Product review (5 stars): Good ice machine, even for bulk ice for a family
I purchased mine to produce ice for use on the weekends.  I have 2 kids - one in softball, one in baseball and ice is a very nice luxury on the weekends (tournaments all the time).  For it's intended purpose this machine is just about perfect.  The ice is nice, it produces it pretty quickly and it stays in the bin for a good period before needing to start again.  I bought the smaller one since we don't have a ton of space really.  The biggest issue I had was that it would say it was full when it was not full by my standards.  It was plenty full for what it was intended for - but I found the sensor on the right side and if you stick the scoop over it, it'll just plug along producing ice.  I think I can fill an 8lbs bag of ice in 4-5 sessions now - before it was several and had to babysit it so it would not go on standby.  I'd say it's right at 26lbs a day too.  If using this for what I use it for - yes it is a little hassle, but the ice you buy from wherever can be wet (if from a machine) or really get expensive when you need so much.  In a 5 day period I've filled 12, 8lbs bags and have them stored in our freezer. That's 96lbs.  Now this is before thinking of blocking the sensor I could see this being upped to 16-18 bags in a 5 day period which is 128-144lbs in a 5 day period (which is more than advertised).  Yes, there is air space - but same with all the other ice you buy and with doing it yourself you can pack them fuller and the type of ice is great for just about anything.  I supplement this with ice packs as well.  I'm not sure if the machine will last long using it in this manner (heavy usage, not a lot of down time), but I like it at this point.