Soft, chewable "good ice" is the reason nugget ice makers went viral. We researched the leading countertop machines — comparing ice quality, output, reliability, and price — to find which ones are worth it. The short version: one maker still makes the best ice, but a cheaper rival gets you most of the way.
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1
Best Overall
GE Profile
GE Profile Opal 2.0
7.3
The softest nugget ice plus app scheduling — still the one to beat, if you keep it clean.
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the machine that made countertop nugget ice a phenomenon, and it is still the one to beat — the softest, most craveable chewable ice of any home maker, plus a SmartHQ app to schedule batches and a side tank that cuts refills. What holds the score back is ownership: it is expensive, the one-year warranty is thin, GE does not repair its small appliances, and owners have to stay on top of cleaning to avoid mold.
Near-identical ice for about $150 less — louder and simpler, but the smart-money pick.
The Frigidaire EFIC255 is the value play in nugget ice: it makes the same craveable chewable pellets as the GE Opal — reviewers say you genuinely cannot taste the difference — for roughly $150 less, with higher daily output. The trade-offs are real, though: it is louder, has no app or WiFi, and its long-term reliability and support are notably weaker, with owner ratings sliding as units age.
Is the GE Opal worth it over the cheaper Frigidaire?
Only if you want the extras. Reviewers say the ice tastes essentially the same, so the Opal premium buys app scheduling, quieter operation, and a better support network — not better ice. If those do not matter to you, the Frigidaire is the value play.
Why does nugget ice need so much cleaning?
Countertop nugget makers recirculate water, so the reservoir and tubing can grow mold or biofilm if neglected. Regular descaling and cleaning is essential on every model — budget for the maintenance, not just the machine.
How much ice do they make?
These countertop machines make roughly 34–44 lbs per day and store about 3 lbs at a time — plenty for a household or small gathering, but they are not a substitute for a built-in ice maker at a big party.
