My family of four uses a lot of ice. This unit is a great supplement to our inadequate fridge ice maker. We leave it running all day and periodically transfer ice to the fridge dispenser for those that prefer crushed. The portability is great for pool parties--just pick it up and move it outside so guests don't have to go back and forth into the house. No more bags of ice for snow cones. We do still buy ice when using our large 80 quart rolling cooler for big parties, but we don't have to worry about saving drink ice. Every 7 minutes a new batch is ready and that usually is plenty to keep up with demand at a party. The only con is it is noisier than a fridge unit. We keep ours in the kitchen and it can be annoying when the ice drops at night, so we usually turn it off before bed.