COWSAR Z5820DN Nugget Ice Maker vs GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker

Buy the COWSAR if you want a compact, self-dispensing nugget maker with strong owner ratings and no scooping. Buy the GE Profile Opal 2.0 if you want app and voice control, a water filter and a bigger brand behind the machine. The COWSAR rates higher with owners (4.8 vs 3.9) and dispenses ice by pulling a lever, but it is a smaller, less connected machine. The Opal 2.0 adds WiFi, Alexa and Google control, a filter and self-cleaning, yet owners repeatedly report breakdowns within months, loud noises and a side tank that is hard to clean.

• Choose the COWSAR if you want soft nugget ice from a narrow countertop unit that drops ice without a scoop and has the better owner rating.
• Choose the GE Profile Opal 2.0 if app scheduling, voice control, a water filter and self-cleaning matter more to you than owner reliability scores.