we are on our third portable ice maker .... the first two lasted 2 - 3 years .... our current one has been in use for over 2 years, do hope that isn't a sign that we'll have to replace it any time soon .... noise : yep, some as noted when the cubes drop but the fuller the tray, the less the noise .... we have it on the floor at the end of our kitchen counter, when it comes to normal living we have never noticed a noise problem .... for us having one has proven to be such an asset that if/when this one goes, we will replace it as quickly as is possible
Jim