The Deal
If you’ve been eyeing the internet-famous “nugget ice” everyone raves about, Sam’s Club has the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank marked down to $279.98 for members. It’s available in four colors, so it can actually match your kitchen instead of just looking like an appliance you’re tolerating. Shipping is free if you’re a Sam’s Club Plus member; otherwise, shipping costs will vary depending on your location, so it’s worth checking your total before you check out.
Why This One’s Worth Talking About
The Opal line is the one that made “nugget ice” a whole category of its own — that soft, chewable ice that’s genuinely satisfying in sweet tea, cocktails, or just a big glass of water on a brutal afternoon. The side tank version means more capacity between refills, which matters if your household actually uses it daily instead of letting it sit as a novelty.
Who This Is Best For
This is a great fit for:
- Southern households dealing with long, hot summers where the freezer’s ice maker just can’t keep up with demand
- Entertainers who host regularly and want a steady supply of the ice everyone always asks about
- Sweet tea and cocktail fans who want ice that doesn’t water down a drink as fast as cubed ice does
- Anyone upgrading a kitchen who wants an appliance that also looks good on the counter, thanks to the four color options
It’s less essential if you rarely entertain or don’t drink enough cold beverages to justify a dedicated countertop appliance — it does take up real counter space.
The Membership Angle
The free shipping perk here is specifically tied to Sam’s Club Plus membership, not the base membership tier. If you’re already a Plus member, this is close to a no-brainer given the price point. If you’re not, it’s worth doing the math on whether the shipping savings (plus whatever other Plus perks you’d use) offset the cost difference between membership tiers.
Caveats
- Shipping is only guaranteed free for Plus members; base members will see shipping costs vary by location
- This deal requires a Sam’s Club membership to purchase at all
- As with any online deal, availability and pricing can change, so don’t wait too long if you want a specific color
Bottom Line
At $279.98, this is a solid price for one of the more sought-after countertop ice makers on the market, and it lands right as Southern summer heat is pushing everyone toward more cold drinks. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to finally get one, this is a reasonable moment to pull the trigger — just double check your membership tier before you check out so you’re not surprised by a shipping charge.