NewAir Nugget Ice Make

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Soft, chewable nugget ice is expensive to buy by the bag and surprisingly hard to find in a home machine. That leaves a real dilemma. The GE Profile Opal brings app scheduling, automatic refill and a side tank at a premium price. NewAir offers a bigger daily output and a lower sticker price, but with fewer extras. This GE Profile Opal 2.0 vs NewAir nugget ice maker comparison helps you decide which trade-off suits your kitchen. The GE tends to suit nugget devotees who want hands-off convenience. The NewAir tends to suit shoppers who want strong output and a smaller footprint for less.

Which models we compare:

• GE: the Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra with 0.75-gallon side tank (XPIO13SWOW in white, XPIO13SWBB in black, XPIO13SWSS in stainless).
• NewAir: the 44 lb nugget model, NIM044BSN2.

GE’s original Opal 2.0 with side tank (XPIO13SCSS) is listed by GE as no longer manufactured. Many reviews, including Reviewed’s, tested that original or its XL-tank sibling, not the Ultra.

Quick Overview

• Best overall nugget experience: GE Opal 2.0 Ultra. The advantages are automatic refill, app scheduling and a tested track record, though the independent tests were on sibling models.
• Best value: NewAir NIM044BSN2. It is listed at $369.99 on NewAir’s own store and adds no smart features to pay for.
• Best for soft, chewable ice: Both make real nugget ice. Reviewed rated the Opal’s ice crisp and crunchy without being hard. Reviewed also found an earlier NewAir model’s ice to be of similar quality.
• Best for higher volume: NewAir on paper (44 vs 38 lb per day). Daily figures are ceilings, so see the production section below.
• Best for smart features: GE. NewAir lists no Wi-Fi or app.
• Best for iced coffee and daily use: GE for hands-off convenience, NewAir if you mostly want ice on demand for less money.

Comparison Table

	GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra	NewAir NIM044BSN2
Model	XPIO13SWOW / SWBB / SWSS (with 0.75-gal side tank)	NIM044BSN2 (44 lb)
Price	Not verified. See Amazon link. For reference, GE lists the discontinued original at $599	$369.99 on newair.com (Oct 25, 2026). Amazon price may differ
Ice type	Nugget (compressed flakes)	Nugget
Advertised output	Up to 38 lb/day (1.6 lb/hr)	Up to 44 lb/day
First batch	10 minutes or less (GE, via retailers)	10–15 minutes (NewAir)
Ice basket	3 lb	2.7 lb
Water	0.75-gal side tank plus main reservoir (main size not verified)	1.8 L removable reservoir
Size and weight	Ultra not verified. Original with tank: 16.5 H × 13.43 W × 17.5 D in, 37.65 lb	14.9 H × 9.5 W × 13.6 D in, 24.3 lb
Noise	39 dBA (GE spec via retailers)	46 dB (NewAir)
Smart features	Wi-Fi, SmartHQ app, Alexa and Google	None listed
Cleaning	Cleaning indicator, descaling by water hardness, scale-inhibiting filter included	One-touch rinse cycle, removable dishwasher-safe parts
Warranty	1-year limited (Opal 2.0 family listings; confirm for Ultra)	2 years for purchases on or after Nov 12, 2025 per NewAir’s site (confirm for Amazon orders)
Main advantage	Auto refill, app, side tank	Output, price, compact size
Main drawback	Price, size	No smart features, fewer independent tests of this exact model
Best buyer	Daily nugget fans who value convenience	Value-focused nugget fans
Buy	Check Price on Amazon	Check the Latest NewAir Price

GE’s noise rating and first-batch time come from retailer listings of GE’s specs. NewAir’s figures come from its own site. The two noise numbers may not use the same test method, so don’t treat 7 dB as a measured difference.

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Overview

The Opal helped popularize home nugget ice, and the current Ultra is GE’s refined version. GE lists up to 38 lb per day, 1.6 lb per hour and a first batch in 10 minutes or less. It has a 3 lb drawer, built-in Wi-Fi with the SmartHQ app, and a side tank that GE says allows up to three times more ice per fill. The Ultra adds a scale-inhibiting filter.

What reviewers found. Reviewed’s Opal 2.0 review praised crisp, clean-tasting nuggets that are crunchy without being hard. It also liked the automatic refill: melted ice drains back into the reservoir and pulling the bin out signals the machine to make more. Its cons were price and speed, and it found cleaning is needed about monthly. Reviewed tested the XL-side-tank version, so treat its findings as evidence about the family rather than the exact Ultra.

Version warning. Older spec sheets for the same Opal 2.0 name list 24 lb per day and a first batch in 20 minutes or less. Newer listings say 38 lb and 10 minutes. Before buying, confirm which SKU you are getting.

Strengths: auto-refill logic, app scheduling, quiet rating, large side tank, strong reputation.
Drawbacks: high price, big footprint, and the same upkeep as any nugget machine.

View the GE Opal on Amazon

NewAir Nugget Ice Maker Overview

The model on NewAir’s official 44 lb product page is the NIM044BSN2. It lists up to 44 lb per day, first ice in 10–15 minutes, a 2.7 lb detachable basket, a 1.8 L removable reservoir and a touch panel. It is 9.5 × 13.6 × 14.9 inches and weighs 24.3 lb. It has an LED-lit viewing window, a clean-rinse button and a full-basket indicator. NewAir lists no overflow protection, no timer and no Energy Star rating.

Model differences matter. NewAir sells other nugget models, including an older NIM044BS00 at 44 lb and a 26 lb nugget unit, and these are not the same machine as the NIM044BSN2. Reviewed’s NewAir review covered an earlier model, the NIM040SS00. It called that unit the fastest nugget maker Reviewed had tested and noted it lacked the Opal’s smart features and automatic refill. That is useful context but not a test of the current NIM044BSN2. We found no independent test of this exact model.

Strengths: price, output claim, compact footprint, simple controls.
Drawbacks: no app, no confirmed meltwater recirculation, and less independent testing.

Check the Latest NewAir Price

GE Profile Opal 2.0 vs NewAir: Key Differences

Ice Quality and Texture

Both machines make genuine nugget ice, built from compacted flakes. Reviewed described the Opal’s ice as crunchy, not hard, and found an earlier NewAir’s ice similar in quality. We have no measurement that separates the current models. In everyday use, expect both to satisfy a chewer. Best for texture purists: either; GE has the longer independent track record.

Ice Production and Speed

NewAir’s 44 lb claim beats GE’s 38 lb, and a 10–15 minute first batch is close to GE’s 10 minutes or less. Treat daily figures as ceilings: they assume you keep emptying the basket and refilling water. The 3 lb and 2.7 lb baskets, not the daily number, set how much ice is waiting at once. Best for bigger parties: NewAir on paper, GE if you want refill automation.

Water Reservoir and Storage Capacity

GE’s side tank is the standout. NewAir’s 1.8 L reservoir is smaller than the Opal’s tank (0.75 gal is about 2.8 L), so expect more refills. Neither is a freezer. Best for all-day use: GE.

Noise and Daily Convenience

GE lists 39 dBA and Reviewed called its Opal quiet. NewAir lists 46 dB. The numbers aren’t a controlled comparison, so listen to your own kitchen’s acoustics. For open-plan kitchens, GE has the stronger noise story. Best for noise-sensitive buyers: GE.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Both need regular cleaning. NewAir offers a one-touch rinse and dishwasher-safe removable parts. GE’s manual triggers a cleaning indicator after 100 hours of ice making, and descaling frequency depends on water hardness. GE’s guidance varies by model and water, so follow your manual. Best for easier cleaning: a slight edge to NewAir on removable parts; GE on built-in reminders.

Smart Features and Controls

GE’s SmartHQ app lets you check filter status and schedule ice, with Alexa and Google support. NewAir lists none of this. If you won’t use an app, don’t pay for one. Best for smart-home users: GE.

Size and Countertop Space

The NewAir is roughly 9.5 inches wide against about 13.4 inches for the original Opal with tank, and it is 13 lb lighter. By our arithmetic the NewAir footprint is roughly half the original Opal’s. The Ultra’s exact size is unverified, so measure. Best for small counters: NewAir.

Price and Long-Term Value

NewAir lists $369.99 on its own store. We could not verify a current GE Ultra price. Retail reports have put Opal-family machines well above that, so expect a meaningful premium. Best for budget buyers: NewAir. Best for convenience per dollar: GE, if you’ll use the extras.

Pros and Cons

GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra

• Pro: auto refill from melted ice
• Pro: SmartHQ app scheduling and voice control
• Pro: large side tank, 3 lb drawer
• Pro: 39 dBA listing
• Con: higher price
• Con: larger and heavier
• Con: cleaning and descaling needed, with reports of upkeep burden in user reviews
• Con: SKU confusion across Opal 2.0 versions

NewAir NIM044BSN2

• Pro: lower listed price
• Pro: 44 lb/day claim
• Pro: compact, lighter
• Pro: removable dishwasher-safe parts
• Con: no app or Wi-Fi
• Con: smaller reservoir
• Con: no independent test of this exact model
• Con: 46 dB listing, meltwater handling not confirmed

Which Ice Maker Is Better for Different Buyers?

• Iced coffee lovers: GE, for scheduling and auto refill. See our best ice maker for iced coffee guide for alternatives.
• Families using ice all day: GE for the tank; NewAir if you refill often anyway.
• Hosts: NewAir’s higher claim helps, but neither replaces bagged ice for a big crowd.
• Limited counter space: NewAir.
• App-control fans: GE.
• Budget-conscious nugget fans: NewAir.

Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership Costs

Cleaning and descaling. Plan on regular cleaning for either machine. Hard water speeds up scale. Distilled or filtered water can help, though GE’s guidance depends on model. For GE, follow the cleaning indicator and your manual. Reviewed suggests cleaning the Opal about monthly.

Filters and supplies. GE includes a scale-inhibiting filter with the Ultra, and retailers list Opal filters at a three-month life. Replacement costs, descaling powder and cleaning kits add up, but we did not verify current prices. NewAir lists no filter.

Electricity. Nameplate ratings are about 2.5 A for GE and 2.7 A for NewAir, per listings. At 120 V that is roughly 300 W and 324 W. At an illustrative $0.17 per kWh, that is about 5 cents per hour of full draw for either. Real usage is lower because compressors cycle. We did not invent annual costs.

Ice storage. Countertop bins are not freezers. Stored ice melts, and the machine may cycle again. NewAir’s own support answer says there is no freezing compartment to keep ice cold. Move extra ice to a freezer bag.

Warranty. Check carefully. NewAir’s site shows two years for purchases on or after November 12, 2025, though an older NewAir page still says one year. Check NewAir’s warranty page and confirm what applies to an Amazon order. GE listings show one year for the Opal 2.0 family, and GE’s XPIO13SCSS page notes the original is no longer manufactured, so confirm parts support.

Who Should Buy the GE Profile Opal 2.0?

Buy the GE if you drink nugget ice daily, want ice to appear on a schedule, and have counter space. The premium makes sense when automatic refill and the side tank save you from babysitting a machine. Skip it if you’ll never open the app or if budget is tight. Confirm the exact SKU and that it is the Ultra with side tank.

View the GE Opal on Amazon

Who Should Buy the NewAir Nugget Ice Maker?

Buy the NewAir NIM044BSN2 if you want nugget ice for noticeably less, need a smaller footprint, and don’t need smart features. Accept that its reservoir is smaller, the manufacturer lists a louder rating, and there is little independent testing of this exact version. Check the model number on the listing before you order.

Check the Latest NewAir Price

Final Verdict — Which Countertop Ice Maker Is Better?

• Overall nugget ice experience: GE Opal 2.0 Ultra.
• Value for money: NewAir NIM044BSN2.
• Higher advertised daily output: NewAir (44 vs 38 lb, a claim not a test).
• Smart-home convenience: GE.
• Everyday iced coffee: GE by a modest margin, NewAir if you’d rather keep the money.

If nugget ice is a daily habit and you want the smoothest experience, GE earns its premium. If you want the ice without the add-ons, NewAir is the smarter buy. For a wider look, see our best countertop ice makers in 2026.

View the GE Opal on Amazon · Check the Latest NewAir Price

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the GE Profile Opal 2.0 better than NewAir?
It depends on what you value. GE leads on smart features, automatic refill and independent track record. NewAir leads on listed price, output claim and compact size.

2. Which machine makes softer nugget ice?
Both make genuine nugget ice. Reviewed described the Opal’s ice as crunchy without being hard and found an earlier NewAir model’s ice similar. We found no measurement separating the current models.

3. Does NewAir produce more ice than the GE Opal?
On paper, yes: 44 lb per day against GE’s 38 lb. Daily figures are ceilings that depend on how often you empty the basket and refill water.

4. Which countertop nugget ice maker is quieter?
GE lists 39 dBA and NewAir lists 46 dB. The two are not from a shared test, so treat the gap as indicative.

5. Is the GE Opal worth its higher price?
It can be if you use nugget ice daily and value app scheduling, automatic refill and the side tank. If you won’t use those, NewAir delivers nugget ice for less.

6. Which machine is better for iced coffee?
GE has a modest edge because ice can be scheduled and refills automatically. NewAir still makes ice quickly and costs less.

7. How often should these ice makers be cleaned?
Follow each manual. GE’s Opal alerts after 100 hours of ice making and descaling depends on water hardness. Reviewed suggests about monthly. NewAir offers a one-touch rinse cycle.

8. Do countertop nugget ice makers keep ice frozen?
No. They are not freezers, so stored ice melts over time and the machine may cycle again. Move extra ice to a freezer.

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Deliverables

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2. Meta description: GE Profile Opal 2.0 vs NewAir nugget ice maker compared on ice, output, noise, size, upkeep and price. See which fits your kitchen. (about 137 characters)

3. Slug: ge-opal-2-vs-newair-nugget-ice-maker. I could not test for a conflict (see item 8).

4. Featured image: A kitchen counter with a tall stainless nugget ice maker beside a compact black one, each next to a glass of iced coffee full of nugget ice. No logos or text.

• Alt text: Two countertop nugget ice makers side by side with glasses of iced coffee
• Filename: ge-opal-2-vs-newair-nugget-ice-maker.jpg
• WordPress excerpt: We compare the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra and NewAir NIM044BSN2 on ice quality, output, size, upkeep and price.

5. Internal links used (both opened and confirmed live):

• “best countertop ice makers in 2026” → https://kitchenlabzone.com/best-countertop-ice-makers-2026/
• “best ice maker for iced coffee” → https://kitchenlabzone.com/best-ice-maker-for-iced-coffee-2026/

6. External links used (all opened or returned in search):

1. NewAir official 44 lb page
2. GE official XPIO13SCSS page (the Ultra URL you supplied returned an error)
3. Reviewed’s Opal 2.0 review
4. Reviewed’s NewAir nugget review
5. NewAir warranty page

7. FAQ JSON-LD (matches the visible FAQs; Google does not guarantee rich results):

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8. Could not be verified:

• Amazon: No Amazon page opened, so price, stock and model match are unconfirmed. The GE link (B0FWLXJSGC, tag 171928-20) comes from your existing posts. Your countertop guide also uses B0F1Z3T3DS for the same GE listing. Check which is correct. I did not invent a NewAir ASIN, so that link is a placeholder.
• GE Ultra specifics: Current Ultra price, dimensions and weight, main reservoir size, warranty and noise could not be confirmed on GE’s own page. Figures come from retailer listings of GE’s specs. The GE Ultra URL in your brief returned an error.
• Bon Appétit and Epicurious: Both blocked, so they are not cited or reviewed.
• NewAir: No independent test of the NIM044BSN2. Meltwater recirculation is not stated. The 26 lb nugget model number is unverified. Warranty varies by purchase date and channel.
• Slug conflict: I could not directly test the slug URL. It did not appear in your recent-posts or archive lists, but please check in WordPress.

One problem on your live site: the bottom of your best countertop ice makers in 2026 page still shows internal drafting notes. These include a “copy up to the previous line” marker, a link-status table and a fact-check checklist. They should be removed before more readers or search engines see them.

Research notes: NewAir’s current page is a verified 44 lb nugget model at $369.99. Reviewed’s NewAir test covered an older model. GE’s original Opal 2.0 with side tank is discontinued, and its spec sheets show conflicting output and first-batch figures across versions. Reviewed’s Opal review emphasizes quality, smart features and automatic refill but flags price and speed. Reviewed’s note that NewAir yields more ice faster but lacks the smart extras is the core trade-off this article builds on.