Electactic Nugget Ice Maker Review — Countertop Nugget Machine

Intro

If you want soft, chewable nugget ice on demand without using your freezer trays, the Electactic countertop nugget ice maker (model Z5820DN-BLACK-EL) promises a lot: up to 44 lbs of nugget ice in 24 hours from a unit that fits on a counter. The listing highlights a removable 2.4-liter reservoir, a one-touch self-cleaning mode, and a contactless dispensing lever. Owner feedback shows the machine can deliver on output and ice texture, but several buyers flag loud operation, occasional leaks, and isolated early motor failures. Read on for a practical look at how this unit performs in everyday kitchens, who it’s right for, and what to double-check before you buy.

What it is / first look

The Electactic Z5820DN-BLACK-EL is a countertop nugget (pellet) ice maker that lists a daily production rate of 44 lbs, a removable 2.4 L rear water reservoir, and a stainless-steel exterior. The listing claims a first batch in about 15–20 minutes and says upgraded insulation keeps the produced nugget ice frozen for roughly 4–5 hours. The machine uses R600a refrigerant, runs on 115 volts at 200 watts, and the item dimensions are 16.93" deep x 10.63" wide x 16.34" high.

Key listing features summarized:

• Production rate: up to 44 lbs per 24 hours
• Removable water reservoir: 2.4 liters
• First batch time: about 15–20 minutes
• Self-cleaning: one-touch, listing describes a 10-minute cycle activated by a 5-second press of the power button
• Contactless dispensing: pull-down lever so users don't need an ice scoop
• Material type listed as stainless steel; refrigerant R600a; 200 W power draw

Packaging and what's in the box

The listing states the included component is the ice maker itself. The part and model number are Z5820DN-BLACK-EL and the brand/manufacturer is Electactic. The listing does not list additional accessories, warranty length, or a detailed parts list beyond the ice maker unit.

Colors

Image filenames and the model name indicate a black finish, and the product is listed with stainless steel as the material. Available colors in the listing may include:

• black
• stainless steel

In daily use

The listing and buyer feedback paint a clear picture: this model is designed for frequent ice users who want chewable nugget ice for drinks and beverages. Owners who are happy with their purchase emphasize the big reservoir, fast production cycles, and convenient contactless dispense. Some specific owner-report themes are worth repeating because they shape how the machine performs day to day.

Ice output and texture

Owners consistently praise the nugget-style ice this machine produces. The listing describes the ice as "chewable" and "slow-melting," and multiple buyers say the nuggets are soft enough to chew and are preferable to hard tray ice for drinks and iced coffee. The unit’s 44 lb/24 hr production rate and the 2.4 L removable reservoir mean frequent users—families, home bars, or small offices—can keep a steady supply of ice without refilling constantly. One owner noted filling the reservoir once or twice a day provided enough ice for a household of four.

Speed and cycle behavior

The listing claims the first batch is ready in 15–20 minutes; owners report that the machine does produce a full ice bin quickly and that it cycles on and off to maintain a supply. A few buyers point out that if you don’t use ice regularly the unit can shut off and the existing ice will melt, leaving no ice when you next need it; when that happens it takes some time to produce enough ice to fill a cup again.

Noise and vibration

Noise is the most consistently cited drawback. Several owners describe the machine as "quite noisy," "terribly loud," or having a loud motor that can be heard across rooms. One buyer with a larger house reported hearing it in the backyard. Another signaled a ticking noise and later failure. If you plan to place this on a nightstand, near a bedroom, or in an open-plan living space where quiet is important, expect audible cycling and motor noise.

Maintenance and dispensing

The listing promotes a one-touch self-cleaning function: a 5-second press of the ON/OFF button supposedly starts a 10-minute clean cycle to refresh the machine. Owners generally call maintenance easy—drain the reservoir every couple of days and run the clean cycle as needed. The contactless dispensing lever gets consistently positive mentions: owners like not having to use a scoop and appreciate being able to pull a cup under the spout for a hygienic dispense.

Leaks, draining, and water use

One mixed review warns the unit "sucks a lot of water" and that it can leak, while other owners mention the need to drain and rinse the basin periodically. The listing doesn’t provide a day-to-day water consumption rate beyond the reservoir capacity; if you’re on a metered supply or worried about water use, plan to monitor the reservoir and emptying schedule until you understand how it behaves in your setup.

Materials & build quality

The product listing lists the material type as stainless steel and uses R600a refrigerant. Numeric specs from the listing: 200 watts at 115 volts, 2.4 L reservoir capacity, item dimensions 16.93"D x 10.63"W x 16.34"H, and daily output up to 44 lbs. The model number is Z5820DN-BLACK-EL and the brand is Electactic.

Owner signals on build and finish are mixed. Several owners say it looks good on the counter and matches stainless appliances. Multiple comments point out the unit feels heavy and solidly sized—something to plan for when finding counter space. However, some owners also report ticking noises and motor problems that preceded a full stop in operation. That pattern suggests while the case and reservoir appear well built to owners, internal mechanical or motor reliability is variable across units.

What the listing claims vs. what owners say

• Listing: Stainless-steel material; owners: unit looks stainless and matches other appliances.
• Listing: 2.4 L removable reservoir; owners: larger-than-average basin and fewer refills needed.
• Listing: self-cleaning; owners: find the cleaning function useful and have an easy maintenance routine.
• Listing: fast first batch (15–20 min); owners: first batches and cycles are quick, but production time to refill can still be long if the machine has shut off and all ice has melted.

Safety considerations

Callouts to keep in mind before purchase or placement are both practical (noise, drainability) and mechanical (reports of motor failures). The listing does not specify certifications, warranty length, or emergency-service details, so verify the current listing or manufacturer documentation if those details matter to you.

Noise and placement

Owner reports of loud operation are frequent enough to treat noise as a safety-of-use and comfort issue: loud motors can be startling and may mask other appliance sounds. If you’re tallking about placement near sleeping areas, small bedrooms, or a quiet home office, pick a spot where the noise won’t be intrusive.

Mechanical reliability

Several owners reported abrupt motor failure—examples include a unit that stopped working after three weeks following loud operation. Others described ticking noises before performance dropped. These are reliability signals that can affect long-term operation and could require return or service. If continuous serviceability is important, consider the reported hit-or-miss reliability when deciding.

Leaks and drainage

A mixed review mentions leaking and heavy water draw; while not widespread, those comments suggest double-checking setup levelness and ensuring you can easily drain the machine when instructed. The listing itself emphasizes the removable reservoir and easy maintenance, but owners recommend routine draining and running the listed self-clean cycle.

Material and food-contact notes

The listing states "Material Type: Stainless Steel." The manufacturer/ listing supplies that detail; the current listing should be consulted directly if you need additional food-contact material claims or certifications. The listing does not enumerate third-party safety certifications or a warranty in the product facts provided.

Who this is for / who should skip

This unit fits a clear set of use cases and some situations where it’s less ideal.

Good fit (who should consider it)

• Households that use a lot of ice daily: the 44 lb/24 hr rate and 2.4 L reservoir are useful if you want steady nugget ice without freezer trays.
• Home bars and beverage-focused kitchens: owners praise the chewable nugget texture for iced coffee, sodas, and cocktails.
• People who value easy maintenance: removable reservoir and a one-touch clean cycle are repeatedly called out as convenient.
• Buyers who prioritize output over quiet operation: many owners say the machine produces lots of ice quickly despite noise.

Skip or be cautious if

• You need a quiet machine: multiple owners describe loud motor noise and persistent running sounds.
• You need rock-solid long-term reliability: several buyers report early motor failure or ticking sounds that preceded a stop in operation.
• You don't have counter space that accommodates the unit's footprint (16.93"D x 10.63"W x 16.34"H) or an easy place to empty and drain the reservoir.

Verdict

The Electactic countertop nugget ice maker delivers the core promise: a lot of good nugget-style ice quickly, with a roomy 2.4 L removable reservoir, contactless dispense, and a quick first batch time. Owners who use the machine heavily praise the texture of the ice, the large reservoir, and the convenience of the self-clean cycle. At the same time, a clear pattern of noisy operation and a smaller but meaningful set of early failures and tick/ motor complaints lowers the reliability outlook for some buyers.

If you prioritize output, nugget texture, and a unit that looks like a stainless-steel countertop appliance, this model is worth considering and is often described by owners as "worth it" for heavy daily users. If you need a quiet machine or require documented long-term reliability up front, the owner feedback suggests caution and a plan for potential returns or repairs.

Check before you buy

• Confirm dimensions (16.93"D x 10.63"W x 16.34"H) fit your counter space and that you can access a drain point for periodic emptying.
• Verify electrical compatibility: the listing states 115 volts and 200 watts.
• Consider noise: owners consistently report loud motor noise—decide if that’s acceptable in your space.
• Confirm the model and color you want—listing/model is Z5820DN-BLACK-EL and the machine lists stainless-steel material; images suggest black/stainless finishes.
• Plan for maintenance: the listing promotes a one-touch self-clean that runs for 10 minutes after a 5-second press; owners recommend periodic draining and cleaning.
• Check return/service terms and current manufacturer documentation—listing does not specify warranty or certifications in the provided facts.

Final note: Electactic’s Z5820DN-BLACK-EL stands out for ice output and a user-friendly dispense and cleaning workflow, but mixed reliability reports and consistent loudness should factor into whether this fits your household or hospitality needs. Verify the current listing/manufacturer documentation for warranty and full specifications before purchase.