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Which Type of Ice is Best? Exploring Nugget Ice, Ice Spheres & More

By: Megan

Content Writer

9 min read

When it comes to a refreshing beverage, ice is just as much of an ingredient as the refreshment it cools. Now, you might be wondering...does the shape and size of the ice really matter? While some might not think twice about their frozen cubes, culinary and mixology pros know there's a rhyme and reason for when to use specific types of ice. Think about it this way: in many cases, ice makes up about a third of your drink's volume. And different sizes and shapes melt at varying rates. So technically, yes, the type of ice used is a crucial ingredient. However, for some drinks, it's purely a matter of preference.

Installing an ice maker in your home is a great way to switch up how you chill your still or bubbly drinks without too much effort. These appliances come in a variety of styles, including built-in and countertop models. Some refrigerators have factory-installed icemakers that can make up to four different types of ice at once. Unsure what model is best for you? Below, we dive into when to use various types of ice and how you can enjoy these frozen shapes at home.

Nugget Ice: The Trendiest Form

Up first: nugget ice. Also known as pellet and pebble ice, this style is excellent for carbonated drinks, iced teas and mixed drinks. Unlike other styles, the unique form soaks up some of the drink's flavor. This makes them ideal for those who like to chew on ice while enjoying a beverage. The rise in popularity has inspired some brands to create dedicated machines, such as the GE Profile Opal. This countertop appliance requires little space to work, making it perfect for at-home bars. For smaller kitchens, opt for the GE Profile Opal mini icemaker, which is 30% more compact compared to the original.

Bullet or Pearl Ice: A Rapid Melter

Next is bullet or pearl ice. The name comes from its cylindrical form and hollow core. While the unique shape chills your drink quickly, it also melts very fast. This style is often found in portable ice makers and is a good choice when making blended drinks, like smoothies. They're also great in iced coffees and carbonated drinks. If you don't mind the quick melting and risk of dilution, then you can add this type of ice to any beverage.

Crushed Ice: Easy to DIY

A common option found in external refrigerator dispensers, crushed ice is similar to nugget ice; however, it doesn't absorb your beverage's flavor, and the shape isn't as uniform. These tiny shards are an excellent choice for frozen drinks, cocktails in a metal cup or food displays. While you can invest in a separate machine, crushed ice is the easiest to DIY. Simply take any frozen shape and either crush it in a bag or blender. Just be sure the bag is completely closed or the lid is closed tightly on your blender.

Crescent Ice: A Classic Choice

Crescent ice is typically the default form for refrigerator icemakers. The curved shape makes them ideal for iced teas, lemonades and water. However, since they melt at a steady pace, you can truly use them for anything that needs to be chilled. If your refrigerator doesn't have a built-in dispenser, you can either invest in a separate icemaker or purchase ice trays from the store.

Gourmet Ice: An Upscale Way to Chill

Gourmet or clear ice is an uncommon form, only found on high-end icemakers. Of all the types of ice, this style melts the slowest, making it the best option if you want to preserve the flavor and strength of your drink. The reason it melts slowly comes from the unique freezing process. Unlike the classic "set it and forget it" method, directional freezing minimizes air pockets, which leads to a clear appearance. Since the process requires more hands-on work, we recommend investing in a dedicated icemaker.

Standard Cube: Steady Cooling

The standard cube not only looks great but also melts relatively slowly, meaning your drink won’t get diluted as quickly. These cubes are often only one or two inches in size, so you can place a few in your glass at once. This type of ice is best for beverages that you plan to sip on, such as mixed drinks. They’re also popular for general cooling. Due to their versatility, there's a range of countertop and undercounter icemakers to choose from so you'll always have standard cubes on hand.

Large Format Cubes and Spheres: The Slow Melter

At certain restaurants or high-end establishments, you might see drinks being served with large cubes or spheres. That’s because this type of ice melts very slowly, gradually chilling and diluting the drink. To make large-format ice yourself, you’ll need a dedicated silicone mold. However, some refrigerators, such as certain 2026 models from LG, include icemakers that make this type automatically.

Shaved or Flake Ice: Elevate Your Presentation

Last but certainly not least: shaved ice. These iconic flakes are cut so small that they're easy to mold into various shapes or around items. This makes them perfect for seafood displays, salad bars, snow cones or a more showy presentation. You can even shave down frozen fruit to add a pop of color and a natural flavor boost. To DIY, you'll either need a snow cone maker, food processor or a stand mixer with the designated attachment.

At the End of the Day...

All in all, there are countless types of ice you can choose from to keep your still and bubbly beverages chilled. If you're interested in upgrading your drink-making and hosting presentation, check out Abt's selection of ice makers. Whether you're looking to try the trendy nugget ice or fancy, gourmet cubes, we've got a machine for you. To learn more about the different types of ice and the corresponding small appliances, read our guide to buying an ice maker. Our team of specialists is also available at 800-860-3577 if you’d prefer a more personalized experience.