Fast, portable nugget ice for drinks and smoothies — great results with a noisy harvest cycle.
I love soft, chewable nugget ice for cocktails and smoothies, but getting that texture at home is usually a pain — freezer cubes are hard and slow, and proper nugget machines can be bulky or expensive. I wanted something compact that actually makes the kind of ice you want without a big wait.
I tested the KOMORE Nugget Ice Maker and found it produces soft, chewable nuggets in about five minutes and up to 15 kg a day. It’s portable, easy to maintain with a self-clean cycle and removable top cover, and delivers the kind of ice I expect from pricier units — though harvest cycles can be noticeably noisy and it’s best for countertop use.
KOMORE Nugget Ice Maker (Portable)
I found this machine delivers the soft, chewable nugget ice you expect from pricier units, and it does so consistently and quickly. It’s portable, practical, and easy to maintain, though noise can be noticeable during harvest cycles.
- Ice Production & Speed – 9
- Ice Quality (Nugget/Chewable) – 9
- Noise & Operation – 7
- Ease of Use & Maintenance – 8.5
Pros
- Fast production — ready in about 5 minutes and up to 15 kg/day capacity
- Soft, chewable nugget ice great for drinks, smoothies, and cocktails
- Compact, portable design with handle; includes scoop and basket
- Self-cleaning cycle and removable top cover simplify maintenance
- Sleek black finish that fits most kitchens and offices
Cons
- Noise level can vary — some users report louder cycles
- Limited to countertop use and requires access to a water source
- Plastic exterior may show fingerprints over time
KOMORE Nugget Ice Maker — Hands-On Review
I tested the KOMORE nugget ice maker with the practical needs of a home and small office in mind. My goal was to see whether a compact, countertop nugget ice machine could deliver the same chewable, drink-friendly ice we usually associate with larger units — without a complicated setup.
Quick overview
This machine promises nugget ice ready in around 5 minutes, a daily capacity up to 15 kg, and several convenience extras: an ice scoop, a removable basket, and a self-cleaning function. It’s a plug-and-play 220V unit with a compact footprint that aims to fit on a kitchen counter or small office kitchenette.
What I liked about the design
The KOMORE machine is clearly aimed at everyday users who want nugget ice without professional installation. Its design priorities are portability and simplicity.
- Compact footprint (approximately 28.7 x 32.2 x 22 cm) that fits most counters
- Built-in handle for easy repositioning or storage
- Removable top cover for quick access and cleaning
- Matte black finish that resists obvious scratches
Performance and ice quality
What matters most is the ice itself, and this unit delivers soft, chewable nugget ice that chills drinks quickly without over-diluting them. The ice texture is tailored for sipping, chewing, and blending into smoothies or cold coffees. I timed several cycles: the machine consistently starts producing nugget ice in short intervals (often around 5 minutes for the first bits), and then maintains a steady output.
- Rapid initial cycle: first ice in about 5 minutes under typical room conditions
- Steady throughput suitable for home entertaining or continuous drink service
- Ice consistency is soft and pleasant for chewing; small pieces fit most glasses
Noise, vibration, and environment
A trade-off with many countertop ice makers is noise. In my testing the unit runs quieter during idle and water-filling phases but becomes more noticeable during the harvest cycle when ice is pushed out. It’s not silent, but it’s tolerable in a kitchen or open-plan office. Keep the unit on a stable surface to reduce vibration.
- Quieter during standby and ice-forming phases
- Audible harvest cycle — place away from bedrooms if noise is a concern
Maintenance, cleaning, and usability
KOMORE includes practical touches: a self-cleaning function, a drainage valve on the underside for emptying water, and a removable top cover so you can wipe the interior. The included ice scooper and basket keep things hygienic.
- Self-cleaning feature for periodic maintenance
- Top cover and basket are removable for manual cleaning
- Drain valve makes water changes straightforward
Quick specs (at-a-glance)
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Daily capacity | Up to 15 kg/day |
| First ice time | ~5 minutes |
| Dimensions | 28.7 x 32.2 x 22 cm |
| Weight | 8.5 kg |
| Power | 220 V, 200 W |
| Included | Ice basket, ice scoop, manual |
Who should consider this unit?
I recommend this machine if you want chewable nugget ice on demand at home, for small gatherings, or in a compact office setting. It’s also a good pick if you value portability and easy cleaning. If you need whisper-quiet operation for a bedroom or studio, or you expect industrial-scale production, you should look at larger or specialist models.
Final thoughts
Overall, this KOMORE unit strikes a solid balance between performance and convenience. It brings the pleasant, chewable nugget ice most people love into a small, user-friendly package. With routine cleaning and a stable placement, it makes a reliable countertop companion for chilled drinks, smoothies, and cocktails.
FAQ
How fast does the machine actually make ice?
In my testing the first nuggets began forming within about 5 minutes under normal room temperature. After the initial cycle it maintains a steady output and can produce up to about 15 kg of nugget ice over a full day of intermittent use.
Is nugget ice good for drinks and chewing?
Yes — nugget ice is intentionally soft and chewable. It chills drinks quickly without diluting them as fast as large cubes, and many people prefer it for sodas, cocktails, smoothies, and cold-brew coffee.
How noisy is it — can I run it in the evening?
The unit is mostly quiet while forming ice, but the harvest cycle (when ice is pushed out) is more audible. I’d avoid placing it in a bedroom or very quiet area if you need silence; it’s better suited to kitchens and open-plan areas.
How often should I clean it and is cleaning easy?
I recommend running the self-cleaning cycle every 1–2 weeks depending on use, and doing a manual clean of the removable cover and basket at least monthly. The removable parts and drain valve make the process straightforward.
Can I use filtered or bottled water?
Yes — usingfiltered or bottled water can improve ice taste and reduce scale buildup, which is helpful in areas with hard tap water. Just make sure the water source is within the machine’s fill capacity instructions.
Is this unit portable or permanently installed?
It’s designed as a portable countertop unit with a built-in handle. It needs a 220V outlet and a water fill but doesn’t require plumbing or permanent installation, making it easy to move between locations.
18 comments
Hannah Ortiz
Love the portability — the handle is actually useful and the top cover removes cleanly. Took it to a BBQ and everyone commented on how fun the nugget ice is.
No regrets buying it for summer gatherings.
Oliver Grant
Would you say it’s easy to refill the reservoir during an event? I’m worried about spillage.
DanCC
Thanks for the field report, Hannah — portability was a major plus in our verdict too. Glad it held up at a BBQ.
Raj Patel
Hoping someone can clarify a few practical things I couldn’t find in the write-up:
1) Does it need distilled water to avoid mineral buildup? Or is tap water fine?
2) How often does the self-clean cycle actually keep things fresh?
3) Any issues with the removable top cover cracking if you move it around a lot?
Looks promising for the price, but I want to make sure it won’t be a pain to maintain.
Susan Miller
I use filtered tap water and run a descaling solution every 6–8 weeks. Easier than I thought. No cracks so far after moving it between kitchen and patio.
DanCC
Good questions, Raj. In our testing we used tap water without immediate issues, but if you have hard water you might see more mineral deposits over months. The self-cleaning helps with surface residue but doesn’t replace descaling when minerals build up. The removable top cover is plastic but seems reasonably sturdy — treat it gently when transporting.
Hannah Ortiz
FWIW my area has soft water and I just rinse every few days. The self-clean is more like a rinse cycle, not a deep clean.
Oliver Grant
If you’re worried about minerals, buy a small water filter jug — cheaper than repairing the machine later!
Oliver Grant
Not a fan of the noise level during harvest cycles — it’s not constant but it’s quite noticeable in a quiet kitchen. Build plastic feels a bit cheap compared to higher-end units, but functionally it makes good nugget ice.
If you’re sensitive to noise, maybe try it in a garage or patio area.
Raj Patel
I used it near a background fan and it was less distracting — worth trying if you’re sensitive.
DanCC
Fair point. We flagged noise as a downside in the expert verdict. The harvest sound is brief but can be jarring in quiet spaces.
Susan Miller
I put a small rubber mat under mine which dampened vibration noise a little. Not perfect but helped.
Marcus Lee
Tech/price perspective:
– 200W seems reasonable for a machine that churns out up to 15kg/day (obviously that’s peak theoretical).
– 8.5 kg unit weight and compact dimensions make it portable.
– At ~£106 on Amazon, it’s a solid mid-range option when compared to pricier commercial nugget makers.
One caution: continuous runs (like all-day parties) might heat up the compressor more than typical home use, so plan cooldown periods.
Emma Clarke
Yep, I gave it a break between heavy use and it came back to normal. Good tip!
Marcus Lee
More of an ideal max — practical output for regular home use will be lower, depending on cycle frequency and ambient temp.
Raj Patel
Do you think the 15kg/day is realistic for home runs or more like ideal lab numbers?
DanCC
Good breakdown, Marcus. We ran extended tests and saw performance dip only after long continuous cycles — allowing a cooldown restored normal operation.
Zoe Kim
Still impressive for the price. Would love to see a comparison vs the big-name models though.