I am so happy I got this ice maker! I moved to the UK from California, and not having a plumbed-in fridge with a built in ice-maker is something I've found difficult. I know, I sound spoiled! But for me, I feel like ice should not that big of a luxury. Making drinks with maybe 3 ice cubes, to conserve the number of cubes in the tiny little trays (which crack, leak, and do not give up their ice without smashing them on the counter!) is a disappointment I no longer need to endure.
The key point to this machine is: it works. It makes ice, and I'm getting plenty of use out of it. I fill up large zip lock bags with ice cubes to store in my freezer, and then I wipe her down and store her away. I have managed to find space in a cupboard in my tiny kitchen, as obviously storage is an issue. This isn't something I want on my counter permanently.
That said, it is rather beautiful. I have to say the matt black finish is sleek. And, I am delighted there is a handle! Great design feature, since it does have some weight to it, and moving it in and out of the cupboard is far easier with handle access.
Here's how it works:
1. You have to have it sit upright for 24hours before you use it. I think something to do with the anti-freeze and having it delivered.
2. Then, you clean it - which is super easy. Just wipe it all down and dry.
3. You open the lid and fill water to the fill line (I use filtered water to avoid lime-scale build up)
4. You position the basket inside the machine and close the lid.
5. There is an obvious ON button. And you can choose the size of the ice, Small or Large. It's digital, you press the button and it lights up green.
6. Then, you wait. The machine will make ice. When the basket is full, it automatically stops production.
7. You empty the basket, and the machine will resume making ice with the remaining water.
8. A light will come on when you need to add more water.
Because the machine stops making ice when the basket is full, you can't leave this running overnight or unattended if you are intending on making lots of ice. Also, the ice will start to melt while it sits in the basket, albeit slowly. There is no alarm beep to advise that the basket is full, as far as I have experienced.
It is kind of noisy, but you know, it's making ice, so that's expected. I don't find it overly loud. I have it on right now and it's not bothersome. It sounds quieter than the standing fan I have blowing.
As other reviewers have noted the ice size is rather small. I have only ever put it on the Large setting because I can't imagine the point of having smaller ice than the "large" size it makes. I suppose I should try just to see! I haven't bothered up until now.
Overall I am SO happy I have this machine. It is easy to use in every aspect. I consider it an excellent investment, and am thrilled I bought it. I don't even remember what I paid for it, but it's worth it! I can make ice-tea whenever I want, with loads of ice! I can make a proper G&T with half a glass full of ice! YES! Summer is so much more delightful with ice.
I'd say that although this is heavy, it is portable in terms of the size. You could pack this in your car if you are going on vacation in the UK. You could loan it to a friend! Highly recommend.
PS, you won't usually find me leaving reviews with this much detail. I just put my ice-maker on today and I thought: everyone needs to know about this! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
| Brand | Silonn |
|---|---|
| Model | 21B3 |
| Product Dimensions | 22 x 28.7 x 32.21 cm; 6.14 kg |
| Capacity | 12 Kilograms |
| Part Number | 21B3 |
| Colour | Black |
| Voltage | 115 Volts |
| Wattage | 192 watts |
| Material Type | Plastic |
| Included Components | Ice maker, Manual |
| Batteries included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Item Weight | 6.14 kg |
