16 May

Midea MRC050S0AWW Chest Freezer Review

Product Review: Midea MRC050S0AWW Chest Freezer

Midea MRC050S0AWW Chest Freezer

Company: Amazon

Price Range: --

Feedback: Read Consumer Reviews on the Midea MRC050S0AWW Chest Freezer

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a basic mid-size 5 cu ft deep chest freezer.

Features

5 cubic feet capacity

Adjustable thermostat

Defrost drain

Removable storage basket

Exterior Dimensions

Height: 33.5″

Width: 24.7″

Depth: 21.7″

Design

Aesthetically, the Midea MRC050S0AWW is pretty basic as far as chest freezers go. Its exterior is all white which gives the freezer a pleasant neutral appearance that should go well in most environments.

The front exterior has a thermostat control panel and an easy defrost drain located at the bottom, making it convenient to access when you need to defrost it.

Its lid features a recessed handle and a balanced hinge design that has been engineered to ensure the door movement is smooth and easy to open. This allows the lid to stay open at an angle between 45 to 75 degrees.

The rear of the freezer has a flat back with the compressor being self-contained, which makes it easy to clean and maintain. The power cord is 4.5 ft long which is standard in length. The cord is located in a compartment at lower back of the freezer for handy storage.

There are no casters included although the unit only weighs 68.9 lbs, making it rather lightweight so you don’t need to exert much effort moving the unit to your desired location.

You should allow at least 3 inches of clearance around the unit as per stated by the manufacture.

Midea MRC050S0AWW Chest Freezer Rear

Interior

Being a deep style chest freezer, it manages to pack a sizeable 5 cubic ft of storage space into a modest footprint of 24.7″ wide and 21.7″ in depth so it doesn’t hog up too much floor space. Due to the presence of the internal components, there is a non-removable shelf inside on the right side which takes up some of the interior space.

As with most entry level chest freezers, there is no interior light.

One small wire storage basket is included which hangs at the top of the interior and is removable to cater to your storage needs.

Midea MRC050S0AWW Chest Freezer Interior

Defrosting

Some frost build-up is inevitable, but is only minimal so it can be defrosted once annually. The MRC050S0AWW features manual defrost. Midea have included a plastic scraper tool and an easy defrost drain at the front to release water, making defrosting a cinch.

Adjustable Thermostat Control

In keeping with its simple design, this Midea Freezer includes a standard mechanical thermostat control knob which is located near the bottom front of the freezer. This allows you to regulate the temperature from a range of -12 to -28 degrees.

Manual:

Guarantee: 1-year warranty. 2-year warranty on compressor.

Summary

The Midea MRC050S0AWW Chest Freezer is a solid all-rounder for a mid-size freezer as indicated by its good reputation in the market. It’s lightweight, very quiet, easy to maintain and is renowned for its consistent freezing performance.

Midea are a well-known brand for chest freezers so you can be generally confident that you’re getting your moneys worth.

All in all, a good buy.

07 May

Atosa MMF9112 Angle Curved Top Chest Freezer Review

Product Review: Atosa MMF9112 Angle Curved Top Chest Freezer

Atosa MMF9112 Angle Curved Top Chest Freezer

Company: Amazon

Price Range: --

Feedback: Read Consumer Reviews on the Atosa MMF9112 Chest Freezer

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a mid size sliding glass chest freezer that is suitable for storing ice cream or frozen foods in a retail store or home environment.

Features

12 cubic ft capacity

Two tempered glass sliding lids

Rear defrost drain

2x Epoxy coated storage baskets

Safety door locks

Exterior Dimensions

Height: 34.5″

Width: 49.6″

Depth: 27.75″

Build Quality

The Atosa MMF9112 is a free-standing unit and weighs in at 147 pounds. The ruggedly designed pre-painted steel cabinet has a stylish white exterior and is rounded off nicely with the blue plastic edging. The walls feature 3″ thick insulation foam to keep a consistent cold interior temperature and maximize energy efficiency. Overall, the fit and finish of the freezer is excellent.

Pre-fitted Casters

This freezer comes pre-fitted with four 2″ sized stem casters which allows for easy moving of the freezer. Two of the casters have wheel brakes to keep the unit steady and prevent it rolling out of position.

Atosa MMF9112 Angle Curved Top Chest Freezer Casters

Curved Top Design

Perhaps the most impressive feature is its eye catching glass arc lid design which comprises of two glass slide lids, giving you a convenient view of the freezer contents without opening the lid. This makes the Atosa Chest Freezer a good fit for retail use where you want your customers to see frozen goods on display through the lid.

The two slide lids feature easy-grip brown handles and are made from tempered glass with a reflective film layer to help prevent build-up of condensation as well as making the freezer more energy-efficient. Furthermore, the use of magnetic door gaskets ensures a tight seal to keep the interior cold and allow for easy operation of the doors without the inflexibility of door latches.

Runs on 115-volts

It runs on a regular 115-volt power supply so it can be powered via a standard electrical outlet without any special electrical installations, making it suitable for both home or retail usage straight out of the box.

Interior

The spacious interior has 12.7 cu ft of space for frozen foods. The interior walls are white aluminum and NSF certified to meet high sanitation standards.

Two white epoxy coated wire baskets as included as standard which come in handy for accessing smaller frozen goods at the top of the freezer for easy retrieval. Additional wire baskets are available to purchase separately if you require them. The freezer can store up to four baskets.

There is no interior light included so this freezer is best suited for light and airy environments. However, you can purchase an LED lighting strip if interior lighting is necessary.

Heavy-Duty Compressor

To cope with the demands of commercial use, the MMF9112 employs a heavy duty Embraco compressor which is renowned for its high energy efficiency and low noise. The freezer has a temperature range of -10 ° F (-23.33 °C) to -1 °F. The compressor comes backed with a 5 year manufacture warranty for your peace of mind.

Manual: Atosa MMF9112 manual

Guarantee: 1-year warranty on parts and labor. 5-year warranty on compressor.

Summary

This is a solid entry into the market for a glass lid chest style freezer by Atosa USA.

The curved glass design looks exceptional and every thought has gone into its functionality with features like its magnetic door gaskets, easy defrost drain and pre-fitted casters to ensure that it’s easy to use and maintain.

Its versatility of 115v operation makes the Atosa MMF9112 Chest Freezer suitable for either retail or home use although it’s ideal for use as a display freezer for ice creams.

27 Apr

Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer Review

Product Review: Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer

Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $150 -- $200

Feedback: Read Consumer Reviews on the Midea WHS-109FW1

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a compact-sized, upright freezer that is suitable for small living spaces.

Features

3.0 cubic feet capacity

Reversible door

Adjustable mechanical thermostat

Two fixed shelves

Removable wire drawer

Optional door lock

Design

This Midea Upright Freezer has a free-standing design with a front-open door for convenient access to frozen foods. The door features a wide recessed handle at the top to keep its look modern and minimalistic. Its available in three different Color varieties; Black, Stainless Steel and White which provides an ample choice of styles to match any room décor. The door is reversible to open either left or right to accommodate different room setups.

Size-wise it has a remarkably compact form factor. Its exterior dimensions measure 33.9 inches in height, 19.7 inches wide with a dimenter of 18.5 inches. It weighs in at 57.2 pounds. It features two front adjustable levelling feet to ensure it remains sturdy on uneven surfaces. Its advised to leave at least 4 inches clearance around the top and back and ½ inch either side of the unit to allow for sufficient air circulation.

Interior

Onto the interior, the WHS-109FW1 continues to keep things simple. There is no interior lighting which isn’t much of a drawback given its small sized interior and front door design.

The 3.0 cubic foot of storage is spaced out into three separate compartments in a tidy interior which provides enough space to store about 105 lbs of food. It features two fixed wire shelves that are non-removable and a removable wire storage basket at the bottom which is handy for use when stocking up the freezer with perishables.

Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer Interior

Mechanical Temperature Control

The mechanical temperature control dial is located at the lower back of the freezer’s exterior in the compressor compartment. The temperature dial has a control style knob that has six settings from 1 to 6 which you can adjust to regulate the temperature from -11.2′ to 8.6′ F.

Defrosting

This freezer requires manual defrost and like most upright freezers it isn’t frost-free so expect some frost build-up although this is minimal so it only needs defrosting twice annually at the most. Defrosting it is simply a matter of removing the contents of the freezer and using a scraping tool to scrape away excess ice or allowing the ice to thaw out.

Energy Efficiency

This model is Energy Star rated with an estimated electricity consumption of 240kWh per year which makes its annual running costs about $29 per year.

Manual: Midea WHS-109FW1 Manual

Guarantee: 1-year warranty.

Summary

The Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer scores highly on nearly all fronts thanks to its simple streamlined design, solid freezing performance, Energy Star rating and whisper quiet operation that makes it suitable for any type of room such as a dorm or bedroom.

This model was launched in 2014 and now appears to be discontinued. However, its still available from sellers via online retailers such as Amazon.

On the downside, aside from its lack of frills such as an interior light, there are reports of customers receiving a dented unit. However, consumer usage trends indicate most units arrive intact in good condition.

Overall, this is a good buy for those in need of an affordable, compact upright freezer.

10 Sep

Arctic King WHS-185C1WSB Chest Freezer Review

Product Review: Arctic King WHS-185C1WSB Chest Freezer

Arctic King WHS-185C1WSB Chest Freezer

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $150 -- $200

Feedback: Read Consumer Reviews on the Arctic King Chest Freezer

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a low maintenance, energy efficient, mid-sized chest freezer.

Features

5 cu ft storage space

Easy access defrost drain

Removable storage basket

Design

The Arctic King Freezer sports a sleek looking matte black exterior, which is becoming an increasingly trendy color that has an understated appearance and fits in beautifully in both newer and older kitchen environments.

The lid has a recessed handle which keeps the look minimalistic and allows for easy opening/closing of the lid. The plain front exterior features an adjustable thermostat to regulate the temperature and a drain cap for defrosting the freezer. Unfortunately, the temperature dial isn’t numbered so it requires some guesswork to set the right temperature, but is simple enough.

Despite its sizeable interior, the Arctic King has a rather compact footprint due to its height measuring 28 inches in length, 20.6 inches wide with a height of 33.5 inches. Keep in mind, the freezer requires at least 6 inches of clearance either sides to allow for sufficient ventilation.

There are no wheel castors fitted to the unit, but its lightweight of only 64 lbs ensures that its easy to move when you need to transport it. Additionally, it doesn’t have adjustable legs so ensure that you have a flat surface to place it on.

The freezer comes shipped with double-layer packaging which helps protect it against dents and scratches during shipping, which is a pleasing sign.

Interior

Inside, there is 5.0 cubic foot of storage space which provides plenty of room to cater for frozen foods storage for small to medium sized families.

Arctic King have included a removable slider-style storage basket as standard which gives you convenient access to frozen foods upon opening the lid.

This model does not feature an interior light, which is a potential downside for use in environments with low lighting such as garages or basements.

Low Maintenance

The low maintenance design ensures this chest freezer is easy to maintain. The easy access drain is accessible at the front and should be used at least yearly to drain the freezer.

Energy Efficiency

This is an Energy Star rated appliance that has an estimated energy draw of 218 kWh which gives it an estimated annual energy costs of $26 per year.

Manual: n/a

Guarantee: 1-year warranty.

Summary

The Arctic King Chest Freezer is a hot seller for good reason and is well deserving of a place on anyone’s shortlist who is looking for an affordable, mid-sized chest freezer.

Its sleek looks, lightweight, quiet operation, generously sized interior and low maintenance design make it the ideal choice for apartment dwellers or anyone who requires a freezer with a small footprint that has a sizeable storage capacity.

The main drawbacks are the lack of interior and exterior lighting so it isn’t the best choice for darker environments.

That being said, we highly recommend the Arctic King WHS-185C1WSB.

07 Sep

Knox Electric Cooler and Warmer Review

Product Review: Knox Electric Cooler and Warmer for Car and Home with Wheels

Knox Electric Cooler and Warmer

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $100 -- $150

Feedback: Read Consumer Reviews on the Knox Electric Cooler and Warmer

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a budget friendly, lightweight portable electric cooler/warmer for cooling or warming food and drink at home or on the go.

Features

48 Quart storage space

Chills to 40°F

Heats to 130°F

Two built-in cords

Dual voltage (110V AC and 12V DC car adapter)

Carry handle & pull handle

Easy transport wheels

Removable compartment divider

Design

Aesthetically, the Knox Electric Cooler is a nice looking unit with a blue body, white lid and side carrying handles which is a pleasing alternative to the plain beige colors we often see on portable coolers.

The unit is sturdily built with solid plastics that give it a feeling of robustness. The lid features a locking mechanism which is designed to ensure the lid stays sealed tightly to maintain a consistent internal temp for the chamber.

Size-wise, the unit has an external size of 22 inches length, 15 inches wide with a height of 16 inches. This makes it compact enough to fit it in the trunk of a car for convenient transportation.

Easy Transportation

Functionally, it wins top marks for its high portability. The unit weighs in at only 14.4 lb, making it a lightweight in the portable cooler crowd. The double handle design includes a sizeable ergonomic carry handle that extends out, a small pull handle and easy transport wheels. This ensures that one person can comfortably transport the unit whether you want to pull it along as you walk over short distances or carry it by lifting it up.

Dual Voltage

The dual voltage design allows you to power the unit from an AC or DC power source, giving you the flexibility to use it at home or on the road.

It includes two built-in power cords; a 58″ power cord for 110V AC home use and a 67″ 12V DC car adapter which both come pre-attached for your convenience. Disappointingly, the cords are rather short so you need to keep the cooler nearby a power outlet unless you use an extension lead. However, the DC cord is still long enough to reach the back seat in a 5 seater vehicle so this should only be an issue for larger vehicles.

Accessing the power cords is made easy thanks to the handy built-in plug storage compartment in the lid which can be conveniently accessed by turning one of the two plastic covers and removing it.

Knox Electric Cooler and Warmer Features

Interior

This cooler/warmer has a good sized interior capacity of 48 quart which provides enough space for approximately 60 cans or 6 two-liter soda bottles and 15 cans. It includes a removable compartment divider that can be placed in one of two slots which gives you two separate compartments for storage organization.

Cooling/Warming Functionality

The Knox can be used as both a cooler and a warmer, giving you dual functionality to keep food and beverages chilled or keep hot foods warm. The cooler can chill to 40°F below ambient temperature without requiring ice, saving you interior storage space. The warmer can heat up to 130°F temperature.

Knox have kept things simple in terms of operating the unit. There is a small switch that allows you to alter between COLD/OFF/HOT for easy operation. The hot/cold ready indicator light gives you a handy indication when the interior has reached the desired temperature.

Manual: n/a

Guarantee: 1-year warranty.

Summary

The Knox Electric Cooler and Warmer triumphs for value, making it a great choice for the budget conscious looking for affordable, lightweight portable cooler/warmer that is ideal for use when travelling.

Its ease of portability, dual voltage design and built-in power cord storage are its stand out features that make it flexible for many different situations. It is also energy efficient due to its low power draw which is an advantage particularly if you’ll be using it in a vehicle.

While there have been some complaints from consumers about the unit breaking within 1-2 months of ownership, Knox Gear has excellent support should you need a replacement.

28 Apr

Whynter UIM-155 Stainless Steel Built-In Ice Maker Review

Product Review: Whynter UIM-155 Stainless Steel Built-In Ice Maker

Whynter UIM-155 Stainless Steel Built-In Ice Maker

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $350 -- $400

Feedback: Read Consumer Reviews on the Whynter UIM-155 Ice Maker

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for an affordable, low-maintenance, built-in or freestanding ice maker for low volume daily ice production.

Features

Built-in or freestanding

No drain required

Produces 12 lbs of ice per day

Holds up to 6 lbs of ice

Auto shut-off

Manual defrost

Includes ice scoop and removable ice bin

Design

The Whynter UIM-155 is a good looking ice maker that should look the part in any setting, whether it be in a kitchen or home bar. Its built with a smart black cabinet, which is fitted with a reversible stainless steel door. The door is well sealed to keep the interior temperature cold and intact. An On/Off rocker switch is located in the bottom right corner of the front venting grille, so the power switch is easily accessible.

The unit itself is pretty diminutive and has a look similar to that of a mini refrigerator. It measures only 25 inches tall, 15 inches wide with a depth of 18 inches.

A novel aspect of this Whynter ice maker is that it’s an under-counter model, but requires no drain. This helps keep installation cheaper and less complicated. In the box comes supplied a 9 foot 1/4-inch plastic water line connection for connecting the unit to a water supply. You’ll need some additional hardware to connect the water line to your water supply.

Functionality

The ice making process is very straightforward. Whynter included just one button on the unit, so operation is as easy as just turning it on using the front power switch.

Despite it’s compact size and even smaller interior, the UIM-155 is no slouch when it comes to ice production. It can make up to 12 lbs of ice per day and hold up to 6 lbs of ice inside the included ice bin. One batch of ice can be made in as little as 30-40 minutes. As it incorporates it’s own freezer, you can leave your ice in the machine as long as you want to. The type of ice it produces is crescent-shaped cubes that are rather soft, so are nice and chewable for drinks. The ice cubes it makes are “dry ice”, which is advantageous as it means the cubes won’t get stuck together in a clump.

Manual Defrost

As this isn’t a frost-free ice maker, expect some frost build-up. You should manually defrost the machine when the thickness of the frost on the inner walls is larger than ¼ inches thick. So expect to defrost it approximately every 4-5 weeks, depending on your regularity of usage.

Manual: Whynter UIM-155 manual

Guarantee: 1-year limited warranty.

Summary

For sheer value alone, the Whynter UIM-155 Ice Maker is a winner. This stylish workhorse is remarkably easy to use and quietly produces enough ice to meet most residential requirements. If you’ve been grappling with a high-maintenance ice maker for years, this will make a welcome change.

It’s small size and flexible design make it suitable for use in a wide variety of different situations, such as home, small office or even RV’ing.

This ice maker will best suit people who have modest daily ice production needs, do not need clear ice and are after a compactly sized under-counter unit that’s simple to install and operate.

27 Apr

Igloo ICE103 Counter Top Ice Maker Review

Product Review: Igloo ICE103 Counter Top Ice Maker with Over-Sized Ice Bucket

Igloo ICE103 Counter Top Ice Maker

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $150 -- $200

Feedback: Read Consumer Reviews on the Igloo ICE103 Counter Top Ice Maker

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for an easy-to-use, portable ice maker that is capable of producing ice cubes quickly.

Features

Over-sized ice bucket (2.2 lbs capacity)

Three ice cube sizes (small, medium or large)

Can produce a batch of ice in just 6 minutes

Produces up to 26 lbs of ice per day

Design

Our initial impression of the Igloo ICE103 is good. It has a tasteful, modern exterior that is pleasing enough to the eye and will match most tastes. It’s compact body sports a sleek stainless steel finish with a smart white trim and black lid. Due to it’s stainless finish, it’s easy enough to keep the machine clean with a quick wipe.

Although this is a portable ice maker, it’s somewhat larger than many people expected, so we recommend you check the dimensions before purchase. The unit measures 12 inches wide, 15 inches tall with a depth of 14 inches. So rest assured, it will comfortably fit on the counter-top under a standard kitchen cabinet. The unit weighs in at 25.9 lbs, which is a slightly above average weight for a portable ice maker.

As this is a compressor based machine, you need to allow for at least 5 inches clearance around the unit so there is sufficient air-flow for the fan.

Controls

The front-sided electronic control panel complete with LED indicators gives you convenient control over the ice makers functions. Here there are just two buttons; “On/Off” to power the unit and “Select” to switch between the three ice cube sizes.

Like with most portable ice machines, set-up is a quick and easy process. Simply, fill the reservoir up with water then press the power button and select your desired cube size. Operating this machine couldn’t be any simpler.

One slight drawback is there is no memory IQ function, so in the event of power failure, the unit will not resume operation automatically and has to be turned back on manually.

Functionality

The ICE103 benefits from an over-sized removable ice bucket which can hold up to 2.2 lbs of ice. Once the ice bucket is full, a red indicator lights up and the machine automatically stops the ice production. Once you’ve emptied the ice bin, it automatically resumes the ice production. The machine can produce up to 26 lbs of ice every 24 hours, which is more than sufficient enough for most home uses.

There are three ice cube sizes to choose from, ranging from small, medium to large. There is little difference between the three cube sizes, so don’t expect much variance in size apart from the large size being slightly thicker. The type of ice cubes it produces are small cylindrical shaped pieces of ice with a hollow centre, unlike a typical square ice cube.

When it comes to ice making, speed is often beneficial especially if you’ve got a room full of guests who are waiting for ice. One of the strongest appeals of the Igloo ICE103 is it’s capability to produce ice quickly. On the small ice cube size setting, it can deliver one batch of ice (8 cubes) in just 6 minutes, making it one of the fastest ice machines in it’s class.

Igloo ICE103 Counter Top Ice Maker

Manual: n/a

Guarantee: 1-year warranty.

Summary

The Igloo ICE103 is a golden egg amongst portable ice makers. It’s stylish design, rapid ice production capability and large storage bucket make it mightily impressive in most areas. It’s ability to produce up to 80 ice cubes per hour means it’s suitable even for the largest of family gatherings.

If you’ll be taking your ice maker on the go a lot and carrying it around, alternatively you might want to consider the Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S, which is slightly smaller and about 6 lbs lighter than this model.

Simplicity and speed are key with the Igloo ICE103 Ice Maker. If these are factors you hold dear, this is a great buy.

26 Apr

U-Line BI95B-00 14″ Ice Maker Review

Product Review: U-Line BI95B-00 14″ Ice Maker

U-Line BI95B-00 Ice Maker

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $1,050 -- $1,100

Feedback: Read Consumer Reviews on the U-Line BI95B-00 14″ Ice Maker

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for an easy-to-install, highly compact ice maker that can be built-in under-counter or used free-standing.

Features

Built-in or freestanding

Produces up to 23 lbs of ice daily

12 lb ice storage compartment

Manual defrost

ADA height compliant

No drain required

Design

Aesthetically, the U-Line BI95B-00 is a nice looking ice maker. The black vinyl-clad cabinet is textured which makes it resistant to scratches and general wear and tear. It’s fitted with an integrated door handle, which helps keep the look minimalist and the width slim.

Size-wise, the unit is remarkably compact, which makes it great for small spaces. It measures just 13 15/16″ wide, 24 3/4″ tall with a depth of 17″. It can be built-in under a counter or be used as a free-standing unit. The door can be fitted with a ¼” custom door panel, which is a great feature if you want the door to match your cabinetry.

The fitted door is field reversible, which is an added plus point should you need to reverse the door in the future for an alternative installation.

Quick Installation

Unlike most larger ice makers, this one requires no drain, so installation is quick and easy. Just simply connect the unit to a 1/4″ outside diameter water line connection, plug it in and it’s ready to use.

Functionality

Onto it’s ice making capabilities. The BI95B-00 can produce up to 23 lbs of ice per day and has an ice storage capacity of up to 12 lbs. The ice this machine produces is small crescent shaped cubes that measure 2 1/2″ W x 3/4″ H x 1/2″ D. The ice is delivered into a transparent, small plastic bucket inside the unit.

Operating the machine is easy using the mechanical control dial which is located inside the unit.

U-Line BI95B-00 Ice Maker

Water Efficiency

This ice maker uses less than 3 gallons of water to produce 22 lbs of ice. This makes it very water efficient, which is great for water conservation.

Low Maintenance

This is a low-maintenance ice maker. The only maintenance required is manually defrosting the unit occasionally, about every 2 months.

Manual: U-Line BI95B-00 Use and Care Guide

Guarantee: 1-year warranty on parts and labor. 5-year warranty on compressor.

Summary

The U-Line BI95B-00 Ice Maker appears to be discontinued by the manufacture, but is still available to purchase from several retailers online. This U-Line ice maker is renowned for it’s super easy installation, speedy ice production, quiet operation, low-maintenance design and long term reliability.

While it lacks fancy features like digital controls and a self-closing door, all in all, it has all the hallmarks of a great, solid all-rounder. This model will suit anyone who wants a reliable, efficient, compact ice maker for either home use or light commercial use. It’s mini design gives it the flexibility to be used for applications such as boat use.

12 Aug

SPT IM-600US Stainless Steel Under-Counter Ice Maker Review

Product Review: SPT IM-600US Stainless Steel Under-Counter Ice Maker

SPT IM-600US Stainless Steel Under-Counter Ice Maker

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $800 -- $850

Feedback: Read Consumer Reviews on the SPT IM-600US Ice Maker

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a mid-range, under-counter ice maker which can produce up to 50 lbs of ice per day.

Features

Reversible stainless steel door

Front exhaust fan

Produces up to 50 lbs of ice daily

Storage capacity for up to 25 lbs of ice

Auto shut off

Rear computerized control

UL listed

Design

This SPT ice maker is easy on the eyes, which should certainly attract those after a premium look. It’s black cabinet is fitted with a classy stainless steel door, which is embellished with an SPT badge near the bottom. The doors full length stainless steel handle allows for easy opening/closing of the door. It’s also field reversible, so adjusting the door to your opening preference is made possible.

With it’s front exhaust fan, the SPT IM-600US is designed primarily for under-counter application, but can also be used free standing. The unit itself is rather compact, measuring 32.8 inches high, 14.6 inches wide with a depth of 25 inches (including handle).

The MFG states that a licensed plumber is required for installation. However, if you already have an existing floor drain for the gravity drain hose, installation is easy enough to carry out yourself. Just bear in mind if you don’t use a plumber to carry out the installation, the warranty maybe void.

Functionality

The ice making capabilities of the IM-600US are pretty impressive. It can crank out up to 50 lbs of ice per day, and has the capacity to hold up 25 lbs of ice inside the machine. It produces clear, gourmet ice cubes which are square shaped and about 3/4 inches in size. One operating cycle takes anywhere between 14 to 40 minutes, which is variable depending on the ambient room temperature and water temperature.

Unlike with high-end ice makers, the ice drops into the ice bin in sheets rather than individual cubes, so you need to give it a good tap with the ice scoop to break up the sheet into ice cubes. This compromise is well worth putting up with if you don’t want to stump up the cash for a pricey high-end under-counter ice maker.

SPT IM-600US Stainless Steel Under-Counter Ice Maker Interior

Controls

The controls are a disappointing aspect of this model. The computerized controls are located at the rear of the unit, which makes them inaccessible if you are using this as an under-counter unit.

The control box features three buttons (Clean, Adjust, Mode) along with three color indicator lights, two of which indicate the stage of the ice making process and another for when the ice bin is full.

Changing the ice cube size itself is a little finicky as there are no dedicated buttons to increase/decrease the size and no visual indication of the cube size selection, so we feel this aspect of the design could do with being enhanced.

Noise Level

The IM-600US has come under some criticism for it’s noise output, in-part for being an air-cooled machine. It’s rated noise level is 50-60 dB, which is fairly average for a mid-range under-counter model.

Manual: SPT IM-600US manual

Guarantee: 1-year warranty.

Summary

Overall, the SPT IM-600US Ice Maker represents great value for money despite some of it’s apparent drawbacks. It’s stylish looks and ice production capabilities makes it suited for light commercial usage as well as home use.

On the negative side, you have to sacrifice quietness and convenience as this machine produces sheets of ice and makes a fair amount of noise whilst making ice. The rear location of the control box is another drawback that some may find irritating, especially if you want to change the ice cube size frequently.

If you can live with these limitations then this ice maker is a fine choice for an affordable, under counter unit.

28 Jul

Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S Portable Ice Maker Review

Product Review: Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S Portable Ice Maker

Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S Portable Ice Maker

Company: Amazon

Price Range: $100 -- $150

Feedback: Read Consumer Reviews on the Avalon Portable Ice Maker

Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for a simple to use, portable ice maker which can quickly produce small bullet-shaped ice cubes.

Features

Produces up to 26 lbs of ice per day

Two ice cube sizes

LED controls

Automatic overflow protection

Design

Style-wise, the AB-ICE26S is nothing to shout about, but still has attracted it’s fair share of complements. It’s curved plastic outer body has a nice silver chrome finish decorated with black and white accents, which gives it a modern look that ensures it fits in well in any contemporary space. This model is available in three color choices – black, silver and red.

Onto it’s weight and dimensions, the unit weighs in at 20 lbs and measures 14.80 inches wide, 14.70 inches tall with a depth of 11 inches. So it’s amongst the most compact portable ice makers available thus making it highly portable and easy to fit on your counter-top.

The machine runs on 115 volts and requires a 3-pronged power outlet.

Functionality

Using this ice maker is a pleasantly easy and straightforward process. Simply fill up the reservoir with half a gallon of water then press the Select button to choose your preferred ice cube size (small or large), and your in business.

One cycle takes just 6 minutes to complete on the small setting or 13 minutes using the large setting. Each cycle produces 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes, which have a hole in them giving them a hollow center. The machine is capable of producing up to 26 pounds of ice per day. It includes an ice scoop, which is handy for scooping out ice cubes from the basket.

Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S Portable Ice Maker

The top-side control panel features LED indicators which serve as a useful reminder for knowing when you should add water or empty the ice basket. This convenience feature saves guesswork on your part and makes the ice making process more streamlined.

Another good practical feature incorporated is its automatic overflow protection. This prevents the unit from overflowing, so you don’t get any unwanted water spillages over the counter and floor.

Manual: Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S manual

Guarantee: 1-year limited warranty.

Summary

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to buying bags of ice or your refrigerators built-in ice maker doesn’t quite cut the mustard, the Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S is the ideal solution. This compact ice machine is effortless to use and quietly produces fresh crunchy ice very quickly, so you won’t be keeping your guests waiting for their ice.

It’s only drawback is that the ice basket is small and it doesn’t keep ice cubes frozen, so it isn’t suitable for producing large batches of ice in one go. However, it’s capacity suffices for most home use.