We got this model to replace an ice shaver my wife found while garage sale shopping (she became addicted to snow cones). As one can see from our rating (4 out of 5 stars) we are generally pleased with our purchase three weeks after receiving it.The ice hopper (where one inserts ice cubes) is roughly cylinder shaped with a diameter of about 4.25 inches and a depth of about 0.75 inches at the top to 4 inches at the bottom. In operation, the machine turns on when both the power switch is on and the handle with the ice shield covers the hopper. It then rapidly converts a full hopper of ice cubes to snow cone ice in about 5 seconds (which would make a good sized snow cone for anybody). Thus, you can get a lot of snow cone ice in a short period of time.The one big draw back I can name is the noise. I would describe it like the sound a circa 1980's garbage disposal would make. It's not so loud that pets and small children will flee the room in terror, but loud enough that people won't want to speak over the noise (even though you could speak over it if you really wanted to do it). This ice shaver is really designed to rapidly turn ice cubes to snow cones in a short period of time, and the sound it makes was obviously considered a secondary concern. For us, a five second hold in conversation isn't a big deal, but this might be a bigger problem for some people considering this model.But overall, we are pleased with this purchase and would recommend it to others.

This ice crushing machine is better than I could have imagined for it's price. It is simple to use and turns ice into a perfect fluffy snowlike consistency. The packing was the one thing that was upsetting. It was packed in beaded Styrofoam that stuck over and inside the machine. You can not open the machine to clean parts beyond the blade which to me was troubling.

We purchased a previous cheaper version which didn’t last long. We love this. The only fault is it is messy, the bowl seems to be a little to short, it’s best to use over cutting board or sink. Would not recommend younger kids using due to the blade easily assessable.

It is safe and it does what it is supposed to do. Only thing I don't like is that the ice does not fall right on the dish like it should because the whole of which the ice comes out of it is too low.

Love this icy maker but the down fall is that water gets everywhere even with the bowl underneath. Still a great buy for special events.

it's ok, my daughter was looking for something that would do more like shaved ice and this one is a little different but still ok.

Works very well. Be prepared to clean up around the machine after it's done its job.

Ice isn't as fine as I had hoped. It also makes a mess. But it gets the job done.

good

It's a rustic appliance however, is useful