X

Our Top-Rated Nugget Ice Maker Is Getting a Mini Version

The first-ever GE Opal Mini ice maker will be out later this year in a range of bright colors.

Headshot of David Watsky
Headshot of David Watsky
David Watsky Managing Editor / Home and Kitchen
David lives in Brooklyn where he's spent more than a decade covering all things edible, including meal kit services, food subscriptions, kitchen tools and cooking tips. David earned his BA from Northeastern and has toiled in nearly every aspect of the food business, including as a line cook in Rhode Island where he once made a steak sandwich for Lamar Odom. Right now he's likely somewhere stress-testing a blender or tinkering with a toaster. Anything with sesame is his all-time favorite food this week.
Expertise Kitchen tools | Appliances | Food science | Subscriptions | Meal kits
David Watsky
2 min read
two mini nugget ice makers on display shelf

The mini Opal nugget ice makers were on display at KBIS. They'll be rolling out to retailers this spring. 

 David Watsky/CNET

If you love the Opal nugget ice maker as much as we do, but fancy that coveted, crunchy ice in spaces that can't accommodate a full-size machine, you're in luck. GE Profile is launching a mini version of the viral ice machine later this year. We got a preview of the machine at KBIS, the mega kitchen and bath industry show in Orlando, Florida.

The original Opal launched in 2015 and ushered in a true phenomenon of nugget ice makers. Others have jumped into the bourgeoning category, and we tested several to curate our list of the best ice makers in 2026.

Key differences between the mini and full-size

white nugget ice maker in case

We clocked at least five colors at KBIS.

 David Watsky/CNET

Beyond its smaller size -- about half the total dimensions and water tank size -- the Opal Mini features a top-fill ice maker, eliminating the need for a side reservoir.  

The Opal Mini can make as much as 34 pounds of nugget in a day, roughly the same as the original full-size model -- though it'll require more empties and refills to do so. It includes a filter for cleaner-tasting ice and has an automatic descale function, just like its bigger brother. 

mini nugget ice maker

We spotted five colors the mini nugget ice maker will be available in.

 David Watsky/CNET

GE Profile is launching two versions of the Mini: The Mini standard and the Mini Pro.

  • GE Profile Opal Mini: Top-water filler that ditches the side tank for an ultra-compact footprint and a flip-open front panel for easy cleaning and descaling. 
  • GE Profile Opal Mini Pro: Premium features such as a side tank for fewer refills, a scale-inhibiting water filter, and a stainless-steel scoop with an external holder. Owners can also take advantage of Wi-Fi connectivity through SmartHQ for scheduling, maintenance alerts, and even customizing the ice bin light color for extra flair.

The colors on display at KBIS were vast. We saw at least seven hues, including black, white, stainless steel, mint green, red, yellow and pink. The compact nugget ice maker will be available on geappliances.com, Amazon and select retailers with a suggested retail price of $299.