GE Profile Opal 2.0 Review: Crunchable Ice at Your Fingertips

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 is a countertop nugget ice maker that promises to deliver chewable, crunchable ice for those who are particular about their cubes. The concept is simple: provide nugget ice that’s preferred by many over traditional cubes. The product comes with a built-in WiFi feature, a smart connected app, and the ability to produce 38 pounds of ice per day. Sounds like a pretty solid deal for ice enthusiasts.

After trying it out for a couple of weeks, I found the machine easy to set up. The initial batch of ice was ready in about 10 minutes, which is quite impressive. It has a decent-sized bin that can hold up to 3 pounds of ice, meaning you won’t need to empty it constantly.

While the idea of having a smart, connected ice maker is appealing, I found the app features to be more of an add-on than a necessity. It’s nice to have, but you’re not missing much if you skip it. The design is modern and sleek, making it a nice fit on most countertops.

In practice, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 does what it says on the box. It makes nugget ice efficiently, though it occasionally alerts you to add water even when the reservoir is full, which can be a bit annoying.

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 isn’t the cheapest ice maker on the market, but it offers good value for those who specifically want nugget ice. Priced in a higher range, it targets consumers who appreciate the texture of nugget ice over traditional cubes. If you’re one of those people, this machine will likely feel worth the investment.

Compared to other ice makers, the built-in WiFi and smart features do provide added convenience, though not everyone will find them necessary. The performance aligns well with its price, producing a decent amount of ice consistently.

However, the need for separate purchases like water filters and cleaning kits can add to the overall cost, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. The stainless steel design and modern aesthetics do add a premium feel, but again, it’s not luxury-grade.

Overall, if you love nugget ice and plan to use it frequently, the Opal 2.0 is a solid choice. For casual users, it might be worth exploring cheaper alternatives unless the nugget ice style is a must-have for you.

The design of the GE Profile Opal 2.0 is one of its strong suits. Crafted from stainless steel, it has a modern look that fits well in most kitchen settings. It's not overly bulky, which is a plus if you're short on counter space. The dimensions of 17.5”D x 13.43”W x 16.5”H are pretty standard for a countertop ice maker, and at 38 pounds, it’s manageable to move if needed.

An LED display on the front makes it easy to monitor the machine’s status. I found the interface simple and straightforward, which is always a win. The addition of a transparent bin allows you to see the ice level at a glance, so you aren’t left guessing if it's time to make more ice. The detachable water reservoir is also a thoughtful feature, enabling easier refills and cleaning.

Compared to other ice makers I've used, this one feels more polished. However, the materials, while decent, don't feel ultra-premium. For the price point, I expected a bit more heft and durability. Still, it gets the job done without looking cheap.

Overall, the design is effective and user-friendly, yet it doesn't blow you away with luxury. It’s a nice balance between style and practicality.

When it comes to performance, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 delivers consistent results. It can churn out up to 38 pounds of nugget ice per day, which is more than enough for most households or small gatherings. The machine can produce ice in about 10 minutes, which is pretty quick and convenient if you're in a hurry.

The nugget ice itself is as advertised—chewable and soft, making it a favorite for drinks and snacking. However, I did notice that it can sometimes clump together, especially if left untouched in the bin for too long. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it does require a quick break-up with the included scoop before serving.

One downside is that the machine can be a bit noisy during ice production. It's not unbearable, but if you're sensitive to sound, it might be something to consider. On the plus side, the smart auto-refill feature ensures you rarely run out of ice, which is great for continuous usage.

In summary, the performance is reliable and meets expectations for daily ice needs. It's efficient but not without minor quirks like noise and occasional ice clumping.