NewAir AI-420 Review: Trusted Review by Technician in 2025

• Available to buy now
• Costs $159 in the U.S market

Like the NewAir NIM026SSN0 and the NewAir NIM045 (it is discontinued) before it, the NewAir AI-420 is a nugget ice maker that aims to squeeze the maximum amount of chewable ice out of a countertop-friendly design: to be as competitive as possible, to match the Euhomy IM-12 and Frigidaire EFIC201.

For a lot of people, ice production speed is the first and most important consideration when it comes to picking a nugget ice maker, and when it comes to raw performance the NewAir AI-420 definitely delivers. Its capacity is a lot better than the previous NewAir NIM026SSN0 that I don’t really recommend buying, especially when its price is a lot higher than normal.

If you’re shopping for nugget ice makers, the NewAir AI-420 definitely deserves a look. Priced at just $159, it’s a very accessible option and, frankly, a better purchase than the Euhomy IM-12 in terms of value. However, since NewAir often raises prices depending on stock availability, the Euhomy remains a safer and more consistent choice for most buyers.

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NewAir AI-420 Review: Design

• Front control board
• Compact stainless steel chassis
• Single-button operation

With its brushed stainless steel exterior and oversized viewing window, the NewAir AI-420 offers more restraint in terms of its design than a lot of other nugget ice makers at the same price, though I can imagine the rather utilitarian single-button setup putting some people off who want more control options. It’s all stainless steel and plastic of course, but it’s nicely done stainless steel, and it feels comfortably substantial.

The measurements you need to know about are approximately 15 x 11 x 16 inches – dimensions largely dictated by the nugget ice production mechanism – and the unit tips the scales at 36 pounds. It feels pleasingly solid, and isn’t going to get knocked over easily on your countertop.

I had the stainless steel version sent to me for my review, which is the only color option available for this model. This is perhaps not the ice maker to go for if you want something with color variety like the first NewAir AI-100, but the stainless finish is refreshing in its restraint and professional appearance.

All the controls are on the front as you look at the unit: a single power button that handles on/off and cleaning functions. As is common with mid-tier ice makers, there’s no digital display or multiple buttons – you hold the button for three seconds to activate cleaning mode, and that’s the extent of the controls. I prefer more options personally, but you might think differently (and it’s not a huge issue in any case).

The viewing window on top gives you a clear look at ice production, though it lacks the illuminated transparency of the GE Profile Opal 2.0. NewAir has found room for proper ventilation on all sides, which is crucial for this air-cooled countertop model. You wouldn’t expect commercial-grade construction on an ice maker at this price, and indeed you don’t get it, with the unit using a plastic frame beneath the stainless steel panels.

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NewAir AI-420 Review: Build

• NewAir has mixed durability
• Mixed stainless steel and plastic construction

The NewAir AI-420 uses stainless steel exterior panels over a plastic internal frame, which is standard construction for mid-tier portable ice makers. The ice-making components themselves: evaporator rods, compressor, and auger, appear solidly constructed from metal, though they’re not the commercial-grade components you’d find in $2,000+ built-in units.

Durability predictions based on construction suggest this unit should handle regular residential use for 3-5 years, though the nugget ice production process places higher stress on components than bullet ice makers do. The compressor and auger work harder to create that soft, compressed texture, which inherently increases wear over time.

My guts tell me that the NewAir countertop ice makers will always have moderate durability expectations. The NewAir AI-420 seems to be slightly lighter than a durable product like the Frigidaire EFIC255 and NewAir NIM044. Customer reviews also show concerning reliability patterns, especially when the NewAir AI-420 is much more expensive than today deal you can get from Ice Artisan.

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NewAir AI-420 Review: Capacity

• Produces up to 45 lbs of ice daily
• Internal storage: 3 lbs

The NewAir AI-420 produces up to 45 pounds of nugget ice per day, running at a resolution of continuous production cycles. The storage bin holds approximately 3 pounds at a time, which is the best internal storage for a countertop ice maker I reviewed up until now.

During testing in my 75°F kitchen, the unit produced approximately 35-40 pounds over 24 hours of continuous operation, close enough to the advertised 45 pounds to feel honest. It is as good as the Euhomy IM-16 that costs about $80 more.

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NewAir AI-420 Review: Ice Quality

• Nugget ice
• A bit harder than typical NewAir nugget

The NewAir AI-420 produces nugget ice – those soft, compressed pellets that Sonic Drive-In made famous – and while it’s not perfect, it’s certainly one of the better implementations in the residential category. The ice measures approximately 0.5 inches in diameter, falls into the classic nugget shape, and delivers that satisfying crunch ice enthusiasts crave.

However, I find the nugget ice from NewAir AI-420 is not as consistent as other NewAir nugget ice makers. It is noticeably firmer, but the melt rate is still the same. The pellets are still chewable, but it is far from the best.

Still, start to use this ice in actual drinks, and the differences become less important. Color absorption is excellent, texture remains satisfyingly crunchy throughout the drink, and the ice chills beverages quickly thanks to its porous structure. If you’re wanting some genuine nugget ice for home use, this machine can do the business – especially compared to bullet ice makers.

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NewAir AI-420 Review: Energy and Water Consumption

• Normal water and energy consumption

I wrote an article of “How much electricity does an ice maker use?” to give you a free calculator to find out whether you are spending more on your ice maker or not. The NewAir AI-420 doesn’t carry Energy Star certification, which is typical for portable ice makers – they generally don’t qualify due to their operating characteristics and lack of insulation. The unit draws approximately 230-250 watts during active ice production, which translates to about 5-6 kWh per day during continuous operation.

Water consumption sits at approximately 15 gallons per 100 pounds of ice produced, accounting for the water locked in the nugget ice’s porous structure and some evaporation loss. The recycling system helps here as it melted ice drains back into the reservoir for reuse, but you’ll still need to refill the tank every 4-6 hours during continuous operation.

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NewAir AI-420 Review: Noise Level

• Decent operation

The NewAir AI-420’s noise level during operation is its most significant drawback. While manufacturer specifications claim 55dB, real-world operation feels notably louder – closer to 60-65dB during active ice production cycles. This includes persistent compressor humming punctuated by grinding sounds as the auger compresses ice into nugget form.

To put this in perspective, a standard refrigerator operates at around 40-43dB, while normal conversation at three feet measures about 60dB. The NewAir AI-420 operates closer to dishwasher-during-wash-cycle territory, with a mechanical quality that makes it more noticeable than ambient white noise.

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NewAir AI-420 Review: Features

• Has self-cleaning feature
• Add water alert, ice full notification

The NewAir AI-420 comes with a self-cleaning function, which NewAir has implemented through a simple button-hold interface. Press and hold the power button for three seconds, and purple-red LED indicators signal the 5-minute cleaning cycle has begun. It’s a convenient feature that works as advertised, though you’ll still need to perform manual descaling with vinegar-water solution every few weeks.

The single-button operation makes the AI-420 straightforward to use, but it’s also limiting compared to competitors. There’s no ice size selection (nugget ice makers produce one consistent size), no timer function for scheduled ice production like the NewAir AI-215 offers, and absolutely no smart features. You turn it on, it makes ice, it stops when full—that’s the entire user experience.

The included ice scoop lacks any dedicated storage solution and you’ll need to keep it in a drawer or leave it sitting in the ice basket. The viewing window provides adequate visibility into the ice-making process, though it lacks the illuminated elegance and pull-out bin design of premium models. BPA-free parts throughout ensure ice safety, which is a baseline expectation at this price point.

For those who value simplicity, the stripped-down feature set might appeal. For anyone expecting modern conveniences like scheduling or connectivity, the NewAir AI-420 will feel disappointingly basic.

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