Crushed ice is ideal for slushy cocktails that require a lot of dilution, such as juleps, cobblers, and tiki drinks. Crushed ice is superior to other types of ice for frozen drinks because it will not clog the blade of your blender.
But It could be irritating if your fridge makes crushed ice again and again.
Why Is My Fridge Only Making Crushed Ice?
Certain ice dispensers built into your refrigerator’s freezer compartment provide crushed or cubed ice. Check the freezer temperature setting if an ice maker only produces crushed ice. It is most likely set too low. The ice becomes too brittle when the temperature is too low. As a result, when the ice maker harvests it for the ice bin, it shatters into bits.
As a result, raise the freezer’s temperature to the recommended level. Set it to no lower than 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, if the freezer temperature is set correctly but the ice maker only produces crushed ice, the dispenser is not working properly.
If you select cubes but receive crushed ice, don’t be concerned; the unit isn’t broken. The situation can be resolved by resetting the ice dispenser’s options and taking other steps.
How Do You Repair A Refrigerator Ice Maker That Only Produces Crushed Ice?
There are a few things you can look into to make it work for you, and these are the ones you should be aware of:
1. Completely Close The Compartment
Most of the time, this problem is caused by leaving the door latch loosely locked, which will result in problems. There isn’t much to be concerned about or do in such cases, and all you need to be careful about is closing the door latch perfectly.
This will ensure you have the best experience possible because the loose compartment door will raise the temperature inside the freezing compartment, preventing it from freezing the ice as effectively as it should.
So, close the compartment completely, and if you notice any loose locks or worn-out rubber seals, you will need to replace them in order to solve the problem, and you will then be able to get perfectly solid ice cubes from your refrigerator’s ice compartment.
2. The Metal Arm
In refrigerators, a metal arm is used to keep the ice bucked in place, and it should move freely. It can become frozen due to ice becoming stuck on the metal arm, which can cause issues such as getting the crushed ice out of your ice dispenser or ice compartment.
To resolve the issue, gently remove the bucked and examine the movement of this metal arm. You must make certain that the arm moves freely and without difficulty, and that any ice that has become stuck to it is removed.
After that, you can replace the ice bucket, which should be enough to solve the problem.
3. Allow Some Time
It does take some time for the refrigerator to freeze perfect ice cubes, and you should not expect it to start dispensing perfectly frozen ice cubes as soon as you put some water in the ice compartment. It should take between 1-2 hours after filling the compartment with water for the ice cubes to be perfectly frozen solid, and it would be ideal if you could wait that long.
If you try to get the ice cubes before an hour, you will most likely encounter problems such as getting crushed ice cubes, which you do not want. Simply being patient should do the trick without causing you any issues or problems.
To figure out why this is the case, try the following:
1. Make certain that the Cubed option is selected.
It is critical that you select the cubed ice option on the control panel. If you accidentally select crushed ice, the unit will only dispense crushed ice. It’s easy to think you chose cubed ice when you actually chose crushed ice.
2. Get the Ice Bucket
If you are certain you selected the cubed option but are still receiving crushed ice, remove the ice bucket.
The method for removing the ice bucket will vary depending on the model of your refrigerator. For instructions, consult the refrigerator’s user manual.
However, most ice makers are simple to remove. Simply place your hand in the bottom opening or grab the bottom. Then, with your other hand at the top, gently lift the bucket and pull it towards you.
If there is any ice in the bucket, transfer it to another suitable container or discard it entirely.
3. Examine the Bucket
Examine the area where the ice bucket discharges ice. It should be set to the cubed position, which means it should be open. If it’s closed, it means the dispenser is stuck in crushed ice mode.
This could be due to ice becoming stuck in the bucket’s discharge area. So, fill the ice bucket halfway with warm water and pour it through the opening. The water will melt or dislodge any ice that has become wedged there.
Pour the water until it runs clear or there is no longer any ice in the container.
4. Put the Actuator Rod to the Test
When you take out the ice bucket, the actuator rod is that thin rod that protrudes from the bottom.
Turn the rod while keeping an eye on the ice bucket’s discharge area. If everything is in order, it should close and open as you turn the rod. If this does not occur, there is a problem with the bucket. It should most likely be replaced.
5. Replace the Ice Bucket
However, if the discharge area closes and opens normally, reinsert the ice bucket and ensure it snaps into place. Otherwise, the motor will not detect it and no ice will be produced.
Related Questions
Why isn’t my ice maker producing full cubes?
If there isn’t enough water, the cubes will be too small or hollow. Water flow can be restricted if a water filter needs to be replaced. The solution is straightforward. Purchase a new water filter for your refrigerator, rinse it, and let the ice maker make multiple batches of ice.
Why is my ice maker only producing a small amount of ice?
If your ice maker isn’t making any ice or is making crescents or cubes that are smaller than usual, it’s usually due to a clog somewhere along the supply line. Frozen water in the line is a common cause of a clog. Repair a frozen line by sliding the refrigerator and unplugging it.
Conclusion
In short, your freezer temperature should be accurately adjusted to get the desired ice, otherwise, this problem would arise time and again. Also, allow the ice to set for an ample time.