LG refrigerators have become popular in recent years for their unique ability to produce round, sphere-shaped ice cubes. This round ice technology sets LG fridges apart and offers some advantages over traditional cube ice. But how exactly does an LG refrigerator make these perfect ice balls?
How the Round Ice Maker Works
The round ice maker utilizes a cooling plate located inside the freezer compartment. Refrigerant is cycled through this plate, quickly dropping the temperature. As water passes over the chilled plate, it begins to freeze from the edges inward, naturally forming spheres as the water molecules arrange themselves in a circular pattern.
Once formed, the round ice balls drop from the cooling plate into a bin below that can hold up to 3 pounds of ice. A sensor lets the ice maker know when more ice is needed, keeping the bin stocked. Many LG fridge models feature a dispenser on the door allowing you to access the ice with the press of a lever.
Benefits of Round Ice Cubes
There are a few key advantages to the round ice made by LG refrigerators:
- Faster cooling – The greater surface area and rounded shape means round ice chills drinks faster than traditional cubed ice.
- Less dilution – The spheres melt slowly and evenly, meaning less dilution of drinks over time.
- Aesthetic appeal – The perfect spheres look great in drinks and add a level of sophistication.
- Enhanced durability – The round shape makes the ice cubes stronger and less likely to crack.
So if fast chilling and minimized dilution of your cold beverages sounds appealing, round ice can be a real game changer.
LG Fridge Models With Round Ice Makers
Here are some of the LG refrigerators that offer the coveted round ice feature:
- LG InstaView Door-in-Door Counter-Depth Refrigerator
- LG Craft Ice Automatic Ice Maker Door-in-Door Refrigerator
- LG Smart wi-fi Enabled InstaView Door-in-Door Counter-Depth Refrigerator
- LG Electronics Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
- LG Electronics InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator
Higher-end, more expensive LG models tend to be the ones equipped with the round ice maker. Check the product details to confirm if sphere ice capability is included before purchasing.
Activating the Round Ice Setting
Using the round ice setting on your LG fridge is simple. First, locate the control panel inside your freezer – this will display the current ice settings. Look for the round ice option and select it via the touch controls.
The fridge may require 12-24 hours to switch over to making round cubes. Once active, the ice maker will automatically produce sphere ice which will fill the bin. Enjoy chilled drinks and cocktails with your new supply of perfect round ice!
Troubleshooting When Round Ice Stops Working
Like any machine, the round ice maker may occasionally encounter problems. Here are some troubleshooting tips if your LG refrigerator stops making ice spheres:
- Ensure the water line is clear of obstructions and properly connected. Debris in the line can prevent water from reaching the ice maker.
- Reset the ice maker by powering down the freezer for 30 seconds, then restarting it. This will reset the unit and prompt it to start a new ice making cycle.
- Check that the cooling plate is clean. Excess dirt or scale buildup on the plate can inhibit ice production.
- Make sure the ice bin is properly installed. If dislodged, the unit will not function. Re-seat the bin firmly into place.
- Look for error codes on the fridge‘s display panel which can indicate needed repairs. Call an LG technician if error codes appear.
Following troubleshooting steps can often get an uncooperative round ice maker functional again. But for persistent issues, professional service may be required.
Maintaining Your Round Ice Maker
Like any part of your refrigerator, the ice maker needs proper maintenance to keep functioning optimally:
- Wipe down the cooling plate every few months using warm soapy water and a soft cloth to remove dirt and scale, then rinse thoroughly.
- Empty the ice bin regularly and wash with mild detergent. Remove any ice buildup. Allow parts to fully dry before replacing in the freezer.
- Replace the water filter cartridge at least every 6 months to keep water flowing cleanly to the ice maker.
- Call a technician at least once a year to inspect and service the ice maker. Annual maintenance can prevent more serious issues.
With regular cleaning and care, your LG round ice machine should provide plentiful spheres for years to come!
Using Round Ice for Drinks & More
The ice balls made by LG refrigerators aren‘t just for chilling drinks. Here are some great ways to put them to use:
- Cocktails – Clear round ice cubes are perfect for fancy cocktails. The slower melting keeps drinks colder longer without dilution.
- Iced coffee – Round ice cools coffee drinks without watering them down as quickly.
- Water bottles – Toss a few ice balls into your water bottle to keep water chilled on the go.
- Ice packs – Use round ice to make reusable ice packs for injuries, lunch boxes, etc. They conform to shapes better.
- Smoothies – Blend the ice balls into smoothies for thicker, frosty texture.
So break out the cocktail shaker or blender and take advantage of all that refreshing round ice!
Round Ice Safety Tips
While fun and useful, as with any appliance, proper precautions are advised when using the LG round ice maker:
- Supervise children around the ice dispenser. Small ice balls can pose a choking risk if swallowed.
- Avoid placing fingers in the ice maker chute as the mechanism can cause injury.
- Do not allow children to play with or dispense the ice without adult supervision.
- Stand clear of the ice dispenser door when chunky pieces of ice are being shaved, as shards can fly out.
Following basic safety measures will allow you to safely enjoy the convenience and cooling power of round ice from your LG refrigerator. Be sure to check the owner‘s manual for additional tips specific to your model. With the right precautions, you‘ll be chilling drinks to perfection in no time.
