Compared set
Only 5 of 23 models checked match every need here: “I want soft nugget ice”, “I like to chew the ice”, and “I need a useful amount ready at once”.
5 matching models from 23 checkedBest for this need
Choosing a quiet countertop ice maker
Our pick
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
Opal Ultra is retained as a feature reference for buyers who also need a three-pound bin and side tank. A quietest ranking remains unproven. No exact-model, same-distance sound comparison establishes the quietest machine here. Consider compressor cycling, ice drops and alerts separately, and place the machine away from conversation when practical. Pearl H1’s retail identity is unresolved, so its published sound claim is withheld.
Why it fits this need
- Published sound
- Alert volume
- Main trade-off
- Its 17.5-inch depth plus required rear clearance needs much more counter space than compact machines.
- Choose NewAir 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker instead when
- NewAir NIM044 is a capacity-focused alternative when app control is unnecessary. This comparison does not establish that it operates more quietly.
More reasons behind this pick
- Ice-drop noise
- Room placement
Separate steady compressor sound from batch drops and alert tones.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current countertop ice makers comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
Why it helps
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra's published daily ice production is 46% above the 26 lb/day median at 38 lb/day.
- GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
- 38 lb/day
- Category median
- 26 lb/day
- Comparable models
- 19 of 23
See the checked facts and calculation notes
Match countThe count uses the current product-to-need assignments for “I want soft nugget ice”, “I like to chew the ice”, and “I need a useful amount ready at once”. A need with no documented match does not count.
Calculation noteDaily output is the published maximum. Room temperature, water temperature and storage-bin size can reduce practical throughput. The median covers 19 of 23 models with comparable published figures.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra |
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| |
| NewAir 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker |
|
|
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| Frigidaire Compact Ice Maker | No positive match recorded for these needs |
|
3 options
Our pick and alternatives
GE Profile, XPIO13SWSS
Opal 2.0 Ultra
A premium nugget machine with a 0.75-gallon side tank, scale-inhibiting filter, app control and a large three-pound drawer.
Winner whenPremium daily nugget ice with fewer refills and guided maintenance
Decisive facts
- GE rates production at 38 pounds per day and 1.6 pounds per hour.
- The removable drawer holds up to three pounds and the included side tank holds 0.75 gallon.
Trade-off
Its 17.5-inch depth plus required rear clearance needs much more counter space than compact machines.
NewAir, NIM044BSN2
44 lb Nugget Ice Maker
A high-output nugget machine with a 2.7-pound basket, dual-fill design and one-touch cleaning in a narrower body than Opal.
Choose instead whenNewAir NIM044 is a capacity-focused alternative when app control is unnecessary. This comparison does not establish that it operates more quietly.
Decisive facts
- NewAir rates the machine for 44 pounds per day.
- The removable basket holds 2.7 pounds and the reservoir holds 1.8 liters.
Trade-off
It has no app or voice controls, despite its premium output class.
Frigidaire, EFIC189-Silver
Compact Ice Maker
A proven 26-pound bullet maker with simple controls, two sizes and one of the smallest footprints in the set.
Choose instead whenFrigidaire EFIC189 is a smaller bullet-ice alternative when chewable nugget texture and a large ready bin are not requirements.
Decisive facts
- Frigidaire rates the machine for 26 pounds of ice per day.
- Popular Mechanics measured first ice in under seven minutes.
Trade-off
The two bullet sizes are close in practice according to independent testing.
Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Our pick for this need
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
Published sound
See price & reviews on AmazonChoose instead when
NewAir 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker
NewAir NIM044 is a capacity-focused alternative when app control is unnecessary. This comparison does not establish that it operates more quietly.
See price & reviews on Amazon