The ice maker will produce approximately 2 trays of ice every 3 hours. Although the ice maker is capable of making 10 pounds of ice a day, it's only capable of holding 2 pounds of ice at a time. Once the ice bucket is full, the ice maker will stop. Additionally, if ice is not dispensed regularly, it will pile up underneath the ice maker and prevent production. Shifting the ice forward corrects this. If a significant amount of ice is needed, periodically empty the ice in the bucket into bags and keep them in the freezer, so the bucket can make another batch of ice. ^Lena