{"id":2122,"date":"2022-04-20T04:05:29","date_gmt":"2022-04-20T04:05:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homepicks.co.uk\/?p=2122"},"modified":"2022-09-10T14:55:10","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T14:55:10","slug":"how-does-an-ice-maker-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homepicks.co.uk\/how-does-an-ice-maker-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Appliance Science: How Does an Ice Maker Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An ice maker gives you an endless supply of ice without having to remember to fill up an ice cube tray and wait for the water to freeze. While it’s clear that ice makers<\/a> are convenient, you might be interested in how they can keep the icebox topped up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will answer ‘how does an ice maker work?’ and show you how those perfect cubes are formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Ice Makers\u2019 Main Components and How They Make Ice Cubes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/twitter.com\/mark_vasicek\/status\/1515383502337888263<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So, how does an ice maker work? To answer this question, we will look at the main components<\/strong> in the refrigeration process. The refrigeration system that makes an ice maker work is similar to the one in a freezer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refrigerant<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Refrigerant has a very low freezing point and travels in the ice machine circuit<\/strong> to make the water cold enough to freeze. The refrigerant will change from liquid to vapour form and back as it passes through the closed circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compressor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The compressor pressurises the refrigerant from a low-pressure vapour into a high-pressure vapour and delivers it to the condenser. This first stage makes the refrigerant hotter as the pressure increases<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Condenser<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The condenser is formed by a series of coiled metal tubes which the hot gas refrigerant passes through to lose its heat. As the refrigerant cools, it becomes condensed into a high-pressure liquid<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many ice maker designs, electric fans blow air through the condenser to improve cooling efficiency. Other systems use a separate water supply to cool the condenser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thermostatic Expansion Valve<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The high-pressure liquid is drained from the condenser via the thermostatic expansion valve<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The valve releases the pressure on the refrigerant liquid extremely quickly, which causes it to cool rapidly. The now low-pressure, low-temperature liquid is delivered to the evaporator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evaporator<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

An ice maker works by introducing water into an area cooled by the evaporator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid enters the evaporator and heat from the surrounding air or water will travel across the evaporator plate. The refrigerant will warm up, and accordingly, the transfer of heat will chill the water to its freezing point<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the refrigerant heats up in the evaporator, it will become a low-pressure vapour again and return to the compressor to repeat the cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ice Mould<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Most ice makers use a freezer tray to hold the water. As the evaporator removes heat<\/strong>, the water will freeze into cubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the cubes are fully frozen, a heating coil will warm the ice trays to release the cubes for collection in the ice bin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Different Types of Ice Machines?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that we have some idea of how the ice-making process freezes the water to make ice, let’s consider the available ice maker types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commercial Ice Makers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These ice makers are used in commercial locations<\/strong> to make ice. The most common application is in bars or restaurants, which use ice for serving drinks or keeping food chilled. However, you may also find them in healthcare facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commercial ice machines typically need to be able to make and store ice in large quantities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modular<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A modular ice machine works where large quantities of ice<\/strong> are needed. They have a separate container that’s suitable sized to store and serve the amount of ice the business needs. These systems are commonly used in locations needing a high volume of ice production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under-Counter<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

An under-counter ice machine combines the maker with a storage bin in one unit. These are usually installed under the counter or bar and are used in facilities that need a lower amount of ice<\/strong> or don’t have the space available for a modular maker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Countertop<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"some<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A countertop ice machine is smaller and typically makes a lower amount of ice. They are popular anywhere where a small amount of ice is needed. These units are relatively portable and can be set up for temporary applications<\/strong>. They are often used in healthcare as the cubes produced are smaller and ideal for patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Combination<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Combination makers include a chilled water dispenser with an ice maker. These appliances are ideal for offices, cafeterias and hospitals where drinking water and ice are needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home Ice Machines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Home ice makers are smaller than commercial units, and they produce less ice. Some are stand-alone designs<\/strong>, while others are built into other kitchen appliances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Countertop \/ Portable<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A countertop or portable ice machine is a compact unit that can make relatively small amounts of ice quickly and easily<\/strong>. They don’t need to be connected to the mains water line, so they can be filled manually wherever they’re needed and are easy to clean<\/a> as well. These designs usually use a thermoelectric heat exchanger rather than a compressor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under-Counter \/ Built-in<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Built-in ice makers are a dedicated appliance if you need a reasonably large amount of ice in your home. These units need to be connected to the freshwater supply and drain, so they may need to be installed by a professional<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refrigerator Ice Maker<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Finally, we get to the most popular way of making ice at home, the type that is built into your refrigerator. These ice makers are compact and usually have the lowest ice storage capacity of all various designs<\/strong>. However, they are convenient and perfect if you need just some cubes to cool your drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do Refrigerator Ice Makers Make Ice Cubes Without a Manual Ice Tray?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A refrigerator’s ice maker works inside a dedicated compartment where the evaporator can chill the ice mould. Ice is then stored in a frozen collection tray until needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n