Product review (5 stars): Emerson Portable Ice Maker - very Impressed!
Hello, before purchasing the Emerson portable ice maker, I previously read reviews here on amazon to help in making my decision.  I say the Emerson Ice maker does the job intended - I found I need to remove the water filter when just making a new batch of ice (when the ice maker is "dry" or hasn't been used for a while) - after the water pump begins pumping water through 10 seconds, then I push the filter back into position for its intended purpose (to filter water).  We have a Britta water filter that we use in the ice maker itself - the ice isn't as clear as if one would use distilled water (I am assuming this, haven't tried it). I read a few previous reviews for pointers if the red light comes on and won't make ice & the ice has been emptied; hold your finger on the thermostat to warm that up so the ice making process can continue - I haven't had to try this yet but good to keep in mind. I am impressed with how quickly the ice can be made - I usually toss the first two to three batches it makes due to the smaller size ice it makes (taking a bit to really cool off & make the ice more solid).  Hope this helps in your decision.  Again, I am impressed with the great job this unit does and it was less expensive for us to get this unit than have an ice maker installed in our "older" refrigerator/freezer.  We can also take this with us camping for the month in July that my family is at the lake - I like the portability of it.  Have a great day!