Let’s be real for a moment. There’s regular ice, and then there’s the good ice. You know what I’m talking about—that soft, chewable, flavor-absorbing nugget ice you get at certain drive-ins and cafes. For years, it was an elusive treat. But what if you could have it on demand, right on your kitchen counter? That’s the promise of the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker. In this comprehensive GE Profile Ice Maker Review, we’re going to dive deep, spill the beans, and find out if this cult-favorite appliance is truly worth the investment for your home.
What’s All the Fuss About Nugget Ice Anyway?
So, what exactly is nugget ice and why are people so obsessed with it?
Nugget ice, often called pellet ice or “Sonic ice,” is a unique type of ice made from scraped and compacted ice flakes. Unlike hard, solid cubes that are frozen in a mold, nugget ice is light, airy, and incredibly chewable. It cools drinks down super fast without diluting them as quickly, and its porous texture is a game-changer for soaking up the flavor of your soda, iced tea, or cocktail. It’s the kind of ice that makes any beverage feel a little more special.
A Deep Dive into the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ice Maker
When people search for a GE Profile ice maker review, they’re almost always talking about the star of the show: the Opal 2.0. It’s the successor to the wildly popular original model, and GE has made some key improvements. Let’s break it down.
Design and Footprint: Will It Fit on Your Counter?
First impressions matter. The GE Profile Opal 2.0 sports a sleek, modern stainless steel finish that looks sharp in most kitchens. But make no mistake, this isn’t a tiny gadget. It has a considerable footprint, so you’ll want to measure your counter space before you buy. It’s designed to live on your counter full-time, not be tucked away in a cabinet. One of the biggest upgrades is the side water tank, which is a much smarter design than the previous model’s, making refills a breeze without having to move the unit.
Performance and Ice Production: How Fast Does It Work?
This is where the magic happens. The Opal 2.0 is an absolute workhorse. It can start producing ice in as little as 10-15 minutes and can churn out about one pound of ice per hour. Over a 24-hour period, it’s rated to produce up to 24 pounds of ice. The ice bin itself holds a generous three pounds. For a family, a small gathering, or a serious iced coffee enthusiast, this is more than enough to keep the frosty drinks flowing.
Expert Insight: “The technology behind nugget ice is fascinating,” says David Chen, a veteran appliance repair specialist. “Instead of a traditional evaporator grid, these machines use an auger system. It scrapes thin layers of ice off a chilled cylinder and compacts them into those signature nuggets. It’s efficient, but it also means there are more moving parts that require regular cleaning.”
Smart Features and Connectivity: Is It a “Smart” Appliance?
Yes, it is. The Opal 2.0 comes equipped with Wi-Fi and connects to the GE SmartHQ app. This is more useful than you might think. You can:
- Schedule ice production: Have a fresh batch ready for your morning coffee or for when you get home from work.
- Monitor ice levels: Check the app to see if you need to make more before guests arrive.
- Control the interior light: Turn the light in the ice bin on or off.
- Update firmware: Receive the latest software improvements from GE.
For tech lovers, these features are a great touch. For others, it’s a “set it and forget it” feature that you might not use often, but it’s nice to have.
Noise Level: The Elephant in the Kitchen?
Let’s address a common question we see in every GE Profile ice maker review: how loud is it? It’s not silent. You will hear it running. There’s a low hum from the refrigeration components and the occasional crunching sound as the ice is made and drops into the bin. It’s comparable to the sound of a modern refrigerator running—noticeable in a quiet room but easily drowned out by conversation, a TV, or music. If you need absolute silence, this might bother you, but for most households, the noise is a perfectly acceptable trade-off for an endless supply of perfect ice.
|
Our Picks for the Best ice maker in 2026
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
|
||
| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker, Ice Making Machine, Black Stainless, Medium |
|
| 2 | EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker Countertop with Handle, Ready in 6 Mins, 34lbs Per Day, Removable Top Cover, Auto-Cleaning, Portable Sonic Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Party/RV/Camping (Black) |
|
| 3 | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC101-BLACK Ice Maker Machine for Countertop, 26 lbs, Adjustable Ice Cube Size, Portable Ice Cube Maker for Home/Kitchen/Office/Bar- Black |
|
| 4 | Ice Maker Countertop, 9 Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, 26 lbs per Day, Ice Machine with 2 Ice Sizes and Self-Cleaning, Portable Ice Maker with Handle for Home, Kitchen, Camping, RV, Office, Black |
|
| 5 | EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine with Handle, 26lbs in 24Hrs, 9 Ice Cubes Ready in 6 Mins, Auto-Cleaning Portable Ice Maker with Basket and Scoop, for Home/Kitchen/Camping/RV. (Black) |
|
| 6 | FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Silver |
|
| 7 | Nugget Countertop Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Pellet Ice, Pebble Portable Ice Machine, 34lbs Per Day, Self-Cleaning, Sonic Ice, One-Click Operation, for Kitchen,Office Stainless Steel Black |
|
| 8 | ZAFRO Countertop Ice Maker, 26.5Lbs/24H, 9 Bullet Cubes in 6 Mins, Self-Cleaning Portable Ice Machine with 2 Ice Sizes (S/L), Quiet Compact Design, Double Handles, for Home, Party, RV, Camping, Green |
|
| 9 | Silonn Nugget Ice Maker Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Ice, One-Click Operation Ice Machine with Self-Cleaning, 33lbs/24H for Home,Kitchen,Office |
|
| 10 | EUHOMY Nugget Ice Makers Countertop, Pebble Ice Maker Machine with 35lbs/24H Soft Ice, Self-Cleaning Sonic Ice Maker with Ice Scoop&Basket, Pellet Ice Maker for Home/Kitchen/Office(Stainless Steels) |
|
An Honest GE Profile Ice Maker Review: The Pros and Cons
No appliance is perfect. To give you a clear picture, here’s a straightforward breakdown of the good and the not-so-good.
Pros:
- The Ice Quality: Unbeatable. It produces the authentic, chewable, soft nugget ice that enthusiasts crave.
- Speed and Capacity: Produces ice quickly and makes enough for daily use and small parties.
- Smart Features: The app for scheduling and monitoring is a genuinely useful convenience.
- Sleek Design: It’s a premium-looking appliance that adds a modern touch to your kitchen.
- No Plumbing Required: It’s a self-contained countertop unit, so you can set it up anywhere with a power outlet.
Cons:
- The Price: This is a luxury item, and the price tag reflects that. It’s a significant investment for an ice maker.
- Maintenance: It requires regular cleaning and descaling (every few weeks) to prevent mold and mineral buildup. This is non-negotiable.
- Noise Level: While not excessively loud, it is a constant presence when running.
- Counter Space: It’s a bulky machine that will take up a permanent spot on your counter.
Getting the Most Out of Your GE Profile Ice Maker
If you decide to take the plunge, you’ll want to take care of your investment. Proper use and maintenance are key to its longevity and performance.
The Crucial Step: Cleaning and Maintenance
How do you clean the GE Profile ice maker? It’s a straightforward but essential process.
- Unplug the Unit: Safety first! Always disconnect the power before cleaning.
- Drain the Water: Attach the drain hoses on the back of the unit and drain all the water from the reservoir and internal system.
- Run the Cleaning Cycle: Fill the reservoir with a 5-to-1 solution of water and white vinegar (or the official Opal cleaning solution). Press and hold the ‘Clean’ button to start the cycle.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After the cleaning cycle, run 2-3 cycles with fresh, clean water to rinse out any remaining vinegar taste.
- Wipe Down: Wipe the interior and exterior of the unit with a soft cloth.
You should aim to do this every 2-4 weeks, depending on your water hardness and usage. Neglecting this is the number one reason these machines fail. For a complete walkthrough, you can check out our detailed [guide to cleaning countertop ice makers].
Pro Tips for Perfect Ice Every Time
- Use filtered or distilled water: This is the single best thing you can do. It drastically reduces mineral buildup (scale), which means less frequent descaling and better-tasting ice.
- Don’t let ice sit too long: The bin is insulated, not refrigerated. The ice will slowly melt over time. It’s best to use it fresh or transfer it to your freezer for long-term storage.
- Position it with good airflow: Make sure there are a few inches of clearance around the vents to prevent the unit from overheating.
Who Is the GE Profile Ice Maker Actually For?
So, after this detailed GE Profile ice maker review, who should buy this machine? It’s not for everyone, but it’s a dream come true for a few specific groups:
- The Nugget Ice Addict: If you find yourself making special trips just to get “the good ice,” this machine was made for you.
- The Home Entertainer: If you host frequent gatherings, having a dedicated machine that churns out high-quality ice is a game-changer for cocktails and other beverages.
- The Work-From-Home Pro: For those who sip on iced drinks all day, it provides an endless supply of a simple luxury that can make the workday better.
- Small Offices: It’s a fantastic upgrade for an office breakroom, boosting morale one perfect glass of iced coffee at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much ice does the GE Profile Opal 2.0 make per day?
A: The GE Profile Opal 2.0 can produce up to 24 pounds of nugget ice in a 24-hour period. It produces about one pound of ice per hour, and the storage bin holds three pounds at a time.
Q: Do I need a special water line for the GE Profile ice maker?
A: No, you do not. The Opal 2.0 is a countertop model with a built-in reservoir and an included side tank. You simply fill it with water manually, so no plumbing is required.
Q: How often should I clean my GE Profile Opal?
A: It is highly recommended to run the cleaning cycle every 2-4 weeks. Using filtered or distilled water can help extend the time between cleanings, but regular maintenance is essential for the machine’s health.
Q: Is the GE Profile Opal 2.0 really noisy?
A: Noise is subjective, but it does make a noticeable sound—a combination of a low hum and the mechanical sounds of ice being made. It’s comparable to a running refrigerator or a quiet dishwasher.
Q: Can the GE Profile ice maker store ice for a long time?
A: No, the ice bin is insulated but not actively refrigerated. The ice will stay frozen for several hours, but it will slowly melt over time. The meltwater is recycled back into the reservoir to make new ice.
The Final Verdict
So, is the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker worth it? If you’re a casual ice user, the high price and maintenance routine are probably not a fit. But if you are a true connoisseur of nugget ice, this machine is the undisputed champion of the countertop world. It delivers on its promise of perfect, chewable, restaurant-quality ice in the comfort of your own home. Our final GE Profile ice maker review finds it to be a premium, well-designed appliance that, for the right person, is worth its weight in gold—or in this case, perfect ice nuggets.