Ice cubes for everyone, during the warm summer time self-prepared, that was until recently only cumbersome. The production with the help of ice cube bags or ice traysin the freezer compartment of the refrigerator was and is time consuming and not suitable for spontaneous needs. Sufficient amounts of ice cubes in the shortest possible time is today, however, with a ice machine(also ice maker called) possible. These devices are often mistakenly associated only with professional catering applications, as many drinks require many ice cubes. But also for use in the private sector offer ice maker real advantages (but also disadvantages) compared to the classic production of ice cubes. In contrast to professional machines, there are also devices with compact dimensions and water tank for home use. The latter are not installed with a fixed water connection, as is usual in restaurants.

*** Advantages and Disadvantages of the Ice Cube Machine vs. Classic Ice Cube Making ***

Advantages:
– much faster production (average about 15 minutes)
– cumbersome removal from forms deleted
– different capacity
– Different cube sizes and shapes possible on some machines
– Does not produce sometimes cloudy ice cubes
– does not take up any space in the freezer
– easy handling

Disadvantage:
– Shapes variety of ice pieces is more limited than in classical manufacturing
– nothing effective can be frozen into the cubes (eg raspberries or similar)
– requires additional floor space
– causes additional acquisition and operating costs

*** Basic Operation of an Ice Cube Machine ***

Ice cube makers are available in different variants that work according to different methods. In devices for home use is for the production of ice cubes dominated the so-called pin method, of which there are also several variants. Here are some examples of it presented, which give a good insight into the basic operation.

* A spigot cools the water *

In this method is the ice maker equipped with a water reservoir in which a cooling pin is immersed. The pin ensures that the water freezes to an ice cube, which forms layer by layer from the inside out. When the cube has reached its final shape, the cooling pin is briefly heated. This will replace the ice cube. He then reveals a small hollow, which is the way of its manufacture in one ice maker recognize.

* The water freezes to cones *

Also in this method, the ice cube maker contains a reservoir. From this, the water is directed by a pump into a system in which it with a compressoris frozen. In the further course of the water then enters a manifold and is passed on to an evaporation element on. There are several small ones icicle, After they are frozen hard, as detected by a thermostat, a heating coil generates a heat pulse, causing the pins to fall out of the mold.

* Water cools to an ice plate *

In addition, there are also after the second mode of operation presented here ice maker in which a complete thin ice sheet is formed. After the heat pulse, it falls into a storage container in which it splinters into small ice cubes without defined shaping.

*** The two types of care ***

Machines with a water tank can be set up freely and independently of the water connection, ie inside and outside. For fixed positioning, a machine with a permanently installed water connection may be cheaper and more comfortable.

*** The two cooling methods ***

* Water cooling *

A water-cooled ice machine is advantageous at higher ambient temperature because it is largely insensitive to heat and high humidity. Therefore, such devices are also suitable for installation in kitchens. They produce quickly, are easy to handle and clean, but cause relatively high power consumption.

* Air cooling *

An air-cooled ice cube maker is recognizable by the, mostly side-mounted, fans. These machines should only be operated where there is sufficient air circulation and no heat build-up can occur. Maximum ambient temperature is usually 32 degrees C. Under these conditions, the devices produce inexpensively and are easy to handle and clean. However, the room temperature should not be too high and the devices should be kept free as far as possible, d. H. Distances to objects and walls must not be too small.