Anyone have any suggestions for good, affordable ice makers?

Maybe try the outdoor board?

https://www.amazon.com/Igloo-Nostalgia-ICEB26AQ-Automatic-Maker-Aqua/dp/B07FNW41P7/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?crid=36TAEPDD7PU4T&keywords=portable+pellet+ice+maker+countertop&qid=1654643735&sprefix=portable+pellet+%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-17

I have an Opal nugget ice maker that I think is great, but I know that they have a mixed reliability record on Amazon.

Our opal is going into year 3. Been great. Use the heck out of it. Only use distilled water,which is s little bit of a pain

Built in or stand alone? Also, how much ice do you need in 24hrs. Affordable is going to be highly relative to how you answer those 2 questions

We have an Opal as well. Bought the first in Nov. 2018. It lasted 6 months and was replaced under warranty without a problem. This unit has been much better but has periods of stupidity where it makes loud screeching noises. We only use distilled water.

The newer models have a side tank and some front panel design changes. Hopefully they are more reliable. Love the ice, just beware. If you have a CC with purchase protection I recommend using it.

Stand alone. I don't need a ton as it's just me and a roommate but I hate having to wait on ice when I need it

Our opal has the dispenser, imagine it would be a pain to operate without that.

Ours occasionally makes weird sounds, but no failures yet.

We went through 2 of them at my mothers. Small like a mini fridge size…. Neither one lasted or worked more than a couple of months and these were $150 to $250. Waste of money!!! Be prepared to spend some bucks for one that will work and last.

We have an opal w/the side dispenser. Had it about 2 years with no issues but it isn't used often. Just small parties w/only 4 - 6 people total for some drinks.

My experience if you're buying it to make cocktails, you're better off getting a bag or two of sonic ice and keeping in a cooler. The opal doesn't churn out fast enough to make drink after drink for more than 3 or 4 people. Particularly if you're doing something like tiki drinks where you mix w/ice then strain into a glass w/ice.

If you want it as your daily ice maker it is probably ok if you don't go through ice like crazy.