Ice fit

Nugget, bullet or clear cubes?

Nugget ice is a specific texture

Nugget machines make small pellet-like ice with a different structure from ordinary hollow bullets. Newair’s NIM026MBN0/SSN0 and current NIM044BSN2 are relevant configurations when that texture is the purpose of the purchase. The similarly numbered NIM026MS00 is a bullet machine, so the complete model ending matters.

We do not make dental or health claims about chewing ice. The useful buying distinction is the manufacturer-documented texture and mechanism. Consider the care routine as well as the texture, since a water path that makes appealing ice still needs regular maintenance.

Bullet ice comes in different sizes

Bullet makers freeze around fingers to form rounded pieces with a hollow end. The AI-100SS and AI-215 family offer three size selections, while the NIM033 and NIM026MS00 have small/large choices. Size selection changes the bullet, rather than creating nugget texture or a clear cocktail cube.

These machines are useful for ordinary cold drinks when a soft nugget texture is unnecessary. Decide how the chosen ice fits the glass and serving routine rather than treating the highest daily claim as an automatic winner.

Clear cubes are another mechanism

The NIM045SS00 is a clear-cube machine with adjustable thickness. Thickness and production time are related; the thickest setting and the fastest batch should not be assumed to occur together. Clear cubes are also distinct from the large spheres made by a dedicated whiskey-ball machine.

We do not claim a measured melt rate without controlled testing. Shape, size, quantity and drink temperature all influence dilution. Choose the ice form first, then compare the basket, water supply and cleaning that support that form in daily use.