An ice maker is a practical investment for food and beverage businesses. However, it’s also a good inclusion in the household kitchen, especially on summer days.
It is often taken for granted until it stops working. So, until when can you rely on it? How long do ice makers last?
Similarly, when buying an ice maker, you probably have questions in mind. What are the factors to consider when purchasing an ice maker? If you already own one, you would also be curious about the proper repair and maintenance.
How Long Do Ice Makers Last?
Just like any other appliances, ice makers don’t last forever. The average estimated life of ice makers is about four to five years or within the manufacturer’s warranty. There are rare instances, though, when a unit lasts for ten years.
As such, how long do ice makers last depends on several factors. With that said, regardless of the brand or model, an ice maker always needs proper care and maintenance.
Cleaning it every three to six months ensures its optimal performance. It prevents excessive evaporation and frozen ice on the interior walls of the machine. More importantly, cleaning also removes the bacteria and molds that may degrade the quality of ice produced.
Even when you clean the ice maker regularly, though, sudden malfunctions happen sometimes. What’s worse is that when you examine it, there seems to be no problem at all.
It could be either an electrical problem or a simple accidental nudge of a power switch. If you know how to attend to simple issues, you can save yourself from an expensive professional repair or buying a new ice maker.
Common Ice Maker Issues and Repair
You don’t have to call a repair service right away when you experience a problem. By doing so, you will have to dig in your pocket for a fee. Nobody wants that.
The good news is that ice makers are simple machines that you can diagnose and repair. Here are the common ice maker issues that most users experience. Alongside each problem are the possible solutions that can troubleshoot it.
Problem #1: Not Ejecting Ice
There are times when an ice maker does not discharge ice. Is it receiving water from the supply? If you find ice in the ice tray, the answer is yes. The problem could be electrical or mechanical.
- Cause #1
One possible reason is that you accidentally bump the control switch to off spot. It usually happens when you move things inside the freezer. Turning it off causes the unit to stop producing ice.
Fixing this issue is very simple. Look for the control arm and turn it down or to the on position. This way, you put the unit back on to its normal status.
- Cause #2
Another possible cause of ice not ejecting is the electrical connection. To fix it, check if all the electrical cables are correctly connected.
Unplug the unit from the wall socket and then turn the water supply valve off and detach it from the power. Look for the release plug on the rear side of the freezer’s interior and disconnect it. After a few seconds, connect it again to ensure that it is done correctly.
Then, take out the ice tray and add water. Let it sit for a few minutes until the ice melts. While you wait, reconnect every cable to turn on the unit. Put the control arm to the on position, and the solenoid should engage in about 10 seconds.
Fill the mold with water and put it back inside the freezer. It should freeze in three to four hours and eject the ice. If this troubleshooting does not work, you might need to replace the gearbox or motor.
Problem #2: Producing Pieces of Ice That Are Smaller Than Usual or the Ice Maker Is Not Producing Ice at All
This problem is usually caused by a clog along the water supply line. Frozen water causes this clog.
To solve this problem, slide the ice maker off the wall and unplug it from the power socket. Look for the shut-off valve at the back of the fridge or under the sink, and then turn it off.
Then, pour warm water over the waterline so that the ice clog melts. Alternatively, melt the waterline with a hairdryer or defrost it a few hours until the clog disappears.
Turn the ice maker on and check if the water supply fills the ice tray. If the clog is still present, ask for a professional service to remove it.
Problem #3. Producing Cubes That Are Too Big or Small
Sometimes, the ice maker produces cubes with unusual sizes. The ice cubes are too big or have too small sizes that easily crack in the center. If there is no clog along the water line, the unit probably requires minor adjustments in the settings or water supply.
To solve this issue, you need to adjust the amount of water being supplied at each cycle. The first step is to take off the ice maker cover.
The cover is the white plate in front of the unit that can be easily pulled off. Otherwise, unscrew it carefully from the housing.
After removing the cover, you will find a screw or spring assembly and a plus and minus sign. This portion controls the amount of water. Using a screwdriver, turn the screw to the minus sign to decrease the water supply or to the plus sign to increase the water.
How to Choose an Ice Maker That Lasts for Long
The crucial tip to prolong the life of an ice maker is to purchase the unit with good quality. With the availability of ice maker models and brands in the market, though, choosing a good one is often challenging. To ease this task, here are some of the factors to consider:
1. Brand
Trusted brands last for long years. Among the famous names in the ice machine industry are Hoshizaki, Scotsman, Ice-O-Matic, and Manitowoc.
Some high-end brands are usually equipped with advanced features like anti-bacterial technology and high energy-efficiency rating. Read through what the other users are saying about a specific brand to have an educated choice.
2. Type
Ice makers come in three varieties: portable, built-in, and modular. Use the type of ice maker that is intended for your usage.
If you are going to need a considerable amount of ice in a day, to keep your restaurant running, for example, a freestanding unit would be appropriate. If it is intended for household consumption, especially in summer, a portable ice maker would be ideal.
Portable
Portable ice makers are small enough to be conveniently carried anywhere or placed on kitchen countertops. They are excellent for outdoor parties or events where ice is a must.
This type of ice maker can generate ice in ten minutes. It doesn’t keep the ice frozen, so you have to use the ice immediately. Nevertheless, you can put the melted ice back into the unit to freeze again.
- Built-In
A built-in ice maker can produce about 20 to 30 pounds of ice a day. Unlike the portable ice machines, this one can keep the ice frozen. The design is like a mini-refrigerator intended to fit under kitchen cabinets or bars.
Built-in ice makers are usually found in expensive kitchens. They typically come in the price range that is not lower than $1,000. They are made with a dedicated water line and parts that require regular cleaning to ensure maximum performance.
- Modular
Among the different types of ice makers, the modular ice maker is the largest and most powerful. It can produce up to a thousand pounds of ice per day.
With a devoted water supply line, it operates generates ice non-stop. These are the types of ice machines used in commercial establishments.
3. Simplicity
Setting up an ice maker should be easy. With the basic controls such as the timer, on-and-off switch, and the ice size, the configuration should be straightforward. You don’t need an expert to install or keep it running.
The ice maker should be easy to clean as well. The trays should be easy to remove as well.
The dirt should be easy to wash out from the water filter, heating elements, and other parts. Ensuring these factors in an ice maker saves you time and effort while ensuring your health and safety.
4. Warranty
Most ice makers have the same manufacturer’s warranty. It usually comes with three years of warranty for the parts and services of the entire unit, but others come with up to five years of warranty. This factor is essential to have your purchase backed up and maximum your money.
Ice Maker Maintenance Tips
Different ice maker models require different care and maintenance. That is why it is a must to check on the user’s manual to know the specific instructions on cleaning and setting up the unit.
Regardless of the model, though, here are the general tips on how to take care of the ice maker to prolong its life.
- Clean the ice maker every three to six months to get rid of unwanted elements that try to build up. The most crucial step is to unplug it first from the socket. Never clean or troubleshoot with the unit plugged to avoid an electrical accident.
- Use mild dish soap for cleaning. Better yet, a vinegar solution is safer and non-toxic. Mix one part of vinegar to every two parts of water and lemon juice in a spray bottle. Shake well until the three ingredients combine. Spray it on all interiors of the ice maker reaching the crevices and other parts.
- Do not forget to clean the outside of the ice maker. It will not only make the unit look neat and presentable, but also prevent dust that may enter the machine. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe dried spills.
- If you rarely use the ice maker, turn it off. Move the arm on an upright position. Newer models have different controls. They have a push button on the panel to shut it on or off.
- Use filtered water. Although tap water can be used, filtered water is better. Filtered water is free from any minerals or bacteria that may contaminate the ice or accumulate in the water valve or around the unit’s interior. Filtered water also results in ice cubes with great taste and smell.
- If you use a water filtration system, replace the filter every six months or as stated in the user’s manual.
- Ice makers are sensitive machines. Always check if the freezer is cold enough. Otherwise, the unit will not work correctly.
- For the stand-along ice makers, provide enough room for ventilation. These kinds of ice makers work by grasping in fresh air into the right vent and expel warm air on the left vent. Remove any obstacles that might block this venting mechanism. Ideally, place the ice maker at a minimum of three-inch distance from the wall.
- Do not put anything but water to be frozen. Ice makers are intended for making ice and for not any other purposes. Otherwise, it defeats its purpose and will surely shorten its life or damage the parts easily.
- Do not put the ice maker, especially the portable types, under the direct sunlight.
- When you clean the ice maker, make sure that the interior and the parts are arid. Moisture can freeze too and crack the parts. Wipe any remaining liquid with a clean, dry cloth.
Final Thoughts
How long do ice makers last depends on your usage and maintenance. Although these kinds of appliances only last for a few years, you can prolong them with proper care and maintenance.
The best way to do it is by cleaning it regularly to remove any clogs or elements that try to build up. It also maintains the excellent quality ice cubes that are free from unwanted smell or taste.
When an ice maker malfunctions, you can troubleshoot it. Ice makers come in different types and configurations, but they experience common issues. Always refer to the unit’s manual to check for the proper installation and maintenance.