Let me first say that I have worked with quite a few ice machines. This machine works like a commercial cube ice machine, but is definitely not a commercial unit. However, it is an amazing ice machine for home or office use. I could see it being useful for a certain type of commercial use like a small charter boat company.
Now, let’s talk about how I use it. I hate the crescent-shaped use “cubes” that most home refrigerators make. My fridge’s ice maker broke years ago and I have been using a countertop ice maker ever since. I have owned two of the countertop ice makers that recirculate water and they get absolutely disgusting. They need at least a monthly deep cleaning, and nobody but me actually does that. Even so, they still get slimy and gross and just shouldn’t exist. Commercial ice machines can still get gross, but are much easier to keep clean since they don’t keep the same water in them for days or weeks at a time. Also, they have places that you’ll never be able to access for cleaning, so you rely solely on chemicals to do that… and it doesn’t always work.
The beauty of using these commercial-style machines at home is that you don’t even need to keep it on most of the time. We go through about 8 to 10 pounds of ice per week. This unit can make that in 3-4 hours. I run the machine, scoop the ice into a bag, let it fill up again, scoop that into the bag, then turn the machine off and let it drain out. Now I can just shut it off for a week or so until I need more ice. No water sitting in there going stagnant.
Occasionally, you will want to clean it. Look for a nickel-safe ice machine cleaner, put the appropriate amount in the water reservoir, and run the cleaning cycle. Drain it and run it again with just water. I also use a spray bottle of clean water to rinse everything out. You can also use a soft brush like an automotive interior detailing brush to clean the evaporator (where the ice cubes freeze).
One really neat feature of this machine is that it can use a typical icemaker water supply (connected to your cold water pipe) like a fridge, or it can pump water from a container such as a water-dispenser jug. There are two different water inlets on the rear and you choose which one to use by inserting a paper-clip or similar tool into the small hole beneath the display on the front.
This machine makes a lot of high-quality ice in a short amount of time. A few things I would like to say is that the door is flimsy and there are sharp plastic edges that you can scrape your hand on while scooping ice. Also, the ice machine is not too loud while freezing the ice, but makes a loud noise when the rack of ice drops into the bin. Just something to keep in mind.
Overall, I love this ice machine. If I could suggest one thing for future versions, it would be to make the door a little more sturdy.
