Magic Chef MCIM22ST Ice Maker review — countertop 27 lb

Intro

Small, fast, and built for countertop convenience: the Magic Chef MCIM22ST is a portable ice maker that promises quick cycles and a steady supply of cocktail‑ready cubes. The listing advertises ice in as little as 7 minutes and up to 27 pounds in 24 hours, with selectable small and large cube sizes and an included scoop. Owner feedback shows a clear pattern: it makes ice quickly and reliably for many users, but it’s noisy, doesn’t store ice cold, and some buyers find the cubes underwhelming. This review walks through what the unit actually is, how it behaves in daily use, material and build notes drawn from the specs, safety signals from owner reports, who should consider it (and who should skip it), and a final checklist of things to verify before you buy.

What it is / first look

The product is the Magic Chef MCIM22ST countertop ice maker. The listing names the model number MCIM22ST and the brand as Magic Chef; the material type is listed as stainless steel and the manufacturer and brand are both Magic Chef. The machine is sold as a compact countertop ice maker and, according to the official specs, measures 14.1" deep x 9.5" wide x 12.9" high and weighs 17.8 pounds. The unit uses a compressor refrigerant, runs on 115 volts and 95 watts, and the listing indicates it comes with a manual and an ice scoop. The listing also shows a one‑year warranty and lists two available colors: Stainless Steel and White.

Key listing claims at first glance (quoted as listing features):

• Produces ice in as little as 7 minutes.
• Produces up to 27 pounds of ice in 24 hours.
• Yields 9 ice cubes per cycle and offers two cube sizes (small, large).
• Electronic controls, indicator lights for ice and water levels, a viewing window, and compact countertop size.
• Includes an ice scoop.

Visually and in build terms: the listing calls out stainless steel construction as the material type, and the product photos and available color entries suggest the usual stainless or white finishes are offered. That’s the full set of manufacturer/listing facts to rely on for the first‑look assessment.

In daily use

Owner feedback — the crowd signal in the internal notes — gives the best practical picture of how this tends to perform when it’s actually used week after week. Below, the use observations are drawn from repeated owner themes.

Speed and output

The listing claim that the unit can produce ice in as little as 7 minutes is echoed by multiple owners, who report quick first‑cycle ice and fast recovery between cycles. Many owners say the MCIM22ST is reliable at making a steady stream of cubes and that it keeps up with entertaining needs when the ice is removed regularly. The listing’s 27 pounds per day figure is the stated capacity; owners consistently describe the machine as capable of producing large amounts of ice over a day when run continuously.

Cube size and shape

The listing states the maker yields nine cubes per cycle and lets you select two sizes: small or large. Owners mostly like the size and shape, calling the cubes “perfect” or “just the right size” for drinks and coolers. However, there is a vocal minority that complains about the ice structure: a handful of buyers describe the larger cubes as hollow, thin‑walled, or insufficient for keeping drinks cold for long. That split is worth noting: many users are satisfied with the cubes for everyday beverages, while some buyers who expected denser, longer‑lasting cubes were disappointed.

Noise and running habit

Noise is the most consistent caveat across owner notes. Several owners explicitly call the unit “a little noisy” or “very loud,” while other buyers describe it as functioning “like a top” despite the sound level. The listing’s copy does not quantify sound levels, so the noisy/noisier reports come from owners' lived experience. If you plan to run the unit in a small, quiet apartment or in a bedroom area, expect audible compressor and pump noise during cycles and recovery.

Storage and melting

The MCIM22ST is a countertop ice maker, and owners repeatedly note that it does not act like an ice chest or refrigerator — cubes melt if left in the unit and can stick together into clumps. Multiple owners recommend transferring fresh ice to a freezer or a separate container for long‑term storage. One owner described a practical workaround: emptying the bin into a silicone container and breaking apart clumps afterward. The listing itself does not claim refrigerated long‑term storage; the practical result is that the unit must be monitored and emptied if you want rock‑hard cubes for later.

Drain and maintenance

Owners mention the drain system as fiddly. One consistent description advises letting the water level run very low before using the drain, and pulling the plug while catching the water with a jar to empty the remaining reservoir. The listing includes a drain mechanism in the design (indicator lights for water level are listed), but the user experience indicates draining and occasional drying of the interior are part of routine maintenance if you plan to keep the machine idle between uses.

Portability and placement

The MCIM22ST is compact and portable by design. Owners report using it at home, in RVs, and for tailgating or parties. The listing’s compact‑countertop framing matches this use case. Because it runs on standard household voltage (115 volts) and weighs under 18 pounds per the listing (17.8 pounds), owners find it manageable to move and set up in different environments. Keep in mind the listing dimensions when planning counter space: 14.1" D x 9.5" W x 12.9" H.

Materials & build quality

The listing lists the material type as stainless steel. Apart from that, the public specs include the machine’s weight (17.8 pounds), dimensions (14.1" D x 9.5" W x 12.9" H), and refrigerant method (compressor). The unit runs on 95 watts at 115 volts, per the product specifications. Those are the explicit build facts from the listing.

Owners' impressions of build quality are mostly favorable: many describe the unit as feeling well‑made for the price, and several note year‑plus lifespans without issues. Multiple owners praise the simplicity of the controls and the convenience of the viewing window. At the same time, the most critical reviews accuse the machine of being cheaply made, particularly criticizing the ice density and materials that produce hollow cubes. There are no manufacturer statements in the provided specs about internal plastics, food‑contact coatings, or certifications, so material claims should be taken from the listing only (stainless steel) and any broader food‑contact assurances should be verified on the current manufacturer documentation.

Safety considerations

Safety is first: the listing includes electrical specs (115 volts, 95 watts) and a one‑year warranty. Owners do not report electrical fires, shocks, or recalls in the provided notes, but they do flag a few practical safety and hazard considerations you should plan for.

• Noise and placement: Owners repeatedly describe the unit as noisy; place it away from sleeping areas and avoid running it in a tiny enclosed cabinet where vibration and sound are amplified.
• Drain handling: Several owners call the drain fiddly. The listing indicates water‑level indicators, but owner instructions include unplugging and catching drain water in a jar for emptying. Plan to handle water carefully to avoid spills and slipping hazards when draining on a countertop.
• Melting and wet surfaces: Because the unit does not refrigerate cubes long‑term, melting and water in the bin are normal. Owners report cubes can stick together and melt back into the reservoir; wipe down the exterior and counters as needed to prevent water damage or slipping hazards.
• Cube quality inconsistency: Some owners describe hollow or thin ice cubes; while not a direct safety risk, unexpectedly brittle or fragile cubes may break apart and clog pours or dispensers when transferring to serving containers.

Two practical safety notes: the listing does not specify noise level in decibels, and the listing does not provide third‑party safety certifications in the available data. If electrical safety certifications or food‑contact certifications matter to you, the listing suggests verifying current manufacturer documentation before purchase. Follow manufacturer cleaning and maintenance instructions in the included manual to reduce risk of mold or bacterial growth in the water reservoir.

Who this is for / who should skip

Use cases fall into clear buckets. Below are recommended roles and warning flags based on listing facts and the volume‑weighted owner experience.

Best fit: small apartment counters, dorms, occasional entertainers

• The MCIM22ST is designed for countertop convenience and portability and is a good fit for small kitchens where freezer‑stored ice or built‑in icemakers are missing. Its compact footprint (9.5" wide) and lightweight (17.8 lb) make it easy to tuck on a counter or cart.
• Owners use this model in apartments and dorm setups and report that it provides a steady supply of immediate ice for drinks, which is useful for quick entertaining or daily beverage use.

Best fit: RVs, campers, and temporary setups

• Multiple owners report using the unit successfully in RVs and campers, describing it as portable and reliable in those contexts. The standard voltage (115 V) and relatively low wattage (95 W) are compatible with many RV electrical setups, but buyers should check their personal power availability before plugging in.

Good for parties — but plan logistics

• The listing’s 27 lb/day figure and owners’ reports of continuous production mean the machine can support a party well if someone periodically empties the ice into a cooler or freezer. Expect to manage melting and transfers so that drinks stay cold long after the cubes are made.

Who should skip or consider alternatives

• If you want long‑term ice storage (frozen cubes held cold inside the unit), this isn’t the right product — owners consistently point out that the machine doesn’t store ice like a freezer and cubes can re‑melt inside the reservoir. The listing does not claim refrigerated storage capacity.
• If you need whisper‑quiet operation in a nearby sleeping area, note the repeated comments about loudness. The listing does not list dB levels, and owner feedback shows the unit can be distracting.
• If you need dense, restaurant‑grade ice that stays solid in drinks for a long time, some buyers found the cube structure inadequate. The listing promises two cube sizes but does not state cube density; owner reports indicate variability.

Verdict

The Magic Chef MCIM22ST is a pragmatic countertop ice maker that delivers on the listing’s core promises: it makes ice fast (listing: as little as 7 minutes), produces a high daily throughput (listing: up to 27 pounds per 24 hours), and is compact and portable. Owner feedback corroborates the speed, portability, and value for many users, and several buyers report year‑plus reliability. The most consistent negatives are noise, melting/sticky cubes (it doesn’t act as cold storage), occasional complaints about hollow or fragile cubes, and a fiddly drain. Those tradeoffs matter depending on how you plan to use it.

Check before you buy — quick checklist

• Measure counter space against the listed dimensions: 14.1" D x 9.5" W x 12.9" H.
• Confirm you have a 115 V outlet available and that a 95 W draw fits your circuit plan (listing voltage and wattage).
• Decide where you’ll store ice: the unit does not refrigerate cubes long‑term — owners report melting and clumping unless ice is transferred to a freezer or cooler.
• Plan for noise: owners report audible compressor/pump noise during cycles; avoid bedroom‑adjacent placement if quiet is essential.
• Expect to manage the drain: owner feedback calls the drain fiddly; be ready to empty the reservoir and dry the interior when storing the machine.
• Choose color and model: listing shows Stainless Steel or White finishes and the MCIM22ST model number — verify the specific color option before ordering.
• Verify warranty and support: the listing indicates a one‑year warranty; check current manufacturer documentation for details before purchase.

Bottom line: this is a budget‑friendly, portable ice maker that lives up to its advertised speed and daily output for many users. If you want a compact unit to produce ice on demand for parties, campers, or everyday drinks and you don’t need the machine to act as a freezer, it’s worth considering. If quiet operation, dense restaurant‑style cubes, or in‑machine long‑term storage are essential, consider alternatives geared to those needs.

FAQ

1. Q: How fast does the Magic Chef MCIM22ST make ice?

   A: The listing states the unit can produce ice in as little as 7 minutes. Multiple owners report getting ice on the first cycle and praise the quick recovery between cycles.

2. Q: How much ice can it produce per day?

   A: The listing specifies up to 27 pounds of ice in 24 hours. Owners’ real‑world use aligns with steady production when the unit is run continuously and ice is emptied regularly.

3. Q: Does the machine store ice cold like a freezer?

   A: The listing markets the unit as a countertop ice maker but does not claim refrigerated long‑term storage. Owners repeatedly note that cubes will melt or stick together if left in the reservoir, so plan to transfer ice to a freezer or cooler for long‑term storage.

4. Q: What are the unit dimensions and weight — will it fit on a small counter or in an RV?

   A: The listing gives dimensions of 14.1" D x 9.5" W x 12.9" H and an item weight of 17.8 pounds. Several owners report using the unit successfully in RVs and small kitchens; verify your available counter footprint against those dimensions.

5. Q: Is it noisy?

   A: The listing does not list a decibel rating, but owner feedback frequently mentions audible noise — descriptions range from “a little noisy” to “very loud.” Noise level appears to be a common, real‑world consideration when placing the machine.

6. Q: What’s included and what warranty is offered?

   A: The listing lists included components as the ice maker, a manual, and an ice scoop. The product spec lists a one‑year warranty. For warranty specifics and service contact details, verify the current manufacturer documentation.