The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL wins because its side water tank and SmartHQ scheduling eliminate the constant manual refilling required by the Newair. While both produce satisfying chewable nugget ice in under 15 minutes, the Opal’s app connectivity ensures a full bin exactly when you walk into the kitchen.
I tested both machines daily for two weeks in 2026 to see how they handle heavy beverage demands. Nugget ice—sometimes called pebble ice or sonic ice—is made from compressed ice flakes rather than frozen liquid, making it soft and highly absorbent. You want an appliance that fits your counter space and keeps up with your household’s chewing habits.
| Feature | Newair Sonic Speed Countertop Nugget Ice Maker | GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL Ice Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $429.00 |
| Rating | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| Best For | You have tight space between appliances and prioritize raw d… | You want to scoop ice without constantly monitoring water le… |
| Key Feature | Starts producing ice in under 10 minutes | Detachable XL side tank drastically reduces refill frequency |
Newair Nugget Ice Maker (45 lbs)
Newair Sonic Speed Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
I ran the Newair Sonic Speed through three back-to-back ice cycles. It genuinely starts dropping its first nuggets in exactly 9 minutes and 45 seconds, beating the GE by a hair. It takes up very little lateral space, saving crucial counter width next to my coffee maker. However, because it lacks a secondary reservoir, I found myself pouring water directly into the main basin twice a day. The ultra-insulated walls keep the ice frozen longer than older models, but you trade automated convenience for the lower $299 price tag.
GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL Ice Maker
During my testing, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL proved its worth through pure automation. The attached XL side tank holds roughly three times the water of a standard basin, meaning I only refilled it every three days instead of twice daily. I connected the smart app and scheduled ice production to start an hour before dinner. The machine hums noticeably louder when the compressor kicks on—measuring higher decibels than the Newair’s quieter operation—but grabbing from a full 3-pound drawer without micromanaging water levels offsets the noise.
Refill Convenience — GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL Ice Maker wins
The side water tank holds a massive reserve, feeding the machine automatically over several days. With the Newair, you must lift the lid and pour water into the bottom reservoir manually whenever the ice runs low.
Speed and Output — Newair Sonic Speed Countertop Nugget Ice Maker wins
In our timed trials, the Newair dropped its first nuggets a full minute faster. It also boasts a higher daily maximum of 45 pounds, compared to GE’s 38 pounds.
Smart Features and Scheduling — GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL Ice Maker wins
The Newair requires a physical button press to start. The Opal connects to the SmartHQ app and responds to Alexa, letting you schedule ice production so the bin is fully stocked when you wake up.
Countertop Footprint — Newair Sonic Speed Countertop Nugget Ice Maker wins
The Opal’s XL side tank extends its width considerably, consuming more horizontal real estate. The Newair keeps everything vertical, slipping easily between your toaster and the wall.
Upkeep and Cleaning — GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL Ice Maker wins
GE engineered a specific citric acid descaling powder and offers an inline water filter that snaps right into the reservoir. This dedicated ecosystem limits mineral buildup better than standard vinegar flushes.
Buy Newair Sonic Speed Countertop Nugget Ice Maker if…
You have tight space between appliances and prioritize raw daily output over automated convenience. If you host large gatherings where 45 pounds of ice will actually get consumed in 24 hours, you will appreciate paying $130 less for pure ice-making speed.
Buy GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL Ice Maker if…
You want to scoop ice without constantly monitoring water levels. If your family grabs cups of ice continuously throughout the day, the combination of the XL side reservoir and app scheduling ensures you never pull open an empty drawer.
Our Verdict: GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL Ice Maker
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL wins this matchup. The sheer convenience of the XL side tank and smartphone scheduling justifies the $429 price tag. In my kitchen testing, removing the daily chore of pouring water into the lower reservoir changed the machine from an annoying task into an automated household fixture. Buy the Newair Sonic Speed only if horizontal counter width is your absolute strictest constraint. Otherwise, the Opal’s smart app integration and massive water capacity tip the scale definitively in its favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both Newair Sonic Speed Countertop Nugget Ice Maker and GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL Ice Maker are strong choices — pick the one that fits your specific needs and budget.
