overall
GE Profile Opal Ultra Nugget Ice Maker
9.5
Check price on Amazon → Compare the 10 best countertop and built-in ice makers of 2026, from nugget ice specialists to fast, quiet and budget picks.
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If you just want restaurant-style chewable ice with the least fuss, the GE Profile Opal Ultra Nugget Ice Maker is the clear overall pick thanks to its WiFi control and large side tank. Hosting a crowd needs real volume, and the Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker turns out up to 100 pounds a day with a 33 pound storage bin built for parties. If counter noise is the concern in an open-concept kitchen, the Costway Countertop Nugget Ice Maker runs under 43 decibels while still producing 44 pounds a day. Tight on budget or counter space? The Frigidaire EFIC128 and Igloo Premium Self-Cleaning both deliver dependable everyday ice for well under a hundred dollars. Below we compare all 10 on ice type, daily output, noise, cleaning and which kitchen each one actually suits.
| # | Product | Best for | Ice type | Output per day | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GE Profile Opal Ultra Nugget Ice Maker | overall | Nugget | 38 lbs/day | Best overall | Check Price |
| 2 | Newair Nugget Ice Maker Sonic Speed | nugget/chewable ice value | Nugget | 45 lbs/day | Best chewable ice value | Check Price |
| 3 | Silonn Ice Maker Countertop 9 Cubes in 6 Minutes | fast/quick ice | Bullet cube | 26 lbs/day | Best fast ice | Check Price |
| 4 | Igloo Premium Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker | compact/small | Bullet cube | 26 lbs/day | Best compact | Check Price |
| 5 | Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker 100 lbs Under Counter | parties/large output | Clear cube | 100 lbs/day | Best for parties | Check Price |
| 6 | Whynter UIM-155 Stainless Steel Built-In Ice Maker | built-in freezer storage | Crescent cube | 12 lbs/day | Best built-in storage | Check Price |
| 7 | Costway Countertop Nugget Ice Maker Low Noise | quiet operation | Nugget | 44 lbs/day | Best quiet | Check Price |
| 8 | Frigidaire EFIC128AMZBLK Compact Countertop Ice Maker | budget | Bullet cube | 26 lbs/day | Best budget | Check Price |
| 9 | hOmeLabs Countertop Nugget Ice Maker Stainless Steel | stainless steel premium look | Nugget | 44 lbs/day | Best premium look | Check Price |
| 10 | Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker with Auto-Cleaning | self-cleaning | Bullet cube | 26 lbs/day | Best self-cleaning | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The GE Profile Opal Ultra is the ice maker most people should buy first if they want genuine soft, chewable nugget ice without compromise. It produces up to 38 pounds a day at roughly 1.6 pounds per hour, and the included 1-gallon side tank triples the water capacity so it can run for stretches without a refill and without needing a permanent water line. GE backs it with WiFi connectivity that sends low-water and full-bin alerts to a phone, a genuinely useful feature once the novelty of app control wears off. The stainless steel finish is sized to slide under most cabinets, and it ships with a water filter and descaling powder to keep the ice tasting clean. It costs more than a basic bullet-ice machine, but the combination of output, tank capacity and smart features justifies the premium for most kitchens.
Buyers who want the benchmark nugget ice experience and are willing to pay for WiFi convenience and extended tank runtime.
Budget shoppers or anyone with very limited counter space who does not need WiFi monitoring or a side tank.
Key specs: Nugget ice - 38 lbs/day - 1-gallon side tank - WiFi app control - stainless steel finish
Why we picked it: The Newair Sonic Speed matches and even exceeds premium nugget makers on raw output, rated at up to 45 pounds a day, while staying meaningfully cheaper than side-tank models like the GE Opal. Its high-power cooling process is built specifically to shorten cycle time, so the first batch of soft, crunchy nuggets is ready in about 10 minutes just like the pricier competition. A built-in self-cleaning function and BPA-free internal parts mean less manual scrubbing and one less thing to worry about with ice that touches food and drinks. The stainless steel wrap keeps a compact footprint that fits standard countertops without a side tank taking up extra space. For anyone who wants serious nugget ice volume without paying for WiFi or an oversized reservoir, this is the smarter buy.
Buyers who want high nugget ice output at a fair price and do not need smart monitoring or extended standalone runtime.
Anyone who specifically wants app alerts or multi-day unattended runtime should look at a side-tank model instead.
Key specs: Nugget ice - 45 lbs/day - self-cleaning - BPA-free parts - stainless steel
Why we picked it: When the only thing that matters is how fast ice actually appears, the Silonn Countertop is the quickest machine in this guide, turning out a fresh batch of 9 bullet-shaped cubes in about 6 minutes, noticeably faster than the 15 to 20 minute cycles typical of larger units. It offers two ice size settings so you can dial in smaller cubes for cocktails or larger ones for coolers, and a built-in self-cleaning cycle handles routine maintenance without disassembling the tank. The 2-liter water tank is modest, so at sustained use you will refill more often than with a side-tank machine, and the daily ceiling of 26 pounds is meant for everyday drinks rather than entertaining. For anyone who wants ice on demand for unexpected guests or a quick iced coffee, the short cycle time is the whole appeal.
Anyone who wants ice ready fast for daily drinks or unplanned guests without waiting out a long cycle.
Hosts who need high sustained daily volume should size up to a nugget or commercial-grade unit.
Key specs: Bullet-shaped ice - 26 lbs/day - 6-minute first batch - self-cleaning - 2 size settings
Why we picked it: The Igloo Premium is built around portability first, with a built-in carry handle and a footprint small enough to move between a kitchen counter, a patio table, or the back of a car for a camping trip. It produces up to 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours with the first cubes ready in 6 to 8 minutes, and a self-cleaning cycle takes care of routine maintenance with one button press. The included scoop and basket mean it works straight out of the box with no accessories to buy separately. It is not designed to keep up with a party or a large household drinking through ice quickly, but as a genuinely portable everyday machine for one or two people it is hard to beat for the size.
Renters, small kitchens, RVs, or anyone who wants an ice maker that can genuinely move around the house or travel.
Households needing large daily volume or multiple ice sizes should consider a higher-output nugget model instead.
Key specs: Bullet-shaped ice - 26 lbs/day - 2-quart tank - self-cleaning - carry handle
Why we picked it: Every countertop machine in this guide tops out well under 50 pounds a day, which is exactly why the Euhomy Commercial exists. Designed for heavy-duty use, it produces up to 100 pounds of clear ice cubes every 24 hours, turning out 45 cubes per 11 to 15 minute cycle into a generous 33 pound storage bin that can absorb a full evening of a party without running dry. It requires gravity drainage rather than a simple drain plug, so it needs a floor drain or gravity outlet and should sit upright for 24 hours before first use to let the refrigerant settle. Automatic overflow prevention keeps it safe to run unattended. For large families, home bars, or anyone who hosts regularly and is tired of buying bagged ice, this is the category to move into.
Large families, home bars, and frequent hosts who need restaurant-level daily ice volume and have drain access.
Apartment dwellers or anyone without drain access or under-counter space should choose a countertop model instead.
Key specs: Clear cube ice - 100 lbs/day - 33 lb storage bin - gravity drain required - freestanding or built-in
Why we picked it: Every other machine in this guide sits on a countertop and recirculates its own melted ice. The Whynter UIM-155 is different: it is a true built-in undercounter unit that plumbs directly into a water line, using the included 25-foot line, so it never needs manual refilling. It makes crescent-shaped cubes at a modest 12 pounds per 24 hours but holds a standing 6 pound reserve in its storage bin and shuts itself off automatically once that bin is full, functioning much more like a small dedicated ice freezer than a countertop appliance. The stainless steel front panel is designed to be finished into cabinetry alongside a wet bar or outdoor kitchen rather than left visible on a counter. Installation is more involved than any other pick here, but the payoff is a permanent, always-ready ice supply with a real storage reserve.
Homeowners finishing a wet bar, outdoor kitchen, or under-counter nook who want ice built permanently into cabinetry.
Renters or anyone who wants a machine they can unplug and move should pick a countertop model instead.
Key specs: Crescent cube ice - 12 lbs/day - 6 lb storage bin - direct water line - built-in undercounter install
Why we picked it: Nugget ice makers use a compressor and auger that can run noticeably louder than a bullet-cube machine, which makes the Costway worth calling out specifically for its low-noise rating of under 43 decibels, quiet enough to run in an open-concept kitchen or a home office without becoming background noise. Despite the quiet operation it still manages a strong 44 pounds a day, with fresh ice ready in 6 to 15 minutes depending on batch size. A self-cleaning system with a built-in cleaning light and an easy pull-out 1.8 liter water tank keep day-to-day use simple, and the touch control panel gives it a clean, modern look on the counter. It will not out-produce the GE Opal or Euhomy Commercial, but for anyone whose kitchen shares a wall with a living room or bedroom, the noise level is the deciding factor.
Open-concept kitchens, offices, or bedrooms where a standard compressor would be disruptive.
Buyers who prioritize maximum output and side-tank runtime over noise should look at the GE Opal or Newair instead.
Key specs: Nugget ice - 44 lbs/day - under 43 dB - self-cleaning - touch control panel
Why we picked it: The Frigidaire EFIC128 is the pick for anyone who just wants dependable ice without paying for nugget shapes, WiFi, or a side tank. It is genuinely compact at 13 by 11 by 12.5 inches, produces 9 bullet-shaped cubes every 5 to 6 minutes for a 26 pound daily total, and automatically recycles any melted ice back into the system so nothing is wasted. Operation is a single button with no app, no touch screen, and no learning curve, which keeps the price down and keeps it reliable. It comes from a recognizable appliance brand with wide parts and support availability rather than an unfamiliar name. It will not keep up with a party or produce chewable nugget ice, but for daily drinks in a dorm, small kitchen, or office break room at this price, nothing else in this guide comes close.
Budget-conscious buyers, students, or anyone who wants a no-frills ice maker for daily drinks.
Anyone wanting chewable nugget ice or party-level output should move up to a higher-tier pick.
Key specs: Bullet-shaped ice - 26 lbs/day - compact footprint - recycles melted water - budget price
Why we picked it: The hOmeLabs Nugget Ice Maker is built to be left out on the counter as a permanent fixture rather than tucked away, with a brushed stainless steel body and a touch-screen panel that looks more like a small kitchen appliance than a utility machine. An illuminated, transparent viewing window lets you watch ice accumulate without opening the lid, and the 3.3 pound ice drawer is larger than most rivals here, so it holds a bigger standing supply before needing to be emptied. Output is a strong 44 pounds a day, and the 2.2 liter tank is straightforward to refill by unscrewing the cap and topping up with filtered or unfiltered water. It has no WiFi or app connection despite the premium look, so the upgrade here is entirely about finish and daily usability rather than smart features.
Buyers who want an ice maker that looks good permanently on a kitchen counter or home bar, not just one that performs well.
Buyers focused purely on lowest price or app connectivity may prefer the Frigidaire or GE Opal instead.
Key specs: Nugget ice - 44 lbs/day - stainless steel touch screen - 3.3 lb ice drawer - 2.2 L tank
Why we picked it: The Euhomy Countertop stands out for genuinely automating the part of ice maker ownership most people neglect: cleaning. Holding the on/off button for 5 seconds after adding water triggers a 30-minute automatic cleaning cycle rather than requiring the tank to be disassembled and scrubbed by hand. Infrared sensors flag when the ice basket is full or the water needs topping up, so there is less guesswork than on machines with no indicators at all. It runs at under 45 decibels, produces 26 pounds of bullet-shaped ice a day, and at 13 pounds with a built-in handle it is easy to move and store. It comes with a 12-month warranty, which is reassuring for a countertop appliance in this price range. It will not match nugget makers on ice texture or the Euhomy Commercial on volume, but for low-maintenance everyday ice it is a smart, easy pick.
Buyers who want to spend less time scrubbing and descaling and are fine letting an automated cycle handle upkeep.
Anyone wanting nugget ice or party-level volume should choose the GE Opal, Newair, or Euhomy Commercial instead.
Key specs: Bullet-shaped ice - 26 lbs/day - auto-cleaning cycle - infrared sensors - under 45 dB
Nugget ice, also called Sonic ice or pebble ice, is made by compacting small ice flakes into soft, porous pellets that are easy to chew and absorb drinks quickly, which is why it is common in restaurants and popular for cocktails and iced coffee. It melts faster than a solid cube because of its porous structure, so it chills a drink quickly but dilutes it sooner too. The GE Profile Opal, Newair, Costway and hOmeLabs in this guide are all nugget-ice specialists. If you have tried Sonic drive-in ice and preferred it to standard cubes, a nugget machine is worth the extra cost over a basic bullet-ice unit.
For one or two people making daily drinks and coffee, 20 to 30 pounds a day is usually plenty, which covers most of the compact and budget picks in this guide. A family of four or more, or anyone who regularly fills a cooler, should look toward 40 to 45 pounds a day like the GE Opal, Newair, Costway or hOmeLabs. If you host parties regularly or need to keep a bar stocked, a countertop unit will eventually disappoint you, and stepping up to a high-volume unit like the Euhomy Commercial at 100 pounds a day with a large storage bin avoids running out mid-event.
No, nearly all countertop ice makers, including every portable model in this guide, are filled manually through a removable tank or reservoir and do not need to be plumbed into a water line. The only exception here is the Whynter UIM-155, which is a true built-in undercounter unit designed to connect directly to a water supply line so it never needs manual refilling. If you want a simple plug-in appliance you can move or take with you, stick to a countertop model; only choose a built-in unit if you are prepared to plumb it in.
Most modern ice makers, including several in this guide, include a self-cleaning cycle that flushes the internal water lines and basin, which should be run every one to two weeks depending on use and water hardness. Between cycles, empty and rinse the removable ice basket regularly rather than letting old ice sit and refreeze, and use filtered water where possible to reduce mineral scale buildup on the internal coils. If a machine starts producing cloudy ice or running louder than usual, that is often an early sign it needs a cleaning or descaling cycle rather than a sign it is failing.
Nugget ice, sometimes called Sonic ice or pebble ice, is made from compacted ice flakes that are soft enough to chew and absorb drinks rather than just chilling them, which is why it shows up so often in cocktails and iced coffee. The GE Profile Opal, Newair, Costway and hOmeLabs all make this style. Standard bullet or clear cube machines like the Frigidaire, Igloo, Silonn and Euhomy Countertop instead make firmer, slower-melting ice that behaves more like traditional refrigerator ice cubes. If you or your family specifically crave chewable ice, buy a nugget machine; if you just want cold drinks without commotion, a bullet-cube unit is simpler and usually cheaper.
Most countertop ice makers in this guide top out between 26 and 45 pounds a day, which comfortably covers a household drinking through ice for coffee, water and the occasional cocktail. That ceiling gets tested fast at a party, which is exactly why the Euhomy Commercial exists at 100 pounds a day with a 33 pound storage bin. If you regularly host more than a handful of guests, buying a countertop unit and running out of ice by 9pm is a common and avoidable mistake, so size up rather than settle for the smallest, cheapest option.
Every product in this guide except the Whynter UIM-155 is a countertop appliance you plug in, fill by hand or with a small tank, and can move or unplug at any time. The Whynter is a genuine built-in unit that plumbs into a water line and installs permanently under a counter or bar, trading portability for a finished cabinetry look and a standing ice reserve that shuts itself off automatically. Choose built-in only if you are finishing a wet bar or kitchen remodel and want ice as a fixture; everyone else is better served by a countertop machine.
Ice makers cycle a compressor on and off throughout the day, and in an open-concept home that noise carries into living and sleeping areas. The Costway is rated under 43 decibels and the Euhomy Countertop under 45 decibels, both meaningfully quieter than a typical countertop unit running nearby. If your kitchen is open to a living room, home office, or nursery, prioritize a rated noise level over squeezing out a few extra pounds of daily output.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Self-cleaning cycle | A built-in cleaning function flushes the internal lines automatically, cutting down on manual descaling and scrubbing. |
| Nugget vs bullet ice shape | Nugget machines produce soft, chewable ice for drinks, while bullet or cube machines make firmer, slower-melting ice for general cooling. |
| Storage bin or basket capacity | A larger removable basket or bin holds more standing ice before it needs emptying, which matters most when entertaining. |
| Recirculating water system | Most countertop units automatically recycle melted ice back into the tank so nothing is wasted between cycles. |
| Touch panel or app control | Touch screens and WiFi connectivity add alerts for low water or a full ice bin, though they are not essential to basic performance. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.
How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.