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In-door vs Freezer Ice Maker
There are two main types of ice makers – in-door ice makers and freezer ice makers. In-door ice makers are built into the door of your refrigerator and make crescent shaped ice. Freezer ice makers sit inside the freezer compartment and make full-sized cubes.
The main advantage of an in-door ice maker is convenience – you can grab ice quickly and easily without having to open the freezer. However, in-door ice makers tend to be smaller and produce less ice than their freezer counterparts. They also take up valuable shelf space inside the fridge.
Freezer ice makers produce more ice and larger cubes, but you have to open the freezer to access them. However, opening the freezer less often can help it run more efficiently. The ice may also last longer since the freezer environment preserves it better than the refrigerator.
So which should you choose? Here’s a quick comparison:
| In-Door Ice Maker | Freezer Ice Maker |
|---|---|
| Makes crescent shaped ice | Makes full-sized cubes |
| Smaller capacity | Larger capacity |
| Convenient access from fridge door | Must open freezer for access |
| Takes up shelf space in fridge | Doesn’t impact fridge space |
For most households, a freezer ice maker is preferable if you entertain often or go through a lot of ice. But an in-door version can be a good choice for small families or occasional ice needs.
Plastic vs Copper Water Lines
The two most common types of water lines used for ice maker connections are plastic (PVC, CPVC, or polyethylene) and copper. Let’s compare the pros and cons:
Plastic
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Flexible – easy to install in tight spaces
- Resistant to corrosion and mineral deposits
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Can crack or warp over time
- More prone to damage from UV light or harsh chemicals
- Potential for plastic taste/odor in water
- Not as durable as copper
Copper
Pros:
- Durable and long lasting
- Resists corrosion and scale buildup
- No plastic taste/odor
- Preferred by many homeowners
Cons:
- Expensive
- Inflexible – hard to work with in tight spaces
- Prone to pinhole leaks from corrosion over time
- Needs caution when soldering
So in summary:
| Plastic | Copper |
|---|---|
| Cheap, flexible, corrosion resistant | Durable, preferred taste, prone to corrosion |
Plastic is probably the easiest and cheapest option for most homeowners. But copper offers superior durability and taste if installed properly. Talk to a plumber about the best option for your specific needs.
Diameter – What Size Water Line is Best?
The diameter of the water line feeding your ice maker will impact water pressure and ice production capacity. Here are some common sizes:
1/4 in: This small diameter tubing is only sufficient for low-capacity ice makers producing less than 60-80 pounds of ice per day. Avoid this size if possible.
1/2 in: This mid-size tubing provides adequate flow for standard residential ice makers up to about 125 lbs of ice daily. It’s a good balance of capacity and install convenience.
3/4 in: This large diameter line is recommended for high-capacity ice makers that fill large bins or make 200+ lbs daily. It’s overkill for normal households but needed for big ice demands.
The takeaway? A 1/2 inch water line is the go-to choice for most ice maker installations. But consult your ice maker specs and plumber if unsure. Too small of a line will cause low ice production while too large wastes money unnecessarily.
Filtering – To Filter or Not to Filter?
Whether to install a water filter or sediment trap in the ice maker’s supply line is a decision based on your water quality. Here are some tips:
Consider a filter if your water has:
– Noticeable taste/odor issues
– Cloudiness or particles
– Known contaminants like lead or chlorine
– Frequent staining/scale buildup on fixtures
A filter improves taste, clarity, and reduces contaminants. Filters sized for refrigerators and ice makers are inexpensive ($20-50) and easy to install inline.
You can likely skip filtering if your water is:
– Clear with no particles/cloudiness
– Minimal taste/odor issues
– Low in contaminants and hardness
– Has not caused scale buildup issues before
With good quality water, filtering is less crucial for your ice supply. The water and ice will have a more true, clean taste without filtration.
No matter your current water, periodically testing for contaminants is wise to verify safety. And filters do require regular changes to stay effective – so consider maintenance requirements as well.
Conclusion
Here are some final tips for selecting the best ice maker water line:
– For most homes, a freezer ice maker with 1/2 inch plastic tubing works great
– Spend a little more on copper lines for added durability and purity of taste
– Size up to 3/4 inch tubing if you need very high ice capacity
– Add a sediment filter or full water filtration as needed per your source water quality
– Have a qualified plumber install and connect the water supply
– Follow all manufacturer instructions for installation and setup
With the right water line setup, your new ice maker should provide reliable crystal clear ice for years to come. Enjoy entertaining, chilling drinks, and keeping food cold with ease. And remember – periodic maintenance and replacing filters helps keep your ice in top quality long term.