Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home
  3. News

This chill kitchen gadget has a sidekick that makes thrice the chewable ice

Add as a preferred source on Google
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Everybody has their passions. For some people, that passion is high-quality ice cubes. For them, the Opal Nugget Ice Maker has been a been a godsend. It’s pricey, costing buyers a cool $550 to get their hands on the premium ice maker, but if that’s your thing then it just might be worth it. The stand-alone ice maker produces what the company calls “the good ice” — chewable nuggets for those among us who like to chomp on what’s left at the bottom of their glass. Now Opal is giving its users the ability to make even more of the good stuff. It’s launching an expansion accessory called the Opal Water Side Tank.

The Opal Water Side Tank is trying to prove that it’s impossible to have too much of a good thing. The simple add-on expands the capacity of the Opal Nugget Ice Maker by 300 percent, meaning you’ll get three times as much ice before you have to refill the machine. It’s the ideal accessory if you’re hosting a party, or if you just really love ice cubes in all of your drinks.

Recommended Videos

According to the company, the Opal Water Side Tank can connect to either side of the ice maker and attaches easily with magnets that cling to the base of the machine. It blends into the design of the ice machine so it won’t stand out. To make your ice, just fill up the side tank with water, flip it into its home base, and connect the tube in the back to the Opal Nugget Ice Maker. It’ll start spitting out ice for you in no time.

Opal decided to create the add-on after polling its users and finding that a whopping 92 percent of them wanted an external water source for the device. The massive reservoir is the company’s answer to that request.

While the Opal Water Tank is on its way, it won’t be available widely for a while. It’s still in the prototype phase, according to FirstBuild. You can add your email to the signup list for pre-order at the company’s website. The accessory will be sold exclusively by FirstBuild to start. The company said it will make its way to Amazon, where it will be available for purchase starting in May 2019.

AJ Dellinger
AJ Dellinger is a freelance reporter from Madison, Wisconsin with an affinity for all things tech. He has been published by…
Top Smart Home Upgrades Worth Making Before Your Summer Break
From outdoor monitoring to smarter front-door security, these EZVIZ devices combine smart protection with daily convenience
Person, Security, Electronics

Summer often brings a welcome change of routine for homeowners across Europe. Family holidays, weekend getaways, and longer days spent outdoors mean more time away and fewer opportunities to stay connected to what's happening back at the property. While it's a season for slowing down and enjoying the warmer months, everyday responsibilities don't simply pause. Deliveries still arrive, visitors may stop by unexpectedly, and trusted family members, cleaners, or pet sitters may occasionally need access while you're away.

Modern smart home technology makes those situations easier to manage. Today's connected devices can do far more than record footage or send motion alerts. They can help homeowners monitor outdoor spaces around the clock, stay informed about important activity, communicate with visitors remotely, and manage entry without needing to be physically present. Instead of constantly checking in or wondering whether everything is running smoothly back home, the right setup can provide greater visibility, convenience, and peace of mind throughout the season.

Read more
EZVIZ Sets a New Benchmark for Battery Powered Home Surveillance
Because every property deserves protection without compromise
Person, Security, Tape

Battery-powered smart cameras have become one of the fastest-growing categories in home monitoring. Once valued primarily for their seamless installation, today's models combine advanced visual technology, AI-powered intelligence, and dependable long-term performance that rivals many traditional wired systems. As innovations such as Always On Video 2.0 and solar charging continue to improve everyday usability, battery cameras are becoming the preferred choice for homeowners seeking flexible, comprehensive outdoor protection.

This shift has also raised expectations. Modern users want more than clear video. They expect smart detection, reliable monitoring, seamless smart home integration, and solutions that adapt to different property sizes and lifestyles. As one of the world's leading smart home camera brands, EZVIZ has responded by building one of the industry's most comprehensive portfolios of battery-powered cameras. The lineup is designed to serve every living situation, whether for renters or owners of apartments, condominiums, or villas. From accessible options for everyday monitoring to advanced multi-lens systems for larger and more demanding environments, the portfolio reflects a strong focus on innovation, user-centric design, and real-world needs.

Read more
Beatbot AquaSense X review: The pool cleaner for those that want to be pampered
It's a nothing short of a self-cleaning nirvana for your pool. But as they say, nothing fine comes without a fittingly handsome fee.
Beatbot Aquasense X robot, AstroRinse station and iSkim

view at amazon

Quick take: 

Read more