A kitchen ice maker is one of those appliances where once you have it, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it: No hassles with plastic trays and dribbling water on the floor as you carefully perform a balancing act placing it in the freezer, and no running out of cubes when you’re about to entertain.
When it comes to a kitchen ice maker, your first decision is whether you want your ice maker to be part of your freezer or a separate small appliance dedicated to making ice.
Pros and Cons of a Freezer Ice Maker
A freezer ice maker is convenient and keeps a container full of ice ready for when you need it. It’s great when you have kids (and adults) needing ice for their drinks in the summer or when you need a handful of cubes to ice a bruised knee. The freezer ice maker runs itself, and you don’t have to think about doing anything—it’s continually making ice and stops itself when the compartment fills up.
Also, the ice maker is already part of your refrigerator/freezer. You don’t have to buy a separate appliance to make your ice. However, if you don’t have the space or need for a full-sized freezer unit, you might not be able to find an ice maker in a smaller freezer.
A freezer ice maker requires a cold water line near the refrigerator. Options include a line from under the sink or from a water softening or filtration system. A professional may need to help you determine the route of the tubing. That could mean, if there is not already an existing line behind the refrigerator, drilling holes through cabinets, the floor, or a wall. Next, the professional will need to grab the tubing — either flexible copper or plastic — and connect it to the water supply line.
There are icemaker installation kits on the market, but sometimes these tend to include pieces that aren’t up to plumbing code or pieces that split or dry, ultimately resulting in leaks. Instead, sturdier or more permanent valves are a better idea. Either the connection can be soldered, or you can use a compression tee. You’ll also need a stop valve.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Portable Ice Maker
One of the greatest benefits of a portable ice maker is that it produces ice quickly, usually in a matter of minutes. If you entertain frequently, that can come in extremely handy. You can also choose the size and shape of the ice to accommodate your needs.
And because the ice maker is portable, you’ll have the option of moving it around and taking it with you if you want to use it in a location other than your house. However, there are a lot of different models available, and you need to research which model will best suit your needs and your budget.
For answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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