GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL Review: Chewable Ice with Smart Features

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL is a countertop nugget ice maker that's been on my radar for a while. Known for producing 'the good ice,' this machine promises to deliver chewable nuggets that are perfect for any drink enthusiast. I decided to give it a whirl and see if it lives up to the hype.

Upon setting it up, the first thing I noticed was its sleek, modern design. It fits nicely on my kitchen counter without taking up too much space, which is a plus considering how crowded counters can get. The black stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance that blends well with other appliances.

One of the features that caught my attention was its promise to produce a pound of ice per hour. As someone who hosts frequently, having a reliable ice supply is pretty important. The fact that it connects to WiFi and can be controlled via an app seemed like a cool bonus, though I was more curious about how these features would work in practice.

After a couple of weeks of use, I've gathered some thoughts on its performance, design, and whether it's worth the investment. Let's dive into the details.

At its price point, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL isn't the cheapest option out there, but it offers a set of features that can justify the cost for certain users. If you're someone who values both the quality and quantity of ice, this machine delivers well on both fronts.

Considering its capacity to produce up to 38 pounds of ice per day, it's a strong contender for those who entertain often or simply enjoy having a reliable ice supply. The added smart features like app control and voice command capabilities through Alexa and Google are neat extras that add convenience.

However, the additional purchases needed for maintenance could be a turn-off for some. The water filter and descaling powder aren't included, and while they aren't excessively expensive, they do add to the overall cost of ownership.

In comparison to other models in the market, the Opal 2.0 XL offers a competitive package, especially for tech-savvy users who will appreciate the connectivity features. For others, it might seem like a premium price for a niche benefit.

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 XL sports a modern look with its black stainless steel construction. It's a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at 38 pounds, so once you find a spot for it, you probably won't want to move it around much. The dimensions are 17.5"D x 13.43"W x 16.5"H, making it fairly compact for the amount of ice it can produce and store.

I appreciated the LED display which is bright enough to read easily but goes dark when not in use. This feature helps reduce distractions and fits well in a kitchen where you don't want unnecessary lights disturbing the ambiance. The removable water tank is another thoughtful design choice, making it easy to refill and clean.

One downside is the need for additional purchases like the water filter and citric acid descaling powder, which aren't included. While not a deal-breaker, it's something to be aware of as it adds to the overall cost. On the bright side, the included ice scoop is a handy addition that I found useful.

Overall, the design is solid with a few aspects that could be improved, but it gets the job done without much fuss.

The main selling point of this ice maker is its ability to produce nugget ice, which is chewable and retains flavor better than traditional cubes. I found the ice quality to be quite good, with a nice texture that complements most drinks. The machine claims to produce 38 pounds of ice per day, and in my experience, it came pretty close to that mark.

The first batch of ice was ready in about 10 minutes, which is impressive. For someone like me who often forgets to check the ice supply before guests arrive, this quick production time is a lifesaver. Additionally, it consistently produced about 1.6 pounds of ice per hour.

One thing I found handy was the ability to monitor the ice maker through the SmartHQ app. Even though I'm not the most tech-savvy person, setting it up was straightforward. It was nice to schedule ice production and receive updates without having to constantly check the machine itself.

However, there were occasional instances where the machine stopped unexpectedly, requiring a reset. While not a huge issue, it's worth mentioning as it can disrupt the ice-making process.