The GE Profile Opal 2.0 is our top pick for the best ice maker with basket, producing nugget ice quickly and storing it in a removable, easy-clean basket. For most homes, this is the perfect balance of performance and convenience.

Quick Answer

We compared top-rated countertop ice makers with baskets on ice production speed, ice type (bullet vs. nugget), storage capacity, self-cleaning features, and durability based on thousands of owner reviews and spec sheets.

  • Best overall: The GE Profile Opal 2.0 makes soft, chewable nugget ice and includes a side tank and removable basket. It produces up to 24 lbs per day and stores 3 lbs.
  • Best value: The Frigidaire EFIC108 delivers bullet ice fast (26 lbs per day) with a 1.5 lb basket. It’s compact, quiet, and has a self-cleaning function at a lower cost.
  • Best budget: The Costway EP23880 is a basic bullet ice maker that makes 26 lbs daily and stores 1.3 lbs. It’s simple, affordable, and gets the job done.
  • Avoid: The AGLucky Ice Maker has frequent motor burnouts and the basket rattles loose. Many owners report failure within 3 months.

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Quick Picks

  • Best overall: GE Profile Opal 2.0, Makes soft nugget ice with a side tank and removable basket.. Check price on Amazon
  • Best value: Frigidaire EFIC108, Fast bullet ice with self-cleaning and a compact footprint..
  • Best budget: Costway EP23880, Affordable bullet ice maker with decent capacity..

Comparison Table

Product Ice Production Best for Basket Capacity Buy
GE Profile Opal 2.0 24 lbs/day, nugget Soft ice lovers 3 lbs Check Price
Frigidaire EFIC108 26 lbs/day, bullet Value seekers 1.5 lbs Check Price
Costway EP23880 26 lbs/day, bullet Budget buyers 1.3 lbs Check Price
AGLucky Ice Maker 26 lbs/day, bullet Avoid 1.2 lbs Check Price

How We Chose These Ice Makers Picks

We analyzed 30+ models for ice production speed, basket design (removable, easy to clean), self-cleaning cycles, noise level, and owner-reported reliability. We focused on units with at least 4-star average ratings and 500+ reviews.

Key Takeaway: Choose the GE Profile Opal 2.0 for nugget ice lovers, the Frigidaire EFIC108 for a reliable bullet ice maker, and the Costway EP23880 for tight budgets. Avoid AGLucky due to poor reliability.

Best Overall: GE Profile Opal 2.0

Best for: Anyone who loves soft, chewable nugget ice and wants a self-cleaning unit with a side tank. Why it made the list: The GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the only nugget ice maker with a basket that consistently produces soft ice without melting clumps. Its removable basket and side tank make refilling easy, and the self-cleaning cycle reduces mineral buildup. Owners praise the ice quality and quiet operation.

  • Key specs: Nugget ice, 24 lbs/day, 3 lb basket, side tank, self-cleaning.
  • What we like: Soft chewable ice, removable basket, side tank, quiet operation, self-cleaning cycle.
  • What we do not like: Higher upfront cost, bulky footprint, occasional auger jams if not cleaned regularly.
  • Who should buy it: Households that use ice daily for drinks, smoothies, or cocktails and value ice texture.
  • Who should avoid it: Those on a strict budget or with very limited counter space.
  • Common complaints: Auger can jam if ice sits too long; water tank sensor may misread water level.
  • Size note: Measures 11.5 x 11.5 x 16.5 inches, requires side clearance for tank.
  • Cleaning note: Run the self-clean cycle every 2 weeks with vinegar solution to prevent scale.
  • Alternative: Frigidaire EFIC108 for bullet ice at half the price.

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Countertop Ice Maker with Basket Buying Guide

Ice Type: Nugget vs. Bullet

Nugget ice (like Sonic) is soft and chewable but requires more complex machinery. Bullet ice is hard, clear, and faster to produce. If you prioritize texture, go nugget. For pure speed and value, bullet is better.

Basket Design and Capacity

Look for a removable basket that is easy to lift out and clean. Capacity matters: a 3 lb basket holds about 30-40 ounces of ice. Ensure the basket is well-insulated to slow melting.

Self-Cleaning and Maintenance

Models with a self-cleaning cycle save effort. Without it, you must manually descale every 1-2 weeks. Check if the water tank is removable for thorough cleaning.

Safety Notes

  • Place the ice maker on a stable, level surface away from heat sources.
  • Use filtered water to reduce mineral scale and improve ice clarity.
  • Unplug the unit before cleaning or removing the basket.
  • Do not fill water past the MAX line to avoid overflow.

What to Avoid

  • AGLucky Ice Maker: Motors burn out within months; basket clips break.
  • Vremi Countertop Ice Maker: Ice melts quickly; basket not removable.
  • Euhomy Ice Maker: Water tank leaks after a few uses; poor customer service.
  • Costway EP23880: Basket is small and not well insulated; ice melts fast.

FAQ

How long does it take to make the first batch?

Most countertop ice makers produce the first batch in 6-15 minutes. Bullet ice makers are typically faster than nugget ones.

Can I leave the ice maker on overnight?

Yes, most units have automatic shut-off when the basket is full. Ensure proper ventilation and a drip tray to catch overflow.

Do I need to use distilled water?

No, but filtered water reduces scale buildup. If you have hard water, descale more frequently.

Final Verdict

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the best ice maker with basket for nugget ice lovers, with Frigidaire EFIC108 as the best value for bullet ice, and Costway EP23880 for budget buyers.

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