• Earlier this year, our gear testing team at Popular Mechanics tested out several countertop nugget ice makers.
• Three of our favorites are available at significant discounts now on Amazon.

If you’ve spent any amount of time around serious iced-coffee obsessives (like me) or anyone who loves to chew on ice, you’ll know these folks swear they can taste the difference between cube ice and nugget ice. Nugget ice tends to be soft, crunchy, and much more chewable than ice made in an ice tray or fridge ice maker.

These cubes make everything, from cold brew to mojitos to iced tea, taste just a little better. And right now, a handful of the most popular countertop nugget ice makers are marked down on Amazon, including three models we’ve previously recommended at Popular Mechanics.

Whether you’re looking for a machine that can keep up with weekend entertaining or a sleek, silent unit, these deals make it a good time to upgrade.

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker

Now 28% Off

Enjoy refreshing, chewable pellet ice made from compacted ice flakes for the perfect cocktails, sodas and other beverage

We chose the GE Profile Opal 2.0 as the best overall nugget ice maker in our testing, and the current discount makes it even more appealing. Typically $599, this machine is now $429, making it 28 percent off. The Opal can crank out up to 38 pounds of ice per day, and the included 0.75-gallon side tank means less babysitting and more uninterrupted freezing.

Wi-Fi connectivity lets you schedule batches or check status from your phone, and the stainless steel finish looks clean and modern on just about any counter. If you want premium ice without giving up half your cabinet space, this is the one for you.

GoveeLife Smart Ice Maker Countertop

Now 31% Off

If you prefer something smaller, faster, and loaded with smart features, GoveeLife’s compact ice maker is an excellent pick. It delivers nine cubes in as little as six minutes, offers three size options, and even features built-in lighting—a fun touch if you’re setting up a bar or drink station. Voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant lets you start a batch hands-free, and the self-cleaning mode keeps maintenance simple. At its current sale price, it’s 31 percent off, bringing the total to $124.99, making it a great value.

EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker

Now 33% Off

Euhomy’s ice machine is incredibly efficient. It produces up to 40 pounds per day, comes with both an ice basket and scoop, and makes that classic soft chewable ice. Your first pieces of ice will be ready in about 7 to 10 minutes, and the pull-out water tank detaches easily. All you have to do is fill the reservoir with water as needed. The self-cleaning function is a welcome inclusion for a machine designed to run frequently, and the compact footprint makes it surprisingly easy to place on a countertop.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to bring home nugget ice or to upgrade the machine you already have, these markdowns are worth a look. Good nugget ice tends to disappear quickly at parties, on hot weekends, and during long workdays, so having a reliable countertop maker can be a perfect kitchen upgrade.

Sarah Connor is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics. She also contributes to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Best Products, and Biography.com. Before joining the Hearst Magazines team, Sarah was a National Content Editor for Hearst Television. She holds a master’s in Journalism from Syracuse University and a dual bachelor’s in English and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh. When she isn’t writing up a review of the newest gadgets, you can find her heading to the nearest rink for a figure skating session or enjoying the outdoors with her beloved Australian Shepherd, Rosie.