GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker Review – Sonic Ice at Home?
For years, nugget ice (a.k.a. Sonic ice, pellet ice, chewable ice) has had a cult following. People drive miles to certain fast-food chains just to fill a cup with the soft, crunchy ice they love. Now, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker promises to bring that same ice to your kitchen counter. But at around $600, is it really worth the investment? After three months of use, here’s everything I’ve learned.
First Impressions
The Opal 2.0 arrives in a big, well-protected box that feels more like an appliance delivery than a kitchen gadget. Out of the box, the build quality is immediately apparent. The stainless steel finish, black accents, and clear ice bin give it a premium, almost commercial look.
In the box, you get:
- The main ice maker unit
- Removable ice bin
- Drip tray
- Water reservoir (detachable for easy filling)
- Quick start guide
If you’ve used cheaper countertop ice makers, you’ll notice the Opal 2.0 feels more substantial. It’s heavier (about 38 lbs) and takes up a decent chunk of counter space — so measure before buying.
Design & Build Quality
Visually, the Opal 2.0 fits right in with modern kitchens. It’s more appliance than gadget, with a clean front panel and a simple LED ring that glows to show status.
The clear ice bin lets you see your nugget ice filling up (which is weirdly satisfying). The stainless steel sides are fingerprint-resistant, and the overall design feels built to last.
One thing worth noting: the Opal 2.0 is not silent. Like any ice maker, you’ll hear water pumping and ice dropping into the bin. It’s not obnoxiously loud, but you’ll notice it in a quiet room.
Setup & Installation
Setup is painless:
- Place the unit on a flat, stable surface.
- Attach the side water reservoir.
- Fill with water (filtered is best).
- Plug it in and power on.
The machine does an initial cleaning cycle, and within about 15 minutes you’ll hear your first nuggets dropping. It takes about 20 minutes to get the first usable batch and roughly 1 hour to fill the bin.
Pro tip: Using distilled or filtered water helps maintain ice quality and keeps the machine cleaner longer.
Features & Controls
The Opal 2.0 improves on the original model with:
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth – Connect to the SmartHQ app to control the ice maker, set schedules, and get cleaning reminders.
- Side tank water reservoir – Lets you make ice for hours without refilling.
- Self-cleaning function – Reduces maintenance hassle (though you’ll still need to deep clean monthly).
- LED status ring – Indicates ice-making, cleaning, and standby modes.
The SmartHQ app isn’t essential, but it’s handy if you want to start making ice before you get home or put the machine into cleaning mode without bending down.
Ice Quality – The Main Event
Let’s be real — the only reason to buy the Opal 2.0 is nugget ice quality.
And it delivers.
The nuggets are small, airy, and perfectly chewable. They’re soft enough to bite into but dense enough not to melt instantly. If you’ve ever gotten ice from Sonic or Chick-fil-A, this is virtually identical.
The machine makes about 24 lbs of ice per day, and the bin holds roughly 3 lbs at a time. When the bin is full, it stops making ice until you scoop some out.
Everyday Use
For daily use, the Opal 2.0 is addictive. Here’s how I use it:
- Iced coffee – Nugget ice chills it fast without watering it down instantly.
- Cocktails – Mojitos, mint juleps, and whiskey sodas feel more “bar quality.”
- Kids’ drinks – Lemonade and juice suddenly get more exciting.
- Random ice chewing – Nugget ice lovers know this is a thing.
The Opal holds its own in hot weather, producing enough ice for small gatherings without issue. For large parties, you might need to make ice ahead of time and store it in your freezer.
Cleaning & Maintenance
This is where some buyers get tripped up.
The Opal 2.0 requires regular cleaning — about once a week for a quick rinse and once a month for deep cleaning using the GE cleaning solution. This keeps mineral deposits and slime (yep, it’s a thing) from building up in the water lines.
Skipping cleaning will absolutely affect ice quality and may shorten the machine’s life.
The self-cleaning cycle helps, but you still need to wipe the bin and scrub the interior parts occasionally.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Perfect Sonic-style nugget ice
- Attractive stainless steel design
- Smart app controls and scheduling
- Large side reservoir for extended ice-making
- Relatively fast production
Cons:
- Expensive compared to standard ice makers
- Requires regular cleaning
- Takes up significant counter space
- Some noise during operation
Price & Value
At around $579–$649, the Opal 2.0 is undeniably a luxury appliance. You can buy a basic ice maker for $150–$200, but it won’t make nugget ice. For nugget ice fans, that difference matters — a lot.
If you’re on the fence, consider:
- How often you use ice
- Whether you specifically love chewable nugget ice
- Your tolerance for cleaning routines
If the answers are “daily,” “yes,” and “I don’t mind,” then the Opal 2.0 is worth the splurge.
Who Is It For?
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 is ideal for:
- Nugget ice lovers
- Home entertainers
- Families who go through a lot of ice
- Cocktail enthusiasts
It’s not ideal for:
- Small kitchens with limited counter space
- People who don’t want to maintain an appliance
- Those who just need ice occasionally
Alternatives
If the Opal 2.0 is too pricey:
- Frigidaire Nugget Ice Maker – Cheaper but noisier, with slightly less refined ice.
- NewAir Nugget Ice Maker – Good nugget ice, but slower production.
- Yardbird Outdoor Nugget Ice Maker – Outdoor-friendly but even more expensive.
Final Verdict
If you love nugget ice, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the best way to get it at home without installing a full-blown commercial machine. The ice quality is spot-on, the design is stylish, and the app features are a nice bonus.
It’s not perfect — you’ll need to clean it regularly and make room for it on your counter — but for nugget ice fans, it’s as close to perfection as you can get in a home appliance.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
(One star off for price and maintenance requirements.)
Where to Buy
You can purchase the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker from:
- GE Appliances
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- Costco
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to make ice?
About 20 minutes for the first nuggets, with full bin capacity in 1–2 hours.
Q: Can I store the ice in the machine?
Yes, but it will slowly melt when the machine is off. The melted water drains back into the reservoir for reuse.
Q: Does it work without Wi-Fi?
Yes. The app is optional, and you can control it entirely from the unit.
