Nugget ice vs. bullet ice: Which is better?

What is nugget ice?

Nugget ice (also known as pebble ice, or pellet ice) is a soft, chewable type of ice made by compressing thin layers of flaked ice into small, airy cylinders. Unlike traditional solid ice cubes, nugget ice is porous and contains tiny air pockets. This unique structure allows it to cool drinks quickly, absorb the flavor of the beverage it chills, and makes it easy to crunch.

What is bullet ice?

Bullet ice gets its name from the shape of the ice cube. This type of ice is hollow and rounded, with a clear appearance and tends to have a slower melting rate than nugget ice. Though bullet ice is softer than traditional ice cubes, it is denser than nugget ice.

Nugget ice vs. bullet ice: Key differences

Nugget ice is soft, airy, chewable and absorbs drink flavors while retaining its pellet-like form. Bullet ice features a hard, hollow design that chills drinks rapidly, though its density may make it hard to chew.

You can savor every sip of your favorite beverages when you choose the best ice for each use. Compare the key differences between bullet ice vs. nugget ice below.

Texture and chewability

Nugget ice has a more fragile structure vs. bullet ice. Nugget ice is formed by compressing ice shavings, whereas bullet ice is more akin to a dense block of ice. This airy structure makes nugget ice perfect to chow down, especially since it can absorb the flavors of your drink. Similar to traditional ice cubes, bullet ice has a harder texture that can make it less desirable to chew and does not allow it to take on the flavors of your beverage.

Melting rate and dilution

Bullet ice melts at a somewhat slower rate compared with nugget ice. However, both nugget ice and bullet ice have increased surface area vs. traditional ice. This means they will melt a little faster. However, the porous structure of nugget ice helps absorb the flavor of whatever drink it’s in.

Best uses for nugget ice vs. bullet ice

Chewable ice like nugget ice is best for soft drinks and blended drinks while bullet ice is best for water or other drinks you want to cool quickly. While it really comes down to personal preference, here are some other uses that each type of ice is best for.

Choose nugget ice

Nugget ice is ideal if you enjoy chewing ice or want ice cubes that absorb the flavor of your beverages. You might consider nugget ice if you’re enjoying:

• Soft drinks

• Iced coffee

• Blended drinks
  

• Homemade slushies

• Smoothie bowls

• Cocktails

• Chilling food platters

• Shocking blanched vegetables

Choose bullet ice

Bullet ice is great if you want a slower-melting ice for long-lasting beverages. It can also be produced quickly, making it a good choice for shared kitchens or commercial use. It can be best used for:

• Water

• Small pitchers of liquid
  

• Filling coolers

• Office or commercial settings

• Food displays

FAQs about nugget ice and bullet ice

Still not sure which type of ice to use? Explore frequently asked questions about nugget ice vs. bullet ice to understand your options even more.

Can you make nugget ice at home?

You can make nugget ice at home using dedicated undercounter or countertop machines or even DIY methods like freezing carbonated water. For a more integrated experience, Whirlpool brand is soon launching the industry’s first refrigerator with an in-door nugget ice maker. This new model produces signature soft, chewable ice while saving valuable countertop space by eliminating the need for a standalone machine. 

This refrigerator will offer dual ice makers, providing easy access to both soft, chewable nugget ice and traditional cubed ice. The built-in nugget ice maker holds up to 2.4 lbs of ice, and it can even be removed for easy scooping.

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Does nugget ice melt faster than bullet ice?

The melt rate of your ice can depend on a variety of factors, like the environment and the temperature of the beverage being poured over it. Bullet ice melts at a similar rate to traditional ice cubes, while nugget ice tends to melt more quickly because of its smaller size and greater surface area. 

However, nugget ice tends to melt slower than crushed ice and tends to swiftly chill beverages.

Is bullet ice chewable?

Bullet ice is a dense ice shape, which makes it more difficult to chew. If you enjoy craveworthy, soft, chewable ice, nugget ice may be the better option.

Explore Whirlpool^® Refrigerators

Whether you want a refrigerator with a built-in ice maker or a model with organization features that help you store your family’s frozen favorites, Whirlpool brand has the refrigerator options for you. Shop Whirlpool^® Refrigerators to find the best fit for your family.