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
How to choose a quiet countertop ice maker
Top pick
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
Opal Ultra is kept as a feature reference for buyers who also need a three-pound bin and side tank. Which machine is quietest remains unproven, because no exact-model, same-distance sound comparison settles it here. Think about compressor cycling, ice drops and alerts separately, and place the machine away from conversation when you can. Pearl H1’s retail identity is unresolved, so its published sound claim is withheld.
Why it suits this job
- Stated sound level
- Alert loudness
- 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
- When app control is unnecessary, NewAir NIM044 works as a capacity-focused alternative. Nothing in this comparison shows that it runs more quietly.
More reasons we picked it
- Ice-drop sound
- Room position
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Treat steady compressor sound, batch drops and alert tones as separate noises.
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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| Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker | None of these needs is a documented match |
|
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.
Pick this instead ifWhen app control is unnecessary, NewAir NIM044 works as a capacity-focused alternative. Nothing in this comparison shows that it runs more quietly.
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.
Frigidaire, EFIC189-Silver
Compact Ice Maker
Simple controls, two sizes and one of the smallest footprints in the set come with this proven 26-pound bullet maker.
Pick this instead ifIf chewable nugget texture and a large ready bin are not requirements, Frigidaire EFIC189 is a smaller bullet-ice alternative.
Key facts
- Frigidaire's rating for the machine is 26 pounds of ice per day.
- First ice came in under seven minutes, as measured by Popular Mechanics.
The catch
Independent testing found the two bullet sizes close to each other in practice.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
Stated sound level
See price & reviews on AmazonPick this instead if
NewAir 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker
When app control is unnecessary, NewAir NIM044 works as a capacity-focused alternative. Nothing in this comparison shows that it runs more quietly.
See price & reviews on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money