GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker (Renewed) Review

Intro

The GE Profile Opal 2.0 (renewed) is the countertop nugget (pellet) ice maker a lot of home cooks want for drinks that chill fast and for snackable, chewable ice. The listing positions it as a fast, feature-rich machine with Wi‑Fi connectivity, an advanced cleaning cycle, and the capacity to make up to 38 pounds of ice per day. In practice, owner feedback shows two consistent stories: the unit that works produces great, crunchy nugget ice quickly; the renewed condition and occasional mechanical problems — especially loud buzzing or squealing — have been a recurring pain point for some buyers. This review walks through what the listing claims, what owners report, how it fits different kitchens and stoves (countertop appliance, so not stove-dependent), build and safety details, and a practical verdict with a "check before you buy" checklist.

What it is / first look

The listing presents the Opal 2.0 as a countertop pellet/nugget ice maker in a compact footprint. Key listing facts that define the product:

• Brand: Amazon Renewed; Manufacturer: GE Appliances; model number CRT2GEXPIO13SWSSRB.
• Material Type: Stainless Steel; the product is shown in two colorways: Stainless Steel and Black.
• Item dimensions: 17.5" D x 13.43" W x 16.5" H; Item weight: 37.7 pounds.
• Power and refrigerant: 360 watts, 120 volts, refrigerant R600a.
• Capacity and production: 3 pound ice bin capacity; first batch in 10 minutes or less; 1.6 lb/hr (up to 38 lb/day under stated test conditions).
• Included components called out: Ice Maker, Drip Tray, Premium Stainless Steel Scoop, Magnetic Scoop Holder. The title also calls out a scale inhibiting filter and lists Wi‑Fi & Smart Connected capability and an advanced cleaning system.
• Renewed condition with a 90‑day limited warranty listed in the product facts.

On the surface this is a feature-rich countertop unit that aims to deliver restaurant-style chewable nugget ice at home. The stainless exterior and compact footprint make it a straightforward focal appliance for a small kitchen island, bar cart, or beverage station.

First impressions for different kitchens

Small apartments / studio kitchens

With the listed dimensions and 37.7 lb weight, the Opal 2.0 fits neatly on a dedicated countertop spot or a bar cart and does not require built-in installation. The listing shows a compact profile that will suit small kitchens where dedicated ice machines are preferred to freezer-made ice.

Large kitchens / entertaining

The listing claims up to 38 lb/day production and a 3 lb bin, meaning the unit can feed steady drink needs for parties if used as one of multiple ice sources. Owners who received working renewed units praise its ice quality and production speed for gatherings.

Placement notes

The listing states 120V operation and 360W wattage; power access and proper ventilation around the unit are implied requirements for any countertop appliance of this type. The product uses refrigerant R600a, which is common for small refrigeration appliances (the listing provides this refrigerant spec).

In daily use

Use patterns and lived experience come from the listing’s feature copy and the pattern in owner feedback. The listing pitches rapid production and an automatic TrueFill system intended to keep the ice bin full without manual monitoring; owners add texture to how this plays out day to day.

Ice quality & production

The listing describes the finish as "chewable nugget ice" and specifies the first batch can be ready in 10 minutes or less, with 1.6 lb/hr production under test conditions and up to 38 lb/day. Owner feedback repeatedly praises the ice itself: several owners report the ice is "perfect," "crunchy," and that the machine produces the sought-after nugget texture rather than slush. That consistency in positive comments is the strongest signal about the actual ice the unit makes when it's functioning as intended.

Speed & convenience

Listing copy highlights the rapid production rate and the automatic TrueFill system that is supposed to refill the bin without frequent monitoring. Owners say the machine makes ice fairly quickly and that the ice is ready fast. One owner comment cites the pour-in water step as awkward — the repeated note is "pouring water in is not easy" — so expect some fiddliness when refilling or topping the reservoir.

Controls & connectivity

The listing describes a sleek touch display that can power the machine on/off, show statuses, start cleaning cycles, and connect to Wi‑Fi. The presence of Wi‑Fi & Smart Connected is a listing fact, which could be useful if you like remote status monitoring or firmware‑style features; the listing doesn’t provide detailed app behavior or features beyond the basic claim.

Noise & mechanical behavior

Noise is where owner feedback diverges. Multiple owners describe the working machine as "a little noisy," which some consider acceptable. However, the critical-owner pattern is significant: several renewed buyers report loud buzzing or a high-pitched squeal while operating or during defrost cycles. One owner described the squeal as loud enough to drown a TV and to be heard across the house. Another report mentioned a bent back fan plate and a very loud squeal, suggesting possible mechanical damage in some renewed units. Because these complaints repeat across owner notes, noise and unusual mechanical sounds are a recurring issue in the renewed product experiences.

Maintenance & cleaning

The listing highlights an "advanced cleaning system" to sanitize and descale when used regularly. Owners do not provide detailed notes about frequency or effectiveness of the cleaning cycle in the internal research notes, but the feature is prominently listed and intended to reduce manual scrubbing.

Service, returns, and renewed‑condition realities

Because this particular listing is for a renewed product (the brand on the listing is Amazon Renewed and the title includes "Renewed"), several owners report problems tied to the renewed experience: receiving units that arrived dirty, with bent parts, or that didn't function at all. Multiple critical comments mention frustrating return experiences and repair offers from the seller that were inadequate, including being asked to pay return shipping for defective units. These service and renewed-condition reports are part of the daily‑use picture for shoppers buying this listing edition; they highlight that buyer experience can vary greatly depending on the specific renewed unit's condition and the seller’s return policy handling.

Materials & build quality

The listing identifies the material type as stainless steel and shows the product in "Stainless Steel" and "Black" colorways. The product weight (37.7 lb) and the listed dimensions (17.5" D x 13.43" W x 16.5" H) support the impression of a solid, countertop appliance size.

Beyond the stainless steel callout, the listing provides hardware specs: 360 watts, 120 volts, refrigerant R600a, and a 3 lb ice bin capacity. The included components called out in the listing are the ice maker itself, a drip tray, a premium stainless steel scoop, and a magnetic scoop holder. The title also references a scale inhibiting filter.

Owner reports about build quality are mixed. On the positive side, owners who received units in good working condition praise the ice quality and the overall performance — these reports suggest the manufacturer design and components are capable of delivering the product's promised ice texture and speed. On the negative side, several renewed buyers describe units arriving with bent components (back fan plate) or signs of prior heavy use, and some report loud mechanical noises. Those issues appear tied to the renewed condition rather than the factory-new design, but they materially affect perceived build quality for this listing.

Because the listing is for a renewed unit from a third‑party renewed program, variations in cosmetic and mechanical condition across individual units are expected and reflected in owner feedback. The listing's 90‑day limited warranty is an important build-quality and ownership caveat to factor into the decision.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety comes first with any countertop appliance. From the listing facts and repeated owner feedback, here are the safety points to consider and verify before you buy or plug one in.

• Electrical specs: The listing gives wattage (360 W) and voltage (120 V). Make sure your outlet can safely handle another 360 W appliance and avoid extension cords not rated for continuous appliance use.
• Refrigerant: The listing specifies refrigerant R600a. If disposing of or servicing the unit, follow appropriate local guidelines for appliances using flammable refrigerants (the listing provides only the refrigerant designation).
• Noise and abnormal mechanical sounds: Multiple owners report loud buzzing or a high-pitched squeal, and at least one owner reported a bent back fan plate. Loud mechanical noises can indicate damaged or misaligned moving parts; owners describe noise levels ranging from "a little noisy" to disruptive. If your unit emits loud screeching or buzzing, stop using it and pursue repair under warranty or return channels listed for your purchase; do not assume a loud squeal is normal operation.
• Renewed condition risks: Owner reports of units arriving extremely dirty or with bent parts suggest renewed-condition purchases carry higher risk of mechanical problems out of the box. Inspect the unit carefully on arrival and document any damage to support returns or warranty claims.
• Warranty and returns: The listing includes a 90‑day limited warranty. Several owners recount difficult return and repair experiences with renewed units and sellers — be sure you understand the current seller’s return policy and whether returned shipping will be covered before you buy.

These points are based on the listing specs (electrical, refrigerant, and warranty) and the repeated owner reports in the internal notes. If you depend on a quiet machine, or if you need strong seller support for a renewed purchase, treat these signals as meaningful red flags and verify the current listing and seller return policy before ordering.

Who this is for / who should skip

Choosing the Opal 2.0 (renewed) comes down to two things: how important nugget ice is to your drinks and snacks, and how comfortable you are with buying a renewed appliance with a limited warranty and variable seller support.

Great fit if you:

• Prioritize chewable nugget/pellet ice for cold drinks or ice snacking — the listing and multiple owner reports agree the ice texture hits the target when the unit works.
• Want fast countertop ice production — the listing advertises first ice in 10 minutes or less and lists rates up to 1.6 lb/hr and 38 lb/day in specific conditions.
• Like the convenience of touch controls and Wi‑Fi/Smart Connected features listed for remote status and cleaning cycle control.
• Have room for a 17.5" x 13.43" x 16.5" footprint and an outlet capable of 120V/360W operation.

Probably skip (or be cautious) if you:

• Need a silent or very quiet machine for an open-plan apartment — several owners report unpleasantly loud buzzing or squealing that can be disruptive in living spaces.
• Can't accept the risk that a renewed item may arrive with cosmetic or mechanical issues and that return/repair logistics may be a hassle — the internal owner notes include multiple stories of difficult returns, dirty/used arrivals, and bent parts.
• Require a long warranty or robust post-purchase support — the listing shows a 90‑day limited warranty, which is shorter than many new-appliance warranties and may be a factor if you want longer-term coverage.

Verdict

The Opal 2.0 design and specs check a lot of boxes: stainless steel looks, compact footprint, fast nugget ice production rates on the listing, and obvious convenience features like an advanced cleaning cycle, touch display, and Wi‑Fi connectivity. Owners who received properly renewed units repeatedly praise the ice quality — "perfect," "crunchy," and the kind of nugget ice many buyers chase.

That positive side sits next to a notable pattern of renewed-condition issues in the owner feedback: some buyers received units that were dirty, had bent parts, were noisy to the point of being disruptive, or did not make ice at all. Several of those buyers encountered poor return or repair experiences with the seller or renewed program. Because the listing being sold as a renewed product is central to those complaints, the risk profile for this particular listing is higher than buying a new, factory-sealed unit.

If you want the Opal experience and you prioritize ice quality, this renewed listing can deliver the nugget ice you want and the listed specs support good daily performance. But if you can't accept potential shipping/condition/service headaches or need a very quiet machine, consider buying new from an authorized retail source or ensuring you have clear return coverage and a seller who handles returns and repairs without passing costs to you.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

• Confirm the listing's exact condition and return policy for renewed units; verify who pays return shipping for defects.
• Verify the 90‑day limited warranty specifics and whether any local service options exist for repairs.
• Ensure you have a 120V outlet within reach and that adding a 360W appliance to that circuit is safe for your kitchen setup.
• Plan for potential noise: if you need quiet operation, ask the seller about noise levels or consider a factory-new unit instead.
• Inspect the unit immediately on arrival for bent parts, dirt, leaks, or loud mechanical noises; if any show up, document and start the return/warranty process right away.
• Confirm the listing shows the scale inhibiting filter and the included scoop/practical accessories you expect to receive.

Final takeaway: the Opal 2.0’s ice — when delivered by a functioning unit — is the star. The renewed listing can be a budget-friendly way to get that nugget ice experience, but buyer vigilance around condition, noise, and return policy is essential.

FAQ

• Q: Does this unit make nugget (pellet) ice?

  A: The listing advertises "chewable nugget ice" and owners who received working units repeatedly report the ice is crunchy and the desired nugget texture.

• Q: How much ice does it produce and how fast?

  A: The listing states the Opal 2.0 can produce 1.6 pounds per hour and up to 38 pounds per day under specified ambient and water temperatures. The listing also says the first batch of ice can be ready in 10 minutes or less.

• Q: What are the physical size and weight? Will it fit on a small countertop?

  A: The listing lists dimensions as 17.5" D x 13.43" W x 16.5" H and an item weight of 37.7 pounds. Those specs describe a compact countertop footprint that fits many small kitchen and bar setups.

• Q: Is it noisy? Will it bother roommates or be heard through the living room?

  A: The listing itself does not provide a decibel rating, but owner reports vary: several describe it as "a little noisy," while multiple other owners report loud buzzing or a high-pitched squeal — in some cases loud enough to be heard across the house. Those repeated owner reports are an important signal when considering placement in quiet living spaces.

• Q: What’s included in the box?

  A: The listing lists included components as the Ice Maker, Drip Tray, Premium Stainless Steel Scoop, and a Magnetic Scoop Holder. The title and product copy also reference a scale inhibiting filter and a Wi‑Fi & Smart Connected feature.

• Q: Is there a warranty and what does renewed condition mean for coverage?

  A: The product facts show a 90‑day limited warranty for this renewed listing. Because the listing is an Amazon Renewed product, owner feedback indicates condition can vary and some buyers have had difficult return experiences; verify the seller’s current return policy and warranty handling before purchasing.

• Q: What power and refrigerant does it use?

  A: The listing specifies 360 watts, 120 volts, and refrigerant R600a.

• Q: Are there known long-term durability issues?

  A: Owner feedback for this renewed listing includes reports of units that failed to make ice, units arriving with bent parts or heavy prior use, and mechanical noises. Those repeated owner complaints suggest variability in durability for renewed units; the listing’s 90‑day warranty is another durability/coverage factor to consider.