4 stars

Purchased this item on sale even after reading the reviews. As everyone else has said, there are apparently two issues with this machine. 1) low water light comes on even when the machine has water in it. I had this problem after the machine made ice one time. I tried to get more ice, but the red light came on and even after draining and refilling several times (with a wait inbetween) the water would not flow and no ice. My husband commented that the machine might have a manual float and that it was stuck (don't know if that's the case). So the next time I turned the machine on, I tipped it slightly (45 degrees) toward the back of the counter by pushing up on the front of the machine. Happily, this worked like a charm. I have drained the machine several times and refilled and it continues to work without a problem.

The second problem was the ice full light. Thankfully, someone else already posted the fix for this. Just hold on to the thermostat (metal post on the top right corner of ice bin) with your fingers for a few seconds and it will reset.

No other problems at this point. I would have given 5 stars except for the problems that needed work arounds.

4 stars

My new ice machine works well. I was a little nervous about it when I read some of the reviews. I make ice with no problem, I don't leave water in it when I'm done making ice like the instructions say. I just followed the instructions and it works great for my family. We use a lot of ice and I got tired of buying ice every two or three
days. I make about 3 zip lock bags full and it last a long time for a family of 5. I say buy it and make sure you follow the instructions. Most of the negative reviews seem to me are because the buyers did not follow instructions that came with the machine. This product was worth the money to me.

5 stars

Purchased this ice maker on May7th, Ran it for about 10 hours!! works purfectly-read the instructions, when changing ice cube size, give unit time to adjust
So far, love this unit! my hat is off to the person who thought of this device!! I have a faucet filter, and use water from that. Will update at a later time

4 stars

I read the reviews before I bought my portable ice maker and I figured that the problems stated about this machine had been corrected. My first complete load of ice was perfect and the machine shut itself off when full. Then it kept saying it was full (red light). I read the instructions but finally after experimenting figured the machine out.
Once it is full of ice there is a sensor (1/4" chrome round pin) in the top right of the ice bin that shuts the machine down when the pin/sensor gets cold. It will not start back up until the sensor warms up. If I want the machine to start making ice without waiting I just pinch the metal pin with my fingers which warms it up and the machine starts working again!
The machine really cranks out the ice too! I bought it to use when camping and I believe it will give me a good amount of ice. The ice is pretty cold also, it will last in the bin for a good while.
The cost of ice is only one problem when camping, I can't count how much time I've spent going to get it when camping.
The machine only uses 300 watts too. That's just 3-100 watt light bulbs. Very economical. I would give it a 5 if the instructions were more clear and told how to restart it.

1 stars

It worked just great for the first week. Now it does not make ice - just recylces the water. It is going back. Very disappointed.

5 stars

My husband is a contractor and works outside year round. Last summer we purchased ice every few days so that he would have plenty of cold drink while he worked. I suggested buying an ice machine. We read 2 reviews on line before making our purchase. The review from a man in Arizona convinced us that this machine was worth a try. We love it! It chugs out the ice. We now have plenty of ice on hand. In one or two days we can store up ice from this machine in our deep freeze to keep us in ice for a few days. We have not had any problems with the machine. It puts out ice cubes every 9-10 minutes. It has probably paid for itself already. This is definitely a good purchase!

You must read and follow the instructions that come with the machine. The instructions tell you what to do about the "add water" light staying on.

5 stars

I have been using it at work and it works great. Have 8 pleople getting ice out of it and it suprised me and keeps up. It really makes ice fast.

5 stars

Bought this ice maker back in the middle of July '08 and have ran it consistenly since then. Great item for the price. Would purchase another one without hesitation.

1 stars

SORRY FOR THE DRAMA, HOWEVER, THIS ITEM WAS A BIG PAIN IN THE YOU KNOW WHAT! FIRST, WAS ONLY ABLE TO MAKE ONE BATCH OF ICE AFTER 10-15 ATTEMPTS DUE TO THE WATER NEEDED LIGHT COMING AND THEN STAYING ON! THEREAFTER, IT NEVER WENT OFF...DESPITE FOLLOWING THE MANUAL TROUBLE SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUCH! OK...CALLED TARGET TO SEE IF THEY HAD ANOTHER ICE MAKER...THEY DID NOT. THEN CALLED EMERSON...WAS ON HOLD FOR 20+ MINUTES. THEY WERE VERY NICE TO ARRANGE A PICK-UP OF THE ITEM AND IT WAS PICKED-UP IN 2 DAYS. HOWEVER, NEVER HEARD ANYTHING FOR 3 WEEKS AND THEN RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THEY WERE GOING TO SEND ME A REFUND CHECK, [...] SO AFTER ALL THE TIME SPENT TRYING TO GET IT TO WORK THEN EMPTYING THE WATER OUT TO PACK UP, I'M OUT [MONEY]. AND WITHOUT AN ICE MAKER. HAD THEY INFORMED ME ON MY FIRST CALL THAT THEY WERE NOT MAKING THIS ITEM ANYMORE, I WOULD HAVE JUST BROUGHT IT BACK TO TARGET FOR A FULL REFUND! I MAY OR MAY NOT TRY ANOTHER BRAND...IF I DO I'LL POST A REVIEW. THE EMERSON IS NOT WORTH THE TIME OR THE MONEY SO CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED!!!