DIAGNOSIS: The 24-pound rating is under ideal lab conditions (70°F room temp, 60°F water). In a warmer home with tap water, output drops significantly.
FIX: Maximize your output by controlling the variables you can. Use cold tap water or, better yet, refrigerated water in the reservoir. Ensure the room is as cool as possible (under 80°F) and the machine isn't near a heat source. Also, keep the ice bin empty-ish. It slows down when the bin is nearly full because the ice insulates the chamber.
IF THAT DIDN'T WORK: The water pump might be weakening or the condenser coils (behind the black grille on the back) could be dusty, causing overheating and slower cycles. Unplug, vacuum the back vents gently, and ensure there's plenty of air space behind the unit.
HEADS UP: The first batch after startup or a cleaning cycle always takes the longest—like 15-20 minutes. It's not broken, it's just initializing. Judge the speed on subsequent cycles.