Emerson portable ice maker

[Minnie&Mickey]

A while back, Target advertised the Emerson portable ice maker for $99. Of course I rushed right over to get one since it had received some good reviews on the board. They were completely sold out, but I got a rain check. For weeks, I kept checking Target to see if that had gotten any more in, but no luck. About 2 weeks ago, I found one on the shelf and grabbed it. Since we are leaving for Beerfest on Friday, I decided to pull it out of the box and try it out. I filled the main area with water, pressed the power button and it started making noise like it was doing something. It's been going for about 30 minutes now, and I only have maybe 20 ice cubes in the ice basket. Is this normal? For some reason I thought that it made a whole basket full of ice in 10 minutes.

Help!

 

[Judy in Texas]

I read the review online and it claims to make 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours. If I had the first tray of ice in 10 minutes I'd be ecstatic.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

I read the review online and it claims to make 26 pounds of ice in 24 hours. If I had the first tray of ice in 10 minutes I'd be ecstatic.

I guess I would be ecstatic if the cubes were a normal size. The first tray of ice probably wouldn't even fill 1/4 cup measuring cup. I guess the next time I fill it I will try the largest size cube (it's set on Medium right now). It's been going to for two hours now and I bet I don't even have 1 pound of ice yet. I guess I'll let it run tonight and see how much ice I have in the morning.

 

[Tweevil]

Do you have it on big or small cubes (more like bullets - lol). The putting it on small doesn't seem to produce much volume in the basket.
I got my Mom one for Christmas and it seems like it takes a while to rev up but then you get lots of ice. Also once the bucket is full it stops producing ice until it melts down. We usually empty it into a zip bag and throw it in the freezer. She loves and I love that I don't have to stop anymore to get her ice.

Give it a bit more time - if it doesn't produce I would return it and get another one.

If this one tuckers out I will be in the store to buy one ASAP.
(I bought this one online at Tartget.com)

 

[Judy in Texas]

Keep us posted. I'm interested to see if you think it is worth the $$.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

I had it set on medium, but I just changed it to large. It's been going for a little over two hours now and the little basket is maybe 1/3 full. I'm sure in the long run I will probably like it, I guess I just thought it would make a lot more ice in a shorter amount of time.

 

[ElementCamper]

I have the Emerson too and while it is a bit slow starting up but once it gets going it makes at least two bins in less than an eight hour day. It is probably slow to start up as the bin itself is not cooled, the unit relies on the ice it's made and the ice making process to cool the storage bin. When its warm when you first start making ice the 'bullets' can be kind of small. I always thow out the first cycle anyway in case there is any funk in them from the unit sitting. I use filtered water to fill it with so the ice tastes clean. I always use the large setting, this makes it take just a slight bit longer to cycle each time but I think it is worth it to get bigger 'bullets'.
I have no doubt run in a 24 hour day and emptied every time it is full you could make at least 20 lbs of ice. But....you would have to be there to fill it with water and empty the bin each time it gets full. I'm taking it on my next fort trip but realize this could be a problem, will not be at the site to fill with water and empty it. Once it makes a bin full (couple of pounds), unit stops until it is either dumped or the ice in the bin melts starting the process all over again.
I plan to use mine today to fill my now defunct ice maker, it died and instead of replacing it right away I too found the icemaker for $99 on sale at Target.
I know for sure it will fill the icemaker bin by this evening if I start it during lunch. I'll try to time it and post back.
If yours is not working correctly, take it back and hopefully Target will have another one to trade you.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

I know this is probably a stupid questions, but will it hurt anything if I just leave it running all the time? I know it will turn off when it runs out of water, but is it safe to leave it running when no one is home?

 

[Tweevil]

Not a bad question at all

She leaves her's plugged in all the time. The mechanism that produces ice kicks in when the basket is lighter. As the ice melts it replentishes itself.

I agree that once this thing gets going it can make a lot of ice and it can really go through the water! We buy bottled and have no problem going through a gallon or more a day.

Leave her plugged in and just check on it every now and again - all will be well.

I have to put one on my Christmas list - lol - I want one now too! Best gift I have EVER given Mom.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

Thanks for the info, Tweevil! I can't wait to get it all hooked up at the campsite tomorrow!