Amco Swing-A-Way 4909 Ice Crusher, White

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.


Ice Crusher Outstanding   May 12, 2007
James R. Merritt (Louisville, KY United States)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

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.


Perfect Mojitos   December 7, 2008
beachdude (San Diego, CA USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

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.


Vacuum Base Ice Crusher   June 9, 2007
Mickey R. Clayton
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

My wife loved it for a quick way to have a glass of crushed ice to quckly chill beverages and add a touch of a restaraunt at home. You have to crank it but, the base holds firmly to a counter top. No big deal and a little fun. Fine or coarse ice depending on which way you turn the handle. Made of quality materials it should last a long while. I highly recommend it. We didn't want another electric appliance to drag out or clutter the counter top. It has the crusher head and receptacle for the ice which can be tucked in a cabinet or left out if desired.


Hooray for Hand Power   August 30, 2007
Barbara Ramsay (Westhampton Beach, New York USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

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.