FAQ about Undercounter Icemakers

4. Are the ice production capacity and storage capacity one and the same?

No, they are not. The production capacity tells you how much ice can a machine make in 24 hours in ideal conditions. For example, if the machine is somewhere where it’s too hot, it produces less ice than it could. The storage capacity tells you how much ice can the appliance hold at any time. The storage capacity is often much less than the capacity of production.

Icemakers work like this: You turn them on, and they produce ice until the bin is full. The production then stops and continues once the bin is empty. Many people don’t know how many ice cubes there are in a pound of ice. Think of ice sold in bags at the store. The standard bags weigh 10 pounds. If your machine can produce 80 pounds of ice a day, that means you’ll get eight standard 10-pound bags.

5. Do I have to install a water filter for my ice machine?

Water filters are not necessary, but you should install one if you can. These filters will prolong the life of your device, but they also remove impurities from the water making the ice taste better. Also, you won’t have to clean the unit as often with these filters installed. Most manufacturers praise the use of the water filter.

6. Do all undercounter icemakers require a drain?

No, they don’t. However, a significant number of these machines do require a drain, but there are exceptions. Some models are freezers at the same time, which means that the ice is kept frozen, so there is no need for a drain connection. Most of them can’t maintain the ice frozen, so you need the drain for the melting ice. Those units that do require a drain come with a drain line upon purchase.

7. What should I look for when buying an undercounter ice machine?

There are some things you should consider before purchasing one of these machines. First, think about where you want to place the machine. You need to put it somewhere close to a water line so you could connect the drain. You should measure the space where you want to put it to make sure that the machine will fit. Also, keep in mind that you need a power outlet close enough for the cord to reach it.

You also need to think about connecting the machine to a drain. These units can produce all types of ice, so you need to think about what shape of the ice you want. Do you want crescent, or maybe pearl, or cubed? You can find many different options.

Fitting your icemaker in the kitchen is one thing, you need one that fits well with the rest of the furniture. You can choose between white, black, or stainless steel finishes. The most important thing about these appliances is the amount of ice they produce in a day. Figure out how much you need before overspending on a vast and expensive machine. If you place the unit in a warm environment, it’s going to produce less ice than it should, so you should take that into consideration as well.

8. How do I properly maintain my icemaker?

You will receive all the instructions on how to clean and maintain your unit, and they are found in the instructions manual. The first step is usually to unplug the machine and get rid of any ice that might be inside. Then, you have to remove all the parts that come in contact with the ice and sanitize them. When you’re done with the cleaning, just rinse the parts with water and set them out to dry. Once they are dry, reassemble the unit and wipe all the surfaces once again. Restart the machine and throw away the first batch of ice.

Most cleaning jobs are like this, but always check your owner’s manual for the instructions first.