At roughly $300, the Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0 justifies its $100 premium over the Newair by including a fully automated self-cleaning cycle. Both countertop units use standard R600a refrigerant compressors to churn out 44 pounds of chewable pellet ice daily, but they handle maintenance differently. The $200 Newair drops its first batch of ice in just 10 minutes—five minutes faster than the Frigidaire—but requires manual descaling of its removable water tank. Expect a low hum around 50 decibels from either machine’s exhaust fan while running.
Best Value
9/10
Premium Pick
9/10
Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0
👍 Why Choose Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0
- ✓ Automated self-cleaning function.
- ✓ Compact design fits under cabinets.
- ✓ Intuitive touch control panel.
- ✓ Produces soft, chewable nugget ice.
Newair Nugget Ice Maker
👍 Why Choose Newair Nugget Ice Maker
- ✓ Faster initial ice production.
- ✓ Stylish design with LED lighting.
- ✓ Removable water tank for easy refilling.
- ✓ More affordable at roughly $200.
Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Takes slightly longer for first ice batch.
- ✗ Costs around $300, roughly $100 more than the Newair.
Newair Nugget Ice Maker
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Requires more manual effort for cleaning.
- ✗ Feels slightly less sturdy.
Design & Build Quality
The Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker 2.0 features a 16.5-inch blocky profile designed specifically to clear standard 18-inch kitchen cabinet overhangs. Weighing nearly 40 pounds, its stainless steel housing dampens compressor vibration better than its rival. The Newair takes a different approach with a taller, lighter plastic chassis, a clear viewing window, and bright interior LED lighting. While the Newair’s plastic components feel less rigid than the Frigidaire’s metal finish, its top-down ice bin design gives you a wider angle for scooping pellets without spilling.
Features & Performance
Both units extrude standard sonic-style pellet ice at a rate of 44 pounds per day. The Newair wins the initial freeze test, dropping its first nuggets into the basket in exactly 10 minutes. The Frigidaire takes 15 minutes to reach the right evaporator temperature. Maintenance is where the $100 price gap makes sense. The Frigidaire runs a fully automated flush cycle through its internal lines—you just press a button and let it cycle a vinegar solution. The Newair forces you to physically detach the water reservoir to drain and scrub the calcium buildup by hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these ice makers keep the ice frozen?
No. Countertop nugget ice makers are not freezers. The ice slowly melts into the bottom reservoir, where the machine recycles the cold water to make fresh ice.
How often do I need to clean a countertop ice maker?
Descale your machine every two to four weeks depending on your water hardness. Hard water builds up scale on the evaporator quickly, which can jam the internal auger.
Conclusion: Our Final Verdict
Buy the $300 Frigidaire if you want heavy-duty stainless steel and automated descaling. Choose the $200 Newair to save money and get ice five minutes faster. Measure your countertop clearance before ordering either machine.
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