GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank
Popular Mechanics names it best overall: reviewers found it made its first batch in about 10 minutes, with a 3-pound bin and up to 38 pounds of ice per day.
Euhomy Smart Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
At about $170, it is far cheaper than the GE yet Popular Mechanics found it produced its first batch in under 10 minutes and listed up to 40 pounds of daily output.
COWSAR Nugget Ice Maker
Good Housekeeping recommends it as its best-value tested model, and reports clear, soft, uniform nuggets that melted about as slowly as those from its pricier Frigidaire pick.
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What matters
Compare first-batch speed, bin and water-tank capacity, counter space, cleaning, and noise—not just advertised pounds per day. Nugget ice makers need regular cleaning, and most bins hold only a few pounds even when daily output claims are high.
Who this is for
These picks are for people who specifically want soft, chewable nugget ice at home. If price and portability matter more than ice texture, consider a basic bullet-ice maker instead.
The picks, one by one
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank · about $449
Popular Mechanics names it best overall: reviewers found it made its first batch in about 10 minutes, with a 3-pound bin and up to 38 pounds of ice per day. The included side tank, cleaning upgrades, and app features make it the strongest all-around choice for regular use.
The side tank reduces how often you have to refill the machine, and the app can help schedule ice and maintenance alerts. Good Housekeeping also praised its fast first batch and soft, distinct nuggets after more than a year of use. Reviewers warn that it is loud while making ice and takes up substantial counter space. Skip it if you want a quiet or inexpensive machine.
Euhomy Smart Countertop Nugget Ice Maker · about $170
At about $170, it is far cheaper than the GE yet Popular Mechanics found it produced its first batch in under 10 minutes and listed up to 40 pounds of daily output. Its compact size and automatic cleaning make it a practical value pick.
The machine is a good fit for smaller kitchens or an RV, and reviewers found operation straightforward. Its 1.6-pound bin is much smaller than the GE’s, so expect to transfer or use ice more often rather than stockpile it. The output figure is a daily maximum, not the amount stored at once. Skip it if you need a larger ready-to-scoop supply.
COWSAR Nugget Ice Maker · about $200
Good Housekeeping recommends it as its best-value tested model, and reports clear, soft, uniform nuggets that melted about as slowly as those from its pricier Frigidaire pick. It was listed on Amazon, though the article did not show a current Amazon price; its cited brand-site price was about $200.
Good Housekeeping measured a full bin in about 1 hour 13 minutes and around 34 pounds of production in 24 hours with continuous refilling. Its compact body and one-button cleaning are convenient, but the 1.6-pound bin and small water tank mean more refills. The low price is appealing for one or two people who do not need a large ice reserve. Skip it if you want a roomy bin or fewer water refills.
How Danilli chose
Popular Mechanics timed the first batch and a full basket, and assessed usability, reliability, ice quality, and features. Good Housekeeping tested nine models over two years, measuring output and bin-fill time and checking ice melting, taste, ease of use, and home-user feedback. Danilli read the reviews and tests below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources: Popular Mechanics · Good Housekeeping · Bon Appétit
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