How many fit
Only 6 of the 23 models checked meet every need here: “Ice for a busy household or a gathering is what I need”, “I want to refill less often”, and “I need a usable amount ready right away”.
6 models fit, out of 23 checkedPicked for one job
GE Opal Ultra pairs capacity with convenience
Top pick
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
Opal Ultra holds three pounds ready and comes with a side tank. NewAir NIM044 gives you more rated daily output. Ecozy Smart 451 brings removable tanks and app control.
Why it suits this job
- Size of bin
- Output a day
- The catch
- Add the required rear clearance to its 17.5-inch depth and it takes up far more counter than compact machines do.
- Go with NewAir 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker if
- A lot of nugget ice, minus the cost of smart controls
More reasons we picked it
- How often you refill
- Routine for cleaning
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Judge output against the basket and refill routine. Do not rely on the 24-hour number alone.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the countertop ice makers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Why it helps
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra lists 38 lb/day for listed daily ice output, 46% above the 26 lb/day median.
- GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
- 38 lb/day
- Typical (median)
- 26 lb/day
- Models with this figure
- 19 of 23
Show the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Ice for a busy household or a gathering is what I need”, “I want to refill less often”, and “I need a usable amount ready right away”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
How we calculatedDaily output is the maximum the maker publishes. Room temperature, water temperature and the size of the storage bin can all lower what you get in practice. The median draws on the 19 of 23 models that publish comparable figures.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra |
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| NewAir 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker |
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| ecozy Mistalo Smart Panel Nugget Ice Maker |
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3 options
The top pick and the alternatives
GE Profile, XPIO13SWSS
Opal 2.0 Ultra
App control, a scale-inhibiting filter and a 0.75-gallon side tank come with this premium nugget machine, along with a large three-pound drawer.
Top pick ifEveryday premium nugget ice with less refilling and guided upkeep
Key facts
- GE's production rating is 38 pounds per day and 1.6 pounds per hour.
- Up to three pounds fit in the removable drawer, and the included side tank holds 0.75 gallon.
The catch
Add the required rear clearance to its 17.5-inch depth and it takes up far more counter than compact machines do.
NewAir, NIM044BSN2
44 lb Nugget Ice Maker
Narrower than the Opal, this high-output nugget machine has a 2.7-pound basket, a dual-fill design and one-touch cleaning.
Best forA lot of nugget ice, minus the cost of smart controls
Key facts
- For the machine, NewAir's rating is 44 pounds per day.
- The basket lifts out and holds 2.7 pounds, while the reservoir is 1.8 liters.
The catch
For a machine in the premium output class, it offers no app or voice controls.
ecozy, IM-NS451B
Mistalo Smart Panel Nugget Ice Maker
Color status panel, TDS display, pull-out tank and removable basket all come with this 44-pound smart nugget model.
Best forSmart control and high output, with cleaning access that is better than usual
Key facts
- ecozy's production rating goes up to 44 pounds per day.
- Total dissolved solids and water temperature show on the color panel.
The catch
Its 14-inch width is sizable, even if the chassis is shallower than the Opal.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
Size of bin
See price & reviews on AmazonPick this instead if
NewAir 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker
A lot of nugget ice, minus the cost of smart controls
See price & reviews on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money