Description
ZD-KL60 Commercial Nugget Ice Maker – 132 lb Countertop Chewable Ice Machine
Overview and Features
Nugget ice—also known as chewable ice, pellet ice, or “Sonic ice”—is made by compressing flake ice into small, porous nuggets. Unlike hard cube ice, nugget ice absorbs the flavors of whatever drink it is in, creating a more flavorful and enjoyable drinking experience. Consumers prefer nugget ice over traditional cube ice by a margin of 2 to 1, and some foodservice operators have reported sales increases of over 25% after switching from cube ice to nugget ice in their beverage programs. In 2026, we are tracking a massive demand surge in both the prosumer market and the healthcare sector for nugget ice—this highly chewable, porous ice absorbs beverage flavors rather than just cooling them, making it a highly profitable feature for modern countertop dispensers.
Nugget ice also chills drinks rapidly while minimizing excessive dilution. Operators who switch often report fewer complaints about “watery” drinks, directly improving the customer’s perceived quality of the beverage.Healthcare facilities use it for therapeutic applications because patients can safely consume it without the risk of choking.
ZD-KL60 Product Specification Sheet
Key Features:
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132 lb (60 kg) Daily Production: Enough for hundreds of soft drinks, iced coffees, and blended beverages per day. A commercial ice machine that can produce 60-100kg of ice daily ensures you never run short, even during peak demand.
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Soft, Chewable Nugget Ice: Made from compacted flakes of ice, nugget ice is softer than cubes and absorbs the flavor of beverages. Customers love it—and they order more drinks because of it. Nugget ice occupies a middle ground: soft enough to chew but substantial enough to cool drinks effectively.
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Countertop Design with Integrated Storage: Compact footprint fits on standard countertops without requiring undercounter installation. Built-in storage bin keeps ice ready for immediate dispensing.
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304 Stainless Steel Construction: Food-grade stainless steel exterior and internal components resist corrosion and stand up to daily commercial use. Stainless steel is easy to sanitize and doesn’t harbor bacteria in micro-scratches the way plastic components do.
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Self-Cleaning Cycle: Built-in automatic cleaning function handles descaling and sanitizing with the push of a button—no specialized training required.
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R290 Refrigerant: Environmentally friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant with excellent energy efficiency and ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3. As of January 1, 2026, self-contained air- and water-cooled ice machines that produce 1,000 lbs of ice or less must use R290 refrigerant under the EPA’s Technology Transition Rule. The ZD-KL60 is fully compliant and future-ready.
Why Nugget Ice Is Taking Over Commercial Beverage Service
Nugget ice has developed a near-cult following among consumers, and for good reason. Its soft, porous texture absorbs the flavor of whatever beverage it is in, creating a more flavorful drink from first sip to last. It is soft and chewable, making it a favorite for fountain beverages, smoothies, blended cocktails, salad bars, therapeutic use, and many other applications.
For operators, the benefits go beyond customer preference. Nugget ice machines use up to 40% less water and 15% less energy than comparable cube ice machines, directly lowering utility costs.Nugget ice also has higher liquid displacement in the cup—meaning the glass looks fuller while using less ice—which can reduce per-serving ice cost. And because nugget ice chills drinks rapidly while minimizing excessive dilution, operators report fewer complaints about watery beverages, directly improving perceived drink quality.
In healthcare settings, nugget ice is particularly valuable. Its soft, chewable texture makes it safe for patients who have difficulty swallowing, and it is commonly used for post-surgical hydration, medication administration, and general patient comfort. Fast-food chains and healthcare facilities favor nugget ice for these reasons.
Designed for Offices, Cafes, and Small Commercial Spaces
The ZD-KL60 is purpose-built for environments where countertop space is limited but ice quality matters. Unlike large modular systems that require dedicated equipment rooms, the ZD-KL60 sits on a standard countertop and plugs into a standard outlet—making it accessible for businesses that need commercial-grade ice production without complex installation.
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Office Breakrooms & Co-Working Spaces | Replace traditional water coolers with a premium ice and beverage experience. Nugget ice elevates the office coffee and refreshment station. |
| Small Cafes & Coffee Shops | Perfect for iced lattes, cold brew, and blended frappes where ice texture affects the drink experience. 132 lb daily output handles a busy morning rush. |
| Bubble Tea & Smoothie Shops | Nugget ice blends smoothly and absorbs syrups and flavors, creating a more cohesive blended beverage. |
| Healthcare Facilities & Senior Living | Soft, chewable ice that patients can safely consume. Ideal for hydration stations, medication administration, and general patient comfort. |
| Small Bars & Pubs | Great for soft drinks, blended cocktails, and any drink where rapid cooling and flavor absorption matter. |
| Convenience Stores & Gas Stations | Offer the same chewable ice experience customers love from major chains, driving repeat visits and beverage sales. |
When selecting a commercial nugget ice machine, always consider your peak demand rather than daily average. A machine that produces 60kg per day can comfortably serve a small office, cafe, or clinic. For larger restaurants or high-volume bars, consider Naixer’s PB Series modular nugget ice machines with capacities from 300 kg to 1,000 kg per day.
ZD-KL60 Nugget Ice Maker — Frequently Asked Questions
How much ice does the ZD-KL60 produce per day?
Up to 132 lbs (60 kg) of soft, chewable nugget ice per 24 hours under standard operating conditions. This is sufficient for a small office, cafe, or clinic serving 50–150 people daily.
What is nugget ice and why do people love it?
Nugget ice—also called chewable ice, pellet ice, or “Sonic ice”—is made by compressing flake ice into small, porous, cylindrical nuggets. Its soft, airy texture absorbs beverage flavors and is entirely chewable, which is why it has developed such a devoted following. Consumers prefer nugget ice over traditional cube ice by a margin of 2 to 1, and some foodservice operators have reported sales increases of over 25% after switching from cube ice to nugget ice.
Is the ZD-KL60 suitable for continuous commercial use?
Yes. The ZD-KL60 is designed for daily commercial operation with a high-efficiency hermetic compressor and 304 stainless steel construction. For 24/7 high-volume operations (restaurants, hotels, hospitals), consider Naixer’s PB Series modular nugget ice machines with larger daily capacities.
Does the ZD-KL60 have a self-cleaning function?
Yes. The ZD-KL60 features a built-in automatic cleaning cycle. Simply press the cleaning button and the machine handles descaling and sanitizing automatically. Regular cleaning every 3–6 months is recommended for optimal performance and ice quality.
What refrigerant does the ZD-KL60 use?
The ZD-KL60 uses R290 refrigerant, an environmentally friendly hydrocarbon with an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3. This is fully compliant with the EPA’s Technology Transition Rule that went into effect on January 1, 2026, requiring self-contained ice machines producing 1,000 lbs or less to use R290.
How does nugget ice compare to cube ice in terms of operating cost?
Nugget ice machines typically use up to 40% less water and 15% less energy than comparable cube ice machines, resulting in lower utility costs over time.Additionally, nugget ice has higher liquid displacement in the cup, meaning you use slightly less ice per drink served.
What warranty comes with the ZD-KL60?
The ZD-KL60 comes with a standard manufacturer’s warranty covering parts and workmanship for 1 year. Extended warranty options may be available through authorized Naixer distributors. For operations requiring longer warranty coverage, Naixer’s PB Series modular nugget ice machines carry a 3-year comprehensive warranty.
Can I produce other ice types with this machine?
No—the ZD-KL60 is specifically engineered to produce nugget ice (chewable pellet ice) . For standard cube ice, crescent ice, flake ice, or large-format gourmet ice, explore other Naixer product lines including the TH Series (cube), TH-SE Series (crescent), and TH-DF Series (large square cube).