Product review (5 stars): Knox Portable Ice Maker
<div id="video-block-R17PY3089ESRAU" 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/D1aAmijdu7S.mp4" class="video-url"><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/01lo1N9XHtS.png" class="video-slate-img-url">&nbsp;&nbsp;Keep your expectations in check - and you may get some value here.

 You will see very clearly in the video how much ice this can actually make in about an hour. It is all great and well to talk in terms of lbs of ice but what is the point unless you can relate it to what would go in a drink? I think if your are buying it to entertain more than 4-6 people you may find it lacking - as stated keep your expectation in check it can not perform miracles but it is very handy for small gatherings or just when you need some quick cubes. It makes 9 cubes per batch and they take between 8-10 minutes by my testing.

 Even though its rather utility in function it is a great design and looks rather expensive and would probably into most kitchens aesthetically (the older one functioned well but it was a bit of an eye sore) I tried to get some good angles on the video I did to show it off since it really is a nice looking machine.

 The design lines are good and the backlit LCD gives it a it of a modern appliance style (and very easy to use etc). A step up from the older model in design, and it makes a fair amount all things considered but its really only useful for a small gathering (Again Im estimating 4-6 people if you give it an hour to produce the first batch)

 The cubes were OK and it gave an option for three size although they are not hugely different. It will make the medium cubes in about 8 to 10 minutes but the large are probably best since the time taken is only slightly more  (although depends on the drink you want to make really - frankly they are not that different between sizes). Initially it took about 10 mins for a batch but it reduced to about 8 when the machine was into gear (it makes 9 cubes per batch so just enough for 1-2 drinks). The first batch is a little smaller also so in practical terms you are looking at about 20 mins from startup to get up and running with enough ice for two drinks from a cold start IMHO.

 This is quite a heavy unit so portability wouldnt be its strong suite. It weighs in at 24lbs! which means you make a considered discussion as to where you are going if its going with you - it might require a bit of planning it isn't something you can just throw in a bag over the shoulder.

 Its job is to make ice though and it that it does its job well. Fill it with water and choose your size setting and then just wait for ice - although its best to use it as it comes otherwise the ice can clump up a little bit when it is full. The ice is wet ice so it will water down whatever it is being put into a little even straight away. If you stockpile some in the freezer it should dry up a little but it will likely clump with the wet surface freezing to each other. It just requires a little planning - Eg. make batches and put it in your freezer to keep perhaps but it isn't something you really need to worry about.

 The design means that when you turn it off or stop it the ice will simply melt and return to the reservoir which is very cool, although not the smartest idea to be using still water after a day or so - Probably smart to drain it and start again if your not doing ice the next day.

 You only really need this kind of thing for a small party OR if you need some quick ice for a few drinks. The benefit being speed but it can only do so much and doesnt produce buckets of ice that might be required depending on the size of your gathering - and it also depends on the type of drinks your going to be making / drinking. It is just under two large glasses an hours which would make about 6-8 drinks perhaps so if your are an hours ahead of your party you should be able to keep up with your ice needs (or just have some backup in your freezer)

 With knowledge of what it can actually DO - not just the marketing hyperbole I still think it is pretty cool. It isn't enough for a large party but with its nice aesthetic I have no problem leaving it out on the counter - and using it when needed for a small gathering.

 Product provided for review - its just my opinion.