10 Best Countertop Ice Makers 2026 in the United States

The GE Profile Opal Ultra is a countertop nugget ice maker that excels in providing soft, chewable nugget ice—great for drinks like cocktails, iced coffee, and smoothies. It produces a solid amount of ice, up to 38 pounds daily, with a 3-pound storage bin, making it suitable for family use or small gatherings. The included 1-gallon side water tank reduces the frequency of refills and supports continuous ice production without needing a water line, which adds to its convenience. The machine’s stainless steel design looks sleek and fits easily on most countertops, though it is a bit tall at about 16.5 inches.

It offers smart features like WiFi control and voice commands with Alexa and Google, so you can start or schedule ice production remotely—a handy perk. The first batch of ice is ready in about 10 minutes, and the machine recirculates melted ice to reduce waste. Maintenance is straightforward with included filters and descaling supplies, although replacement parts are sold separately, which may add to long-term costs.

The storage capacity is moderate, and the ice production rate meets needs for casual entertaining or daily home use. For those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use nugget ice maker with smart controls and a decent ice output, the GE Profile Opal Ultra represents a strong choice, though the price and additional upkeep for filters should be considered.

The GE Profile Opal Ultra is a strong choice for anyone needing a reliable countertop ice maker, especially for home bars, parties, or family use. It produces up to 38 pounds of nugget-style ice daily, which is soft and chewable—great for drinks like cocktails and iced coffee. The ice cubes are small and crunchy, made quickly with the first batch ready in about 10 minutes. Its 3-pound removable ice storage is helpful but somewhat modest, so the included 1-gallon side tank is a big plus since it reduces how often you need to refill water. This tank also lets the machine keep making ice continuously without being next to a sink or water line.

The machine is fairly sizable (around 17.5" deep and 16.5" tall) but still fits well on most countertops. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern. Smart features like WiFi control and voice commands through Alexa or Google Home make it convenient to operate remotely or schedule ice production. Cleaning is made easier with included water filters and descaling powders, although replacement parts are sold separately, adding to upkeep costs. Noise level is typical for ice makers, not too loud but noticeable during ice production cycles.

Although the ice storage bin is on the smaller side, the efficient production rate and large water reservoir balance this out. This model is well-suited for users who want a steady supply of quality nugget ice with smart controls and a portable design, but it requires some regular maintenance and counter space.

The GE Profile Opal Ultra Countertop Nugget Ice Maker is a strong choice for those who want soft, chewable nugget ice ideal for drinks like cocktails and iced coffee. It produces a substantial 38 pounds of ice daily and can make about 1.6 pounds per hour, which suits family gatherings and parties well. The included 3-pound storage bin is on the smaller side, so frequent use might mean the ice runs out quickly unless you consume it steadily. A helpful feature is the 1-gallon side water tank, which reduces how often you need to refill and lets you place the machine away from the sink since it doesn’t require a direct water line.

The ice cubes are the unique nugget style, loved for their crunch and chew, and the first batch is ready in about 10 minutes. Smart connectivity with the SmartHQ app and compatibility with Alexa and Google Home allows easy control and scheduling, adding convenience for everyday use. The stainless steel design is sleek and compact enough to fit under most cabinets, but at 17.5 inches deep and 16.5 inches tall, it needs some counter space.

Cleaning is supported with included water filters and descaling powder, though replacement parts are extra. If you want plenty of soft ice with smart features and don’t mind refilling water occasionally or managing limited storage, this model serves well for home bars and entertaining.