Anundercounter ice makera great way to make sure thatyour home always hasfresh ice on handfor drinks or other uses without the need for a full industrial machine. They free up counter space, can be installed in a wide variety of locations, and produce ice quickly.
Before purchasing a new undercounter ice maker it is only normal that you would have some questions. Most people typically ask,“how does an icemaker work?”However, there are other questions that you probably need to be answered.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About an Undercounter Ice Maker
We have made finding answers easy by rounding upthe 10 most frequently asked questions about undercounter ice makers and their solutions.
- What are the installation requirements for an undercounter ice machine?
- Would I need to install a special water line?
- Does an undercounter ice maker need a special plug?
- Will I need to purchase a pump?
- What are the most common features of an under counter ice maker?
- What are the standard capacity requirements?
- What are the maintenance and cleaning requirements?
- Will I need a water filter?
- Is the first batch of ice safe to use?
- Where can I purchase undercounter ice makers?
1. What are the installation requirements for an undercounter ice maker?
Perhaps you’re wondering, “how does an ice maker work?”
To understand how this equipment works, you also need to learn the installation requirements. Check out various ice maker reviews to see which ones are easy to install and will work for you.
A properly installed ice maker will function at peak performance and have the longest appliance life span possible.
Installation can be done at home by the owner but it isn’t a bad idea to consider hiring a certified plumber to get the job done quickly and correctly.
When installing your undercounter ice maker, you want to make sure that it is protected from weather elements such as rain, heavy winds, and extreme heat.
You will want to avoid putting the equipment directly next to other kitchen appliances that create heat such as ovens and dishwashers.
Finding a spot where you can install this appliance so that it is level, has a few open spaces around the sides and back for ventilation, and isn’t near other appliances that might give off heat and make ice production difficult is best.
2. Would I need to install a special water line?
An undercounter ice maker is considered a built-in appliance. This means that the water maker will need its own water line to supply water for ice making.
If you are worried about the expense or hassle of installing a water line, you may be interested in purchasing a portable machine. These usuallycome with a reservoirthat has water added by hand instead of a direct water line.
3.Does an undercounter ice maker need a special plug?
Typically, an undercounter ice maker does not require a special plug.
They normally use a three-prong plug with a 110-120 Volt outlet that is found in most modern houses. You will want tocheck the owner’s manualfor your specific machine before purchasing or plugging in your ice maker.
4. Will I need to purchase a pump?
The need for a pump depends on the brand and its installation.To function well, ice machines need to be able to easily drain off excess water.
One option for water drainage isagravity drainwhere water naturally flows downward towards an exit drain. Gravity drain works well if you are able toinstall your ice maker near a drain.
Most undercounter ice makers come with an internal pump that helps move water out and away from the machine. This helps water to move from the ice machine to a drain a small distance away.
If your built-in ice maker is a good distance from a drain, you may want to consideran external pump to help drainand move excess water away from your machine. Regardless of your machine type, you will need to be prepared to providean effective way for water to be pumped and drainedfrom your machine.
5. What are the most common features of an under counter ice maker?
Ice machines come with a wide variety of potential features that vary based on a machine’s price point. Machines come in a variety of finishes from black to stainless steel and some high-end machines are quite customizable.
The one feature that many people need to spend time considering when purchasing an undercounter ice machine is the type of ice they want their machine to produce.
Under-counter ice machines can maketraditional square cubes, bullet ice, nugget ice, crushed ice, and even tiny ice cubes.Check out various ice maker reviews to have an idea about the common features of various equipment available in the market.
6. What are the standard capacity requirements?
Ice machines are rated based on how much ice they can produce in 24-hours.Most models’ ice production capacity is around 70 pounds of ice per day.
Ice storage capacity is related to how much ice the machine can hold while waiting to be put into drinks. Most machines have a storage space of20-30 pounds of ice.
7. What are the maintenance and cleaning requirements of an undercounter ice maker?
Regular cleaning of your ice machinewill help keep your iceclear and healthy for usein all of your favorite beverages. You should check your owner’s manual for specific cleaning guidelines.
A typical cleaning of undercounter ice machines involves:
- Unplugging and draining the ice machine.
- Removing loose parts from inside of the machine for special cleaning.
- Washing each part with a special detergent to remove slime and build up.
- Drying the parts and reassembling the machine.
Careful inspection of parts and a deep cleaning a few times a yearwill keep your ice machine running well and making the best ice possible.
8. Will I need a water filter for my appliance?
A special water filter is not required to enjoy your under counter icemaker but is strongly suggested.While water filters are optional, if you want to be certain you are creating the purest ice possible, a water filter will help maintain clarity and quality of your ice.
Filtering your water helps prevent particle build up in your machine and keeps your ice tasting as fresh as possible.
9. Is the first batch of ice safe to use?
It is recommended to throw out the first batch of ice from a new machine or a recently cleaned machine. This makes sure that the machine is producing clean ice without any extra chemicals or dust.
10. Where can I purchase an undercounter ice maker?
You can purchase this icemaker at local appliance stores, from professional machine producers, and even online from places such as Amazon.
How does an ice maker work? Now, you know. Maybe you should check out variousundercounter ice makerreviews to find the best one for you and your home.
