If you love to add ice to drinks in the hot summer but the functional capacity of the refrigerator at home is limited, then it is recommended to start with a small household ice maker. An ice maker is a refrigeration mechanical device that generates ice after water is cooled by the refrigerant of the refrigeration system through an evaporator. Depending on the principle of the evaporator and the method of the formation process, the shape of the ice produced is also different. So how to choose the right household ice maker? Let’s talk about that below.
What to consider when choosing an ice maker?
1. Refrigeration method
The cooling methods are divided into direct cooling, air cooling, and mixed cooling. Direct cooling mainly uses the condenser and the evaporator to realize the cooling, and air cooling uses the fan to blow the cold air cooled by the generator to the inside of the refrigerator so that the cold air is continuously circulated, so as to achieve the cooling effect. Hybrid refrigeration is also called direct air cooling, which combines the advantages of direct cooling and air cooling. The refrigerator uses direct cooling technology to prevent moisture loss and has a good fresh-keeping effect. The freezer uses air cooling technology to cool quickly without manual defrosting. The refrigeration method used in household ice makers is generally air-cooled.
2. Ice shape
Ice makers on the market come in a variety of sizes, quantities, and shapes, require different periods of time to make ice, and are suitable for different purposes. Bullet round ice and square ice are more common in household ice makers. In addition to the shape, it also depends on whether it has the function of adjusting the thickness of ice cubes and the length of ice-making time.
3. Ice-making efficiency
The time for ice making is important, which directly determines the speed at which you can enjoy the pleasure brought by the amount of ice. Of course, the faster the ice-making speed is, the better for you. Most household ice makers on the market are designed to make ice quickly. After filling the water and pressing the switch, there are not a few models that can deliver ice cubes within 10 minutes.
However, the ice-making speed is most easily affected by the external ambient temperature, so most manufacturers will mark the ice-making time next to the product for reference. Although the ice-making speed does not represent an absolute value, it is the primary point that must be confirmed when choosing a household ice maker. Of course, the shorter the ice-making time, the better for you.
4. Single ice output
The more ice produced, the more expensive the ice maker is, which determines the amount of ice produced at a time. You should determine your own ice consumption according to your own needs and determine the machine model according to the ice consumption. If you buy a larger model ice machine, it may be a waste, and if you buy a small model machine, it does not have enough ice cubes. And you should choose an ice maker with a large amount of ice if you have a lot of demand for ice cubes and a large number of people in your family.
5. Noise level
Noise is one of the factors that must be considered when buying appliances, and ice makers are no exception. On the basis that other functions can meet your needs, the smaller the noise selection, the better for you to pick, but you can’t just look at the noise alone and ignore other important parameters.
6. Whether it has a self-cleaning function
The self-cleaning function is also important. Because the ice maker uses clean water, it will not be too dirty under normal circumstances. However, most people have the habit of cleaning household appliances after use. Manual cleaning is still troublesome, so choose a machine with a self-cleaning function that would make it easy.
7. Ease of use and portability
A general commercial ice machine must be installed at a water source due to the need to connect various pipelines, and once it is properly installed, it will take a lot of effort to move it. But the household ice maker is different. The water supply method of the water storage tank does not need to be connected to the pipeline. When you want to move it, you only need to unplug the power supply. Therefore, when you choose a household ice maker, don’t forget to further confirm the volume, weight, and shape of the product, which will be more convenient when there is a demand for outdoor use such as picnics and barbecues.
8. Ice maker body material
The material of the ice maker is generally divided into stainless steel and plastic. The material of stainless steel is healthy and safe, and the price is relatively expensive. Ice makers that use plastic materials as the body can generally reach the edible material level and can also be used with confidence.
9. Brand and after-sales service
When choosing an ice maker, you have to look for well-known brands; those well-known brand products come with certain strengths and reputations. High-quality brands are more guaranteed in terms of technology and quality, and you can use them with more confidence. The after-sales service of machines with good brands is relatively complete; they have enough good customer service to solve your problems.
What is a household ice maker used for?
- Frozen ice cubes.
Freezing ice cubes is the most basic and simple function of an ice maker. Pour pure water into the ice maker, and after a period of waiting, more ice cubes can be made. Ice cubes can be used to ice drinks.
- Food pre-cooling processing.
Some ice makers can also process and pre-cool some foods. Pre-cooling during the processing of ham, fish balls, dumplings, etc., like pre-cooling during the processing of bread and cakes in dessert shops, etc.
Conclusion
All in all, an ice maker is a good partner for your kitchen all year round. And I would recommend there ice maker if you are looking for an ice maker for your kitchen. This portable ice maker can not only be used in the hot summer; it is very convenient for sipping drinks, making drinks, cooling dishes, making desserts, and whenever you want to apply ice. And is there an ice maker right for you? This mainly depends on whether its functions are practical for you, so you can consider more practical aspects according to your needs.
