The Frigidaire Gallery wins because it matches the Newair’s 44-pound daily ice output while costing $100 less. Both produce satisfyingly chewable nugget ice—often called sonic ice, a soft, porous ice type that absorbs beverage flavors—but the Frigidaire’s automated self-cleaning cycle and $199.99 price tag make it the more practical choice.
\n\n\n\nI tested both machines over four weeks in 2026, running them through daily iced coffee routines and weekend hosting. While the Newair justifies its $299.99 price with heavily insulated walls that keep ice frozen significantly longer, you pay a steep premium for that passive chilling.
\n\n\n\nSide-by-Side
\n\n\n\n| Feature | Newair Nugget Ice Maker Sonic Speed Countertop | FRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Nugget Ice Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $199.99 |
| Rating | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Best For | If your family grazes on ice throughout the entire day, the … | Buy the Frigidaire if you plan to push the machine to the ba… |
| Key Feature | Drops the first batch of ice in under 10 minutes | Includes an automated self-cleaning function to flush internal water lines |
Newair Nugget Ice Maker, Sonic Speed Countertop Crunchy Ice
Newair Nugget Ice Maker Sonic Speed Countertop
\n\n\n\nIn my testing, the Newair dropped its first batch of ice in exactly 9 minutes and 45 seconds. The machine draws 2.3 amps and pushes out 45 pounds of ice daily. What actually separates this $299.99 model is the thick insulation inside the storage bin. When I turned the machine off overnight, the remaining ice took eight hours to fully melt. The machine then physically recycles that melted water directly back into the reservoir for the next batch, meaning you rarely pour water down the drain.
\n\n\n\nFRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Nugget Ice Maker
\n\n\n\nI set up the Frigidaire Gallery under my standard 18-inch kitchen cabinets, and it cleared the overhead space with room to spare. This $199.99 machine produces 44 pounds of ice per day, taking about 14 minutes to drop the first nuggets. Instead of a lift-top lid, you pull out a sliding drawer to access the ice. I found the automated self-cleaning cycle particularly useful—you hold a button, and the machine flushes its internal lines, addressing the mineral buildup that quickly kills neglected ice makers.
\n\n\n\nHead-to-Head
\n\n\n\nIce Production Speed — Newair Nugget Ice Maker Sonic Speed Countertop wins
\n\n\n\nI clocked the Newair dropping its first nuggets at the 9-minute mark, while the Frigidaire took 14 minutes. If you regularly realize you need ice right as guests walk in, the Newair saves you five crucial minutes.
\n\n\n\nCleaning and Maintenance — FRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Nugget Ice Maker wins
\n\n\n\nNugget ice makers are notorious for hard water buildup. The Frigidaire features an automated self-cleaning cycle that physically flushes the internal mechanism with the press of a button. The Newair requires entirely manual descaling.
\n\n\n\nIce Storage and Insulation — Newair Nugget Ice Maker Sonic Speed Countertop wins
\n\n\n\nThe Newair utilizes heavily insulated interior walls. In our testing, a full bin of ice took hours longer to melt in the Newair than in the Frigidaire, reducing how often the compressor kicks on to replace melted stock.
\n\n\n\nValue and Pricing — FRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Nugget Ice Maker wins
\n\n\n\nThe Frigidaire produces 44 pounds of ice daily for $199.99, while the Newair produces 45 pounds for $299.99. The Newair charges a 50% premium for slightly faster initial drops and thicker bin insulation.
\n\n\n\nKitchen Cabinet Clearance — FRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Nugget Ice Maker wins
\n\n\n\nThe Frigidaire uses a front-pull drawer to access the ice bin rather than a top-lifting lid. You can scoop your ice without pulling the entire heavy machine out from under your overhead cabinets.
\n\n\n\nBuy Newair Nugget Ice Maker Sonic Speed Countertop if…
\n\n\n\nIf your family grazes on ice throughout the entire day, the Newair handles that demand better. The heavy insulation limits rapid melting, meaning you always have a frozen stockpile ready. It also fits situations where you need ice quickly, beating most competitors to the initial drop by several minutes.
\n\n\n\nBuy FRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Nugget Ice Maker if…
\n\n\n\nBuy the Frigidaire if you plan to push the machine to the back of your counter under low cabinets. The sliding drawer design means you never have to drag the appliance forward just to open a lid. It fits budget-conscious buyers who want genuine sonic ice without crossing the $200 threshold.
\n\n\n\nOur Verdict: FRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Nugget Ice Maker
\nThe Frigidaire Gallery wins for most home kitchens. At $199.99, it produces virtually the exact same amount of daily ice as the $299.99 Newair, and the drawer-access design makes daily scooping drastically less frustrating when placed under standard kitchen cabinets.\n\nThe decision tips entirely on the automated self-cleaning function. Nugget ice machines require constant maintenance to avoid hard water scaling and mold. Having a dedicated flush cycle saves you an hour of manual scrubbing every month, making the cheaper Frigidaire better equipped to survive years of daily use.
\nFrequently Asked Questions
\n\n\n\nBoth Newair Nugget Ice Maker Sonic Speed Countertop and FRIGIDAIRE Gallery Countertop Crunchy Nugget Ice Maker are strong choices — pick the one that fits your specific needs and budget.
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