Newair 45 lbs. Portable Countertop Clear Ice Maker with FrozenFall Technology, Custom Ice Thickness Controls, 24 Hour Timer, Large Viewing Ice Window, Perfect for Cocktails, Scotch, Soda

I’ve had no problems with this machine now after running it nearly nonstop for 8 months. My only issue isn’t product related but rather fighting with my son over the thickness settings. My son likes to set it to -6 which quickly pumps out very thin walled chewable ice. I prefer something thicker that doesn’t melt so fast in my cocktails. We have settled on -3 as a compromise when we are both using it. Cleaning it isn’t exactly easy, but since I run in pretty much nonstop it doesn’t get grimy very quick. I easily go 2 months between cleanings usually. If we leave it to sit for a few days without running and forget to drain it the scum builds up quick but that’s expected. The worst part about cleaning is the small rounded edge at the top that the water trickles over. It’s the only water touching plastic on the machine that isn’t smooth and glossy but kinda rough instead. Because of that you really have to scrub it with some cleaner and a rough scrubbie sponge to get it clean. The rest of it is very smooth and easily wipes clean with minimal effort. My only other pet peeve, although minor and easily fixable, is trying to get it to start up again after running out of water. More often than not, when it runs out of water it won’t start up again after refilling. Easy enough to fix, I just turn it off for 30 seconds and turn it back on. Still annoying. Edit. After finally reading the manual. If you run out of water the manual says to turn the unit off, refill the water, turn it back on. If you just fill it without power cycling there is a 20 minute wait before it powers up again. Regardless of the manual explaining the process it still seems silly and annoying. Why can’t I just fill it back up? Why the 20 minute wait?

This ice maker is fantastic! I had a different brand for years and it didn't even come close to the Newair. Fast, consistent and as much ice as you could want, it just keeps cranking it out!

this product advertises clear, attractive ice that's ideal for cocktails, but fails on every level. the ice is not clear, just as cloudy as every ice made in a fridge ice maker. I tried with both filtered and bottled spring water, same cloudy ice. the ice does not come out in nice cubes that you would want in a cocktail, it comes out in a block that needs to be smashed apart. the machine is loud. very noticeable while its running the manufacturer recommends cleaning it every few days, which it doesn't advertise up front. cleaning it is very difficult. it has two water reservoirs, one up top and one below. the bottom one has a plug to drain it, but the top one has nothing leaving you to either run the machine over your sink with the bottom plug undone or tipping the machine over in the sink to pour the water out. as the title states there's nothing to like about this ice maker. do not waste your money.

I tried several countertop ice makers this one follows a design pattern very similar to other ice makers, but this one was quieter compared to other ice makers i tried which is nice. This thing also aggressively makes ice its hard to explain what that means but basically compared to other ice machines this one goes pretty fast. This also doesnt freeze over/jam a lot where you have to defrost it unlike other ice machines i have owned. The problem with these cube block ice makers is that the ice goes everywhere when you are breaking it up, maybe you are more careful than me but i have had that experience with other countertop ice makers. Also i highly recommend you buy a metal scoop instead the included plastic scoop it makes breaking up the ice much easier although you need to be careful you dont break the plastic inside. I would buy again

It takes a little time to figure out your thickness for cocktails and water bottles but this is a great product. I don’t have to keep on refilling. The reservoir in the ice melt slowly in your drinks.