SPT IM-101 Portable ICE Maker W/LCD Display

After a long research on the internet and several phone calls for the ideal Ice Maker, I finally decided to purchased the Sunpentown IM-101 portable ice maker. I have been using it straight, non stop for about 25 days. I have not turned if off since I unpacked and plugged it. The Sunpentown IM-101 works extremely well. I needed an ice maker in our apartment to produce ice cubes for a specific ice cooling machine, which my husband has been using after an orthopedic surgery. This ice maker machine has been the God sent to our family. The only drawback is that the machine, as with any other of its kind, is a bit too large. However, as far as operating it, its very easy. Just add the water, plug it in the AC, and it does all the work for you. I love the shape of the ice it produces, which is always great for our ice tea or cold drinks. I strongly recommend it. I had read several reviews prior to purchasing the Sunpentown IM-101. I did encounter very negative review on other brands of countertop ice maker machines and it made me very concerned about acquiring one. When I received this machine in the mail, i made sure to save its original shipping boxes just in case I needed to return it. Needless to say, the shipping boxes were already destroyed. The machine is great. I strong suggest you to purchase this particular one and look no longer.

I purchased this item for our office on 11/28/2010. We have used this nearly every single day. Initially, there was some plastic taste to the ice cubes, but over time, that taste has gone away. I don't really recall how long it took, but I think we sped the process with a lemon juice mixture. In any case, the ice maker has not had any problems for the past 2 1/2 years and continues to make ice reliably. We take care of the machine, clean it out couple times a year. It reliably makes ice in under ten minutes. You can choose different size ice cubes, but I don't think we've ever changed it from the "large pieces" setting. It's been a real blessing in our office to have ice nearly on demand. I see there are others who have had a bad experience with this machine, but our experience has been just the opposite. I had bought an extended warranty on the machine... looks like I may not need it at all! I really have no complaints about the machine other than the initial plastic taste to the ice cubes.

I purchased this based on all the great reviews. There are several reasons why I won't give this 5 stars and I was wavering between 3 and 4 stars.It's not as easy as plug it in, add water and you have ice in 20 minutes. The instructions say to clean it thoroughly by running it through it's cleaning cycle with 1:1 ratio of water and white vinegar or lemon juice, then drain it. Add clean water and do the same again. Next, run it through it's first cycle and discard the first batch of ice. The ice had a horrible chemical odor and taste!! There were additional instructions if this should happen. Again, I added one cup of lemon juice (vinegar is hard to get rid of the odor)to an entire tank of water and run it through several cycles of ice. I had to throw away 4 or 5 baskets of ice. I then rinsed it with clear water in the cleaning cycle. Finally, the ice didn't have any odor!Pros: *Quick at making ice.*Three size selections of cubes.*Makes large quantities.Cons: *Ice is watery regardless of what size cube I make.*If you let the ice sit in the ice maker too long, it starts to melt.*You need to transfer it to the freezer quickly but even then, becausethe ice is watery it sticks together.*Prep work*Large and heavy.UPDATE April 10, 2011The ice machine started slowing down and I felt a fine water mist coming out of the area where the ice was being made. The ice in the basket was melting after several hours.UPDATE April 22, 2011Now it doesn't work at all. I called the manufacturer and they emailed me steps on how to check the motor to the water tray/scooper. Upon inspection, the gear mechanism from the motor that controls the water tray was completely rusted, therefore unable to engage and turn. I was told that any parts that were sent to me were no charge but of course I would have to repair it myself. If the unit needs to be returned, I would have to pay for shipping. This is a heavy piece of equipment and will cost a lot to ship back. What a disappointment for having this expensive ice maker for only six months.UPDATE July 22, 2011:I've replaced the motor, (my husband was impressed at my technical skills... lol), and reshaped the output splash bar with needle nose pliers, and finally all is working well. The bent splash bar was the cause of the motor rusting because the water was spraying onto the motor gears. It's unfortunate that I was responsible for repairing the machine and I feel the manufacturer didn't stand by their product. They saw that it was defective, based on my photos, and in my opinion they should have replaced it at no charge to me. In the least, Sunpentown should have paid for me to ship it back and have it fixed by them. When I asked the representative, what my next step would be if the motor rusted out again, she simply said that it's still under the ORIGINAL warranty and they'd replace it, if need be, up until that point. In my opinion the motor warranty should have been extended for another year. Unfortunately I got a lemon.

Having had this for six months, it has died. When it worked, it worked "OK" making ice that was soft and melted quickly. However, it was very useful. Sadly, it died within six months. I called the company and got a "so sad" response.