Hey Mart, I have a countertop Ice Maker that will make up to 50 lbs of ice a day, and LOVE IT! I’ve used these type of ice makers for over 10 yrs and have learned all the quirks of using them. In order to get the 50 lbs of ice you have got to EMPTY the ice basket thru out the day and freeze as well as keep the water reservoir full. The ice melts in the ice basket (where the ice is dumped when made) and will drip back into the water reservoir. Most people think the countertop icemakers will keep the ice frozen but it does not. Also if the ice basket is full, the icemaker will not make more ice until it has either melted down or you remove it to a freezer as it does have a sensor to tell it when it is full. I’ve been thru 3 different icemakers thru my 10 yrs of using them, mainly because I was not familiar with the proper cleaning. Debris, sediment, etc., will build up in the water lines as well as the water reservoir so it MUST be kept clean for it to work properly. I also use triple-filtered water in my icemaker. I use the Brita Pitcher water filter that is then filtered into a ZERO pitcher water filter that then goes into my Alexa Pur Pro water filtration system that is used in the ice maker. Yes, it is a little extra work, even using well water. It will save you many headaches down the line as well as keep the icemaker working properly. As it makes ice you will have to remember to add water for it to keep making ice unless you don’t use the ice and it melts back into the water reservoir. I allow so much room for the ice in my freezer since it does take up a lot of room but I ALWAYS have extra ice when needed for butchering or for those extra hot days or extra company when more ice is needed. I’ve noticed that they are now making a more advanced countertop icemaker that has a built in cleaning system so you don’t have to take it apart to do the deep cleaning, which can take a bit of time. Slime WILL build up in the water resevoir as well as the area the ice cubes are made. That is just a given thing I’ve noticed during the years of using one. I would hope I would never have to live without the use of one and a solar generator will run it with no problems. My next one will definitely be one with the auto cleaning feature as it thoroughly cleans all the working components that you would normally have to manually clean which can take up to an hour or more if done properly.
Two of my previous countertop Ice makers had the IMPELLER go out that moves the water up to the freezing tray. I probably could have replaced it (if I can find the part) but at the time it was just easier to buy a new ice maker. My favorite and longest working ice maker is no longer available (wouldn’t you know if it was the best & longest working with no problems) that it would be removed from the market for a cheaper made version. Remember, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR so try to get a good model when purchasing one. There are literally HUNDREDS of them available. Check the reviews from customers when looking at one to purchase. And REMEMBER, they do NOT keep the ice cubes frozen in the icemaker. That is one of the most common reviews people leave and why they don’t like their purchase. Mine makes a rounded tubular-shaped ice cube and is generally a softer cube as it melts some. It is all about what you want for your needs.
I’m no pro but have used them for over a decade so I can pretty much answer most any questions you may have before purchasing one. I do use a LOT of ice so I chose the one that makes a larger quantity of ice per day over the smaller models. There are usually some good deals on the smaller quantity makers, it just works more to keep making ice so I figure would tear up quicker. Just my theory & opinion.
Also watch for those with POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE if you have problems. (Those that do not respond to customer inquiries or that require you return the icemaker for them to repair. They are very heavy and the cost to ship for repairs are NOT cost effective. Most times it is just as cheap to purchase a new one BUT OF A DIFFERENT BRAND if it didn’t last long before tearing up. Understand how they work, what routine maintenance is needed, do the maintenance and they will last a very long time. I’m on the 6th year with my current one and it is still working like a charm.