I loved the earlier Gevi nugget ice maker model 1102, so I decided to get their upgraded model 1000. They both make great ice. First, I will discuss things which both ice makers have in common. Later in my review I will discuss what is different and improved in this newer model 1000.
While there are many nugget ice makers out there, please understand that if they are not easy to clean and drain, it will detract from your enjoyment of the machine. As with the original model, this Gevi is extremely easy to clean because it has a clean mode which circulates water through the machine without using the condenser. Equally important is the ease of draining the machine. There are two tubes which connect on the back, and it is very easy to disconnect them and drain the machine. To make ice, I fill the bottom with filtered water, all the way to the max line, which is the top of the water chamber. The water is easily added by pouring on the open lid. Unlike the first model, the water can be added without removing the ice bin. It flows down the lid, under the basket without touching the ice, into the water chamber below. It is easier to overfill than the first machine, so be careful, because the water chamber is set back and harder to see. As the water reaches the top, you will see it in a small overflow area. The machine makes ice by freezing water in small tubes, then pushing the frozen cylinder of ice up to the top of the machine, where it breaks small nuggets off the frozen cylinder of ice, and they fall into the bin. It begins to make ice within 10-15 minutes. The sound is not loud and is produced by a fan keeping the machine cool and is similar to the first machine. It will automatically shut off if the bin gets full, which it will also do if the water runs out. There is a UV sanitation light which further cleans the water before it is frozen. The ice tastes great. It is really nice to be able to leave the machine unattended for two hours or longer; it will just keep making ice. (One of my other machines needs to be unloaded quite often.) You can use the ice right out of the machine using the included scoop. However, I prefer to empty the ice bin into bags about every two hours, and refill the water. The bags go into the freezer. Please understand the ice will freeze together, but I have found a solution: After the bag is frozen, wrap it in a towel, and gently hit the bag with a hammer. The towel will protect the bag, and the shock to the ice will separate it back into beautiful frozen nuggets. You only have to do this once, as once the nuggets are separated they will remain this way in the freezer. When I am done with the machine, I always drain the water out by disconnecting the tubes in the back. This is very easy and keeps the machine clean.
Now I will highlight what is new and improved in this model. The machine itself is a different shape. While the first machine has a lid that opens at the top, this machine has a door which opens in the front and swings all the way down horizontally. You can pull the ice bin out and it will sit on the door. I would recommend that you empty the bin quickly (described above) and replace it, because while it is out, ice will continue to fall into the water chamber below. Do this quickly, and replace the bin, and you won’t lose any ice. Unlike the first machine, you can refill this one by pouring water on the lid (I like to elevate the lid a little bit from horizontal) while the bin is in the machine, as the lid has channels which guide the water into the chamber. Fill until you see the water begin to rise onto the overflow area. This is a nice improvement. Also improved is the consistency of the ice. In my opinion, the ice is made a little bit faster, and the size of the nuggets is a little bit more consistent than the first machine. Also, the machine is slightly quieter than the first one. All you hear is the fan. The first machine’s internal ice making sounds are more obvious. Otherwise, both machines make very enjoyable, great tasting nugget ice!
