By downfalls I meant they do take up counter space, do not store ice, plus the reviews say they can be noisy. I use a lot of ice throughout the day, winter and summer, and when in Florida we are constantly buying 10 lb bags, a couple times a week. We separate it into gallon storage bags and store in our freezer, discarding what won't fit. I will shop for less frozen vegetables so I have room for the ice!! LOL. Since counter space is limited, even though we have an L shaped peninsula in the kitchen, I'mhoping it would be more useful than annoying.