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If you’re an ice person, then you may already know that the GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the best countertop ice maker money can buy. If you’re not an ice person, you may be surprised by just how much money it takes to buy it. But this machine does one thing better than any other ice maker out there: It produces perfectly chewable, Sonic-style ice nuggets.
Our top picks
- The best ice maker overall: GE Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank
- Another great nugget ice maker: Gevi Household V2.0 Countertop Ice Maker
- Budget pick: Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker
Though GE’s coveted machine is the best nugget ice maker out there (more on that soon), it’s certainly not the only option. And one thing is clear: After more than two years of living with a nugget ice maker, I don’t think I could ever go back to regular-old freezer ice. That’s because a portable countertop ice maker produces ice much more quickly than freezing water in ice trays, and it’s more convenient to keep than you might imagine. The machine can be used just about anywhere there is access to an outlet, then tucked away when you don’t need it. Perhaps most important, with a countertop ice maker, you’ll never have to worry about your ice absorbing food smells from the fridge and freezer.
I’ve tested 11 countertop ice makers over the last few years and have concluded that if you’re buying a machine to live semipermanently on your kitchen counter, a specialty ice maker—and specifically one that makes nugget ice—is worth the investment. However, if you’re just looking for something affordable and portable and care less about cube size or how pleasant the ice is to chew, you might want to consider a bullet ice maker.
New in this update: We’ve updated our top picks to include a Frigidaire bullet ice maker—a truly budget-friendly option that’s great if you want the ability to make a lot of ice quickly, but aren’t worried about specialty ice. We’re also currently testing a new nugget ice maker to replace a Newair model we removed from our top picks earlier this year.
The best countertop ice maker: GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank
Pros:
- Makes the best, chewy “Sonic-style” pellet ice
- Ice drawer has window and large capacity
- Sleek design
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can be loud when making ice
- Tedious “self-cleaning” cycle
Dimensions: 13.43″W x 17.5″D x 16.5″H
Ice production: Up to 24 lb.
