SkyBox by Maytag Personal Beverage Vendor, Pitch Black
by Maytag
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List Price: Category: Major Appliances See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of SkyBox by Maytag Personal Beverage Vendor, Pitch Black
Customer Review: Go Buy IT
Summary: 4 Stars
For whatever fortunate reason I'm not having any of the problems that some of the other people are saying about this machine. Mine I got yesterday and intentionally forced it to spit out drinks 12 times(both cans and of course bottles). It failed once but after consulting the manual I'll say that was related to my own loading errors. As far as cooling is concerned get this mine is in my garage. I went out and bought a small thermostat and hung it in the room. The temperature in their got up to 97 degrees. The manual states that the machine was designed to work within 50-80 degree temps. but mine is just fine. Although I was a little concerned about the drinks, which were barely cold after 5 hours, now after just being patient and resisting the temptation to immediately return it (due to other reviews I read) the thing is now ice cold. It appears to have taken approximately 24 hours to fully cool the drinks. Also I've been told that during shipping the refrigerant has to settle again, and maybe that was the case for me. Whatever it is this thing rocks! Must have for sports room or pool table area, completely turns your friends heads. It's also got me into using my pool table again. In closing its true that you could just buy a refrigerator for alot less money and hold way more cans or brews but you could also buy a used $2000.00 hyundai to get to and from work, but would you? My only reason for rating it 4 stars is that your essentially buying a customizable nostalgic fridge with kudos for the complete customization part (sports fans dreams) yet their aren't any NBA teams available. I'm thinking about making my own. One last not I checked out buying an actual vending machine and if you think this unit is overpriced wait until you investigate that option, not to mention what you'll do when it needs work.Customer Review: Good idea, marginal quality
Summary: 3 Stars
The "reversed fan" problem shows a certain lack of quality commitment. The fit and finish of the system is disappointing, mainly plastic. Neat idea though.
Made in China
Customer Review: Got my Skybox!
Summary: 4 Stars
After waiting since finding out about the product in November it is finally dispensing beer in my home! This is a very neat product. It is bigger than you might envision (width). It is also pretty tall with the optional stand. As noted in another review, the stand is slightly difficult to assemble and attach to the Skybox. It takes longer than you would think (about 90 minutes) to unpack and assemble. It will go much easier if you download the current instructions from the Skybox web site. The instructions in the box are not correct and are still not accruate even with the addendums. Definitely download the current instructions from the web.
I am very disappointed that the panels are backordered for several weeks. This is a mistake by Maytag. They have known the product launch date for months.
Customer Review: Great Unit - Almost Empty Lights Come on Too Early
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought my Skybox when it was on sale at Sears. The last one in stock was the display, so I did not have to assemble the base stand. It works incredibly well. I have it set to about 75% and my drinks are actually supercooled. If I pull a drink gently and look at it, it is a perfect liquid. As soon as I open it (or if I dispense it using the front buttons) the drink begins to freeze when the contents are disturbed. By the time I take my first sip there are small ice slivers inside. Needless to say cooling is excellent for my taste.
My only complaint is that the near empty lights come on way too early. My machine indicates near empty at 6-7 cans remaining in a slot. Considering that the top slot only holds 10, that is a little bit premature. Other than that I love it.
Customer Review: Great idea - great product
Summary: 5 Stars
Well despite the negative reviews I plumped down my heard-earned cash for one. Firstly, it's huge; much bigger than the amazon pictures suggest - the depth of the unit surprised me. And it's quite heavy at 100lbs unladen, about 140 loaded up with drinks.
So the pluses - it's a sturdy chunky item that looks the business. The much touted 'ka thunk' as the drink plops out is definitely vending machine quality and the drinks are cool as ice. It also looks great and the default supplied front panel translight is more than sufficient and looks great. Also important to note is the drinks are NOT shaken up when they hit the bottom - it uses some sort of series of rollers to drop the can to ensure you don't get drenched when you crack it open even if it's fallen from the top shelf.
On the minus side, it only comes with soda drink cards (a lot of them) but no stock beer brands so I ended up making my own using a scanner, a beer coaster and photo paper. Looks great though. As I mentioned it's also big - it dwarfs the mini-fridge I had originally in its place. That isn't really a minus but do be prepared for its size and if you don't buy the base (I didn't) then ensure it's placed on a *very* sturdy table.
Overall I think this was a great buy. Everyone who has seen it in my bar is impressed despite it being rather over-the-top. Recommended!