Ice maker from Aliexpress: Ready Ice in 5 minutes! Full review, unboxing and working principle. Today we will take a look at the Kitfort KT-1806 ice maker. To be honest, I didn’t know how to pronounce this word before, but when I wondered about purchasing this device, I realized that I had always written and pronounced it incorrectly. We can say that earlier this kind of device was some delight and was used only in some food court spaces. But, as it turned out, the demand for home ice is quite high. People want to dilute their drinks with ice and do not want to wait long for this ice to freeze in the freezer. So I decided to buy myself a fairly cheap home ice maker for the same purposes.
Where can I buy?
Buy ICE MACHINES WITH ALIEXPRESS
Specifications
- Type: ice maker
- Location: Desktop
- Climate class: N, SN, ST, T
- Water supply type: jellied
- Ice type: finger
- Number of compartments: 1 pc.
- Refrigerant: R-600A
- Weight: 8.3 kg
- Length: 310mm
- Width: 230mm
- Height: 325 mm
- Additional information: tank capacity – 1.9 l, noise level 60 dB, filtration, portable handle, viewing window, infrared sensor for filling the basket
Box
The device is delivered in a black cardboard box with colorful printing designed in the style of the Kitfort brand using the corporate purple color. On the front and back of the box, there is an outline of the ice maker itself, its model is KT1806 and the sonorous slogan “My ice – fly away!”
On the side of the box, there are basic specifications that the manufacturer makes in particular of the ice maker, although the above points are not unusual. So, for example, the manufacturer especially tolerates the presence of an ice scoop, ice in the form of thimbles, and so on.
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Unpacking
Opening the box, we see a removable plastic handle for carrying the device, a bunch of brochures in which the manufacturer invites us to take part in the competition for the best review, review and photo of Kitfort equipment. It should be canceled that reading them, in contrast to the instructions, is really interesting. Most importantly, it helps technology buyers open up as a reviewer and describe their operating experience. Also included is a magnet with a whale drinking wine, a brochure with images of different emoji magnets with whales (like collect them all), instructions and a warranty card.
The ice maker was in foam “shackles”, which provided handles to remove it from the box. The handles immediately broke, so I had to pull out the rather heavy ice maker, knocking the box on its side.
Inside the ice maker you can find a scoop for scooping ice, as well as a removable basket, into which the generated ice thimbles will fall.
Device
The ice maker itself is made in a glossy black casing and has a very stylish exterior, which is not quite usual for this kind of device. The upper part is made of plastic, the lower one is completely metal. The control unit is represented by one button and three LEDs. The first green light indicates device operation and ice generation. A second red light indicates that the ice basket is full. The third indicator indicates that the water in the tank has run out. Below the control unit there is a cover with a transparent insert. The lid is not airtight and does not keep cold. However, ice holds its shape for a long time due to its own temperature in the event that you have generated a large amount of it.
On the right and left sides, the device has several ventilation holes, one of which is made for active cooling of the components with a fan. The other is for passive ventilation of the board and other elements.
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The lower part also has ventilation holes, four rubberized feet and a valve for draining the remaining water from the tank.
Management is as simple as possible. To start ice making, you just need to press a button and the device will automatically start a cycle. Each cycle lasts approximately 15 minutes. With it, the largest ice thimbles are formed. However, ice can be requested earlier, approximately 7 minutes after starting the device. It is also worth noting that each subsequent stage of water freezing occurs faster and, if the device has been operating for a long enough time, ready-made ice can be obtained within 4-5 minutes after the start of a new stage. At the same time, do not forget that the size of the ice thimble will be smaller. Thus, you can independently adjust the size of the ice.
To get started, you need to pour water into the device. This can be done directly through the ice basket. Due to the large number of holes in it, water, including from melted ice, completely drains into the tank. Several sensors are provided in the workspace. Two sensors at the top are responsible for filling the basket with ice. There is also a sensor in the water tank that records its fullness.
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Principle of operation
The ice generation process takes place in several stages. First, the ice cube rises to the cooling elements. After that, the pump distills the required amount of water from the reservoir into the mold. Further, the process of freezing of water on the cooling elements takes place, which lasts from 7 to 15 minutes. As I said earlier, the process can be interrupted manually and ice is requested after 4-5 minutes, but this requires that the temperature of the cooling elements is sufficiently low and the water freezes much faster. This can be achieved after approximately 3 complete ice-making cycles. At the end of the freezing process, the ice mold is removed, draining the remaining water, and the ice thimbles are bathed in steam and fall on the paddle, which in turn moves them into the basket. The process is repeated until the water runs out or the basket is full.
Conclusion
Summing up, I can say that despite the rather stylish design, the quality of the plastic clearly leaves much to be desired. On the other hand, the build quality and metal painting does not raise any questions. The lid of the icemaker could also be better made, have better hinges and close more tightly. But do not forget that this is just an ice-making box, which is as simple as possible to activate and obtain ice for cooling the drink. Ergonomics also deserves special attention. The ice is easy to scoop, and the melt water will drain back into the tank, becoming the basis for the next batch of ice thimbles. An ice maker is definitely a specific device and not everyone needs it. But for those who have wondered about purchasing an ice maker for home use, I can recommend any ice maker up to 10 dollars. The device will help you forget about ice cube trays in the freezer forever and will not hit your pocket hard. There is no point in spending a lot of money on an ice maker, because with additional unnecessary programs, the functionality and the end result will be the same. Hope you enjoyed this review. Good luck and good mood to everyone
