A portable ice maker can be an excellent addition to the kitchen as it helps with the ready supply of high-quality ice for making instant drinks. They can be of great use when you are hosting a party at home and when there is a huge demand for iced drinks for all the guests at the party. The portable ice maker has a very small footprint and occupies very little space on the kitchen countertop and you can make it sit on the floor, or keep it in the garage or dining room and practically any indoor space, where the climate is controlled. And most importantly, being a portable appliance, you can carry it for your pool site party or your camping trip and keep enjoying high-quality ice on the way.
There are many other ample advantages of investing in a portable ice maker machine. It is portable, it doesn’t require any additional water lines and drainage tubes, it is pretty much cheaper and affordable than commercial ice makers, makes more ice than the refrigerator freezer and thus you don’t have to run to the convenience store for ice every time. And most importantly, it is easy to set up and maintain. Here is the step-by-step instruction on setting up the portable ice maker, along with a detailed note on its maintenance guide.
Step by Step Guide for Setting Up the Portable Ice Maker
Most people prefer to invest in a portable ice maker, for simple instruction that is easy to set up. The step-by-step instructions from unboxing to plugging in the ice maker are as follows.
1. Unboxing and Installing the Portable Ice Maker
This step is as simple as opening the packaging box and fitting the ice maker in its destined location. But it is important to retain the contents of the packaging so that you can return the unit if you do not find it suitable for your needs. Most of the models come with a 30-day return policy for hassle-free returns and replacements. Also, retain the instruction manual of the appliance, to read through the instructions and troubleshoot the appliance.
After placing the ice maker on a stable surface, remove all the stickers, packaging, and protective wrapping from the ice maker and gather all the accessories in a neat pile to the sides. Inspect the package for all the accessories that have to come with the ice maker, such as the ice scoop, ice basket, and instruction manuals.
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2. Cleaning the Ice Maker Before First-Time Use
Before starting to make the ice cubes, it is important to wash the portable ice maker with soap and water, or at least with vinegar solution. This helps in cleansing the interiors of the ice maker to make high-quality and hygienic ice cubes. It is also a good practice to discard the first batch of ice that is formed in the ice maker after cleansing it.
3. Find a Stable Place for the Ice Maker
If the ice maker that you buy is portable and lightweight, then you can keep shifting its place and position, according to your requirement. If the ice maker is huge and heavy, then it is better to keep the ice maker in one fixed position and not to move it unnecessarily.
4. Plug in the Ice Maker
The next step in setting up the portable ice maker is to plug in the ice maker safely. Make sure that the portable ice maker is appropriately grounded and is not plugged in around the water. If at all you are placing the ice maker outside the home, make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
5. Turn on the Appliance and Start Making Ice Cubes
The final step is to start making the ice cubes and to initiate the purpose, fill the portable ice maker with water. There is a reservoir under the storage bucket for every ice maker and this water reservoir should be filled with water up to the fill line. It is important not to overfill the unit with water, as it will not work correctly.
The final step is to set up the portable ice maker on a stable surface and turn on the unit, to start the ice-making cycle. Generally, the first batch of ice should be ready in about 6 to 10 minutes to make ice.
Important Safety Instructions While Setting Up the Ice Maker
- Read all the safety instructions before setting up the appliance and retain these instructions for future use.
- The portable ice maker requires a standard 110 to 120 Volt, 60 Hz electrical outlet with a three-prong ground.
- Never switch on and operate the ice maker with a damaged cord.
- Connect the appliance with a polarized outlet and make sure that no other appliance is plugged into the same outlet.
- Make sure that the power cord is not kept over other heat insulators. Never cover the cord and keep it away from high traffic areas.
- Use of an extension cord is strongly discouraged, as it might overheat and initiate a fire. If at all you use an extension cord, you can use No.14 AWG minimum size with 1875 watts.
- The portable ice maker should never be used outdoors and should be placed away from direct sunlight.
- Make sure that there is at least 4 inches of clearance space between the back and the sides of the ice maker and the surrounding walls.
- No other liquid other than water should be used in the ice maker to form ice cubes.
- Make sure that the appliance is grounded and is kept on an even and flat surface.
Cleaning and Maintenance Guide for the Ice Maker
Ice makers are one common appliance, that gets frequently overlooked when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Though these appliances are easy to set up, we cannot take their maintenance for granted. Regular maintenance and cleaning routines will make sure that the appliance will stay under inappropriate working conditions and form high-quality and hygienic ice cubes.
1. Why Cleaning is Mandatory
Hard water when fed into the appliance will leave a lot of minerals and sediments in the appliance and tend to build up over time in the machine. There are also chances for dirt and rust to clog up the appliance over time, making it difficult for the appliance to produce ice cubes. If the appliance is left unclean, all of the build-ups inside the device will enhance its wear. Cleaning the appliance periodically, will enhance its production to many folds, and helps in creating high-quality ice that also tastes great.
2. Indications for Cleaning the Appliance
Some good indications and signs that mandate cleaning for the ice maker are that,
- You find that the ice formed in this appliance is smaller than normal
- The ice tends to get cloudy in appearance
- The ice cubes melt faster and they feel softer
- The ice cubes emit a strong odor or taste.
If any of these indications show up, clean the appliance and also consider changing the water filter of the appliance at the same time.
3. Step by Step Cleaning Instructions of the Ice Maker
The cleaning process depends on the type of ice maker and it is highly recommended to refer to the instruction manual, before initiating the cleaning process. Also, gather all the supplies that you will require at the side of the ice machine, before initiating the process. Here is the step-by-step cleaning instruction for the ice maker.
- Turn off the ice maker and unplug the appliance
- Empty the appliance and discard any leftover ice and water
- Remove parts that can be removed for cleaning as per the instructions in the owner’s manual.
- Take one part of the cleaning solution and add three parts of water to clean the exteriors and interior parts of the appliance
- Rinse the removable parts with clean water.
- Replace the parts and wipe all the surfaces with a soft rag.
- Air-dry the machine and plug in to start the ice maker
- Discard the first batch of ice.
- With ice makers that feature an automatic cleaning function, turn the cleaner on and follow the instructions.
You can also check this post: How to Clean an Ice Machine?
Some Important Maintenance Tips that Help Prolong the Life of the Appliance
When the ice is formed and shifted to the ice maker, it begins to melt, then it is important to remove the ice cubes immediately to save energy. It is important to check the water level in the ice maker periodically. If it runs out of water, turn off the ice maker, fill the reservoir up to the water level mark, wait for three minutes for the refrigerant to settle, and then restart the ice maker. It is good to change the water in the reservoir every 24 hours, to make sure that the ice is fresh and tasty. And most importantly, if the appliance is not in use, drain all the water left in the tank. All these steps should make your ice maker last long.
