Well worth the expense, size, weight

I initially balked at purchasing this because of the price and size/weight. However, as I kept researching frozen desert makers, I kept getting led back to this machine. It's a bit pricey, but I've decided it's a good value.

Cheaper machines got mixed reviews and weren't able to make everything we wanted to make. You also had to use tons (well maybe pounds) of ice or had to pre-freeze the liquid filled bowl - which seemed to mean thinking a day ahead before you made something and being able to make only one item or so a day. I saw this leading to not much use.

Higher end machines didn't add a whole lot of functionality but added a lot to the price (over a thousand dollars in many cases)

This machine is easy to use! You just add ingredients, turn it on and in 30-40 minutes your item is done. Then you can empty and clean it and immediately start another item. We made three batches in one afternoon! It makes ice cream, gelatto, sorbet, sherbet, ices, slushies - even margaritas!

It's not a quiet machine - because of the compressor - but not a whole lot louder than a typical bread machine - and it's only for 40 minutes. It weighs 39 pounds - again because of the compressor - about 1.5 bread machines in size. So if you are tight on counter space or don't like to move things, you may want to think carefully.

The machine even looks nice. In summary, it makes almost everything and quickly. Easy to use, clean. We've just had it for a week, but we are thrilled.