10 Best Countertop Crushed Ice Maker 2026 in the United States

The GE Profile Opal Ultra is a countertop nugget ice maker designed for home use, especially well-suited for families, entertaining, and small office settings. It can produce up to 38 pounds of soft, chewable nugget ice per day, with the first batch ready in about 10 minutes and a steady output of around 1.6 pounds per hour. This ice type is great for cocktails, iced coffee, and smoothies, offering a pleasant crunchy texture unlike standard crushed ice.

One of its standout features is the large 1-gallon side water tank, which reduces the need for frequent refills and supports nearly three times more ice production than typical models. The tank is detachable, making refilling and cleaning easier without the hassle of plumbing. It also has a removable 3-pound ice storage bin, which is ample for casual entertaining but might require frequent emptying during large gatherings.

The Opal Ultra is designed with convenience in mind, featuring WiFi connectivity that allows you to control ice making remotely via an app, schedule production, and get maintenance reminders. It even supports voice commands through Alexa and Google Home. The LED display is clear and dims when not in use, enhancing user experience. The unit measures about 17.5" deep, 13.4" wide, and 16.5" high, fitting most countertops though it isn’t the most compact. The build quality is premium with a sleek black stainless steel finish that fits well in modern kitchens, and it includes extras like a water filter and descaling powder to keep the ice fresh and the machine running smoothly. Some users might find the noise level noticeable during operation, which is common with nugget ice makers and may not be ideal in very quiet environments. The 1-year warranty is standard. The GE Profile Opal Ultra delivers reliable ice production with smart features and a large water capacity, making it a strong choice for those who want high-quality nugget ice at home with minimal fuss.

The GE Profile Opal Ultra is a countertop nugget ice maker designed to produce soft, chewable crushed ice that’s ideal for drinks like cocktails, iced coffee, and smoothies. It stands out by making up to 38 pounds of ice per day, which is a strong output for home use or small gatherings. Its removable 3-pound ice bin is relatively average in size, but the included 1-gallon side water tank significantly reduces how often you need to refill, allowing continuous ice production without needing a direct water line. The first batch of ice is ready in about 10 minutes, and it produces roughly 1.6 pounds per hour, which should keep up with typical household demand.

Sized at about 17.5 inches deep and 13.4 inches wide, it fits comfortably on most countertops but isn't ultra-compact, so space planning is necessary. The machine’s stainless steel build and premium design, including a distinctive moonstone blue finish, offer good durability and a sleek look. For convenience, it features WiFi connectivity controlled through an app, plus voice commands with Alexa or Google Home, making it easy to schedule ice production and receive maintenance alerts.

Maintenance is straightforward with included water filters and descaling kits. The Opal Ultra is particularly suitable for families, home bars, or offices that want quality nugget ice with smart features; however, those with very limited counter space or who prefer quieter operation should consider their needs before purchasing.

The GE Profile Opal Ultra Nugget Ice Maker is a great choice if you're looking for soft, chewable nugget ice, ideal for drinks like cocktails, iced coffee, and smoothies. It produces up to 38 pounds of ice per day, with the ability to make about 1.6 pounds every hour. The included 3-pound ice bin helps store ice for gatherings, and its 1-gallon side water tank reduces the need for frequent refills, supporting longer continuous ice production without a water line. It’s fairly compact at about 17.5" deep and 13.4" wide, fitting comfortably on most kitchen counters. The stainless steel design not only looks sleek but is also durable and easy to clean, especially with the included water filter and descaling supplies to keep ice tasting fresh.

One standout feature is the smart WiFi connectivity, allowing you to start or schedule ice making via the app or voice commands through Alexa and Google Home—convenient for hands-free operation. The machine’s noise level is moderate; while it’s not completely silent, it shouldn’t be disruptive in most home or office settings. The first batch of ice takes around 10 minutes, which is fairly quick for nugget ice. However, the storage bin is somewhat small, so for larger parties, you might need to use ice frequently or have extra containers nearby. Also, the machine runs on a 300-watt power draw, so it’s efficient but still requires a dedicated outlet.

This model is well-suited for families, home bars, or small office use where high-quality nugget ice is desired without plumbing installations. Its smart features and large water tank offer added convenience, though larger-scale ice needs might call for bigger storage options.