Main trade-off
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
Its 17.5-inch depth plus required rear clearance needs much more counter space than compact machines.
Head-to-head
GE Opal 2.0 Ultra vs Opal 2.0: Ultra adds scale management, older stock needs seller and warranty checks
The short answer
Choose Ultra for its scale-inhibiting filter and newer cleaning design. Choose the older Opal 2.0 only after checking the exact seller, warranty coverage and offer on Amazon.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Main trade-off
GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank
GE marks this exact black-stainless model as no longer manufactured, although Amazon stock was still active when checked.
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
- Choose it for
- Scale-prone water
- Newest maintenance system
- Main trade-off
- Its 17.5-inch depth plus required rear clearance needs much more counter space than compact machines.
GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank
- Choose it for
- You accept a discontinued model after checking seller coverage
- Same core nugget output
- Main trade-off
- GE marks this exact black-stainless model as no longer manufactured, although Amazon stock was still active when checked.
About this comparison
Compare filtration, cleaning, capacity and current model status.
The practical choice turns on filter and model status, then on the constraints in your own setup.
Before you choose
How they fit your plans
A gathering needing more than three pounds still needs a plan
Both selected Opal packages have a three-pound bin, so Ultra does not provide a larger ready-to-serve reserve for a gathering. Their published daily and hourly production figures also match. Choose Ultra for its cleaning system and supplied filter rather than expecting extra ice simply from the model name. If guests need more than one full bin at once, plan suitable separate ice storage or another supply.
Facts behind this advice
Both exact-model records specify three-pound storage, 38 pounds daily production and 1.6 pounds per hour. A daily rating is throughput under stated conditions, not the amount waiting in the drawer.
The scale filter is an inclusion advantage rather than exclusive compatibility
Ultra includes a scale-inhibiting filter, but GE says that filter type can be used with any Profile Opal ice maker. Someone considering the older Opal 2.0 should therefore check the compatible accessory rather than assume a whole-machine upgrade is required for filtration. Ultra still has its own cleaning-system differences. Both retain cleaning and descaling obligations, even with the filter fitted.
Facts behind this advice
GE's current support guidance explicitly covers all Profile Opal models and says the filter does not eliminate cleaning or descaling. This establishes compatibility and an operating limit, without promising a fixed maintenance interval for every water supply.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
A cleaning cycle matters to me
A built-in rinse or cleaning program reduces routine circulation work, though descaling and hand cleaning remain necessary.
- GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
- Better fit
- GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank
- Good
I want access for deeper cleaning
The basket, tank, lid or other food-contact parts can be removed for direct washing.
- GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
- Better fit
- GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank
- Depends
Filter is a firm requirement
For filter, GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra records “Scale-inhibiting filter included” and GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank records “Taste and odor filter compatible”. This identifies what the treatment path is built to capture or reduce and what recurring care it requires.
- GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
- Depends
- GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank
- Depends
Daily output is a firm requirement
Both records list “38 lb” for daily output. Both records show the same result for “Daily output”, so this row does not separate them.
- GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
- Depends
- GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank
- Depends
Choice A
GE Profile, XPIO13SWSS
Opal 2.0 Ultra
A premium nugget machine with a 0.75-gallon side tank, scale-inhibiting filter, app control and a large three-pound drawer.
- Best matched use
- Scale-prone water
Checked facts
- Filter: Scale-inhibiting filter included
- Daily output: 38 lb
- Model status: Current Ultra line
- Three-pound bin, 38 pounds per day and 1.6 pounds per hour
Choice B
GE Profile, XPIO13BCBT
Opal 2.0 with Side Tank
The established connected Opal with the same 38-pound rating, three-pound drawer and 0.75-gallon side tank in black stainless.
- Best matched use
- You accept a discontinued model after checking seller coverage
Checked facts
- Filter: Taste and odor filter compatible
- Daily output: 38 lb
- Model status: GE marks exact model discontinued
- Three-pound bin, 38 pounds per day and 1.6 pounds per hour
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra | GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter | Scale-inhibiting filter included | Taste and odor filter compatible | This identifies what the treatment path is built to capture or reduce and what recurring care it requires. |
| Daily output | 38 lb | 38 lb | Both records show the same result for “Daily output”, so this row does not separate them. |
| Model status | Current Ultra line | GE marks exact model discontinued | This changes setup and daily operation more than the product's core physical job. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
- The filter and descaling routine add ongoing cost, and the insulated bin still does not freeze stored ice.
If you choose GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank
- It lacks the Ultra model’s scale-inhibiting filter and more guided cleaning design.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current countertop ice makers comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra |
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| GE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra
Scale-prone water
See price & reviews on AmazonGE Profile Opal 2.0 with Side Tank
You accept a discontinued model after checking seller coverage
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.