We have been through many, and I mean many, countertops over the years at home and office. Still keep one at both locations at all times. I don't care what brand you get, how much "quality" you pay for, about 1 year is the life of these things, like clockwork. We just factor that as cost of ice. Another factor to read for on reviews is noise level. Some will be tolerable, and some you just have to send right back.