Get ‘Sonic Ice’ at Home: Nugget Ice Makers
Have you ever been crunching on some of that super-chewable Sonic ice and wondered how this nearly perfect frozen creation came to be? Surely those little ice nuggets can’t be made with the same types of home ice maker that creates cubes and other solid shapes. But, are they chipped from another, bigger piece? Are they shaved off an ice block like the makings of a Sno-Kone®? Dive in to discover how Sonic Ice is made and how you can enjoy this chewable ice right from your own home with a nugget ice maker.
What Kind of Ice is Sonic Ice?
Ice quality plays a major role in drink enjoyment, and Sonic’s signature nugget ice helps explain why the chain ranks second overall for best fast-food drinks, with 26 percent of consumers naming it their top choice, just behind McDonald’s at 38 percent. Sonic ice, often referred to as nugget ice, pellet ice, pebble ice, Chewblet®, gem ice, or Pearl®, is distinguished by its unique texture and chewability. This type of ice is created through a special process that combines frozen water and air, resulting in small, airy pieces with a soft, porous structure. Unlike traditional ice cubes, which are solid and rigid, Sonic ice offers a light, crunchy texture that makes it particularly enjoyable to chew.
Jeff Biel, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development, explains that “nugget ice was originally used in healthcare applications,” where its soft texture and easy-to-swallow size were ideal for patients. “But that ice quickly became a consumer favorite,” he added, “and Scotsman—the company that invented nugget ice—has continued to innovate to meet demand.”
Why is Sonic Ice So Good?
More than half of consumers (55 percent) say soda is the best drink at a fast-food restaurant, followed by iced tea (36 percent) and lemonade (29 percent), making drink quality a key driver of repeat visits. Countless people around the world love to crunch this type of ice. It stands out for several compelling reasons:
- Effective Cooling: The small, airy nuggets chill beverages quickly without diluting them excessively, keeping drinks cold and flavorful.
- Unique Texture: Sonic ice offers a soft, crunchy texture that enhances the sensory experience, making it enjoyable to chew.
- Reduced Dilution: Its porous structure allows it to cool beverages efficiently while minimizing the amount of water it adds to the drink.
- Fun and Satisfying: The chewable nature of Sonic ice adds a playful element to drinking, appealing to those who enjoy the texture of their ice.
The folks at The Wall Street Journal recognized the growing love of chewing ice nuggets2 back in 2008, and the popularity has only ballooned from there. That love isn't just anecdotal. Nearly one in five consumers (19 percent) say nugget-style ice is their preferred ice type in fast-food drinks, ranking just behind crushed ice and well ahead of traditional cubes.
How is Sonic Nugget Ice Made
Ever wondered how crunchy ice is made? Nugget ice begins in a completely different way than its cubic cousins, though the process starts with producing flake ice.
In the typical Sonic ice machine, water is run through a metal cylinder that's cooled by the refrigeration system. It’s so cold that the water begins to freeze in small sheets that protrude from the side of the cylinder. At the same time this is happening, an auger turns, scraping the interior walls of the cylinder. As it does that, it removes the forming ice spikes and pushes them to the top of the auger.
If this was the end of the process, we would call the resulting product flake ice, a type commonly seen in fresh seafood and produce displays. But a residential nugget ice maker takes it further, pushing the ice flakes through a small tube that compacts them into a single piece. At the end of the tube is an extruder tip, where the ice either breaks off naturally into smaller pieces or is lopped by a blade into somewhat uniform bits.
How to Get Sonic Ice At Home
With nearly 20 percent of consumers preferring nugget-style ice, it’s no surprise that Sonic-style ice makers have become one of the most sought-after home ice upgrades. If you're eager to enjoy Sonic-style ice at home, you're in luck. Our vendor partner Scotsman has traditionally been the sole supplier of the commercial pellet ice maker used in every Sonic drive-in. Scotsman has home ice maker models that produce that beloved Sonic-style ice. With these models, you can enjoy the distinctive texture and refreshing crunch of Sonic ice right from your own kitchen. These machines also come with long lasting parts like sealed, maintenance-free bearings.
Biel emphasized the durability of these machines, explaining that the sealed bearings not only save a lot of time but also reduce the overall cost of operation.
How to Select the Best Sonic-Style Ice Maker for Your Home
If you love nugget ice and want to enjoy it at home, choosing the right Sonic ice maker is essential. Here’s a simple guide to help you find the best model for your needs.
Types of Nugget Ice Makers
- Undercounter Nugget Ice Makers: Installed beneath your kitchen counter, these units are sleek and high-capacity. They’re perfect for larger households or frequent entertainers and save counter space.
- Countertop Nugget Ice Makers: Compact and portable, these sit on your counter and are easy to move. They’re ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments and offer flexibility for occasional use.
Compressor Types for Nugget Ice Makers
The compressor in a nugget ice maker cools the water to create nugget ice. It affects efficiency, performance, and operational details. Here’s a quick guide to the different types:
- Air-Cooled Compressors: Use ambient air for cooling. They are cost-effective and easy to install but need good ventilation to manage heat.
- Water-Cooled Compressors: Use water for cooling, offering efficient performance in hot environments. They require a constant water supply but provide consistent ice production.
- Remote-Cooled Compressors: Have the condenser located away from the main unit, reducing noise and heat where the ice is made. Best for homes where minimizing noise and heat is important.
KaTom’s Top Picks
- Scotsman Countertop Water & Nugget Ice Dispenser: This countertop model combines a 196 lb capacity with a 7 lb storage bin, offering convenient push-button dispensing for nugget ice and water. Ideal for high-traffic areas, it operates on a 115v power supply.
- Scotsman UN1215A-1 Nugget Undercounter Ice Machine: The UN1215A-1 delivers up to 119 lbs of nugget ice daily with a compact 15" width. Its air-cooled system and gravity drain make it perfect for undercounter placement, running on a 115v power supply.
- Scotsman SCN60GA-1SU 14 7/8"W Nugget Undercounter Ice Machine>: This slim 14 7/8" undercounter model produces 85 lbs of nugget ice per day. It features an air-cooled design and gravity drain, fitting easily into smaller spaces and operating on 115v power.
Start Making Sonic-Style Ice at Home
If you're in search of an ice maker that makes Sonic ice, explore our selection of best nugget ice makers and find the perfect one for your needs. We offer a range of options, from compact undercounter nugget ice machines to high-capacity commercial nugget ice machines. For any questions or assistance with your purchase, don’t hesitate to reach out to our helpful customer service team at 1-855-755-1192 or via email at sales@katom.com.
