Verdict: The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra is worth considering if you specifically want soft, chewable nugget ice and will accept regular cleaning, filter replacement, noise and a substantial countertop footprint. It is an incremental upgrade over the Opal 2.0, not a fundamentally new ice maker. The Ultra’s separate maintenance alerts, scale-inhibiting filter, refreshed controls and magnetic scoop holder improve ownership, but they do not by themselves justify a large premium.
This is a researched buying guide rather than a firsthand long-term test. Prices, included accessories and availability vary by exact model number and region.
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What the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra does
The Opal 2.0 Ultra is a countertop nugget-ice maker. Nugget ice is softer and more porous than conventional refrigerator cubes or bullet-shaped ice. It is easy to chew, melts relatively quickly and absorbs some of the flavor of soda, iced coffee and cocktails. That makes it appealing for frequent iced-drink drinkers and people who snack on ice.
It is not universally better ice. Dense cubes generally melt more slowly and can be preferable for spirits or drinks that should not become diluted quickly. The Ultra’s appeal is specifically its restaurant-style, chewable texture. GE says the machine freezes thin layers of ice before compressing and extruding them; independent testing found that the Ultra and Opal 2.0 produce broadly similar nugget ice. GE explains the ice-making system here, while Good Housekeeping’s comparison found the differences between the two generations relatively modest in everyday use.
#1 Best Overall
- LEGIT NUGGET ICE: This advanced nugget ice maker creates plenty of chewable, crunchable, craveable pellet ice that is ready fast, cools drinks quickly and is perfect for fun ice snacking.
- HIGH-CAPACITY ICE PRODUCTION: Enjoy your first batch of ice in 10 minutes or less. Produces 1.6 pounds of ice per hour or up to 38 pounds per day when continuously operated.
- EXPANDED WATER CAPACITY: Produces 3X more ice at a time and requires less frequent refills thanks to a large capacity, removable water tank. Simply plug in and fill with water. Detaches easily for filling and cleaning - no permanent water line installation required.
- FULL-SIZE COUNTERTOP DESIGN: Measures 17.5"D x 13.43"W x 16.5"H with side tank attached. 16.5" height fits under most standard kitchen cabinets for flexible placement options.
- WIFI SMART CONTROL & VOICE COMMAND: Never run out of ice with built-in WiFi that lets you schedule ice production, receive maintenance alerts, update software, or order Opal accessories, all using the SmartHQ App or Amazon and Google Voice devices.
What “Ultra” adds over the Opal 2.0
The Ultra should be viewed as a refinement of the Opal 2.0 rather than a performance revolution. Its main changes are:
- A refreshed touch-control interface.
- Separate notifications for sanitizing and descaling.
- A scale-inhibiting water filter.
- A stainless-steel scoop.
- A magnetic holder for storing the scoop.
- Updated exterior finishes and styling.
Wi-Fi control through GE’s SmartHQ platform, scheduling, status alerts and the general nugget-ice system remain. Independent testing reported similar operation and the same basic footprint for the Ultra and Opal 2.0. If the standard Opal 2.0 is substantially cheaper, the Ultra’s improvements are mostly convenience and maintenance upgrades—not proof that it makes dramatically better or faster ice.
Speed, output and capacity
GE claims the Ultra can begin making ice in 10 minutes or less and produce up to 38 pounds per day, or approximately 1.6 pounds per hour, under specified conditions. Those are manufacturer figures, not a guarantee of what every kitchen will see. Ambient temperature, water temperature, ventilation and usage affect output.
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| Measure | GE claim | Independent result |
|---|---|---|
| First ice | 10 minutes or less | Within 10 minutes |
| Production | Up to 38 lb/day; about 1.6 lb/hour under stated conditions | About 1 lb/hour in testing |
| Ice bin | Product materials support a large household batch | 3 lb reported by Good Housekeeping |
That is enough for iced coffee, daily soft drinks or a small gathering, but it is not equivalent to a freezer full of stored ice. A countertop ice maker makes ice on demand; buyers who regularly need large quantities for parties should plan batches in advance and should not assume the bin provides long-term frozen storage.
Counter space and the side-tank decision
For the cited stainless-steel side-tank model, GE lists dimensions of 16.5 inches high by 13.43 inches wide by 17.5 inches deep. That is a sizeable appliance before accounting for access, ventilation, the lid and the separate side tank. Check the exact SKU before ordering: “Opal 2.0,” “Opal 2.0 Ultra,” side-tank and no-side-tank versions are not interchangeable descriptions.
Rank #2
- LEGIT NUGGET ICE: Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its flavor, unlike traditional hard cubes. Refreshing nugget ice is made from compacted ice flakes and is perfect for iced coffee, cocktails, smoothies, sodas, and more.
- RAPID ICE PRODUCTION, UP TO 36 LBS PER DAY: Enjoy your first batch of ice in 5 minutes or less from this fast ice maker that produces 1.5 pounds of ice per hour or up to 36 pounds per day. The removable 2 lb. ice bin fills up all the way automatically and without any monitoring.
- TOP-FILL CONVENIENCE: The top fill station lets you conveniently add water from the top. While the batch-based ice system filters and recirculates water to continually create new, fresh ice.
- SMALLER FOOTPRINT: At 8.6”W x 15.6” D x 14.56” H, the Opal Mini is 30% smaller than the original Opal Nugget Ice Maker – so you can enjoy soft, chewable nugget ice wherever you want it.
- WI-FI COMPATIBLE: The built-in WiFi lets you schedule ice production, receive maintenance alerts, update software or order Opal accessories using the SmartHQ App or Amazon and Google Voice devices.
The side tank is a convenience feature, not an output upgrade. It reduces how often you refill the main reservoir, which is useful when the machine runs frequently or when guests are coming over. The trade-off is extra lateral space, another component to clean and a heavier tank when full.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesGE’s owner manual warns that the side tank must be installed correctly, kept level and not elevated. Incorrect tube installation or positioning can cause overflow or poor operation. Leave enough room to open the lid, remove the bin and scoop, reach the drain tubes and move the machine for cleaning. Do not place it where cabinet overhang prevents routine access.
Choose the side tank if reducing refills matters more than saving counter space. Choose the no-side-tank version for a smaller kitchen, occasional use or a lower purchase price.
How useful are the smart features?
SmartHQ gives the Ultra functions that are practical but not essential. Depending on the current app and supported integrations, you can monitor status, start or stop production, schedule ice, receive maintenance alerts, update software and order compatible accessories. GE lists support for integrations including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Nest, Sonos and Fresco; connected-appliance support can change, so verify compatibility before purchase on the current GE product page.
The app is most useful when the machine is across the kitchen or when you want ice ready before guests arrive. Status and maintenance alerts can also prevent a full bin or low-water condition from going unnoticed. If the appliance is within reach, the benefit is smaller. SmartHQ cannot clean the water system, remove scale or solve a physical blockage, and the machine should still be usable from its controls if Wi-Fi pairing fails.
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Maintenance is the cost of good nugget ice
This is not a low-maintenance appliance. The water system, bin, scoop and drip tray need regular attention, particularly in hard-water areas. GE’s owner manual specifies potable water and water hardness below 12 grains per gallon. It also warns against putting liquids other than water in the reservoir; misuse can affect operation and may void the warranty.
Rank #3
- LEGIT NUGGET ICE: Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its flavor, unlike traditional hard cubes. Refreshing nugget ice is made from compacted ice flakes and is perfect for iced coffee, cocktails, smoothies, sodas, and more.
- RAPID ICE PRODUCTION, UP TO 36 LBS PER DAY: Enjoy your first batch of ice in 5 minutes or less from this fast ice maker that produces 1.5 pounds of ice per hour or up to 36 pounds per day. The removable 2 lb. ice bin fills up all the way automatically and without any monitoring.
- TOP-FILL CONVENIENCE: The top fill station lets you conveniently add water from the top. While the batch-based ice system filters and recirculates water to continually create new, fresh ice.
- SMALLER FOOTPRINT: At 11.6”W x 15.6” D x 14.56” H, the Opal Mini is 30% smaller than the original Opal Nugget Ice Maker – so you can enjoy soft, chewable nugget ice wherever you want it.
- WI-FI COMPATIBLE: The built-in WiFi lets you schedule ice production, receive maintenance alerts, update software or order Opal accessories using the SmartHQ App or Amazon and Google Voice devices.
The manual says holding the Clean button for three seconds starts a cleaning cycle. A descale indicator flashes after 100 hours of ice making. The machine may also run a defrosting or rinse cycle if it detects a frozen auger and low production.
Good Housekeeping summarizes GE guidance as weekly sanitizing and monthly descaling. Its cleaning description includes a solution of five cups of fresh water and one teaspoon of bleach for sanitation, followed by three fresh-water rinse cycles. Its descaling summary uses white vinegar, an 18-hour dwell period, physical removal of buildup and three rinse cycles. Because instructions can vary by manual revision and SKU, use the current manual for your unit before mixing any solution.
- Regularly: Clean the removable bin, scoop and drip tray, wipe accessible surfaces and empty water as directed.
- Weekly, where the manual’s guidance applies: Sanitize the water system and rinse thoroughly.
- Monthly, where the manual’s guidance applies: Descale, especially if you have hard water or see buildup.
- About every three months: Replace the scale-inhibiting filter according to GE’s instructions and actual usage conditions.
- Whenever output falls: Check water level, filter condition, ventilation, scale and possible auger freezing.
GE described one filter as lasting three months at launch. Launch pricing was $29.99 for one filter or $99.99 for a four-pack, but those are not necessarily current prices. Check the official parts store and use only a filter compatible with the exact model.
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There is no verified decibel rating in the supplied evidence, so it would be misleading to call the Ultra quiet. Good Housekeeping listed noise as a drawback. The manual describes normal sounds including a low compressor hum, refrigerant gurgling and clicking as nuggets fall into the bin. Ice-drop sounds are loudest when the bin is empty and become less noticeable as it fills.
That makes placement important. An open-plan kitchen may be fine for one owner and irritating for another. A studio, bedroom-adjacent kitchen or quiet work area is less forgiving. Without a model-specific storage test, do not assume the bin keeps ice frozen like a freezer. Treat it as a supply of ready-to-use ice and transfer excess to a freezer if you need to preserve it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Reliability, warranty and ownership risk
The available evidence does not establish a rigorous multi-year failure rate for the Opal 2.0 Ultra. Owner discussions mention issues such as Wi-Fi setup difficulties, repeated cleaning indicators and premature failures, but those reports are anecdotal and cannot show how common the problems are.
Rank #4
- The Good Ice - Chewable Nugget Ice: This advanced nugget ice maker creates plenty of chewable, crunchable, craveable pellet ice that is ready fast, cools drinks quickly and is perfect for fun ice snacking
- TrueFill Ice System: Say goodbye to the hassle of constantly checking your ice supply. With the Opal Nugget Ice Maker, your ice bin fills up all the way—automatically and without any monitoring
- Advanced Cleaning System: Skip the scrubbing thanks to an advanced cleaning system ice maker that helps sanitize and descale when used regularly, keeping ice tasting fresh and machine performance at its best
- Sleek Touch Display: Easily power your machine on and off, see machine statuses, start a cleaning cycle or connect to Wifi with an intuitive touch display that darkens when it is not in use for a sleek look that fits every kitchen
- Rapid Ice Production: Enjoy your first batch of ice in 10 minutes or less from this fast ice maker that produces 1.6 pounds of ice per hour or up to 38 pounds per day. *38 lb./day 1.6 lb./hr. @70F ambient / 60F Water*32 lb./day 1.33 lb./hr. @90F ambient / 70 F Water per DOE
The cited GE listing identifies a limited one-year entire-appliance warranty, but verify the warranty for the exact SKU, country and purchase channel before buying. Also compare the retailer’s return period and service process. A one-year warranty is useful protection, but it does not answer the larger question of long-term ownership.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallBefore committing to an expensive unit, check the return policy and inspect the machine for leaks, low output, frozen-auger warnings and persistent cleaning alerts during the return window. Hard water, neglected sanitation, insufficient ventilation, incorrect filters, improper drainage and misuse can all create performance problems without proving a manufacturing defect.
Price and value
GE launched the Ultra at $629 with a side tank and $579 without one in June 2024. A cited GE product page later displayed $499 for the stainless-steel side-tank model, but also showed “temporarily out of stock” and “no longer being manufactured.” GE’s 2026 Profile lookbook still lists the XPIO13SWSS, creating an availability conflict. Treat any $499 figure as a dated, volatile price signal—not a guaranteed current price—and check availability by ZIP code and exact model number before purchasing.
The real cost includes filters, cleaning supplies, counter space and the time required to maintain the machine. Electricity was not independently measured in the supplied evidence, so no credible annual energy figure should be assumed. If you will use the machine every day, the cost is easier to justify. If it will run only occasionally, the premium over a cheaper ice maker becomes harder to defend.
Which model should you buy?
| Choose | When it makes sense |
|---|---|
| Opal 2.0 Ultra with side tank | You want nugget ice frequently, value fewer refills and appreciate separate maintenance alerts and upgraded accessories. |
| Opal 2.0 Ultra without side tank | You want the Ultra’s refinements but have limited counter space or do not need extended reservoir capacity. |
| Standard Opal 2.0 | It is meaningfully cheaper and you can live without the Ultra’s interface, filter and scoop-holder improvements. Ice quality and general operation are broadly similar. |
| Cheaper countertop ice maker | You only need cold drinks, bullet ice is acceptable or you do not want recurring filters and intensive cleaning. |
| Undercounter machine | You are remodeling and want permanent installation and higher-capacity integration. GE’s 2026 catalog lists the separate panel-ready UNC15NPWII category. |
The standard Opal 2.0 is the key comparison. If the price gap is large, the Ultra’s changes are unlikely to transform your drinks. Buy the Ultra when the maintenance notifications, scale-focused filter, styling, scoop storage or side tank solve a problem you actually have—not simply because “Ultra” sounds like a new generation.
Who should buy it?
- Buy it if: nugget ice is the main reason you are shopping, you use it often and you accept weekly and monthly upkeep.
- Buy it during a discount if: the Ultra is close in price to the standard Opal 2.0 and you value its maintenance and storage refinements.
- Skip it if: you want silent operation, a large freezer-style ice reserve, minimal cleaning or dependable long-term ownership without maintenance.
- Choose a cheaper machine if: ordinary ice is sufficient and the nugget texture is not worth a premium.
The GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra’s best feature is still the ice itself. Its smart controls make scheduling and monitoring easier, while its maintenance improvements make ownership more manageable. They do not eliminate the fundamental trade-off: this is a costly, noisy, space-hungry appliance that needs regular sanitation, descaling and filter replacement. For nugget-ice devotees, that can be a fair exchange. For everyone else, the standard Opal 2.0 or a less expensive ice maker is likely the more rational purchase.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
