Hi 👋 If your drink game feels incomplete without that soft, chewable nugget ice from your favorite café, the opal nugget ice maker is your direct ticket to that luxury. Specifically, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker with Side Tank is a countertop engineering feat, merging rapid 38-pound-per-day production with smart-home connectivity. Its defining technical advance is the integrated scale-inhibiting filter and a large 3L removable side tank, which work in tandem to optimize ice quality and minimize maintenance. This isn’t just an ice machine; it’s a WiFi-enabled appliance designed to deliver consistent, crave-worthy pellet ice through precise thermal cycles and a self-cleaning system. Let’s explore why this model sets a new benchmark for dedicated ice creation in your home.

Table of Contents

• What Makes This Ice Maker So Special?
• The Good Ice: Breaking Down the Benefits
• Your Step-by-Step Guide to Ice Bliss
• The Real Deal: Pros and Cons
• Keeping It Fresh: How to Clean Your Opal
• Final Verdict & Who Makes This Thing?

What Exactly Is The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra?

So, what did I actually bring into my kitchen? The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra is a countertop powerhouse designed to do one thing exceptionally well: make copious amounts of that soft, chewable nugget ice we all love. Think of it as a major upgrade from the original, packed with user-friendly features.

The star feature is the giant removable side water tank that holds a whopping 3 liters. You’re not refilling a tiny reservoir every few hours; this tank means business.

Then there’s the tech. The sleek touch display lets you control everything, and the built-in WiFi connects to the GE SmartHQ app. I can start making ice from my couch or check if the bin is full while I’m at the store. Plus, it comes with a scale-inhibiting filter to help keep minerals from building up and a sturdy metal scoop that magnetically stores on the side—no more lost scoops! This isn’t just a simple ice maker; it’s a fully integrated smart home appliance.

Why You’re Going to Love It: The Big Benefits

Let’s get to the good part: why this machine is absolutely worth the counter space. The benefits go way beyond just having ice.

• The Ice Itself is Everything. We have to start here. The “good ice” isn’t a marketing gimmick. The opal nugget ice maker produces soft, porous, chewable pellets that are less dense than regular ice. This means they chill your drink faster and absorb flavor slightly, making every sip from your iced coffee, soda, or cocktail more enjoyable. A report from USA Today on food trends highlights how texture is becoming a major focus, and this ice is a prime example.
• Speed and Capacity for Real Life. You get your first batch in about 10 minutes. After that, it consistently produces 1.6 pounds per hour. The large storage bin and high daily output mean you’ll almost never run out, even during movie nights or backyard BBQs. For comparison, many cheap nugget ice maker models struggle to make half this amount.
• The Side Tank is a Game-Changer. Previous models had a tank you filled from the top, often requiring you to move the machine. The side tank on the Opal 2.0 Ultra slides out smoothly, so you can fill it at the sink without any heavy lifting. It’s a simple design change that makes daily use so much easier.
• Smart Features You’ll Actually Use. I connected mine to WiFi in under a minute. Through the app, I can turn it on/off, check ice level status, monitor filter life, and start a cleaning cycle. If you’re investing in a smart home appliances ecosystem, this fits right in. You can even use voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant.
• Built to Last and Stay Clean. The advanced cleaning cycle is a true hero. It uses a combination of heat and fresh water to sanitize and descale the internal lines. Running this cycle regularly (the machine will remind you!) keeps your ice tasting pure and the machine running smoothly. The included scale-inhibiting filter is a first line of defense, especially if you have harder water.

Making Your First Batch: How to Use Your Opal Ice Maker

Getting started is super straightforward. Here is exactly what you do:

1. Unbox and Place It. Find a spot on a level, sturdy countertop near an outlet and your sink for easy tank refills. Leave a few inches of space around the back and sides for air flow.
2. Install the Filter. Pop open the top compartment, take the filter out of its bag, and insert it into the holder. This step is crucial for long-term performance.
3. Fill the Side Tank. Slide the large transparent tank out from the side. Fill it with cold tap water (or filtered water for the best results) and slide it back in until it clicks.
4. Power Up. Plug in the machine. The sleek touch display will light up. Press the power button.
5. Start Making Ice. You can just let it do its thing! The first cycle takes about 10-15 minutes as it primes the system. You’ll hear water pumping and then the satisfying sound of ice nuggets falling into the bin.
6. Use the App (Optional but Awesome). Download the “GE SmartHQ” app, follow the in-app instructions to connect your GE Opal 2.0 nugget ice maker to your WiFi. Now you have remote control!
7. Scoop and Enjoy! Use the provided metal scoop. The ice is ready to chew, crunch, and chill.
8. Keep the Tank Full. Keep an eye on the water level in the side tank. The display will also show you when it’s getting low.

The Honest Breakdown: Pros and Cons

Let’s be real—no product is perfect. Here’s my totally honest take after months of use.

Pros	Cons
Makes authentic, chewable nugget ice that is utterly addictive and perfect for drinks.	It’s not silent. You’ll hear a humming when it’s working and a loud “crunch” when it harvests ice. It’s a conversation-friendly noise, not a blender, but you notice it.
Huge daily output (38 lbs) means you’ll almost never run out of ice.	Requires regular cleaning & filter changes. To keep it running well, you need to run the clean cycle every few weeks and change the filter every ~3 months (extra filters cost around $40).
The removable side tank is massively convenient and holds a lot of water.	The upfront cost is an investment. This is a premium appliance, not a budget buy.
WiFi smart features are useful and reliable for remote control and status checks.	It does generate some heat from the compressor, so avoid tucking it into a super tight, enclosed space.
The self-cleaning cycle is effective and takes the guesswork out of maintenance.	The ice bin isn’t insulated, so ice will eventually melt if left unused for a long time in a warm kitchen.
Sleek, modern design with a useful touch display that blends into modern kitchens.

How Do You Clean The Opal Nugget Ice Maker?

Maintenance is key! Luckily, GE makes the cleaning process pretty hands-off. You should run the “Clean” cycle every 2-3 weeks, or more often if you have very hard water. Here’s the process:

1. Empty the ice bin and ensure the side water tank is at least half full with fresh water.
2. Press and hold the “Clean” button on the display for 3 seconds. The cycle indicator will light up.
3. Let the machine do its thing. The cleaning cycle takes about 25 minutes. It will heat water to sanitize the internal lines and then flush everything out. You’ll see water drain into the drip tray.
4. Dispose of the waste water. Once the cycle finishes, pull out the drip tray (located at the bottom front) and empty it into the sink.
5. Wipe down the exterior. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the outside of the machine and the side tank. Never use abrasive cleaners.
6. For a deeper clean, you can remove the side tank and wash it with warm, soapy water. Always let it dry completely before reinserting.
7. Don’t forget the filter! Replace the scale-inhibiting filter about every 3 months, or when the app tells you to. You can buy replacements directly from GE or authorized retailers.
8. Regular cleaning prevents scale buildup, which is the #1 cause of issues in any countertop nugget ice maker. Staying on top of this keeps your ice tasting great and your machine running for years.

GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker & The Company Behind It

So, is the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra worth it? If you are a true ice enthusiast, value convenience, and want a reliable, smart appliance, my answer is a resounding yes. It delivers exactly what it promises: a constant, abundant supply of perfect nugget ice. The side tank and smart features solve the biggest hassles of earlier models, making it a joy to use daily. While the sound and maintenance are real factors, the benefits far outweigh them for the right person. It’s easy to see why this is often cited as a best selling ice maker in the United States for the nugget ice category.

This machine comes from GE Appliances, a name that’s been in American homes for over a century. Now owned by Haier, the company continues to focus on innovation in best home appliances. They back the Opal 2.0 with a 1-year limited warranty, and their customer service network is extensive. For more detailed performance data on appliance efficiency, you can always check resources like the Energy Star website.

In the end, an opal nugget ice maker is a luxury, but it’s one that brings a surprising amount of daily joy. It turns a simple glass of water into an experience. If you’re ready to transform your drinks and snacks, this machine is the current king of the countertop. Now, who wants a perfectly iced beverage?.

This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This support helps me continue to provide in-depth reviews. Thank you for trusting my recommendations. For more details, please review our terms of service.