I Spent $600 on an Ice Maker. Am I Loopy? (GE Profile Opal 2.0 Evaluation)
There are two kinds of individuals on this world: Individuals who suppose ice is simply frozen water, and individuals who know the reality.
If you’re within the second group, you understand precisely what “Nugget Ice” is. It’s the “good ice.” It’s the ice they serve at Sonic Drive-In or Chick-fil-A. It’s mushy, it’s chewable, it absorbs the flavour of your Dr. Pepper or your margarita, and it does not crack your enamel.
For years, I used to be driving to Sonic simply to purchase luggage of ice for my events. My freezer was a graveyard of half-empty plastic luggage.
Lastly, I made a decision to reclaim my freezer house and improve my dwelling bar. I purchased the internet-famous GE Profile Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker. It’s costly. It takes up counter house. However is it well worth the hype?
I’ve been residing with this machine for 3 months. Right here is the chilly, laborious reality.
What’s “Nugget Ice” Anyway?
Not like the crescent cubes your fridge makes (that are laborious and soften slowly) or the clear cubes from a mould, nugget ice is made by scraping ice off a chilly cylinder and compressing it into small, porous pellets.
This makes the ice ethereal and crunchy. Once I unboxed the Opal 2.0, I had my first batch of ice in about 20 minutes. The feel is equivalent to the fast-food ice all of us obsess over. It elevates a easy glass of water right into a “beverage expertise.”
The Setup: The “Aspect Tank” is Necessary
I purchased the model with the Aspect Tank. Don’t skip this. The machine makes as much as 24 kilos of ice a day. If you do not have the facet tank, you need to manually pour water into the reservoir always. With the facet tank, I fill it up as soon as within the morning, and the machine routinely pulls water as wanted. It retains the bin full all day lengthy.
It additionally has built-in Wi-Fi. I can actually lay in mattress and examine the “SmartHQ” app to see if my ice bin is full. Do I want to try this? No. Do I really feel cool doing it? Sure.
The Noise Issue
That is the most important criticism I noticed in opinions on-line. “Is it loud?” Right here is the truth: It’s an equipment. It has a compressor and a fan. It feels like a quiet microwave operating. It’s a low hum.
When the bin is full, it goes silent. Once you scoop ice out, it senses the drop in degree and kicks again on to replenish the provision. I hold mine within the kitchen, and I do not discover it over the sound of the TV in the lounge. However I would not put it in a bed room.
Cleansing: The “Sanitize” Cycle
Ice makers can get gross should you do not clear them. Mildew loves moisture. The Opal 2.0 has a built-in UV gentle (that is why the bin glows blue) to assist hold micro organism down, however you continue to have to descale it. Fortunately, the cleansing course of is automated. There’s a swap on the again. You place in a vinegar resolution, flip the swap to “Clear,” and it circulates the combination for you. It’s surprisingly low upkeep in comparison with older fashions
Is It Definitely worth the Counter Area?
It’s not small. It’s concerning the dimension of a high-end espresso machine. Nonetheless, it seems to be premium. The chrome steel end matches my different home equipment, and the LED lighting makes it appear to be a centerpiece somewhat than an eyesore.
Since shopping for this, I drink twice as a lot water as I used to. There’s something satisfying about chewing on the ice after ending a glass of water.
Ultimate Verdict
Is $500+ lots for an ice maker? Completely. However if you’re a bunch who throws events, a house bartender, or only a “chewy ice” addict, that is the final word luxurious. It brings me a tiny spark of pleasure each single time I fill my cup.
I have never been to a Sonic drive-thru in months.
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