This is the Summer’s Coolest New Smart Kitchen Gadget — Literally

When it comes to smart home gadgets, some are undeniably essential. A smart thermostat can save you money, and a smart door lock can prevent you from getting locked out. But the GE Profile Opal Ultra 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker, priced at $579 or $629 with the side tank, is not about necessity. It's about indulgence — specifically, the indulgence of enjoying The Good Ice.

Nugget Ice: A Family Obsession

Yes, $630 is a hefty price for a countertop gadget that just freezes water. However, for many, nugget ice (also known as chewable ice, Sonic ice, pellet ice, or as my family calls it, “the good ice”) is a beloved luxury. Nugget ice transforms drinks, making them taste better and encouraging hydration, which is a big win in any household.

Nugget ice is addictive, consisting of small, chewable pieces made from layers of flaked ice frozen together. It's perfect for everything from a glass of water to Tiki cocktails. Unlike crushed ice, nugget ice can turn a room-temperature drink cold in seconds and doesn't melt as quickly. Plus, it's fun to chew on — a fact my daughter enthusiastically supports with her habit of munching on a glass full of nugget ice.

The Need for a Nugget Ice Maker

Unfortunately, no refrigerator currently produces true nugget ice. Some, like Samsung’s models, produce "ice bites," but these aren't quite the same. Thus, if you want genuine nugget ice, you're looking at countertop models like the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra.

Meet the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra

The Opal 2.0 Ultra is an upgraded version of GE Profile’s popular nugget ice machine. It promises to make cleaning easier with new features like a scale-inhibiting water filter. Since placing the Opal on my kitchen counter a week ago, it has quickly become a family favorite. My family loves scooping its nuggety goodness into drinks or filling up their Tervis cups before heading out into the summer heat.

The Opal is straightforward to set up, easy to use, and produces ice quickly — up to 38 pounds a day. It doesn't require plumbing, just a power source, but the optional water tank is handy for a continuous ice supply. We only refill the tank every other day and always have plenty of ice for our family of four.

The Smart Features

While the Opal Ultra is undeniably noisy — with high-pitched whining as the water filters and gentle clunks during ice production — its smart features help manage the noise. Using the Smart HQ app, you can schedule ice production to avoid disrupting activities like movie time, or you can use voice commands with Alexa or Google to turn it off.

Upgraded and Improved

The Opal Ultra introduces several behind-the-scenes improvements aimed at making cleaning easier. These include a new scale-inhibiting water filter, a reusable air filter, and alerts for sanitizing or descaling, shown on the device and in the app. These enhancements are designed to extend the time between cleanings and keep the ice tasting fresh.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Despite these improvements, cleaning and descaling the Opal Ultra remains a commitment. The process is lengthy, requiring a special solution (or vinegar) and up to a day of downtime. Descaling, necessary every 2 weeks to 4 months depending on water hardness, is vital to maintaining the machine. Using distilled water can reduce the need for descaling but not eliminate the need for regular sanitizing and cleaning.

New Features

The Ultra model comes in new colors (white or black, in addition to stainless steel) and features an upgraded touch display for easy operation. It also includes a magnetic scoop holder and a stainless steel scoop, enhancing convenience and cleanliness.

Worth the Investment?

If you can find the Opal 2.0 on sale, it might be the more economical choice. While the Ultra’s upgrades improve aesthetics and user experience, the fundamental maintenance tasks remain. The new water filter and scoop can be purchased separately and used with the Opal 2.0, potentially offering savings.

The Opal 2.0 Ultra is an investment. It's expensive, requires regular maintenance, and occupies a significant portion of kitchen counter space. However, it excels at producing fresh, chewable nugget ice that enhances any drink. It's one of the few smart gadgets that has garnered universal love in my household, which speaks volumes.

If you crave good ice and are prepared for the maintenance it requires, the Opal 2.0 Ultra is a highly satisfying addition to your kitchen. It’s a splurge, but one that delivers a delightful, practical luxury.