The Opal 2.0 is the nugget maker we'd buy for a kitchen. It's quiet, the side tank cuts down on refills and the app lets you schedule ice. You pay a premium, and with hard water you'll be descaling every few weeks.
Key specs
| Opal 2.0 | |
|---|---|
| Price | $599 list |
| Rated output | 38 lb a day |
| Ice bin | 3 lb |
| Water | 0.75 gal side tank |
| Noise | 39 dBA |
| App | Wi-Fi, SmartHQ app, Alexa and Google |
| Warranty | See GE |
| Model | XPIO13SCSS |
Ice and output
GE rates the Opal 2.0 at 38 lb a day, about 1.6 lb an hour, with the first ice in roughly 10 minutes. The 3 lb drawer isn't refrigerated, so unused ice melts back into the reservoir and is remade. An automatic refill feature keeps the drawer topped up.
Water and descaling
The 0.75-gallon side tank detaches for filling. GE's manual suggests distilled water to limit scale, says tap water should be under 12 grains per gallon of hardness, and recommends descaling about every four weeks depending on your water. GE sells an Opal Water Filter that fits inside the machine and says it's the only compatible in-machine filter.
Fill it with filtered or reverse osmosis water and you'll descale less often. See the best water for an ice maker.
App and noise
Built-in Wi-Fi connects to GE's SmartHQ app, Amazon Alexa and Google Home for scheduling and alerts. It's rated at 39 dBA.
Space
It measures about 13.4 inches wide, 17.5 deep and 16.5 high and weighs about 38 lb. GE asks for 3 inches of clearance at the back and sides for airflow. No drain is needed.
This review is based on GE Profile's published specifications, the owner's manual where available, independent test reports and owner feedback, compared against the other models we track. We'll add hands-on notes as our testing progresses.
Questions
Does the Opal 2.0 need distilled water?
No, but GE suggests it to limit scale. Filtered or RO water helps too.
How often do you clean the Opal?
GE recommends descaling about every four weeks, depending on water hardness.
