Amco Swing-A-Way 4909 Ice Crusher, White

by Amco

Product Features

• Non-electric crusher - you can use anywhere, no outlet required
• Great for drinks and more
• Vacu-seal suction base keeps crusher in place during use
• Choose fine or coarse texture
• Use left or right handed

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5 x 6.5 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000N9W3D0
• Item model number: 4909
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #72,221 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)
  • #25 in Kitchen & Dining > Bar Tools & Glasses > Ice Crushers

Product Description

The swing-a-way ice crusher from amco is non-electric and perfect for drinks and more. Vacu-seal suction base keeps crusher in place during use. Choose fine or coarse tecture for crushing. Use left or right handed.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ice lovers, this is it!, July 1, 2004

By 

Pat K (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

I just love my new ice crusher by Swing-A-Way! Nothing could be better than the little chips and chunks this machine cranks out in just a few minutes. I did some research prior to buying this machine, checking out both new and used ice crushers on eBay, as well as on Amazon. I also compared electric models to the hand crank models and weighed the decision to purchase one that was more aesthetically designed. In the end I selected the Swing-A-Way and am very happy that I did. Swing-A-Way has been in business making ice-crushers for at least 40 years and is based in St. Louis.

The first thing that is great about this model is the large vacu-base that grips and releases with a small lever. It simply doesn't move. No sliding around the counter like the other models do. The top is heavy and sits on top of the bottom collection cup firmly. You do have to hold it down by placing one hand on top as you crank, but I don't find that to be a big deal. You can put several ice cubes in the top bin (or hopper as they call it) and turn the crank easily. I found the best way to use it is to move the arm forward a few times, then backwards rather than cranking continuously in one direction. Very quickly you have nice broken ice pieces that are not too small or too big.

The design of this model may not have a fancy chrome retro look, but it does the job and is solidly put together. The simple, unobtrusive white design makes it an item that you can leave on your kitchen counter or bar. The bottom is built of lexan resin and is very durable. The basic design of this model hasn't changed much from the vintage machines, proving that if something works, there's no need to fix it. Although electric would have been nice, they're noisy and I really didn't need another small appliance in my kitchen.

The fact that ice makers made by this company in the Sixties are still being sold on eBay today says they're built to last! If you're an iceaholic like me you'll really love this dandy little machine.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Almost Perfect, October 19, 2004

By 

The Crusher - See all my reviews

Everything works, exactly as it should. Unlike some other ice crushers, you won't bust a knuckle while turning the crank. Although the manufacturer says the hopper holds 4 ice cubes, I can easily fit in enough cubes to fill a 16oz glass to the rim with crushed ice. The suction-cup hold base quite firmly to any smooth surface. You can turn the crank one direction for fine ice, the other for coarse (though in actuality, there's not a lot of difference).

This is actually the second of these I have bought. The first one, about 10 years old, is out of commission, due to the unit's only flaw. The four screws that hold the top assembly together are prone to rusting. I don't know why they don't use a different type screw, one that won't rust. I was going to remove the screws, and replace them, but one was so badly rusted it wouldn't hold the bit-end of a screwdriver. After looking at half a dozen models, I decided that still nothing beat the Swing-A-Way. So when I got my now one, I just put four big dollops of silicone sealant over the screw heads, and all's right with the world.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Works, May 22, 2005

By 

CXC (North Beach) - See all my reviews

Crushes the ice, but requires considerable pressure down on the lid and still scoots around the countertop. Jams on big cubes, requiring repeated direction reversals. This can get aggravating, especially if you have a lot of ice to crush. Then again, it does in fact crush it.