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Nugget ice (the soft, chewable “Sonic ice”) is addictive, and a countertop nugget ice maker lets you have it at home all day. GE Profile’s Opal line is the best-known name, and there are now three models with different sizes and capacities.
Here’s the honest breakdown, including the trade-offs owners mention most.
🏆 Our Top Pick: GE Profile Opal Mini
The most-bought Opal on Amazon right now. It makes nugget ice in minutes, takes up little counter space and costs the least of the three.
How we picked: We compared every current GE Profile Opal on Amazon.com, focusing on ice output, size, noise, cleaning and what verified owners report after months of use. Nugget ice makers need regular cleaning, and owner ratings reflect that, so we flag it below.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best for | Size | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opal Mini | Small kitchens, 1 to 2 people | Compact | Built-in reservoir |
| Opal Mini Pro | More ice with less refilling | Compact + side tank | Side tank |
| Opal Ultra | Families and parties | Full-size, 1 gal XL bin | Large reservoir |
The Best Nugget Ice Makers
1. GE Profile Opal Mini – Best Overall
The Opal Mini gets chewable ice going in about 5 minutes and fits on almost any counter. For couples and small households, it makes plenty of ice for drinks through the day.
- Chewable nugget ice in about 5 minutes
- Compact countertop design
- Easy refill reservoir
✅ Why you’ll love it
- Most affordable Opal
- Small footprint
- Best-selling Opal model
⚠️ Keep in mind
- Smaller ice bin, so not for big parties
- Needs regular cleaning like every nugget ice maker
👉 Buy this if: you want nugget ice daily without giving up much counter space.
2. GE Profile Opal Mini Pro – Best for Less Refilling
The Mini Pro keeps the compact body and adds a side water tank, so you refill less often and make more ice between top-ups.
- Side water tank
- Compact footprint
- Nugget ice in minutes
✅ Why you’ll love it
- Fewer refills than the Mini
- Still fits small kitchens
⚠️ Keep in mind
- Costs more than the Mini
- Owner ratings are mixed, so register your warranty
👉 Buy this if: you go through a lot of ice but don’t have room for a full-size machine.
3. GE Profile Opal Ultra – Best for Families
The Ultra is the big one: an XL 1-gallon ice bin and large reservoir for families, entertaining or anyone who wants ice ready all day.
- XL 1-gallon ice bin
- Large water reservoir
- App and smart features on select versions
✅ Why you’ll love it
- Most ice of any Opal
- Great for parties and big households
⚠️ Keep in mind
- Most expensive
- Biggest footprint
- Owner ratings are lower than the Mini, often about cleaning and reliability
👉 Buy this if: you need a lot of nugget ice and have counter space to spare.
Tips Before You Buy
- Plan for cleaning: run the cleaning cycle regularly and use filtered water to prevent scale.
- Check the warranty: register it right after purchase.
- Measure your space: leave room for ventilation around the machine.
- Noise: expect a gentle hum and the occasional ice drop sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a GE Opal nugget ice maker worth it?
If you love nugget ice and drink a lot of iced drinks, most owners say yes. Just plan on regular cleaning.
How fast does the Opal make ice?
The first nugget ice appears in minutes; filling the bin takes longer depending on the model.
Can I use tap water?
You can, but filtered or bottled water reduces mineral buildup and cleaning.
Mini or Ultra?
Mini for 1 to 2 people and small kitchens; Ultra for families and entertaining.
Final Verdict
For most people the GE Profile Opal Mini is the smart buy: compact, quick and the best-selling Opal. Pick the Opal Ultra if you need ice for a whole family.