Common Reasons Why Your Countertop Ice Maker Ice Isn't Staying Frozen

You go to your kitchen, grab a glass, and prepare to scoop up a few ice cubes to cool your drink. Only wait, your countertop ice maker isn't cold. What's worse, you only have slush, not ice. What's going on? Though countertop ice makers aren't meant to stay consistently frozen, there are several reasons your portable ice machine's ice melts faster than usual. These problems can include a blockage in the heat output, the room or water's temperature is too high, or there is a leak. It's also possible you waited too long to transfer your ice to the freezer and it melted, or perhaps the shaped ice your machine makes just melts faster.

Countertop ice machines are a small-space-friendly solution and typically make cubes within 5 to 12 minutes. They use conduction, using freezing cold metal prongs filled with refrigerant to form the ice. This process is unlike traditional freezers, which use convection to transform warm air into cold air, eventually creating ice. The countertop models' prongs lower into the water, freezing it into a block of ice. 

Adding one of these compact appliances is a small change that can make your home feel luxurious, especially thanks to its much-faster promised ice creation rate. Yet, when it isn't staying frozen, you're basically stuck with a paperweight full of slush. Once you determine the reason behind your fast-melting ice cubes, however, you can enjoy your chilled drinks once again.

Portable ice machines vary by manufacturer; however, a major component is their heating output or heat exchanger. Connected to the prongs, it features two functions: emitting cold, then hot temperatures. After making the ice block, the prongs switch to heat, gently warming the solid piece into cubes, which fall into the bin for collection. A block in the heat exchange means it can't function correctly. 

You might have the ice machine too close to another object, such as the wall, or it might be dust. If you suspect a blocked heating exchange, confirm your ice maker isn't pushed flat against the wall. Manufacturers recommend keeping the appliance at least 4 inches from the wall, so adjust the placement if necessary. You can try another ice cycle to see if that fixes the issue. If it persists, you can move on to cleaning the air inlet. Using a can of compressed air or a soft brush vacuum attachment, gently remove any dust or debris. Once your countertop ice maker is clean, the heat output should work more efficiently to make your ice.

Water leaking, possibly from the water reservoir, the tubing, or ice tray, into the bin may be preventing the ice from fully forming. Check the water reservoir tank for leaks, and if you don't detect any, examine the hose (tube) for disconnection or cracks. You can either replace the loose tube, or buy a piece of replacement tubing. Pay special attention to any leaking liquid that is oily or blue, as this might indicate a concern with the refrigerant, and needs to be fixed by a qualified technician.

A countertop ice machine requires the right temperature to efficiently make ice. When your ice melts too quickly after it's made, it may be due to an issue with the ambient temperature. You should never place your ice maker in direct sunlight or near a heat source, such as an oven. It's also crucial you never use these appliances outside. The warm air may penetrate the machine and cause the ice to melt, and this will continue until you make adjustments to the temperature. Portable ice makers work best when they're used in a room between 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything higher, and you might have consistent problems with your ice melting quickly.

You already know that the ice machine requires water to create ice, but did you know that it needs a certain water temperature as well? When filling the water reservoir, you must use room-temperature water or sometimes colder, depending on the manufacturer's directions. Checking the owner's manual can let you know the preferred water temperature for a well-running machine. Some brands, such as NewAir, recommend using chilled water for the best results.

As countertop models don't remain frozen, waiting too long causes the ice to eventually melt. After it melts, the machine starts the process anew. Your best approach if you suspect that the refreezing process has started again is to just wait until the machine creates more ice. Once the bin is full, you should quickly remove the cubes and transfer them to a freezer or cooler. You can then get into the habit of doing this every time the machine finishes making ice, so you'll always have fresh, cold ice ready for your drinks.

If you just purchased a new ice maker, you might not realize that the ice it makes simply melts faster than other shapes. Many TikTokers love showing off the popular "nugget ice" machines, which pump out those small, crunchy ice cubes, aka "Sonic ice." However, nugget ice has a faster melting rate. Therefore, you'll need to retrieve and store your cubes in the freezer more frequently. With these tips and tricks, you can get back to enjoying an ice-cold beverage.