How Do Ice Makers Work?

Ice makers are great for anyone who enjoys ice cold drinks, or use a lot of ice on a regular basis. If anything, they’re a lot more convenient that using an ice tray.

But have you ever wondered how these machines work? How they’re able to transform water into ice?

Because that’s exactly what we’ll be discussing in this post. Keep reading to learn more!

How the Ice-Making Cycle Works

The ice-making cycle involves a few key steps:

1. Filling the ice mold with water
2. Freezing the water into ice cubes
3. Heating the mold to release the cubes
4. Transferring the cubes to a storage bin

Let’s take a look at each of these steps in detail below.

The Water Filling Process

The first step is to fill the ice mold with water.

During this step, the water valve is opened; this releases the exact amount of water needed to fill the ice molds.

It’s important to note that the valve needs to be able to withstand the incoming water pressure to function correctly.

Any issues such as leaks or improper opening can lead to overfilling or jamming of the ice maker.

Freezing and Forming Ice Cubes

Once the mold is filled with water, the freezing process begins.

The ice mold, often made from plastic or aluminum, shapes the water into ice cubes, and over time, the water gradually freezes, forming solid ice.

Heating and Releasing Ice Cubes

Once the ice cubes are frozen solid, it’s time to set them free.

This is possible thanks to the heating coil located beneath the ice maker; its job is to warm the bottom of the ice mold, which helps loosen the ice cubes, allowing for easy removal.

Key Components of a Refrigerator Ice Maker

A refrigerator ice maker consists of various parts, all of which work together to make ice. These components consist of a:

• Water valve
• Thermistor
• Ice mold
• Motor
• Heating coil
• Shut-off arm
• Collection bin

Water Valve

The water valve controls the flow of water into the ice mold.

When it comes time to make ice, an electric switch activates the valve, which opens for 5-7 seconds to dispense the precise volume of water needed.

Ice Mold

The ice mold is where the magic happens. It’s where water transforms into the ice cubes that you use for your beverages.

Thermistor

The thermistor is a temperature monitor that keeps check on the water temperature and sends a signal once the ice is ready.

How does it work? It changes its electrical resistance with temperature changes.

When the water reaches the perfect ice-forming temperature, the thermistor slips a switch, signaling that it’s time to move to the next step in the cycle.

Heating Coil

The heating element is responsible for freeing the ice from the mold.

When activated, it triggers a change in the refrigerant path, heating the evaporator pipes and the metal ice tray, which helps loosen the ice.

Motor

The motor is the driving force that pushes the ice cubes from the mold into the collection bin.

It turns a gear that turns a second gear attached to a plastic shaft with ejector teeth that collect and pushes the ice cubes from the mold.

Collection Bin

The ice bin is designed to hold and store your ice cubes before they are dispensed and used.

Most also come with a dispensing mechanism that allows for convenient access when you need a cube or two to keep your food cold.

As long as the motor is working properly, you should not have an empty ice bin.

Shut-Off Arm

The shut-off arm regulates ice production and activates the water valve when it reaches the bottom, triggering another ice-making cycle.

Setting Up and Using Your Refrigerator Ice Maker

Start by unplugging the refrigerator and taking out the access plugs and covers.

Then, expose the water inlet opening by cutting an ‘X’ through the sticker on the back of the refrigerator and removing the foam insulating plug.

Installing Your Built-in Refrigerator Ice Maker

Next, to install the refrigerator icemaker, follow these steps:

1. Install the ice maker wiring and connect it to the ice maker’s harness. Secure it with the cover plate.
2. Attach an L-shaped leveling bracket to ensure the ice maker is level. Secure it with screws.
3. Insert the water fill tube into the freezer compartment. Lock it in place and insulate it with a foam tube.

Finally, connect the water tubing to the water valve, securing it with compression nuts, and avoid over-tightening to prevent damage.

Next, connect the water supply tube to the cold water supply pipe and water inlet fitting on the refrigerator’s fill valve.

From there, turn on the water supply and plug in the refrigerator.

Troubleshooting Common Ice Maker Issues

Even the most reliable ice makers can experience issues from time to time. Some common problems you may encounter when making ice include:

• A paused or turned-off ice maker
• A blocked dispenser
• A temperature setting that’s too low
• Dirty water filters
• Kinked water lines
• Clogged or faulty water inlet valves

Steps to Take If Your Ice Maker Isn’t Making Ice

If your ice maker is not producing ice, don’t panic. It could be a simple issue that you can fix yourself, just follow these steps:

1. Check the chute for ice cubes and clear away any obstructions
2. Check to see if the water supply line is frozen
3. Examine the fill tube for ice blockages

Alternatives to Built-In Refrigerator Ice Makers

Built-in refrigerator ice makers may be convenient, but they’re not the only available option.

For example, you can also use traditional ice cube trays, undercounter ice makers, and countertop ice makers.

Countertop ice makers, for example, are great in that they’re portable and allow for ice-making without the need for an entire refrigeration system.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Ice makers, like any other appliance, consume energy, meaning their use has an impact on the environment.

For example, the refrigerants used in ice machines can contribute to ozone depletion and global warming.

Given that, it’s not surprising to know that the U.S. Department of Energy has set energy efficiency standards for these types of machines.

Understanding Ice Makers

From the water-filling process to the ejection of ice cubes, every step is crucial.

Understanding the key components of the ice maker and how they work will not only satisfy your curiosity but will also help you maintain and troubleshoot your appliance effectively.

Key Takeaways

• The ice-making process includes filling ice molds with water, freezing them into cubes, then heating the molds to release the ice into an ice bin
• The major components of an ice maker include the water valve, ice mold, thermistor, heating coil, and motor
• There are different types of ice makers to choose from including refrigerator ice makers, undercounter ice makers, freestanding ice makers, countertop ice makers, and commercial ice makers

Frequently Asked Questions

How do ice makers know when to stop?

Most ice makers come with an optical sensor or a mechanical arm that detects when the ice has piled high enough.

How do ice makers work?

A refrigerator ice maker works by filling a mold with water and freezing the water.

The heating coil underneath the mold then heats the ice, which allows it to be dispensed into the storage bin.

Why is my ice machine producing cloudy ice?

Ice will appear cloudy if it contains minerals (e.g. scale build-up) or if there are trapped air bubbles.

To fix the issue, try cleaning your ice maker with ACTIVE Ice Machine Cleaner.

What are some alternatives to built-in refrigerator ice makers?

You can use traditional ice cube trays, undercounter ice makers, or countertop ice makers. Just make sure they fit your specific needs and circumstances.

How long will it take a new refrigerator ice maker to make ice?

Once you’ve installed your ice maker, it will take between six to twelve hours for it to produce ice.

How can I tell if my ice maker is clogged?

If your ice maker is producing ice cubes that are smaller than normal, there may be a clog (e.g. frozen water) in the supply line. Depending on the size of the clog, the machine may also stop working altogether.