nugget ice maker to my existing refrigerator?

Not to the built-in ice maker — that is part of the refrigerator's internal system and cannot be swapped out. However, you can buy a standalone nugget ice maker like the Opal and place it on your counter or in a cabinet next to your refrigerator. It will need its own water line and power outlet.

Does nugget ice cost more than regular ice?

A refrigerator with a built-in nugget ice maker typically costs $300 to $800 more than the same model with a standard ice maker. Standalone nugget ice makers range from $400 to $600. Over time, the cost difference is small compared to the price of the refrigerator itself.

How much nugget ice does a refrigerator ice maker produce per day?

Built-in refrigerator nugget ice makers usually produce 2 to 4 pounds of ice per day, depending on the model and how often you use the dispenser. Standalone machines produce 1 to 3 pounds per day. Production slows if your water is hard or if the filter needs changing.

Is nugget ice the same as crushed ice?

No. Crushed ice is made by breaking up larger cubes, so the pieces are irregular and sharp. Nugget ice is made from frozen water that is compressed into small, soft pellets with a uniform shape. Nugget ice melts faster and is easier to chew.

What water filter do I need for a nugget ice maker?

Use the filter recommended in your refrigerator's owner's manual — the part number is usually printed on the filter housing or in the manual itself. Most GE, LG, and Whirlpool refrigerators use standard replacement filters that are available at appliance retailers and online. Check the manual to confirm the correct part number for your model.