Goplus® Electric Ice Crusher and Shaver Machine - 143 Lbs/Hour, Commercial Snow Cone Maker for Home & Business Use - Perfect for Parties, Cocktails, and Frozen Treats

We got this model to replace an ice shaver my wife found while garage sale shopping (she became addicted to snow cones). As one can see from our rating (4 out of 5 stars) we are generally pleased with our purchase three weeks after receiving it.The ice hopper (where one inserts ice cubes) is roughly cylinder shaped with a diameter of about 4.25 inches and a depth of about 0.75 inches at the top to 4 inches at the bottom. In operation, the machine turns on when both the power switch is on and the handle with the ice shield covers the hopper. It then rapidly converts a full hopper of ice cubes to snow cone ice in about 5 seconds (which would make a good sized snow cone for anybody). Thus, you can get a lot of snow cone ice in a short period of time.The one big draw back I can name is the noise. I would describe it like the sound a circa 1980's garbage disposal would make. It's not so loud that pets and small children will flee the room in terror, but loud enough that people won't want to speak over the noise (even though you could speak over it if you really wanted to do it). This ice shaver is really designed to rapidly turn ice cubes to snow cones in a short period of time, and the sound it makes was obviously considered a secondary concern. For us, a five second hold in conversation isn't a big deal, but this might be a bigger problem for some people considering this model.But overall, we are pleased with this purchase and would recommend it to others.I was pleasantly surprised. Shaved/crushed ice as expected, however as the blade dulls it crushes more than it shaves. We have used it all summer quite a bit (I have 4 kids, plus neighbor kids love coming over to use it too), and it has held up really well. Quick tip: Make your own syrup so you don't have to constantly buy it.This is the recipe we use:1 pkg Kool aide2 Cups White Sugar1-1 3/4 Cups Water (more water = thinner syrup & more)If you want a "sour" flavor add 1/2 Tablespoon of Citric Acid (Sour Cherry = Cherry Koolaide & Citric Acid)I grabbed some picnic ketchup and mustard bottles from the dollar store to keep the syrup in-- ready to use for the kids. I would buy this item again.Garbage after less than 10 uses. The blade is all chipped not sure if those pieces were swallowed or not. But I saw the blade is all chipped off. And sometimes doesn’t turns on. Will be trying to get this thing returnedThis ice crushing machine is better than I could have imagined for it's price. It is simple to use and turns ice into a perfect fluffy snowlike consistency. The packing was the one thing that was upsetting. It was packed in beaded Styrofoam that stuck over and inside the machine. You can not open the machine to clean parts beyond the blade which to me was troubling.I bought this because it looked like it would last more than one summer. I am diabetic and need sugar free snow cones which limits my choices. So I make my own syrup and have a snow cone whenever I feel like a snack that I can enjoy and not raise my blood sugar. With the price of snow cones the machine pays for itself in one summer. My husband is even eating snow cones now. Ice stays frozen to the last bite. Would recommend.We purchased a previous cheaper version which didn’t last long. We love this. The only fault is it is messy, the bowl seems to be a little to short, it’s best to use over cutting board or sink. Would not recommend younger kids using due to the blade easily assessable.It is safe and it does what it is supposed to do. Only thing I don't like is that the ice does not fall right on the dish like it should because the whole of which the ice comes out of it is too low.Love this icy maker but the down fall is that water gets everywhere even with the bowl underneath. Still a great buy for special events.