GE's Opal Mini Ice Maker Is $170 Less Than the Big Version and Makes Almost as Much Ice.

3 min readWhen we named the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra our overall favorite nugget ice maker, the only major gripe was its big countertop footprint. Now, the new GE Profile Opal Mini Pro takes everything we loved about the 2.0 Ultra and trims it down into a more space-efficient package.The Opal Mini Pro is 30 percent smaller than the previous version, but it delivers nearly the same performance, producing up to 36 pounds of ice per day with the first batch of cubes in under 10 minutes. GE also improved on a number of other details, such as the cleaning function, a few smart design adjustments, and quieter operation. The Opal Mini Pro is a noticeable step forward from previous iterations, and thanks to its smaller stature, it now has a permanent place in my kitchen.ProsSmaller dimensions saves a lot of counterspaceProduction rate is on par and in some ways beats previous larger versionsImproved cleaning process and design elements throughoutConsQuieter than previous versions but still somewhat loudKey SpecsDaily Ice Production36 lbBin Storage Capacity2 lbTime to First Batch5-10 minutes Sound Volume28 dBAWeight28 lb Dimensions15.6 x 11.6 x 14.56 in. A Noticeable Improvement on What Was Already GreatThe Mini has a 36-pound daily production rate, and the 2.0 Ultra has 38, but my guess is that the vast majority of users will never miss it—36 pounds is still plenty of ice for several beverages.And on paper, the Mini Pro actually produces the first batch faster than the 2.0 Ultra by a couple of minutes. Based on my experience, there is a slight caveat to that. Yes, the first round of ice is ready in about five minutes as promised, but that initial batch is pretty thin and mushy. You really get proper pellets after about eight to 10 minutes, which is pretty typical for most nugget ice makers.A Lot of Smart Design UpgradesCleaning is an essential aspect of owning a countertop ice maker. It needs to be done somewhat consistently to prevent mold and bacterial growth, and you have to descale the machine every so often to eliminate mineral buildup and ensure a long lifespan. The previous Opal wasn’t exactly difficult to clean, but its drain hoses were in an awkward location at the back of the machine, and with its larger size and heavier weight, moving it to a sink could be a real chore.The Mini Pro has a smoother process. Like the 2.0 Ultra, it has an auto-clean program that flushes water through the system, but the new design places the drain hose in a hidden access panel at the front, so you can quickly grab it when you need to empty the ice maker. Given its smaller size, the Mini is also easier to move around the kitchen.With the Ultra 2.0, you had to introduce water via either the bulky external tank or by pouring water through the front under the ice bin. The Mini has a top-access water reservoir that makes refilling more accessible and less awkward. The Ultra 2.0 had an enclosed scoop holder, which accumulated water over time and would get kind of gross if you didn’t clean it every few days. The new scoop holder is shaped like a bracket and is open on the bottom, so there’s less chance for buildup.The Mini Pro also has internal lighting with two brightness settings, and it uses the same SmartHQ app as other GE appliances. The app allows you to schedule ice production, monitor cleaning alerts, and order replacement filters, and I haven’t experienced any connection problems like I have with other kitchen appliance apps.Still a Little Loud, Still a Little Power ThirstyThe only real con I could find in the GE Profile Opal Mini Pro is that it is somewhat louder than other ice makers I’ve tried, at least when it’s actively producing ice. It’s basically silent otherwise, but the hum while it’s running is about the same volume as a loud refrigerator.It does use a bit more electricity than cheaper models with lower performance, too. Most countertop ice makers use about 100 to 170 watts. The Mini Pro pulls in 240 watts, which could result in a slight bump in your electric bill. The relatively high wattage could also be an issue if you want to use it in an RV with a limited electrical system.Final ThoughtsThe GE Profile Opal Mini Pro is a great addition to any kitchen, but it’s particularly apt for those with limited counter space, especially if you use a lot of ice on a daily basis. There are slightly smaller models out there, but none that come anywhere close to delivering the same performance. So if you’re looking for the ideal balance between space efficiency and high production, you’ve found your new ice maker.More Nugget Ice Makers We RecommendGE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice MakerFrigidaire Countertop Ice MakerGoveeLife Smart Ice MakerNow 29% OffSilonn Nugget Ice MakerNick Hilden is a writer, globetrotter, and jack-of-many-talents who has written gear reviews for the likes of Runner’s World, Popular Science, Men’s Health, Thrillist, the Daily Beast, the Los Angeles Times, Greatist, and the Manual, and his lifestyle, culture, and tech writing has also appeared in Scientific American, Afar, Salon, Vice, Healthline, and many others. Before entering journalism some 15 years ago, he worked as a bartender, brewery manager, sound engineer, recording and touring musician, cook, teacher, and in a variety of other trades. These days, he lives all over the world, performs music sporadically, and spends a lot of time thinking how to best improve his Honda Element conversion.Amber is a Reviews Editor with bylines on Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Best Products sites. Specializing in kitchen gadgets, small appliances, lifestyle, and consumer tech, she brings hands-on testing and a detail-oriented approach to every review. In her free time you can likely find her trading trinkets at an EDM festival, searching for hidden gems at thrift stores, or cuddling with her two cats.