It is loud, like some other reviewers remarked.  This is very time consuming.... even though other reviewers state that ice cream comes in 20 minutes, you have to make the liquid batch at least two hours in advance, put it in the fridge for that amount of time, then put it in the machine. After more like 30 minutes, the liquid turns into "soft serve" ice cream.  It is not firm like at the store, as others also noted.  Then, you have to put it in your freezer for a few hours if you want it firmer.  So, time-wise, it really is not that convenient.  Ingredients cost more than store-bought ice cream.