What is the name of the thing for ice in the refrigerator: let's understand the details

You have opened freezer to get ice for a drink, and suddenly thought: what is the correct name for this plastic container with cubes? In colloquial speech it is often cheerfully referred to as an “ice maker”, “mold” or even a “water freezer”, but this part has quite official names. Depending on the design of the refrigerator and functionality, the “ice thing” can be called differently - and this is not just a terminological quibble, but an important nuance for those who are looking for spare parts or operating instructions.

In this article we will not only analyze all the possible names of the ice container, but also explain how it works in different types of refrigerators - from budget models with manual filling to premium systems with automatic dispenser. You will learn how to use the tray correctly so that the ice does not smell of foreign odors, why sometimes the cubes stick together, and what to do if the mechanism stops working. And also - where to buy a replacementif your tray is cracked or lost.

Spoiler: if you were looking for a simple word to communicate with a repairman, then the most universal term is ice container. But let's dig deeper.

Official names: what they say in the manufacturers' instructions

Refrigerator manufacturers rarely use colloquial terms in technical documentation. Instead of “ice thing” in the instructions you will find the following wording:

• 🧊 Ice tray —the most common name, used in 90% of models (for example, Samsung RB30J3000, LG GA-B419).
• ❄️ Ice container —found in premium refrigerators with the system No Frost (for example, Bosch KAN92VI30).
• 🔄 Ice mold - typical for older models or refrigerators without an automatic ice maker.
• 💧 Container for freezing water - rarely, but used in the instructions for refrigerators Indesit i Ariston.
• ⚙️ Ice maker module —only in models with automatic ice production (for example, Samsung RS68A8840).

Important: if your refrigerator is equipped with automatic ice maker, then the “ice thing” is only part of the system. In such cases, the instructions may include the term ice maker assembly (ice maker assembly), which includes not only the tray, but also the water supply mechanism, sensors and dispenser.

An interesting fact: in Soviet refrigerators (ZIL", "Minsk", “Biryusa) the ice tray was often called a “freezing tray”. Today this term is outdated, but it can still be found in instructions for used equipment or on repair forums.

Types of ice trays: from simple to complex

The design of the ice container depends on the type of refrigerator and its functionality. Let's consider the main types that are found on the market:

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with an automatic ice maker, before purchasing spare parts, check article. module in the instructions or on the nameplate inside the chamber. Parts from different manufacturers (even the same brand) are often incompatible!

In budget models, the tray usually performs only one function - freezing water. In premium refrigerators (for example, Samsung Family Hub or LG ThinQ), the container can be part of a “smart” system: ice is supplied by voice command, and sensors monitor its quantity.

How to use the ice tray: step-by-step instructions

It would seem that it could be. simpler - poured water, froze, got ice. But even here there are nuances that affect the quality of the cubes and the service life of the tray. Let's look at the process step by step: Use

1. Water preparation. Use filtered or boiled water - this will prevent the formation of plaque and an unpleasant taste. Tap water may contain chlorine or salts that spoil the taste. ice.
2. Filling the tray. Pour water not to the edge, but to 2/3 of the height of the cells. When freezing, water expands, and if you overdo it, the ice will stick together or crack the plastic.
3. Placement in the freezer. Place the tray on a flat surface (shelf or special compartment). If the container is removable, avoid placing it next to foods with a strong smell (fish, onions, spices) - plastic absorbs aromas.
4. Freezing. Time depends on the temperature in the chamber:
   • 🥶 At -18°C - 3-4 hours.
   • ❄️ At -24°C - 2-3 hours.

It is not recommended to speed up the process by increasing the temperature - the ice will turn out cloudy and porous.

Removing the ice. If the tray does not have an ejection mechanism, carefully turn it over or hold it under running warm water (not boiling water!) for 5-10 seconds. Do not use a knife or fork. - this will damage the plastic.

⚠️ Attention: If the ice in the tray begins to smell or has acquired a yellowish tint, this is a sign that the plastic has absorbed odors or a bacterial coating has formed on it. In this case, the tray needs to soak in a solution of vinegar (1:1) for 30 minutesand then rinse thoroughly. If the problem persists, replace the container.

In refrigerators with system No Frost ice may melt faster due to the cyclic operation of the fan. To keep the cubes in shape longer, store them in a tightly sealed bag or a special thermal container.

Why does ice stick together, become cloudy or smells: causes and solutions

Problems with ice quality are one of the most common complaints from users. Let's look at situations and ways to eliminate them:

1. Ice sticks together

Causes:

• 🌡️ Too high temperature freezer compartment (above -16°C).
• 💧 Overflowing water into the tray cells.
• ⏳ Long-term storage of ice (more than 2 weeks) without use.

Solution: reduce the amount of water in the cells, check the temperature settings (-18°C is the optimal mode) and periodically shake the tray so that the cubes do not freeze.

2. Ice is cloudy or has white flakes

Causes:

• 🚰 Hard or unfiltered water with impurities.
• 🧊 Rapid freezing (micro air bubbles form).
• 🧼 Remains of detergent on the tray after washing.

Solution: use bottled or boiled water, freeze ice at -20°C (slower, but better quality). Before using the new tray for the first time, rinse it with citric acid solution (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water).

3. Ice smells or has a taste

Reasons:

• 🧅 Products with a strong odor (onions, fish, cheeses) are stored nearby.
• 🦠 Development of bacteria in the tray due to infrequent washing.
• 🧴 Low quality plastic (typical of cheap trays).

Solution: store ice in an airtight container, wash the tray once every 2 weeks with soda solution, avoid cheap spare parts from unknown brands.

What to do if the ice has acquired a metallic taste?

This is a sign of corrosion of the metal parts of the refrigerator (for example, evaporator tubes) or high iron content in the water. Check for rust on the inner walls of the chamber. If yes, call a technician for diagnostics. As a temporary solution, use water passed through a filter with a reverse osmosis function.

⚠️ Attention: If the ice begins to crumble or becomes brittle, this may indicate thermostat malfunction or a freon leak. In this case, do not try to repair the refrigerator yourself - contact a service center. Attempts to “tweak” the temperature regulator can lead to compressor breakdown.

How to clean an ice tray: 3 proven methods

Regular cleaning of the tray not only improves the taste ice, but also extends the life of the plastic. Use one of the methods depending on the degree of contamination:

1. Quick cleaning (once a week)

Suitable for prevention:

1. Rinse the tray with warm water and liquid soap or dish soap.
2. Wipe with a soft sponge, paying attention to corners and joints.
3. Rinse under running water and air dry (do not use towels - they leave lint).

2. Deep cleaning (once a month)

Eliminates odors and limescale:

1. Prepare a solution: 1 liter of warm water + 2 tbsp. l. baking soda or vinegar 9%.
2. Soak the tray for 30-40 minutes.
3. Clean with a soft bristle brush, then rinse.
4. To disinfect, wipe the inner surface with a solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%).

3. Cleaning from mold or stubborn dirt

If black dots or green deposits appear on the plastic:

1. Mix 1 liter of water + 1 tbsp. l. citric acid + 1 tsp. salt.
2. Soak the tray for 1 hour.
3. Clean with an old toothbrush, paying attention seams.
4. Rinse and dry in the sun (UV rays additionally disinfect).

⚠️ Attention: If the ice tray is made of silicone rubber (found in some models Liebherr), do not use vinegar or citric acid for cleaning - they destroy the material. Instead, use special silicone cleaners or regular dish gel.

Where to buy a tray for ice: original vs analogues

If your container is cracked, lost or damaged, it can be replaced. Here's where to look for spare parts:

• 🛒 Official service centers - guarantee of original parts, but the price is 30–50% higher. Example: a tray for Samsung RB-30 J3200 will cost 1,800–2,200 ₽.
• 🌍 Online spare parts stores (for example, 220-volt.ru, holodok.ru) - wide range, but check compatibility by article number.
• 🏬 Household goods stores - budget universal trays (300–600 ₽), but they may not fit in size.
• 🔄 Used markets (Avito, Yula) - cheap (from 100 ₽), but there is a risk of getting a worn part.

Critically important: when buying a tray for refrigerators with an automatic ice maker (Samsung RS-series, LG Instaview) check not only the refrigerator model, but also the firmware version. In some cases, even original parts may not fit due to changes in the software.

Tip: if you cannot find the original tray, measure the old one (length × width × height) and look universal analogue with similar parameters. The main thing is that it fits into the allotted space in the freezer.

Frequent breakdowns of ice trays and repair methods

Even the most durable plastic part wears out over time. Considered malfunctions and whether they can be fixed independently:

⚠️ Attention: If the tray with an automatic dispenser (Samsung Ice Bite, LG Craft Ice) has stopped crushing ice, do not try to disassemble the mechanism yourself! These systems use sharp knives and electronic sensors, and unprofessional repairs can lead to injury or failure of the entire module.

For temporary repair of a cracked tray, you can use food grade. glue (for example, UHU Plus Endfest 300), but remember: this is a solution for 1-2 months. With constant exposure to low temperatures, the glue will lose strength.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to use metal ice trays instead of a plastic tray?

Yes, but with reservations. Metal (for example, stainless steel or aluminum) freezes water faster and does not absorb odors. but:

• Metal molds can freeze to the shelf of the freezer.
• With a sharp temperature change (for example, if you pour boiling water), the metal can become deformed.
• In some refrigerators (especially those with No Frost), metal objects can interfere with air circulation.

If you decide to use metal molds, choose models with silicone coating on the bottom.

Why is there no mention of an ice tray in the instructions for the refrigerator?

This is possible in three cases:

1. Your refrigerator is not designed for making ice (for example, small models Midea or Birch without a freezer).
2. The tray is an optional part and is not included in the basic package (typical for some models Beko).
3. The instructions use a different name (see the section on official terms).

Check the equipment of the refrigerator on the manufacturer’s website or contact in support indicating the model.

How often should you change the ice tray?

Service life of the plastic tray - 3–5 years if used correctly. Replacement is required in the following cases:

• Appeared through cracks or chips.
• Plastic steel fragile (breaks when pressed lightly).
• A plaque appeared on the surface that cannot be washed plaque that cannot be washed off.
• The tray was deformed and not tightly closes.

If the tray looks intact, but the ice takes on a strange taste or smell, try deep cleaning (see section above) before buying a new one.

Can the ice tray be washed in the dishwasher car?

Depends on the material:

• 🔴 No - if the tray is made of thin plastic or has rubber seals (they can be deformed).
• 🟢 Yes - if there is a marking on the tray Dishwasher safe or it is made of polypropylene (PP) or polycarbonate (PC).

Recommendations for washing in dishwasher:

• Use gentle mode (temperature no higher than 50°C).
• Do not place the tray in the lower basket - jets of water can deform it.
• After washing, air dry the tray without using the machine drying function.

What to do if the ice in the tray melts too quickly?

Causes and solutions:

• 🔥 Frequent opening of the door — try moving the tray away from the edge of the shelf.
• 🌬️ No Frost system malfunction —diagnostics of the fan or defrost heating element is required.
• 🌡️ Increased temperature in camera —check the settings (optimally: -18°C).
• ☀️ The tray is next to the lamp —move it to a darker place.

If the problem persists, the thermostat may be faulty or door seal.