Opal Ice Maker Review- Is It Best Nugget Ice Maker?

If you love frozen drinks or cocktails, you need a nugget ice maker. In case you do a quick Google search for the term- best ice maker, the first recommendation you find is- Opal Nugget Ice Maker.

But, are you sure about it? If not- read this Opal Ice Maker Review. If you haven’t done enough research, then let me inform you; there are two brands that sold Opal ice makers. One is FirstBuild and another one is GE Profile.

To know the difference between FirstBuild Vs GE Profile Opal nugget ice machine, keep reading this article.

FirstBuild Opal Ice Maker Review

It’s a wise idea to check the customer’s review before placing an order. But, every customer has different opinions. That’s why I have done hours of research along with personal experience. I’m sure this Opal Ice Maker review will be useful.

Technical Specifications

The FirstBuild Opal Ice Maker is a popular machine loved by thousands of customers. It’s a kind of smart ice maker that is equipped with Bluetooth technology. It means you can control your Opal ice maker remotely.

You can download the FirstBuild app from the official app store and command it accordinly. You can schedule, start, and stop the machine with your smartphone. The machine indicates a notification if the ice basket is full.

It has an efficient and powerful compressor that operates silently. The machine requires 120 volts of AC supply to operate properly. Overall FirstBuild Opal Ice Maker is an efficient device that fulfill your daily ice demand.

Design and Features

The FirstBuild Opal has got quite an attractive design. It looks great in the kitchen or wine bar. The dimensions of this ice machine are 5.5 x 10.5 x 17.2 inches. It gives an elegant look and pleasure to the eyes.

The FirstBuild Opal is a countertop nugget ice maker. Hence you don’t need to call a plumber or technician for the installation. It’s very portable and can be used for outdoor parties too.

The machine comes with a 2.3 liter of water reservoir that makes enough ice for cocktails, mocktails, margarita, iced tea, etc. The water reservoir is side attached because of that it produces nugget ice faster.

Ice Making Capacity & Ice Quality

The FirstBuild Opal nugget ice maker produces 24 pounds of soft and chewable ice every day. It comes with a 3 pounds ice storage bin that keeps your party going on. It barely takes 15 to 20 minutes for ice production.

The quality of ice made by Opal ice maker is amazing. It’s soft and chewable which enhances the taste of cocktails than any ordinary ice cube.

If you personally love sonic ice/nugget ice/pellet ice/pebbles, you should buy this machine without a second thought. The half-cylinder-shaped nugget ice is just amazing. You can’t obtain this taste with any ordinary ice maker or refrigerator.

Build Quality

The build quality of the Opal ice maker is exceptional. It’s made from high-grade stainless steel with an excellent surface finish. The ice storage basket is made from BPA-free plastic. The transparent ice basket allows checking the ice level without going closer to it.

Because of high-grade stainless steel, the machine weighs 44 pounds. If you need a long-lasting durable ice maker then FirstBuild Opal is a great choice.

Customer Support

FirstBuild is a popular company that deals with ice production and water supply. The company provides great after-sale support and service across the country. Although it comes with a 1-year warranty, you don’t face any issue after the warranty period is over.

You can reach them via mobile, email, or raise a complaint on their website. They quickly arrange on-site service at your location. In case of fault under the warranty period, they provide replacement of the product.

So, you should be assured about their service and support.

Installation & Cleaning

Installation of FirstBuild nugget ice maker is extremely easy. When I received the machine, all the parts were assembled. Because of stainless steel, the machine itself weighs 44 pounds. Hence, I recommend you take care of it while collecting the package.

It comes with a countertop design and with a 2.3 liter of water reservoir. Hence you don’t need to connect through the waterline. You just need to fill the water and run it for a few cycles for cleaning.

You can find a small switch on the backside for the cleaning mode. I recommend you to run it for 10 minutes in cleaning mode so that all compartments and parts flush out any residue. After that, empty the water tank and start production of nugget ice with fresh water.

However, it’s recommended to clean your ice maker frequently to enjoy the real taste. I’ve written an ice maker cleaning guide that you can check out.

GE Profile Opal Ice Maker Review

GE appliances is a popular home and kitchen appliance brand globally. This Opal Nugget Ice Maker by GE Profile is quite similar to the FirstBuild Opal Ice Maker.

GE Opal Ice Maker is also equipped with a Bluetooth feature. It means you can schedule the ice-making task from a smartphone.

It’s made from stainless steel and plastic. However, there’s a huge price difference in both. Both look similar in design and features.

GE Profile Opal also has a daily ice production capacity of 24 pounds per day. Similarly, it has a 3 pounds ice storage bin.

GE Profile Opal ice maker is the best seller on Amazon. You can consider this over FirstBuild because of the price difference.

GE Profile Opal Vs FirstBuild Opal Ice Maker

Let’s see the differences between GE Profile Opal vs FirstBuild Opal ice maker-

When you observe the specification, you don’t find any major difference. However, there is a price difference between both products. So, you can make a buying decision based on that.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a nugget ice maker then Opal ice maker is the best choice. I have explained everything in this Opal ice maker review. I’ve also mentioned notable differences between FirstBuild Opal Vs GE Profile Opal ice makers. You can blindly go if you need a portable and countertop sonic ice maker for home use.