GE Profile Nugget Ice Maker Review
The Ultimate Chewable Ice Experience That’s Worth Every Penny
The Ice That Changed Everything
After testing the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker for 6 months, I can confidently say it produces the most addictive ice you’ll ever experience. This isn’t just another countertop appliance – it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
The soft, chewable nugget ice (also called “Sonic ice” or “pebble ice”) has a cult following for good reason. It’s the same ice that makes restaurant drinks taste better, and now you can have unlimited access at home.
Our Testing Period: 6 months of daily use with detailed performance tracking
Product Overview
Ice Production
38 lbs/day
Ready in 10 minutes
Smart Features
WiFi Connected
App control & voice commands
Water Capacity
1 Gallon
XL side tank included
What’s in the Box
- GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ice Maker
- 1-Gallon Side Water Tank
- Ice Scoop
- Drip Tray
- Quick Start Guide
Key Specifications
Design & Build Quality
Premium Stainless Steel Construction
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 exudes quality from every angle. The brushed stainless steel finish not only looks stunning on any countertop but also resists fingerprints and maintains its appearance over time.
At 38 pounds, this unit feels substantial without being overly bulky. The compact footprint (roughly the size of a microwave) fits comfortably on most countertops while producing commercial-quality ice.
Build Quality Highlights:
- Premium stainless steel exterior
- Capacitive touch controls
- Clear ice bin with LED lighting
- Magnetic scoop holder
Smart Controls
Intuitive touch panel with WiFi connectivity for remote operation
LED Lighting
Illuminated ice bin with adjustable brightness settings
Easy Maintenance
Self-cleaning cycle and removable components for deep cleaning
Performance Analysis
Ice Production Speed
During our 6-month testing period, the Opal 2.0 consistently delivered on its promises. The first batch of nugget ice is ready in approximately 10 minutes, with full production capacity reached within 30 minutes.
Daily Ice Output
The machine produces approximately 1.6 pounds of ice per hour, reaching its maximum daily capacity of 38 pounds under optimal conditions. Real-world testing showed consistent performance.
User Experience
Setup Experience
Setting up the Opal 2.0 takes about 30 minutes including the initial sanitization cycle. The process is straightforward, though the manual could be clearer on some steps.
Setup Steps:
- 1Unbox and sanitize with bleach solution
- 2Install water filter (optional but recommended)
- 3Connect side tank and fill with water
- 4Run cleaning cycles to flush system
- 5Connect to WiFi and start making ice
Daily Operation
Simple one-button operation with automatic ice level detection. The machine knows when to start and stop making ice.
Noise Level
Quieter than most ice makers. Similar to a refrigerator running. Not disruptive to conversations or TV watching.
App Control
SmartHQ app allows remote monitoring and scheduling. Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
How It Compares to Alternatives
| Feature | GE Profile Opal 2.0 | Frigidaire Gallery EFIC255 | Gevi Nugget Ice Maker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Ice Production | 38 lbs | 44 lbs | 44 lbs |
| Ice Storage Capacity | 3 lbs | 2.5 lbs | 0.8 lbs |
| Water Tank Size | 1 Gallon (XL) | 0.75 Gallon | 0.8 Gallon |
| Smart Features | WiFi + App + Voice | Basic Controls | Basic Controls |
| Build Quality | Premium Steel | Plastic | Stainless Steel |
| Price Range | $599 | $299 | $359 |
| Best For | Premium Users | Budget Conscious | Mid-Range Option |
While alternatives exist at lower price points, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 stands out with superior build quality, smart features, and consistently better ice texture.
Choose the Premium OptionWhat We Loved & What Could Be Better
What We Loved
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Perfect Ice Texture: Soft, chewable nuggets that absorb flavors beautifully
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Fast Production: First batch ready in 10 minutes, consistent output
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Smart Integration: WiFi connectivity and voice control work flawlessly
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Large Water Tank: XL side tank reduces refill frequency significantly
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Premium Design: Looks stunning on any countertop
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Self-Cleaning: Automatic cleaning cycle makes maintenance easy
What Could Be Better
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Premium Price: $599 is significant investment for an ice maker
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Water Dripping: Some water leakage when opening the bin
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Regular Maintenance: Requires descaling every 2-4 weeks
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Counter Space: Large footprint may not fit smaller kitchens
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Ice Melting: Nugget ice melts faster than traditional cubes
Purchase Guidance
Perfect For You If:
- You’re obsessed with nugget/Sonic ice
- You entertain frequently or have a large family
- You want premium quality and smart features
- You don’t mind the premium price for quality
- You have adequate counter space
- You’re committed to regular maintenance
Consider Alternatives If:
- Budget is your primary concern
- You prefer traditional cube ice
- You have very limited counter space
- You want minimal maintenance requirements
- You rarely use ice at home
- You don’t want smart features
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Where to Buy
Best Deal: Amazon Prime
Get free shipping, easy returns, and warranty support directly from Amazon.
Free Shipping
Prime members get free 2-day delivery
30-Day Returns
Full refund if not satisfied
Warranty Support
Direct manufacturer warranty
Price may vary due to seasonal sales and promotions. Check current pricing below.
Buy Now on Amazon – Check Current PriceUsually ships within 24 hours • Amazon Prime eligible
See It In Action
Complete Setup & Maintenance Guide
Watch this comprehensive 22-minute setup guide from February 2025 that covers everything from unboxing to troubleshooting. The reviewer has been using the machine for 6 months with great results.
- Complete unboxing and setup
- Sanitization and cleaning process
- Side tank installation
- Troubleshooting common issues
- Real ice production demonstration
“After 6 months of constant use, it still kicks out about 3 pounds of ice every 24 hours.” – Review Board (February 2025)
Perfect Ice Texture
Soft, chewable nuggets that absorb drink flavors while maintaining their crunch.
Smart Touch Controls
Intuitive capacitive touch panel with LED status indicators and WiFi connectivity.
Final Verdict
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker delivers on its promises with exceptional ice quality, smart features, and premium build. While the price is premium, it’s justified by the superior experience it provides.
After 6 months of testing, this is the best nugget ice maker you can buy in 2025. If you love chewable ice and want the convenience of having it at home, this machine is worth the investment.
Get The Best Nugget Ice MakerLast updated: June 2025 • Pricing and availability subject to change