Freezer & Portable Ice Machine Buying Guide

July 15,2013 From: ABC sources

  •  

    \r\n
    \r\n

    Your refrigerator's ice maker might be trying its best, but in the summer months it can't always keep up with demand. When you’re entertaining cmpany or having the whole family over for a big Thanksgiving dinner, make sure you have enough ice on hand to keep the drinks cold and the party hot. Installing an automatic ice maker, whether in your freezer or as a freestanding unit, will ensure that you never lack for ice, even on steamy summer days. While installing an ice maker into your refrigerator/freezer is probably the most convenient option for many people, there are other choices available. Consider the following questions to find out what type of ice maker is right for your needs:

    \r\n

     

    \r\n
      \r\n
    • Will side-by-side and top-mount refrigerators both accommodate ice makers?
      • \r\n
    • What advantages do freestanding ice makers offer?
      • \r\n
    • What advantages do portable dispensers offer?
      • \r\n
    • What features are important to you?
      • \r\n
    \r\n

    Types, Configurations and Installation Considerations 
    \r\n
    \r\nWhile installing an automatic ice maker in the refrigerator in your kitchen will provide ample ice for most of your needs, there are times and situations that may call for a different solution. Freestanding ice makers are ideal if you have a large family or small business that requires a constant flow of large quantities of ice. Portable units enable you to keep punch and soft drinks cold even when you’re outside picnicking on a beautiful, sunny summer day. In most cases, installing an automatic ice maker is fairly easy for a motivated or experienced do-it-yourselfer.
    \r\n
    \r\nFreezer Ice Makers: It’s not uncommon for new refrigerators to come equipped with an automatic ice maker as a standard feature these days, an option that saves you the time of installing one yourself. If a new unit doesn’t have one, the odds are good that it’s at least configured to allow you to install one easily. Ice makers that are installed into side-by-side refrigerators are often accessible through a dispenser located on the freezer door. In many cases, the dispenser not only provides ice cubes, but crushed ice and chilled water as well.
    \r\n 

    \r\n
      \r\n
    • Automatic ice makers can be installed into most top-mount and side-by-side refrigerators
      • \r\n
    • Most ice makers produce around 5-8 trays of ice per day
      • \r\n
    • A simple trip-lever mechanism activates the ice maker and spurs production
      • \r\n
    • Crushed ice cools beverages more quickly because it has more exposed surface area
      • \r\n
    • Check with the dealer or manufacturer to make sure you’re getting the right model for your particular refrigerator
      \r\n  
      • \r\n
    \r\n

    Freestanding: Freestanding units can be an ideal solution for larger families where a standard refrigerator ice maker can’t keep up with demand. These devices can be installed underneath a counter and can even be used for light commercial applications. Some freestanding units provide storage space for beverages and other items you’d like to keep cold. If you have a small business that requires large amounts of ice on a daily basis, a freestanding commercial ice maker will generate all that you need. These units can often produce multiple types of ice cubes, ranging from standard cubes to flake ice, crushed ice and ice nuggets.
    \r\n 

    \r\n
      \r\n
    • Under-counter units are capable of producing and storing up to 25 lbs. of ice per day
      • \r\n
    • Look for under-counter units that don’t require a drain for greater convenience
      • \r\n
    • Larger home units can generate up to 50 lbs. of ice per day
      • \r\n
    • Some units allow you to choose between installing them as built-in or freestanding models
      • \r\n
    • Commercial ice makers are usually air-cooled, water-cooled or remote air-cooled
      • \r\n
    • Commercial units may be somewhat noisy
      \r\n  
      • \r\n
    \r\n

    Portable: If you’re headed for a picnic in the park or perhaps a party on the patio, a portable ice maker may come in handy. Rather than stocking coolers with ice and hoping it doesn’t melt on those hot summer days, a portable ice maker allows you to generate ice on the spot. Add water, plug it in and ice will be ready to go in a short period of time. Some portable units can generate up to 29 lbs. of ice in a day.
    \r\n 

    \r\n
      \r\n
    • Some models offer the ability to create different sizes of ice cubes
      • \r\n
    • An insulated storage compartment will help keep ice cold
      • \r\n
    • \r\n

      Look for an easy-to-remove basket to make getting ice out easier

      \r\n
      • \r\n
    \r\n

    Set up Considerations: Automated ice creators can be set up into a fridge in hours without too much stress or cost. If there happens to be provide range set up behind your fridge, your career becomes much simpler. If there is not, you may need to cut an opening and run pipes up through your underground room or spider space or get connected to the range beneath drain. Create sure to keep enough extra tube coiled up so you can take your fridge away from the walls without resulting in the tube to kink. A seat device can come in useful for making the relationship between your current provide range and your new ice manufacturer, but be sure to seek advice from local building requirements for making sure using these valves is permitted.

    \r\n
      \r\n
    • Supply tube, pressure accessories and wrenches will be needed for installation
      • \r\n
    • Ice manufacturer packages may or may not include provide tube and pressure fittings
      • \r\n
    • Plastic provide collections are somewhat simpler to set up than birdwatcher lines
      • \r\n
    • Use a conventional T-fitting and turn off device if you are not able to use a seat valve
      • \r\n
    • Freestanding ice creators may take up a lot of room and can be noisy
      • \r\n
    \r\n

    Features 

    \r\n
      \r\n
    • Filter: Ice that flavor or fragrance crazy can have an negative impact on whatever you are using them in, so consider setting up a narrow to make sure that genuine, water that is clean is used for making ice pieces. Some appliances have built-in filtration.
      • \r\n
    • Self-Cleaning: If you decide that you need a professional ice manufacturer, look for one that has a self-cleaning function. This function performs the process of clearing the ice bin and riding a bike a washing solution through it so you do not have to.
      • \r\n
    • Stainless Metal Construction: Free standing models made from stainless-steel provide long-lasting reliability.
      • \r\n



    by: Nate

    Related Articles