Design
As mentioned above, this machine comes with a stylish design. It features a silver finish that adds an elegant touch to any kitchen. It measures 10.5 x 15.5 x 17.25 inches and weighs 44 lbs. You may think that it is a compact and portable unit that can be moved with ease from a place to another. The truth is that it is not as compact nor portable as the other models. Therefore, it is recommended to find a place in your kitchen and leave it there. Do not change its place because you don’t like it anymore. It is heavy and you may have serious back issues. Also, according to the manufacturer’s specifications, you should avoid installing it near an oven, microwave, radiator or near direct sunlight as it won’t perform as it should. Aside from its stainless steel construction, there are many other things that we like about this unit.
We really like that its container that holds the ice has drainage holes for melted ice that can be reused. This is a big plus that you may not find on other models. Another interesting fact about this machine is the LED ring. You will be surprised to discover that it pulses and spins, showing what is happening. Don’t worry as it is not complicated. For example, when the ring is white, the machine is still working. When the ring is yellow, the machine is ready for cleaning and when it is blue it asks for more water.
Ice Making Ability and Features
Have you ever wondered how it works? As mentioned above, it is a bit different from the rest of the ice makers, because it does its own ice, not like others that crush the ice. First of all, it is important to know that it provides about 14 oz. of ice in about 1 hour. It comes equipped with a timer which makes things easier for you because it can be accessed and scheduled from your smartphone via Bluetooth after your download the FirstBuild app. Another important thing to know about this ice maker that doesn’t make a regular ice cube, but nugget ice is that it operates at a temperature from 55°F to 90°F.
Like any other product, it also has a few downsides. For example, you might need to wait for more than 15 minutes to start making the cubes. However, do not panic! When the bin is filled, the machine will automatically stop working. More than that, it is important to understand that you are not forced to use all the ice or to throw it away. Leave the ice in the bin and you will be able to recyclable it. It will melt and it will flow into the container. And you can reuse it after you refill with water the reservoir. But remember! It is recommended to change the water every 24 hours.
Specifications
| Opal Nugget | |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Countertop model |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 10.5 x 17.2 inches |
| Quantity produced | 24 lbs. of ice/ day |
| Bin capacity | 2.5 quarts |
| Bluetooth connectivity | |
| Operating temperature | 55°F to 90°F |
| Processing time | <15 minutes |
| Warranty | 1-year |
| Recommendations | Use potable water only |
Easy of Use and Cleaning
Aside from being a good-quality ice machine, this model made by FirstBuild is also extremely easy to use. It can be plugged into any standard power outlet at your home. As compared to other similar devices, it doesn’t use a water line. However, it has a bin with a capacity of 2.5 quarts that should be filled with water manually in order to provide you with nugget ice. In addition to this, cleaning is a breeze. You just have to fill it with some water and run it on a gentle cycle. However, the machine comes with a manual guide that will provide you with more information.
Warranty and Customer Support
As compared to the Pro IC70 Ice Crusher by Waring that comes with a 5-year warranty on motor, our model is covered by a 1-year limited warranty, only. However, it still is a nice option to consider when making a purchase. As such, if you are interested in making a wise investment in a nugget ice machine, do not hesitate and buy this model. It is a great value for the money.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for quality and elegance, you should consider this model. At its affordable price, you will be thoroughly pleased to know that you will get similar features compared to the high-end models. Due to the fact that it has Bluetooth compatibility, you will be able to set up the machine to work according to your own needs and preferences. In addition to this, the smart sensors built-in will ensure that you never have to deal with cleaning up spills. A well as the air-insulated bucket will keep the ice fresh for a long period of time so you don’t have to constantly make a new batch of ice. Thus, without a doubt, this can be your helping hand when throwing parties or a great addition to a smart home.
