I purchased this unit a year and four month ago and it’s still working great. I plumbed it to my reverse osmosis unit and the ice is clear and tasteless. It makes a good amount, but if you’re having a large party, say 50+ people, start making ice and bagging it a day or so prior. Even though the holding tub is not refrigerated, the ice does not melt very quickly. I also hooked up the drain line to a float level pump since I do not have the unit near a drain. I have it pump into a bucket, or recirculate back into the machine through food safe tubing. Note that I only do the latter when I’m home and monitoring and not overnight. It could result in overflowing. Also, I only use it when needed, which is probably twice a month for 1-2 days. Make sure you clean it out, dry the inside well. It’s easy and there’s a drain cap inside (see photo) to make it easier. Overall this machine is an excellent value and I’ve made hundreds of pounds of ice with it. I highly recommend it.