Product review (5 stars): This countertop Ivation ice maker churns out ice and is super easy to operate ...
<div id="video-block-R24WD5INS65MM" class="a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block"></div><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/B1N096lxHzS.mp4" class="video-url"><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Jib2wN8SS.png" class="video-slate-img-url">&nbsp;This Ivation ice maker is real lightweight mini and is a little workhorse once it gets going.  One great thing about this ice maker, as opposed to a couple other ones Ive had, is the fact that it is a true countertop model.  I only have about 15-1/2 clearance space under my kitchen cabinets, which seriously limits what appliances I can use.  The Ivation is a really nice personal ice maker that can be used during hot weather.

Now, one thing to consider is how much ice you're going to use.  I have a similar model that can be used on special occasions such as a shower.  Weve made some ice ahead of time and enough was being made so we could have fresh ice during the course of the party.  If you need a lot of ice, take a pass and head for a larger model.  Ive been churning out cubes and putting them in the freezer for an extra supply, something Ill do during the summer months on a regular basis.  Just as an aside, if you leave the machine going during the night, the ice will melt slightly and clump.  Now Im unplugging it before I head to bed.

Back to the set up.  Pulling the ice maker out of the box wasn't any problem whatever.  Its quite well-packed and with the Styrofoam it won't sift.  I will usually allow an ice machine or any other item with refrigerant to set for a twenty-four hour period, but the Ivation is good to go within 30 minutes or so.  I set it on the counter to settle and while it was settling, I washed out the basket, scoop, and inside of the unit with warm, soapy water.  By the time Id finished, it was ready to plug in the Ivation and begin to make ice.

Operation is really quite intuitive, unlike one machine I had, a larger clunkier model. There really isn't a thing to do with this machine in terms of setup aside from adding water.  There are only a couple of icons on the digital display that alert you to what is going on: Ice full, Add water. How easy can it get?  Remove the Ivation from the box, let the ice maker settle, clean, pour in water, plug in, turn on, and wait for your ice.  The default setting is for medium cubes unless you have a preference for small or large.  Operation is intuitive and ultra-easy.  Cant get much better than that.

SPECS:

'  Dimensions:  11.7 x 14.2 x 13.3
'  Maximum output per day (24 hours):  6.5 pounds
'  Output time:  7 to 10 minutes
'  Water capacity:  3 quarts
'  Rated Power Input:  110 W
'  Voltage:  110 - 120V

To make the perfect cube, least ways a pure one, I used filtered water from my Brita.  Distilled or spring water also works well, thus preventing any flaky buildup from the water.  The cubes, which have a hollowed out section in the middle, were sans any off taste. That sort of thing is a real turn off.  When I left the machine running overnight or for an extended period of time, the cubes clumped a bit (all of these machines do this).  I was easily able to break them apart with the scoop.  They don't clump at all when Im using it continually, rather unlike getting a bag of ice thats rather distasteful looking (I hate that).

Once again, I cant remind anyone enough that this machine isn't capable of producing scads of ice all at once.  However, this machine (as is the other Ivation) is infinitely faster than my other one.  After filling with water, I just walked away and had a basket full of ice within the hour.  Dont stand there and watch the ice being made because its like watching paint dry.  This is a great little personal / party ice maker, not an industrial one.  Also keep in mind that by using filtered water, youll avoid bad tasting ice and chemical buildup in the machine.  Yes, I do love this machine and think its perfect to use during hot summer months and for anyone who is having a small party for personal use.

CLEANING:

One thing that is important is making sure you clean the machine every once in a while.  What I did with my other one was clean it with a solution of water and vinegar in a manner similar to how Id clean a coffee maker.  This ensures that there will be no off taste to the cubes and youll have a pristine interior.  I fill the water reservoir below the water fill line with 1 quart of white distilled vinegar and 1 quart of potable water.

Do not fill above the water level max.  The line is clearly marked on the inside of this machine. When cleaning the ratio of vinegar is 1:1.  This formula worked quite well for me in my other machine and is the capacity of 2.0 quarts.  Dont fill all the way, but under the line.  Mind you, you don't have to clean this every other week, but once every couple of months or so if you're using the machine frequently.  Just my take because I like clean as opposed to crud and want this machine to last.

Sample provided for review.