ice maker are ideal for people who entertain frequently or want to keep a large supply of fresh, clear ice on hand for drinks and cooking. These machines churn out small and large bullet-shaped cubes that hold their shape better than larger nuggets and don’t melt as quickly. To make ice, water flows into an insulated tray where it forms a layer of ice cubes. A heating coil then loosens those cubes from the molds and they fall into a collection bin until it’s full. A shut-off arm installed at the front of the machine is triggered when a certain amount of ice has been stacked up in the bin.
When selecting an ice maker, you’ll first need to decide how much you want it to produce in a day and how many storage bins you’ll need. It’s also important to pay attention to the machine’s cleaning process and storage capacity. It’s best to opt for a machine that has a built-in drain, a removable filter and a water reservoir that’s easy to fill. It should also be able to withstand freezing temperatures.
If you opt for a countertop model, look for one that is sleek and compact. It should take up no more than a few square feet and tuck neatly underneath the counter or into a cabinet. You’ll also want to make sure that the space you select can accommodate the machine when it’s in use. Finally, look for a machine that can connect to your Wi-Fi and has an app so you can schedule ice production or remotely monitor the status of your supply from anywhere.