How many fit
Only 5 of the 23 models checked meet every need here: “Soft nugget ice is my goal”, “I enjoy chewing ice”, and “I need a usable amount ready right away”.
5 models fit, out of 23 checkedPicked for one job
For nugget ice, GE Opal 2.0 Ultra is the most complete fit
Top pick
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
A three-pound bin, a side tank and scale-management features come together in Opal Ultra. NewAir NIM044 delivers a 44-pound daily rating and does not lean on smart-app features. Pearl H1 is an alternative with a handle, though you should verify its retail model before comparing exact capacity or footprint.
Why it suits this job
- Nugget feel
- Output per 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
- Ready-bin size
- Access for cleaning
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Before paying extra for premium pellet ice, weigh texture, output, storage, maintenance and water supply.
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 “Soft nugget ice is my goal”, “I enjoy chewing ice”, 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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| EUHOMY Pearl H1 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.
EUHOMY, Pearl H1
Pearl H1 Nugget Ice Maker
The linked retail listing describes this nugget ice maker as having a handle, a cleaning cycle and a removable top. Whether the manufacturer model and the retailer model are exactly the same product has not been settled.
Best forA nugget maker with a handle, once you have confirmed the supplied model
Key facts
- Both the manufacturer and retail descriptions point to nugget ice and a carry handle
- Both sources describe a cleaning cycle
The catch
The manufacturer’s SKU is IM-12S, but the linked Amazon offer lists HZB-12E. Check which model is supplied before you trust any detailed specifications.
The exact Pearl H1 Amazon match is unverified. Manufacturer SKU IM-12S differs from linked listing B0C32SGKMJ model HZB-12E, which contains no Pearl H1 identity claim.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
Nugget feel
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