Does the Avanti Ice Machine Actually Make Good Nugget Ice?

Does the Avanti Ice Machine Actually Make Good Nugget Ice?

I have spent far too much money at drive-thrus just to get a cup of the 'good ice.' You know the kind—the soft, porous nuggets that soak up your coffee and provide that satisfying crunch at the bottom of the cup. That obsession is what led me to clear off a significant chunk of my kitchen counter for the avanti ice machine.

  • Ice Quality: Genuine chewable nuggets, not just crushed cubes.
  • Speed: First nuggets drop in about 12 minutes.
  • Capacity: Produces up to 33 lbs a day, though the bin holds much less.
  • Dispenser: Built-in water and ice dispensing handles both tasks in one footprint.

First Impressions Out of the Box

Unboxing the nimd3313s-is was a two-person job. This isn't a flimsy plastic toy; it’s a substantial piece of machinery. The setup for this avanti digital countertop nugget ice maker and dispenser was more involved than the standard countertop nugget ice maker and water dispenser I tested last summer. You can't just plug it in and go.

I had to run two full cleaning cycles to get rid of that 'new appliance' plastic taste. The side-loading water tank is a nice touch, though. It saves you from having to awkwardly pour water into the top of the machine under low-hanging cabinets. The digital display is bright and intuitive, but the footprint is massive—make sure you actually have 12 inches of width to spare before committing.

The Texture Test: Is It Real Chewy Ice?

This is where most machines fail. Many brands claim to make nuggets but actually just spit out hard, bullet-shaped ice that’s been slightly roughed up. I’m happy to report that the avanti nugget ice maker produces the real deal. It uses an auger system to scrape ice flakes and compress them into small, airy cylinders.

When I compared it to the Newair 44Lb Nugget Countertop Ice Maker, the Avanti nuggets felt slightly softer. They have that signature 'Sonic ice' texture that yields immediately when you bite down. In my testing, the first batch was a bit slushy, but by the third hour of operation, the machine hit its stride, producing firm but chewable nuggets that held their shape in a glass of room-temperature soda for about 20 minutes.

The Dispenser Feature: Gimmick or Genius?

The avanti digital nugget ice maker is one of the few consumer-grade units that features a built-in dispenser. In theory, this is genius because it eliminates the need for an ice scoop, which is a notorious germ magnet. In practice, it’s a bit temperamental.

The ice doesn't always fall freely. If the machine sits idle for a few hours, the nuggets at the bottom of the internal bin tend to fuse together. I found myself having to give the side of the machine a firm tap to break up the 'ice bridge' so the dispenser would actually work. When it does work, it’s great, but don't expect a hands-off experience 100% of the time. The water dispenser is a nice bonus, though it isn't chilled—it’s basically room-temperature water filtered through the ice reservoir.

Noise Levels and Countertop Footprint

Let’s be honest: no nugget ice maker is quiet. This avanti countertop nugget ice maker uses a heavy-duty compressor and a motor-driven auger, both of which make noise. I measured it at about 52 decibels while running—roughly the sound of a modern dishwasher. It’s a constant hum that you’ll notice if you’re trying to have a quiet conversation in the kitchen.

If you have an open-concept home, the sound of the ice dropping into the plastic bin can be startling at 2 AM. If aesthetics are your primary concern and you want something that blends in, you might prefer a sleek black ice maker with a smaller profile. The Avanti is a workhorse, and it looks like one. It's tall, deep, and demands your attention.

The Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

After 30 days of heavy use, the Avanti has earned its spot, but with caveats. Compared to other avanti ice makers, this model is the most feature-rich, but the dispenser jamming is a minor annoyance you have to live with. You’re paying a premium for the convenience of not using a scoop and having an integrated water line option.

If you are an iced coffee fanatic who needs that specific texture every morning, this machine delivers on quality. However, if you just need bulk ice for parties and don't care about the 'chew,' a standard dedicated ice maker will be cheaper and quieter. For the nugget purists, the Avanti is a solid B+ choice that makes the best-tasting ice I’ve had from a home unit this year.

FAQ

How often do I need to clean it?

At least once every two weeks. Mineral buildup on the auger will make the machine squeak and eventually cause it to seize up. Use a 1:1 ratio of water and white vinegar.

Can I hook this up to a water line?

Yes, the nimd3313s-is model allows for both manual filling and a direct water line connection, which is a huge plus for high-traffic kitchens.

Is the ice stored in a freezer?

No. Like almost all countertop units, the bin is insulated but not refrigerated. The ice will slowly melt, and the water will be recycled to make new ice.