How Long Does It Take To Make Ice Cubes?

If your ice maker is broken or your fridge doesn't have one, there are plenty of ways to make ice without a machine. But how long does it take to make ice cubes without a machine? Let's take a look below.

On average, you can expect it to take two to four hours to make ice cubes. The time will vary depending on the following:

  • Freezer temperature
  • Size of ice cubes
  • Type of ice tray
  • Temperature of water

It can seem like a lifetime before your ice cubes are finally ready, especially when you're thirsty and need one right away. In this article, we will take a closer look at the factors that affect how long it takes to make ice cubes without a machine as well as some tips on how to speed up the process. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about making ice cubes, so read on!

Woman taking tray with coffee ice cubes out of fridge, How Long Does It Take To Make Ice Cubes?

How Long Does It Take For A Freezer To Make Ice Cubes?

Ice cubes are a wonderful thing. They help to cool our drinks, can be used in various recipes, and can also be used for first-aid purposes.

While a majority of new fridges have an ice maker built in, not everyone has this luxury. And, even if your fridge does have an ice maker, there are times when it may break down, or you may need more ice than it can produce.

The backup option is to grab an ice tray and make your own ice cubes. But how long does this process take? It typically takes between two and four hours for a freezer to make ice cubes. This can seem like a long time for someone who needs ice cubes right away.

There are several factors that affect how quickly your freezer will make ice cubes, which we will discuss below.

Pouring water into ice cube tray on the kitchen table

Freezer Temperature

One of the main factors that affect how long it takes to make ice cubes is the temperature of your freezer. Most know that water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

But freezers have temperature settings that can range from zero degrees Fahrenheit to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. The colder the setting, the faster your water will turn into ice cubes.

If you need your ice cubes in a hurry, set your freezer to the coldest setting. It will take some time for the freezer to reach the colder temperature, but once it does, your ice cubes will be ready in no time.

You should also know that you can increase the chance of freezer burn on your food if you keep your freezer set to a very cold temperature. So, if you don't plan on using the ice cubes right away, it's best to keep the freezer at a moderate temperature.

Size Of Ice Cubes

The size of your ice cubes also affects how long it takes for them to freeze. If you want large ice cubes, it will take longer for them to freeze than if you want small ice cubes.

This is because the larger the ice cube, the more surface area there is for the heat to escape. Smaller ice cubes have less surface area, so the heat escapes faster. And, they freeze more quickly.

So if you have an ice tray that makes large ice cubes and you're in a hurry, you may want to consider filling it only halfway. This will decrease the surface area and help the ice cubes to freeze faster.

Type Of Ice Tray

Vintage Ice Cube Tray

The type of ice tray you're using can also affect how long it takes for your ice cubes to freeze. If you're using a silicone ice tray, it will take longer for the water to turn into ice cubes.

This is also the case with plastic ice trays. The material doesn't conduct heat as well as metal, so it takes longer for the water to freeze.

If you're in a hurry, it's best to use a metal ice tray. Metal doesn't do a good job of retaining heat, so the water will freeze much faster.

Temperature Of Water

The temperature of the water you're using to make your ice cubes can also affect how long it takes for them to freeze. It might sound crazy, but hot water in ice trays will freeze faster than cold water.

This is because when you pour hot water into an ice tray, the heat from the water escapes quickly. This causes the surrounding air to cool, which in turn speeds up the freezing process.

This is also known as the Mpemba effect, and it's a pretty neat phenomenon. So if you're in a hurry to make ice cubes, use hot water instead of cold.

Plus, it can be a fun experiment to do with kids. They'll be amazed that hot water can turn into ice faster than cold water!

Frozen Lemon Juice cubes in tray in the freezer

How Long Does It Take For A New Fridge To Make Ice Cubes?

It can be an exciting day for adults to bring a new fridge into their homes. But how long does it take for a new fridge to make ice cubes?

The answer can depend on the model of fridge you have and the manufacturer. Nonetheless, you can expect ice to start falling into the ice cube tray within 24 hours after you've plugged in your new fridge.

In some cases, it can be as fast as six to 12 hours. But this can also depend on the type of ice tray you're using and how cold you have your freezer set.

Either way, if you were expecting to have an ice-cold drink right after you plugged in your new fridge, you may want to plan ahead and have some ice on hand, just in case.

Why Is My Ice Maker Taking So Long To Make Ice?

Like other kitchen appliances, your ice maker can start to lag over time. As a result, you may not have a full tray of ice cubes as quickly as you used to.

There can be a few reasons why your ice maker is taking longer to make ice. Let's take a look at the most common culprits below:

Incorrect Temperature Setting

It may seem obvious, but one of the most common reasons why your ice maker is taking longer to make ice is that the freezer temperature isn't set cold enough.

Ideally, your freezer should be set between zero and five degrees Fahrenheit. If it's any warmer than that, it can affect how quickly the water turns to ice.

So if you notice that your ice maker is taking longer to make ice, check the freezer temperature and adjust it accordingly.

Opening The Freezer Door Frequently

Another common reason why your ice maker is taking longer to make ice is that you're opening the freezer door too often.

Every time you open the freezer door, warm air from outside rushes in. This can cause the temperature inside the freezer to rise, which can, in turn, affect how quickly the water turns to ice.

So, if your goal is to have a full tray of ice cubes as quickly as possible, try to limit the number of times you open the freezer door.

Clogged Water Line

A clogged water line can also cause your ice maker to take longer to make ice. If the water line is clogged, it can restrict the flow of water to the ice maker. As a result, it will take longer for the water to turn into ice cubes.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix. Pour a cup or two of white vinegar into the water line and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, run some water through the line to flush out the vinegar.

If your ice maker is still taking a long time to make ice after you've done this, then you may need to call a professional to service your freezer.

In case this doesn't solve your problem, check for kinks in the water line. You will need to slide the fridge out and check the water lines in the back of the fridge. 

Male technician repairing refrigerator indoors

Bad Water Filter

Like air filters, your fridge's water filter can become clogged over time. This can restrict the flow of water to the ice maker, causing it to take longer to make ice cubes.

All you have to do is replace the water filter with a new one, and your ice maker should start working properly again.

Newer fridges will have a warning light that tells you when it's time to replace the water filter. But if your fridge doesn't have this feature, it's a good idea to replace the filter every six months.

Blocked Sweep Arm

The sweep arm is the small rotating arm that directs water into the ice cube tray. If this arm is blocked, it can cause your ice maker to take longer to make ice cubes.

Check if any food or debris is blocking the sweep arm and remove it if necessary. You may also need to clean the ice cube tray if it's full of old frozen water.

Final Thoughts

Woman taking tray with coffee ice cubes out of fridge

Whether it's an ice cube tray or a brand new fridge, making ice takes time. By following the tips above, you can help your ice maker work more efficiently and get a full tray of ice cubes in no time.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might enjoy:

Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Making Ice But Water Works—What To Do?

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