We have been talking about our thirst for a nugget ice maker for years on the podcast. A speciality ice machine for home is really extravagant and we get that. Especially when we both have freezers that automatically make perfectly good ice. But, there is something about that good ice. Today we’re giving you a review of the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker.
What is Nugget Ice?
Nugget ice is made from layers of flaked ice frozen together. It’s often called nugget ice or pellet ice, even “Sonic ice” since the drive-thru uses it in all its cold drinks (and even sells bags of it). It’s airy and chewable and looks fancy in cocktail, iced coffee or an Arnold Palmer. The good ice is best used for an icy-cold Coca-Cola – but that just might be a personal opinion.
How to Make Pellet Ice at Home
There aren’t many ways to make nugget or pellet ice at home. Megan tried for a bit with these silicone mini ice cube trays but she found it was hard to get the ice out of the molds. Plus the kind of ice those trays make isn’t actual pellet ice because it’s not flaked ice. Instead it’s a regular ice cube but miniature.
The only way to get the good ice at home is from a countertop nugget ice maker.
Review of GE Profile Opal 2.0
Let me introduce you to the GE Profile Opal 2.0. Megan and I both were lucky enough to receive the exact same machine for Christmas from our families. That also means that this isn’t a paid review. This is a tested and true review of the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker based on our respective experiences using the machine.
Related: How to make the best iced coffee at home
Cons of GE Opal 2.0
I’m going to start with the cons of GE Opal 2.0.
- Cleaning and maintenance: the manufacturer recommends weekly cleaning and sanitizing of the water reservoir which includes draining the unit, adding a water/bleach solution, and three rinse cycles.
- If you have heavy minerals in your water, an additional vinegar rinse is suggested.
- It’s loud for a small appliance. But remember, the ice maker is made of a compressor, a pump, motors and fans. These components make noise. The manufacturer says that most noises cease after 20-30 minutes of the unit running.
- As soon as you scoop out ice for your drink, the machine kicks back on to make more ice. While I want the machine to do that, the constant noise of it making ice can be somewhat annoying. It’s definitely louder than running a dishwasher but not nearly as loud as a blender.
- The optional .75-gallon side tank accessory: It would be cool if this came standard. It holds water so that the ice maker can make three times more ice during heavy usage and reduces filling up the regular reservoir.
What I Like About the GE Opal 2.0 Ice Maker
- I was pleasantly surprised by its size. It had a smaller footprint than I had expected and it fit nicely under my upper kitchen cabinets.
- 16 1/2 H x 10 1/2 W x 17 1/2 D
- The dimensions of the Opal 2.0 are slightly different than its predecessor.
- It has built-in wifi and voice control with Alexa or Google. I don’t use either of those so that feature is wasted on me, but super cool for those who have it.
- It makes up to 24 lbs. of nugget ice per day. My family of three isn’t even getting close to using that much per day.
- The machine somehow keeps the stored ice in the bin frozen.
- Ice doesn’t clump together, no need to break apart the ice if it’s been in the bin for several days.
- The Opal 2.0 design is much sleeker and contemporary.
- The drip tray is part of its thoughtful design.
- The ice is just what you want it to be. Chewy, airy, and crunchable.
Final Thoughts on GE Nugget Ice Machine
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 ice machine is expensive and requires regular maintenance.
However, it’s fun to have the good ice at home. Guests will be charmed when you offer them a cold drink or cocktail made with nugget ice. The machine is sleek and modern and would look super cool in a dedicated spot – like a coffee bar or drink station.
If you really want Sonic-style ice, you won’t be disappointed with the ice from Opal 2.0.
Where to buy the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Online?
The price of the GE Profile Opal 2.0 online is pretty competitive. Look for sales! Affiliate links.
- Williams-Sonoma: Opal 2.0 in stainless steel with side tank accessory ($629.95)
- Wayfair: Opal 2.0 with side tank accessory ($629)
- Crate and Barrel: Opal 2.0 stainless steel with side tank ($629.95)
- Amazon: the original GE Profile Opal in stainless steel ($499)
Give Our Podcast a Listen
We’re Your New Best Friends
Hi, we’re Megan and Wendy your midlife besties! Join us on Patreon every Monday where we’re talking everyday life, pop culture, and more!
You can also find us on “Girls Gone Hallmark” on Tuesdays and Thursdays where we review new and fan-favorite Hallmark movies and ask the question: Did you see that?
