Silonn SLIM17B Nugget Ice Maker

Should you buy the Silonn SLIM17B Nugget Ice Maker?

The Silonn SLIM17B Nugget Ice Maker is the cheapest nugget maker we list, built for someone who wants the texture without the investment. At $204.99 it ranks #5 of 10 nugget ice makers and has the best Value score in the category. It is also one of the smallest, at 12.5 inches wide and 21.6 lb. The trade is a bare-bones bin and monthly descaling. If you want something that will still be running in two years, the Gevi V2.0 is the safer bet; if you want more ice per day, Silonn's own 44 lb model is $95 more.

Where it earns its score

• Best Value in the category. Value scores 94, the top mark among nugget ice makers, for 33 lb per day at $204.99.
• Fastest first ice. About 6 minutes, tied with the Euhomy.
• Tiny. At 12.5 W x 9.9 D x 14.5 H inches and 21.6 lb, it fits where nothing else here does.
• One-button cleaning. A single ICE/CLEAN switch runs the self-clean cycle, and the top cover removes for access.

What to know first

• Warranty is the weakest ViperScore factor. One year scores 55, and some owners report the unit stopping after a few months.
• Quality is the weak spot. At 70, the uninsulated bin melts ice within an hour, the fan hums, and scale builds fast enough to need monthly descaling.
• Manual fill only. Open-top reservoir, no side tank, no app.
• Not a stockpiler. Make it, use it, and expect the meltwater to recycle.

Questions buyers ask