How many fit
Only 3 of the 23 models checked meet every need here: “Ice for a busy household or a gathering is what I need”, “I need a usable amount ready right away”, and “I want room to get in and clean deeper”.
3 models fit, out of 23 checkedPicked for one job
NewAir NIM044 is made for batch after batch of nugget ice
Top pick
NewAir 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker
NIM044 teams 44-pound output with a 2.7-pound basket. Whynter produces more bullet ice and can connect to water. Opal Ultra is the most convenient to refill.
Why it suits this job
- Rate of output
- Size of basket
- The catch
- For a machine in the premium output class, it offers no app or voice controls.
- Go with Whynter 49 lb Portable Ice Maker if
- Bullet ice at high output over long stretches, with less refilling
More reasons we picked it
- Source of water
- Staging ahead of time
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Sustained output matters, and extra ice should be staged in a freezer before guests arrive.
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
NewAir 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker lists 44 lb/day for listed daily ice output, 69% above the 26 lb/day median.
- NewAir 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker
- 44 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 need a usable amount ready right away”, and “I want room to get in and clean deeper”. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NewAir 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker |
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| Whynter 49 lb Portable Ice Maker |
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| GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra |
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3 options
The top pick and the alternatives
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.
Top pick ifA 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.
Whynter, IMC-491DC
49 lb Portable Ice Maker
The highest daily rating in the set belongs to this large bullet machine, which also has a five-liter tank, three sizes and an optional direct water connection.
Best forBullet ice at high output over long stretches, with less refilling
Key facts
- Whynter's production rating is 49 pounds per day, with storage of 2.7 pounds.
- You can fill the five-liter tank by hand or through the included 12-foot direct-water hose.
The catch
Side handles notwithstanding, a 32-pound body and 17-inch depth mean it is going to stay on the counter.
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.
Best forEveryday 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.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
NewAir 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker
Rate of output
See price & reviews on AmazonPick this instead if
Whynter 49 lb Portable Ice Maker
Bullet ice at high output over long stretches, with less refilling
See price & reviews on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money