mixed feelings... here's why
I love the concept of this contraption. However, the term "ice maker" in the title could be a bit misleading. This item makes ice in the same way a regular ice tray does, except that there are 2 trays that make smaller ice cubes than traditional trays. For all the steps it takes to use this as intended, it feels like a lot of work for no reason, other than to feel like you're doing something.Here are all the steps to using this as intended: 1.) take out the 2 trays and carefully add water to them 2.) place the trays on top of each other in the upper compartment 3.) close the lid (the knob will fall into a hole at the top to sit flat) 4. carefully place the "ice maker" into the freezer 4.) wait hours for the ice cubes to freeze 5.) Once cubes freeze, remove the entire thing to a flat surface like a counter or table (although you can leave it in the freezer if you have enough space for the next step 6.) take off the lid and put to the side (you will need it promptly) 7.) turn 1 tray upside down and insert into the top compartment 8.) put the lid back on then push down the knob in the middle to release cubes into the drawer 9.) repeat steps 7 and 8 with the second tray...need i go on? too many steps to just make some ice. in fact the ice releases easier when you crack the sides of the tray, same way we do with traditional ice trays. it's actually faster and less labor intensive to just put the 2 trays directly into the freezer and when the ice cubes freeze, just crack the trays manually and dump into the drawer or another container of your choice.Now, you're wondering why I gave it 4 stars instead of less? because the item works as advertised. but i took away a point for the misleading title and the level of labor necessary to use this. Get this as a gift for a lonely old lady who has no partner or kids to keep her company. She will stay busy messing around with this thing and feel like she accomplished something when her ice tray is full.