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(More customer reviews)I purchased this to go with my Mr. Coffee BVMC-FM1 20-Ounce Frappe Maker, since I was using so much ice.
The best way to use this is to turn it on when you need to make ice, unless you are going to need a lot in a hurry - then you can freeze the cubes ahead of time.
1) How much ice does it make?
Well, each time it makes a batch, it makes between one and two cups ... that's every 6-10 minutes. So in an hour, it will make 6-10 cups of ice.
2) How much ice does it hold?
I was able to empty 2 trays into a gallon freezer bag (barely), so I'd say that it holds about 1/2 gallon of ice before it automatically shuts off.
3) Do you need to keep it turned on?
You can, but you don't have to. Put the ice you've made into your freezer and turn it off. When you aren't going to use it for awhile, you drain any extra water out so that you can be sure your water to make the ice is fresh and healthy.
4) Will it keep ice frozen?
Actually, Yes. I don't know for how long, but the sides seem stay cool, and it is well insulated, so the ice I made the night before was "still" ice in the morning. The ice sits in a basket over the water supply, so if there is any melting, it drips down and is remade into ice again. I suggest for long-term use, that you simply remove the ice and place it in your freezer.
5) Do you need anything special?
No. You take it out of the box, wash the parts, add water, and turn it on. I'm using purified water, but that's for flavor, NOT because it's required. And, just a "green" note - for the environment and to keep a little green in your pocket - don't buy bottled water for this - it's a lot cheaper (and no bottles to recycle) if you use a purifier or purifying pitcher.
6) Is it noisy?
You can hear the ice cubes clink into the basket every few minutes while it is running. They freeze around little poles, so the only sound is that of water dripping and a small fan which removes the heat (kind of like the one on a refrigerator).
It's a nice solution for those of us who don't have an ice maker in our freezer and who don't have the patience to keep filling those little ice trays to make enough ice!
***Updated June 28 I have noted that with our recent heat wave, that the ice does melt, however, as I mentioned above, it simply melts into the bottom and then the machine remakes the ice. Not only am I using it for my frappes, but I also found it awesome when I froze four gallons of ice for a large event where I knew I'd need more ice on hand.
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NewAir AI-100BK Portable Icemaker In Black With Indicator LightsWith a sleek, black finish, the NewAir AI-100BK features a compact and easily portable design that makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use! This portable ice maker has the ability to produce 9 ice cubes every 6 to 15 minutes, so you have ice right when you need it.
Size OptionThe NewAir AI-100BK can make up to 28 pounds of ice per day. You can choose whether you want the ice to be small, medium, or large!
Handy ScoopThe AI-100BK icemaker comes with an ice scoop for your convenience.
Makes Ice QuicklySimply plug in the countertop ice maker into any standard outlet, fill it with tap or bottled water, and start enjoying fresh ice right away!
Empty Water Reservoir IndicatorThe NewAir AI-100BK portable ice maker features an empty water reservoir indicator light that tells you when you need to add more water.
Click here for more information about NewAir AI-100BK Portable Icemaker In Black With Indicator Lights
