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We tried two nugget ice machines at wildly different price points—here are our thoughts on whether you should splurge.
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As a self-described beverage enthusiast, I firmly attest to the importance of good ice. But not all ice makers are created equal—and they aren’t priced equally, either. Sure, you can find countertop ice makers for well under $300, and maybe even lower than $100 if you shop for portable options. For the average drink fan, these machines might do the trick. But you’ll likely find them producing “bullet ice” rather than the nice, chewy nugget ice known on #BeverageTok as “Sonic ice.” And rest assured, any nugget ice enthusiast will tell you there’s a clear difference between the two.
“Bullet ice is smooth, solid, and cylindrical with a hollow center, which helps it freeze quickly and melt at a moderate pace,” says Hannah Pregont, creative director at AJ Madison. “Nugget ice, on the other hand, is made by compressing soft flakes into small, chewable pieces that absorb the flavor of your drink. The texture is the biggest distinction; nugget ice is softer and crunchable, while bullet ice is firmer and more traditional.”
For ice-chewing folk, there’s simply no comparison between the two. As for what makes an ice nugget machine more expensive than bullet ice machines, Hannah offers a few thoughts.
“Nugget ice makers use a more complex process that involves shaving ice into flakes and then compressing it, which requires additional components and more powerful machinery,” says Hannah. “This added engineering not only increases production costs but also takes up more internal space, resulting in larger units. In contrast, bullet ice makers rely on a simpler freezing cycle, making them more compact and affordable.”
While countertop nugget ice makers (also called pelletized ice makers) are more expensive than bullet ice machines on average, nugget ice machines also span wildly different price points from machine to machine. So, we got our hands on two of the most popular options to see whether these machines are truly worth splurging on. After testing both the GE Opal 2.0 (retailing at around $600) and the Frigidaire Gallery ice maker (retailing at around $300) in our own homes, we have a few thoughts.
The Splurge
GE Opal 2.0 Ice Maker
Price
If you’re seeking an appliance with all the bells and whistles, expect to pay a premium price. As the first at-home ice maker to debut nugget ice, the GE Opal 2.0 ice maker is a fan-favorite machine. However, one of the biggest sticking points is the price, which tops out at around $600. For most folks, that’s a serious investment.
That said, it’s worth noting that GE offers a one-year limited warranty that covers defects in the machine. Additionally, the ice maker is serviceable, which is an absolute must for any pricey appliance. Not only have we formally reviewed the GE Opal ice maker, but we’ve also tested the newer, pricier 2.0 version. Editor Mary Henn kept her GE Opal on her counter for several months to test its functionality and see if it’s really worth the splurge.
Size
Coupled with the premium price, the machine’s massive footprint is another big sticking point. It requires a good amount of vertical space thanks to its 16.5-inch height. Plus, you’ll need more than a foot of space on your counter, since the width measures just under 13.5 inches. For most people—including tester Mary—that’s quite a bit of counter real estate.
“I kept mine on my kitchen counter for a long time and really enjoyed having perfect nugget ice for coffee and other drinks,” says Mary. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t justify the footprint in my small kitchen. That said, this is ideal for home bar setups where you have a dedicated space for coffee, mixed drinks or ‘dirty sodas’ or whatever you fancy.”
Despite the price point and large size, there are many redeemable qualities worth considering when weighing the two ice maker options. While the GE Opal is pricier and larger than the Frigidaire Gallery, it also offers far more features than the Gallery model.
Functionality
The design alone makes the GE Opal 2.0 well worth splurging on if you’re concerned with aesthetics and have the space. According to Mary, while the Opal is large and pricey, it makes perfect nugget ice very quickly—and looks good doing it.
“I fully believe the GE Opal ice maker is the best you can buy,” says Mary. “It’s easy to use, has built-in lighting and comes with a quality scoop that sticks to the side with a magnetic holder. There’s also an optional additional water tank if you need to make a lot of ice for a big party. Plus, it’s relatively easy to clean and drain.”
The built-in lighting is a big draw, especially for nighttime users. But it’s not just for aesthetics; GE claims that the UV light also limits bacterial growth. There’s also an ice filtration system to limit scaling, which is a big plus for those with hard water. Thanks to the self-cleaning cycle, Mary notes that it’s pretty easy to maintain the machine day to day.
With proper maintenance, the machine makes up to 38 pounds of ice per day, with its first batch available in under 10 minutes. It also processes most of the ice quietly. The ice bin holds about three pounds of ice at a time, which is more than enough for day-to-day use. And if you’re interested in smart features, the built-in Wi-Fi and voice control make it easy to monitor your machine right from your phone with the SmartHQ App.
The Steal
Frigidaire Gallery Ice Maker
Price
A lower price is the biggest perk of this pick. While the GE Opal retails for around $600, the Frigidaire Gallery ice machine rings up at just $300. That’s around half the price, making it a great pick for folks who want to invest in a good machine without going over budget. Just like the GE Opal, the Frigidaire Gallery model also comes with a one-year limited warranty. Plus, it’s serviceable just like the pricier model. But price point isn’t the only trait we find more appealing than the splurgy pick.
Size
The width of the Frigidaire ice machine is a little more manageable than the GE at just under 12 inches, compared to the Opal’s 13.5-inch width. However, it’s also about three inches taller than the Opal at just over 20 inches, so it requires more vertical room. Because of this, I couldn’t stash it on my countertop since it doesn’t fit under my cupboards. Instead, I have it on my coffee cart next to my espresso machine.
That said, the narrower footprint does make it a bit easier to squeeze the Frigidaire into tighter spaces, so long as you have enough vertical room. You also fill the tank from the top of the machine, so there’s no need to worry about budgeting in extra inches for a removable water tank on the side.
Functionality
As we mentioned, the GE Opal is our preference when it comes to functionality. But that doesn’t mean the Frigidaire has nothing to offer.
“Capacity and production speed are key, especially if you plan to use the machine for entertaining or daily use,” says Hannah. When it comes to these features, the Frigidaire Gallery nugget ice maker reigns supreme. With a capacity of up to 44 pounds of ice per day—six more pounds than the GE Opal—it’s a fantastic option for larger families or frequent hosts.
While it doesn’t have a UV light like the GE Opal, it does have a similar one-touch self-cleaning feature, making it pretty easy to maintain. However, you’ll want to stick with filtered water for this one, since there’s no built-in ice filter to fight scale buildup.
In addition, the top tank (while removable) may not be ideal for those who don’t want to frequently refill the machine. The water capacity is much smaller than the GE, meaning that you’ll need to monitor the ice level to keep the machine topped up. And unlike the GE Opal machine, the Frigidaire Gallery doesn’t boast any fun smart features, and it’s a bit louder than the GE while processing ice. You also don’t get a magnetic holder for your scoop, and storing it in the ice tank can quickly bury it in ice.
The Bottom Line
First, it’s worth considering whether you truly need a nugget ice maker or if a cheaper option will suffice.
“Before investing, think about how often you’ll realistically use it and whether you have the counter space, or the ability to install a built-in unit, to accommodate it,” says Hannah. “Nugget ice makers can require regular cleaning and upkeep, so it’s important to factor in maintenance as well as upfront cost. If you entertain often or truly enjoy specialty ice, it can be a worthwhile upgrade, but for occasional use, a simpler or smaller option may make more sense,” she says.
For those who definitely prefer nugget ice to bullet ice, we recommend the Frigidaire Gallery for most customers. It’s a slimmer, simpler machine, and the price point is nearly half that of the GE Opal. You’ll get more than enough ice per day thanks to its 44-pound output. And in terms of speed, both machines offer about the same output hour-over-hour.
However, folks seeking a premium nugget ice experience won’t be disappointed with their investment in a GE Opal. We recommend this model for customers who want a true luxury experience, preferably with an existing bar setup with room to spare. The impressive scale filtration and germ-busting lighting, coupled with built-in smart features, make the GE Opal best for frequent hosts. Additionally, the option to add an extra water tank means fewer refills, making it a good pick for larger families.
Why You Should Trust Us
As Taste of Home’s shopping editor, I’ve covered everything from Pioneer Woman kitchen launches to finding the best pizza ovens. Previously a sales and deals editor, I’m passionate about locating the best products at prices that readers can afford. For this piece, we also connected with Hannah Pregont, creative director at AJ Madison. She provided information about nugget ice makers, including traits to look for and what characteristics are worth splurging on. She also provided insights into who might want to splurge on a nugget ice maker.
