I'm not aware of any downfalls? We use ours a lot, making ice for beach cooler everyday we are camping. Yes, for best result you need to make it, bag it, and throw it in the freezer. We come home from the beach, fire up the icemaker, and 2 hours later have two large ziplock baggies full for the next day. It was the best $125 we spent 10 years ago on a deal at Costco! Just make sure you drain it when not using for a period of time, and bring it in the house in the winter.