Product review (5 stars): Great purchase/great price!
Upon reading a review from professional in refrigeration who purchased this same unit, I suppressed the urge to plug the unit in and make my first batch of ice. His recommendation was to let the unit sit upright for 24 hours in order for the refrigerant and other lubricants to "settle" in order to maximize efficiency and prevent potential permanent problems. After which I happily have been making ice and filling bags for the freezer. Right now I don't foresee using enough ice to keep it running so I will drain out the excess water and store it until the hot weather sets in (I predict it will get a real workout in a few weeks). I like the size of the medium cubes (thimbles) and I also like the fact that if you like to chew ice it doesn't freeze them too hard until you place them in your home freezer. I am happy so far with this product and am considering purchasing one for my daughters summer campsite. My son-in-law goes though quite a bit of ice drinking what he calls his "marriage counselors". The boy still needs a little counseling from the mother-in-law.