Costway Countertop Ice Maker Review

intro

This is a practical look at the COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker with Water Dispenser (model 10074US-CYPF-1). The machine promises fast bullet-shaped ice, a 48 lb/day capacity, and the convenience of both a built-in 2-liter water tank and a top water-jug inlet. Owners praise its speed and bottle-top option, but repeated owner reports of flooding, loose screws in the ice bucket, and rust are important red flags for shoppers. Read on for what the listing claims, what owners actually report, and whether it fits your kitchen and use case.

What it is / first look

The COSTWAY countertop ice maker is a freestanding unit designed for countertop use. The listing lists these headline specs: 48 pounds of ice production per day, ice ready in roughly 6–12 minutes, a 2-liter internal water tank, and a storage basket that holds about 5 pounds of ice. Item dimensions are listed as 17"D x 14"W x 17"H and the unit weight is 33 pounds. Voltage is 115 and the refrigerant is listed as R290a. The listing describes a stainless steel body and interiors "crafted from food-grade materials." An extendable spout provides cold water with the machine, and the control panel lets you choose from three ice sizes of bullet-shaped ice.

The package includes an ice scoop as an added component. The listing also calls out non-slip feet and heat vents as part of the design. The product copy highlights two ways to add water: pour into the built-in tank or connect a 2/3/4/5-gallon water jug to the top inlet.

In daily use

The listing promises quick cycles and a steady supply — ice in about 6 minutes and up to 48 lb/day production — which makes the model appealing for hot-weather entertaining or for households that want to stop fussing with trays. Owners report the features that many shoppers care about:

• Speed and convenience: multiple owners describe the machine as fast, with comments like "makes ice very fast" and "a perfect ice machine." The bottle-top feature (fitting a water jug on top) was frequently praised as a convenient hands-off option.
• High use of water: owners note the unit goes through water quickly — one owner said a 5-gallon bottle only lasted a weekend during heavy use, and most owners who use it in summer report higher water consumption than tray-based alternatives.
• Ice quality and shape: the listing calls these "bullet-shaped" and owner comments call the ice "bomb ice" or "bullet ice" (sometimes humorously), with most owners describing the ice quality as acceptable for drinks.
• Storage and melting: multiple owner notes point out that the ice bin is not insulated, so ice in the storage basket melts relatively quickly if not used right away. The listing does not explicitly say the bin is insulated.

Small apartments & condos

At 17" x 14" x 17" and 33 pounds, the unit is a true countertop model that fits many kitchen counters, bars, or tight utility spaces. Owners who use it for summer entertaining or weekend parties liked the convenience of the water-jug hookup. Keep in mind the unit's water usage and the need to empty or use stored ice promptly because the bin does not retain cold long-term, according to owners.

Home bar & parties

The 48 lb/day capacity is one of the listing's selling points, and for many casual hosts it will be plenty for evenings of drinks if you plan the flow. Owners say the machine "beats filling a dozen trays every morning" and is a "game changer" for gatherings. The 5-lb storage basket means you won't have huge cold storage on the unit itself; it produces more than it stores, so either use ice as produced or move it to a proper insulated cooler or freezer if you need larger quantities held cold.

Restaurant or catering use (limited)

The listing suggests use cases up to "restaurant," but owners' feedback and the listed 5-lb internal storage make this best suited to small-scale or back-up use rather than as the primary ice source for high-volume food-service operations. If you expect continuous, heavy commercial cycles, verify local codes and the manufacturer's guidance; the listing describes the machine as countertop-focused.

Materials & build quality

The listing identifies the exterior material type as stainless steel and describes the interiors as "crafted from food-grade materials." Those are manufacturer/listing claims — the listing language presents them as intended design points. The unit lists R290a as the refrigerant and 115 V as operating voltage; the casing dimensions and 33 lb weight are included in the product facts.

Owner experience is mixed on build quality. Positives include several owners calling it a "great product" at a "great price" and praising the speed and the bottle-top convenience. However, a number of critical reports point to concerning workmanship issues that affect build quality in practice:

• Loose internal screws: one owner reported screws inside the ice bucket worked loose, fell into the bucket and then froze into cubes — a serious flaw where pieces of hardware were found in frozen ice.
• Leaking and rust: owners reported massive leaks that flooded dining areas and later noted rust at the base plate where water pooled. The listing states a stainless steel shell "ensures it will not rust when placed on the counter and kitchen for a long time," but at least one owner observed rust in practice after water exposure.
• Ice drawer design: several owners describe the ice-drawer/basket as prone to spilling when removed, with liquid ice sloshing out onto surfaces. One owner suggested a stop gate or better retention would prevent messes.

Those owner reports indicate the difference between advertised materials and the real-world assembly/finish can matter. The listing's stainless-steel claim is a material fact you can verify on the current listing, but the presence of rust and loose screws — as reported by owners — suggests some units have assembly or quality-control problems.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety must come first. The listing calls out non-slip feet and heat vents, which are basic safety features. However, owner reports introduce serious safety concerns that potential buyers should weigh carefully.

• Flooding hazards: one owner described a catastrophic leak that flooded living spaces. That same owner reported that a grounded wire was submerged under water and rust was showing at the base plate. A flooded appliance with exposed grounding wiring is a significant electrical and property-safety risk. The listing does not claim the unit is flood-proof.
• Foreign objects in ice: an owner reported screws inside the ice bucket becoming embedded in frozen ice cubes — this is a direct ingestion/physical-hazard risk if not caught. The listing does not say anything about internal fasteners nor how they are secured.
• Slow dispensing and spill points: owners note slow water dispensing from the spout and that the ice drawer can spill, creating wet floors that can be slip hazards. One owner specifically said the water button must be held to dispense rather than pressed once, which can be inconvenient and increase the odds of water being left running if the button sticks.

Given those reports, here are practical safety steps the listing and owners suggest you confirm before use:

• Inspect the unit on arrival: check for loose fasteners in the ice bucket and ensure drain areas and the base are dry before powering on.
• Position it where a leak won't damage floors or electronics: owners who experienced leaks reported substantial flooding. A waterproof mat or a drain pan under the unit during initial hours of operation is a reasonable precaution while you confirm there are no leaks.
• Follow the listing's break-in guidance: the listing advises leaving the machine face up for 24 hours after long-distance transport before first use to ensure refrigeration function. That step may help avoid compressor or refrigerant issues caused by handling.
• Verify customer service and support pathways: multiple owners who needed replacement parts or assistance described poor customer-service experiences. If you rely on rapid support, confirm current manufacturer contact and return policies at purchase.

Who this is for / who should skip

The Costway countertop ice maker is a fit for specific shoppers and a poor fit for others. Below are practical pairings based on the listing and owner reports.

Good fit

• Home cooks and hosts who want a fast, countertop ice solution for seasonal use (summer gatherings, backyard parties) and who are prepared to monitor water usage.
• People who like the bottle-top convenience — owners repeatedly praise the ability to place a 2/3/4/5-gallon water jug on top for extended operation without refilling constantly.
• Households that plan to move produced ice to a freezer or insulated chest for longer storage, since the unit's internal 5-lb basket is not designed as long-term storage.

Who should skip / think twice

• Buyers who cannot accept the risk of water damage: owners have reported flooding and rust after leaks. If you cannot place a small appliance over a catch pan or in a spot where a leak won't cause damage, this model carries notable risk for those worst-case reports.
• Heavy commercial users who need continuous, unattended production and long-term reliability without rapid wear; the listing suggests higher-capacity use but owner reports and the modest storage basket make it better for intermittent home/party use.
• Those who need a plug-and-forget unit with fast, responsive customer support — several owner notes describe slow or inadequate support when problems occurred, including difficulty getting replacement parts.

Verdict

The COSTWAY Countertop Ice Maker offers an attractive package on paper: 48 lb/day capacity, 6–12 minute cycles, a 2-liter tank plus a water-jug top inlet, a stainless-steel exterior, and three ice-size options. Owners appreciate the speed, the bottle-top convenience, and the way it replaces daily tray-filling during high-use periods.

On the other hand, owner reports include serious practical problems — flooding and water leaks that created electrical and corrosion concerns, loose screws ending up in frozen ice, and a non-insulated ice basket that melts product quickly. Those failures are not universal, but they are recurring enough in owner feedback that buyers should treat them as real risks and inspect the unit carefully on arrival.

Bottom line: if you want a powerful countertop ice maker for home entertaining and are willing to inspect the unit, place it over a protective surface, and move ice to proper cold storage, this unit can deliver strong production and convenience. If you need guaranteed plug-and-forget reliability, minimal service risk, or commercial-grade dependability, this model's owner feedback suggests you may want to consider alternatives or confirm warranty/support and return policies before you buy.

Check before you buy

• Confirm the seller's return window and the manufacturer's customer-service contact so you can get replacement parts or help quickly if needed.
• On arrival, inspect the ice bucket and internal cavity for loose screws or debris before plugging it in.
• Set the unit on a waterproof mat or shallow catch pan for the first run to detect leaks without damaging floors or cabinetry.
• Note the listing's break-in tip: leave the machine face up for 24 hours after transport before first use.
• If you plan continuous unattended use, verify the water-jug connection and monitor for slow dispensing or overflow tendencies reported by owners.

Included/known facts to verify on the current listing: 48 lb/day capacity, 6–12 minute cycles, 2-liter built-in tank, 5-lb storage basket, R290a refrigerant, stainless-steel body, 17"D x 14"W x 17"H dimensions, 33 lb unit weight, 115 V operation, and the included ice scoop.

colors and packaging notes

The listing identifies the exterior material as stainless steel; based on the product images the unit is presented in a stainless/metallic finish. If colorways matter to you, the listing should be checked for the latest images and options.

• available colors may include: stainless steel / metallic silver

Packaging note: the listing recommends cleaning the machine regularly and leaves guidance about positioning after long-distance transport — leave the machine face up for 24 hours before first use to ensure refrigeration is functioning properly after shipping.