In order to keep the ice from your countertop ice maker from sticking together, you can clean the unit, store the ice, or use brown paper bags.
Countertop ice makers are worth it if you want large amounts of ice at a time and you want to be able to move the machine around.
However, a countertop ice maker does not keep your ice frozen and this may cause the ice cubes to stick together. Though, cleaning your machine and storing the ice properly can prevent this.
Are countertop ice makers really worth it?
Most people initially purchase their countertop ice makers because they want a machine that can produce a large amount of ice and that can be moved around in their house or entertainment areas conveniently.
Given that most ice makers are relatively inexpensive and that they come in such a variety of sizes and capacities, this makes a countertop ice maker well worth it if you want large quantities of ice on-demand.
Many countertop ice makers designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring automatic shut-off and energy-saving modes to minimize electricity usage. This eco-friendly design enhances their overall appeal.
Also, they are typically easy to clean and maintain. Regular cleaning is straightforward, and many models come with removable components that can be easily washed. This low-maintenance aspect contributes to the overall user-friendly experience.
Keeping countertop ice maker ice from sticking together
The benefits that countertop ice makers offer make these machines worth it for most households. However, countertop ice makers also have some drawbacks.
One of these drawbacks is that the ice that is produced and stored in these countertop ice makers can start sticking together in big clumps or blobs.
This makes it difficult to get just a few ice cubes to throw in your drink and it can interfere with the convenience that the ice maker is supposed to provide.
The reason why this happens is because your countertop ice maker does not freeze the ice cubes after they have been dumped. This means that the ice cubes will slowly start to melt.
The water that forms on the surface of the ice cubes may then freeze again when a new batch of cold ice is dumped on top of them, and this water acts as a glue or cement that fuses the ice cubes together.
Once this moisture or frost starts building up on the inside of the ice bucket in your countertop ice maker, it can be difficult to get rid of and this is why cleaning and descaling your ice machine is a good way to prevent your ice from sticking together.
You can also prevent the ice cubes from sticking together by ensuring that ice does not start melting in the ice bucket, by removing the ice often and storing it in your freezer.
When it comes to ice sticking together once the cubes have been removed from the freezer or countertop ice maker, using a brown paper bag is an old-school trick to absorb any excess moisture and it is still one of the best solutions.
How to clean and descale your countertop ice maker
Before you can start cleaning and descaling your countertop ice maker, you should make sure that the machine is turned off and unplugged the electrical outlet. Also, ensure that the tank or water reservoir is drained.
You can then clean the ice bucket and inside of the countertop ice maker, as well as the freezer tray and scoop, either with a 1:1 distilled white vinegar and distilled water solution or an ice maker cleaning and descaling solution.
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You also need a spray bottle with distilled water and some cleaning cloths to rinse and dry the ice maker and its components once you have cleaned it.
Always ensure to regularly clean and descale your countertop ice maker to help maintain its performance and that the ice is safe for consumption.
Sometimes the cleaning procedures may vary according to your specific ice maker model, so always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to store ice in your freezer without it sticking together
Leaving multiple batches of ice from your countertop ice maker in the ice bucket will cause the ice to stick together quickly, but you can store each batch of ice in your fridge or freezer to prevent this, by following either of these methods:
| Method | Description |
| Method 1: Place the ice in freezer bags | Simply empty the ice bucket into a freezer bag and freeze it after each drop. This method is convenient because you can store ice for later, without it absorbing any bad smells from the freezer |
| Method 2: Place the ice in a large container | You can also place the ice in the same large container after each drop, you just need to make sure that you stir it thoroughly with a wooden spoon |
Using brown paper bags to prevent ice from sticking
Brown paper bags are an old-school way to store excess ice that you want to store for longer periods without the cubes clumping together.
Because the paper bag can absorb the moisture that drips off of the ice as it melts, it remains one of the most effective solutions to keep ice cubes from sticking together.
As a result, many people line the ice bucket on the inside of their ice machines with these bags or just use them to store the ice in the freezer.
You can get a pack of 100 brown paper bags here.