This is my 2nd Newair ice maker. My first one, the AI-100R did a great job for over 5 years. When it finally gave up the ghost, I purchased the AI-215R. The first one made 28 lb of ice a day. I let it run 24/7. We used the ice to make iced tea, and as spare ice for parties, etc. I took the ice from the Newair and dumped it into the ice bin in my Kenmore refrigerator. The Kenmore was rated at 8 cubes every 4 hours, so this was a no-brainer. When the ice was frozen, I filled gallon zip bags with it and placed it in my upright freezer. We had a TON of ice with that first one! I've only had the AI-215R for a couple of days, but I figured out one big item quickly. It makes SO MUCH ICE I have to turn it off. It has a timer to turn it on or off, so I will be using that in the future. I really like the available self cleaning function. I will be using that for sure.