I've had a few counter top ice makers over the years. Different brand names like Igloo, Magic Chef, Emerson, etc. they are all made in China and just branded with some familiar name. After a while, like a year or so, they degrade in performance taking longer to make ice and making poorer quality ice.

So I took the thing apart and found the fins totally packed with dust. I used an old tooth brush to gently clean the coils, then blew it out with my compressor. I put the thing back together and damn, it makes ice like it was new. Good solid cubes and very quick.

Just a heads up, if yours is going downhill, you might try the same thing.

I don't have a counter top ice maker but your counsel about dust is spot on for any number of appliances, electronics, and gizmos!

Started up my AC this year, working, but poorly. Took out the foam filter and low and behold, 1/8th inch of dust and crap. Rinsed it and working like a champ. Did the same to the one upstairs, both 21 year old Comfort-Aires.

The dust buildup acts like an insulation layer and cuts off the airflow the coils need, once those are clean again the compressor can work like it wants to again.

Maybe we should add "check your filters" to the monthly pet meds thread!

I'd interested in hearing about great experiance with counter top ice makers.

My smallish 18 cu.ft top freezer has no space for an ice maker.
And our water here is deplorable
Even with a filter.

Who has great words about which brands?

As I mentioned in my initial post, they are all made in China and simply have a different brand sticker on them. I have two, a Magic Chef and an Igloo. They work great but are a bit noisy. Keep the coils clean and they will last a long time.