There’s something special about nugget ice – that soft, chewable, and refreshingly crunchy texture makes every drink feel like a treat. Over the past few years, GE’s Opal series has become one of the most popular countertop nugget ice makers. I’ve had the chance to use both the GE Opal 1.0 and the updated Opal 2.0, and while both machines do their job well, there are noticeable differences that could sway your buying decision.
In this review, I’ll break down my experience with both versions, highlight the key differences, and help you decide whether upgrading to the Opal 2.0 is worth the investment.
Key Difference at a Glance Between GE Opal 2.0 vs 1.0 Ice Maker
The biggest leap from the Opal 1.0 to the Opal 2.0 comes down to smart features and design improvements. While the Opal 1.0 makes great nugget ice (up to 34 lbs per day), the Opal 2.0 not only produces more ice (38 lbs per day) but also includes WiFi connectivity, app control, voice command support, and an advanced cleaning system.
If you want the best nugget ice experience with modern conveniences, the 2.0 wins. But if you’re only after good ice without the tech frills, the 1.0 is still a solid option.
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE: Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its...
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE - Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its...
GE Opal 2.0 vs 1.0 Comparison Table
| Feature | GE Opal 1.0 | GE Opal 2.0 |
| Ice Output (per day) | 34 lbs | 38 lbs |
| First Batch Ready | ~10 minutes | ~10 minutes |
| Ice Storage Capacity | 3 lbs | 3 lbs |
| Water Tank | Side tank optional (sold separately) | Built-in 0.75-gallon tank, detachable |
| Connectivity | None | WiFi + SmartHQ App + Alexa/Google voice support |
| Cleaning | Manual cleaning | Advanced self-cleaning & descaling options |
| Size (Dimensions) | 17.3″D x 9.67″W x 17.1″H | 17.5″D x 13.43″W x 16.5″H |
| Oven Safe | N/A | N/A |
| Price | Lower (budget-friendly) | Higher (premium features) |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
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Design and Build Quality
Both versions share a sleek stainless-steel exterior that looks great on any countertop. However, the Opal 2.0 is slightly wider and bulkier, which you’ll notice if your kitchen space is limited.
When I placed both side by side, the Opal 1.0 had a more compact footprint, making it easier to fit under cabinets. The 2.0, on the other hand, felt sturdier and more premium in terms of build.
Winner: Opal 1.0 for compact kitchens, Opal 2.0 for sturdier design
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE: Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its...
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE - Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its...
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Ease of Use
The Opal 1.0 keeps things simple: plug it in, fill the tank, and in about 10 minutes you have nugget ice. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
The Opal 2.0 builds on that simplicity but adds smart functionality. Through the SmartHQ app, I could check ice levels, schedule ice-making cycles, and even start the machine remotely. For someone who likes walking into the kitchen to find a drawer full of ice ready, that’s a real convenience.
Voice command support with Alexa and Google Assistant is also a neat addition, though I found myself using the app more often than voice commands.
Winner: Opal 2.0
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Ice Production and Storage
Both machines produce nugget ice that’s soft, crunchy, and perfect for cocktails, sodas, or just chewing on its own.
The Opal 1.0 can make up to 34 lbs per day, which is plenty for daily use or small gatherings. The Opal 2.0 increases this slightly to 38 lbs per day, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but I did notice the difference during back-to-back hosting.
Storage capacity is the same for both: about 3 lbs of ice in the bin. If you don’t scoop frequently, the ice will slowly melt back into the water reservoir, but the machine automatically reuses it.
Winner: Opal 2.0 (slight edge in production)
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE: Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its...
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE - Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its...
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Water Tank and Refilling
This is one of the biggest differences.
The Opal 1.0 requires you to either refill the internal tank manually or purchase a separate side tank, which adds extra cost and takes up counter space.
The Opal 2.0 comes with a built-in 0.75-gallon water tank that’s detachable for easy refilling. It also triples ice-making capacity compared to manual refills. For me, this was a game-changer because I didn’t have to constantly check on water levels during parties.
Winner: Opal 2.0
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE: Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its...
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE - Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its...
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Cleaning and Maintenance
Here’s where the Opal 2.0 clearly stands out.
The Opal 1.0 requires manual cleaning and descaling, which can be a bit tedious if you use it daily. I had to run vinegar-water solutions every couple of weeks to keep the ice fresh.
The Opal 2.0 features an advanced cleaning system that, when paired with GE’s cleaning kit, makes the process much easier. The machine runs cleaning cycles on its own, which saves time and ensures consistently fresh ice.
Winner: Opal 2.0
GE Opal 1.0 Nugget Ice Maker
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE: Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its...
Pros:
- Compact design fits tight spaces
- Produces high-quality nugget ice
- Lower cost compared to Opal 2.0
- Simple operation
Cons:
- No smart features or app control
- Requires side tank purchase for extended use
- Manual cleaning is time-consuming
GE Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
- OPAL NUGGET ICE, THE GOOD ICE - Serve up chewable, crunchable, craveable nugget ice that's ready fast and retains its...
Pros:
- WiFi and app connectivity for remote control
- Voice assistant compatibility
- Larger built-in detachable water tank
- Improved cleaning system
- Slightly higher daily ice output
Cons:
- Bulkier design takes up more counter space
- Higher price point
- Requires filter and cleaning kit purchase for best results
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After using both machines, my honest take is this:
- If you want great nugget ice at a more affordable price and don’t mind manual cleaning, the GE Opal 1.0 will serve you well. It’s compact, reliable, and delivers the same crave-worthy nugget ice that makes the Opal series famous.
- If you’re looking for a more advanced, low-maintenance, and convenient experience, the GE Opal 2.0 is worth the upgrade. The smart app control, built-in water tank, and automatic cleaning functions make it far more user-friendly in the long run.
For me personally, the Opal 2.0 is the better choice because I like the convenience of managing my ice maker through the app and not having to babysit the machine during parties. That said, if budget is tight, the Opal 1.0 still delivers excellent performance.
Recommendation: Go for the Opal 2.0 if you want the full modern ice-making experience, but the Opal 1.0 remains a reliable option if you want to save money without compromising ice quality.
