|
An
icemaker is a great convenience for many consumers, especially for those
who drink a lot of water or beverages . Even though it is a fairly
simple device it can be misunderstood by consumers -- particularly when
it doesn't seem to be working as expected. The following are some
answers to the seven most commonly asked questions about the domestic
refrigerator icemaker.
1 …
Why is
icemaker not producing any
ice
Most common reason is that it was accidentally turned off.
Look on the body of icemaker for an on-off switch. Or look for a metal
arm (bale arm) that hangs down from the side of the icemaker. The bale
arm may control an on-off switch inside the icemaker. In the raised position the
icemaker will be turned off. Lowering the arm will often restart ice
production. Once restarted it should start making ice in about four
hours.
Check that electrical plug on side of icemaker is firmly attached. Check
that hand valve feeding the water to refrigerator is open. Check that
water supply line to refrigerator is not kinked. Check
your refrigerator manual for other suggestions.
If the water for your icemaker goes through a filter (most
don't) then your filter may need to be changed. This problem may be
accompanied by a slowing of the water dispenser flow.
2 … Why do ice
cubes look cloudy
Ice
produced by a domestic refrigerator is formed very slowly inside the
icemaker mold. Each layer of ice is formed on top of the one below it.
During production, air inside both the water and mold become trapped
within the ice cubes. This gives the cubes their cloudy appearance.
Cloudy ice cubes are not an indication of poor water quality.
3 … Can I add an
icemaker to my existing refrigerator
Check
your owner’s manual. It should indicate whether your refrigerator
would accept an after-market icemaker. During manufacturing, many water
and electrical connections are pre-formed inside the interior walls of
the refrigerator. Adding an icemaker system to an existing refrigerator
requires a great deal of labour and expense. Therefore, even though some
manufacturers offer add-on icemaker kits it is not something we normally
suggest.
4
… Can I take icemaker from my old refrigerator and add it to my new
refrigerator
Even
if both refrigerators are icemaker capable this is not suggested. Adding
an old icemaker into a new refrigerator means your icemaker is already
partially worn out. Each new generation of icemaker is different from
the previous and may not operate within the new refrigerator. Just
because they are the same manufacturer of icemaker or refrigerator
doesn’t mean the parts are compatible. It is a better idea to simply
ensure that when purchasing the new refrigerator it comes complete with
a built-in icemaker.
5
… Can I change the
shape of the ice cubes
The
shape produced by the icemaker is dependent upon the mold inside the
icemaker. Therefore the shape of the cubes cannot be changed. Most
domestic icemakers produce semi-circular ice cubes. This allows the mold
to eject the cubes with the least effort. Round or square ice cubes are
usually only available from commercial ice making machines costing
thousands of dollars.
6 … Why
do
Ice cubes have a funny taste
If
the icemaker is new this is possible. The plastic water lines or
icemaker parts may have residue from production. Always throw away the
first 24 hours of ice production.
May be the result of minerals
within your water supply being concentrated within the ice. If
your household water has a slight smell or taste this may be accentuated
during ice production.
May be because
ice
cubes have been sitting in the freezer section too long. During a
prolonged period of time ice they can pick up odors from the surrounding
food. If ice cubes have an unusual taste throw away and allow icemaker
to produce a fresh harvest of cubes.
7
… Why
are ice
cubes not dispensing
Poorly formed ice cubes may be jamming ice-dispensing
mechanism. Remove ice bucket and throw away all ice cubes. Allow ice
bucket to warm to room temperature. Wipe off any
moisture from inside and outside of the ice bucket, and any associated
mechanism. Reinstall ice bucket and allow uninterrupted ice production
of 24 hours. If problem continues, call for service.
By
Donald Grummett
Copyright © 2007 Donald
Grummett. All rights reserved
top
of page
|