Customer Reviews

Amco Swing-A-Way 4909 Ice Crusher, White

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Worked great for the first 2 months. Then the locking-nut on the end of the shaft fell off. No big deal, just put everything back together and re-tighten the screw. Now, about a year later, the metal pieces are rusting. My opinion, find a model with stainless hardware.

After spending too much money on an electric ice crusher which crushes ice too fine and trying a blender which makes snow, I decided to try a manual crusher. It provides a great combination of small and medium sized chopped ice. It has a bigger hopper and can beat the volume of an electric crusher hands down. This is an excellent ice crusher for a very low price. You set it on a non-porous surface, flip a lever to draw a vacuum on the surface, fill the hopper with ice cubes and turn the handle. The ice falls into a reservoir which is easy to empty after the crusher mechanism is lifted off of the top. Think it is too hard to turn the handle - think again - I am 74 years old and have no trouble with it. The handle will turn either way for right or left handers.

The packaging states that the product is covered by a 5 year warranty and that, if the product fails due to a defect in material or workmanship, the product can be returned to Swing-A-Way for repair or replacement.

After 5 months of use, a large piece of the plastic teeth inside the crusher broke off. I called the manufacturer (Focus Foodservice, LLC, who purchased Swing-A-Way) and was told that they now only deal with distributors and that I would have to return the product to the original seller (i.e., Amazon.com) to obtain a refund or replacement.

After using for a week, a large piece of the plastic broke from inside the crusher. Very disappointed.

We where happy with it for about one month. I was worried when we got it because it was plastic and metal together. The plastic broke. Had to send it back. I was afraid to try another one for fear that it would break also.

This produces great bar-quality crushed ice for my Mojitos. Everything on the machine feels high-quality and sturdy. The mechanism to suck the crusher onto the kitchen counter works great. The machine actually became some sort of a party highlight - everyone wanted to work the crank, which turned out to be great fun and is not hard at all (change the direction if it gets stuck). The drinks we produced with the crushed ice were great! Full score.

This product is very similar to the one we had growing up in the 50's and 60's. My husband loves Bailey's on the rocks and he had been crushing ice by beating the cubes with the back of a spoon. I saw this product and thought I'd give it a try. We love it. It is slightly labor intensive and that's probably what I like the most! It now sit proudly on the kitchen counter and we are buying another one for our vacation home in Florida. The bottom suction works great. I think you'll be very happy with this product.