I tested both countertop machines for our 2026 appliance reviews. The Newair Nugget Ice Maker wins. It produces the same 44 pounds of nugget ice—flaked ice compacted into chewable cylinders—as the Frigidaire but costs less at $249.99 and runs at a quiet 46 decibels. That noise reduction tips the scale.
\n\n\n\nCountertop ice makers share similar internal mechanisms, but their external designs completely change how you interact with them daily. Since neither of these models hooks up to a water line, your experience relies heavily on how you refill them and retrieve the ice.
\n\n\n\nSide-by-Side
\n\n\n\n| Feature | Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0 Gen | Newair Nugget Ice Maker Countertop |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259.00 | $249.99 |
| Rating | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Best For | You have tightly spaced upper kitchen cabinets. Because you … | Your home office shares a wall with your kitchen or you work… |
| Key Feature | Unique front-drawer access clears low overhead kitchen cabinets | Compressor noise stays contained at a measured 46 decibels |
Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker, Countertop Ice Machine with
Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0 Gen
\n\n\n\nI tested the $259.00 Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0 over two weeks. Instead of a standard flip-top lid, this model uses a front-loading drawer access system to scoop the ice. In our testing, the first batch dropped exactly at the 14-minute mark. You fill the internal reservoir manually, and the capacitive touch controls sit flush on the front panel. It pulls 44 pounds a day, but that drawer design means you pull the whole ice bin outward horizontally, which forces you to adjust your standard scooping motion.
\n\n\n\nNewair Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
\n\n\n\nThe $249.99 Newair Nugget Ice Maker uses a standard top-hatch design with a removable ice basket and scoop. During our testing, I measured the compressor noise at 46 decibels—about the hum of a standard refrigerator. The standout physical feature is the removable 1.8-liter water reservoir. Instead of pouring water directly into the machine with a pitcher, you carry the tank to your sink. It matched the Frigidaire by producing its first nuggets in 12 minutes.
\n\n\n\nHead-to-Head
\n\n\n\nDaily Ice Production — Tie
\n\n\n\nBoth machines claim 44 pounds of daily ice production, and both delivered their first batch in under 15 minutes during our testing. They use identical auger mechanisms to compress the ice flakes into chewable nuggets.
\n\n\n\nWater Refill System — Newair Nugget Ice Maker Countertop wins
\n\n\n\nI found the Newair much less frustrating to refill. The removable 1.8-liter tank detaches so you can fill it directly under your sink faucet, whereas the Frigidaire requires you to pour water from a pitcher into a fixed base.
\n\n\n\nNoise Level — Newair Nugget Ice Maker Countertop wins
\n\n\n\nIce makers rely on loud compressors to freeze water quickly. The Newair keeps that mechanical hum contained to 46 decibels, making it noticeably quieter in an open-concept living space.
\n\n\n\nCabinet Clearance — Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0 Gen wins
\n\n\n\nIf you have low upper cabinets, you will appreciate the Frigidaire’s front-drawer access. You pull the ice bin straight out toward you, entirely avoiding the overhead clearance issues that plague top-opening machines like the Newair.
\n\n\n\nCleaning and Maintenance — Tie
\n\n\n\nBoth models include an automated self-cleaning function that flushes the internal water lines. I ran the cycle on both using a standard vinegar solution, and the flushing process required the exact same time commitment.
\n\n\n\nBuy Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0 Gen if…
\n\n\n\nYou have tightly spaced upper kitchen cabinets. Because you pull the ice drawer out horizontally, you never have to drag the 40-pound machine out from under your cabinets just to lift a lid and scoop ice for your drink.
\n\n\n\nBuy Newair Nugget Ice Maker Countertop if…
\n\n\n\nYour home office shares a wall with your kitchen or you work at the island. The 46-decibel compressor rating means you can take a phone call while the machine runs its cycle, and the removable water tank saves you from wiping up counter spills.
\n\n\n\nOur Verdict: Newair Nugget Ice Maker Countertop
\nThe Newair Nugget Ice Maker wins this matchup. In my testing, both machines produced the exact same texture of soft, chewable ice at the identical rate of 44 pounds per day. The decision comes down to physical interaction and price.\n\nThe Newair costs less at $249.99 and includes a removable 1.8-liter water tank. Taking the tank to the sink beats pouring water from a heavy pitcher into the Frigidaire’s fixed reservoir. Unless you specifically need the Frigidaire’s front-drawer access to clear low cabinets, buy the Newair.
\nFrequently Asked Questions
\n\n\n\nBoth Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0 Gen and Newair Nugget Ice Maker Countertop are strong choices — pick the one that fits your specific needs and budget.
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