What happens if you don’t turn off the ice maker is a very strange question from my readers, asking Ice Artisan if they can completely forget their ice maker when going on vacation. Well, I wrote an article of “Can ice makers be left running all the time?”, which somehow tell you should or shouldn’t leave an ice maker running all the time. But this time, you will want to know what really happens if you don’t turn off the ice maker, right?
I’ve made a comprehensive “Ice Maker FAQ” series collecting all common ice maker problems to help Ice Artisan readers quickly troubleshoot their ice maker units.
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What happens if you don’t turn off the ice maker?
Depending on the ice maker you are using (countertop or undercounter ice maker), what exactly happen are largely the same, but on different level. Commercial ice makers are meant to last longer, so they may somehow have the same effect as the countertop ice makers, but at a lesser extent.
A countertop ice maker is particularly vulnerable to continuous operation. It is only using air-cooled ventilation for its cooling system, and running continuously put a heavy mechanical stress on its crucial components, like the compressor.
It doesn’t work like the refrigerator in your kitchen, and its bin doesn’t have good insulation to store ices for long. Soon the ices will melt and the process of ice making continues, which destroy your electricity bill when you’re away for vacation.
That isn’t the end of story. Even when the countertop ice maker has a sensor, it is not good if you rely completely on it. As a result, some ice makers will leak water that can cause water damage the whole appliance, as well other nearby appliances that’s connected to a power outlet. That’s disaster when you come back home.
Finally, the water is repeating the whole ice making process for how many days you’re not touching the ice maker, and it is an ideal condition to inhabit mold and bacteria. Well, more reasons for you to learn how to clean ice maker.
Like I said, everything also happens for the undercounter ice maker. However, because commercial ice makers are meant for continuous ice making, it can withstand longer than the countertop units. It’s far less likely to leak water, because it has its own drainage system, providing that you know how to install an undercounter ice maker firsthand.
So again, I advise my readers to turn the ice maker off, whenever you feel it is unnecessary to use. I know, leaving your ice maker running continuously might seem convenient at first glance, but believe me, the kitchen appliance is never meant for such abuse.
