The NewAir AI-100 Series Portable Ice Maker is a compact and efficient appliance designed to produce ice cubes quickly and conveniently. This portable ice maker is ideal for home use, offering a simple solution for those who need a steady supply of ice without the hassle of traditional ice trays or built-in refrigerator ice makers.
Function Description:
The primary function of the NewAir AI-100 is to produce ice cubes. It operates by drawing water from an internal reservoir, freezing it onto an evaporator, and then releasing the formed ice into an ice basket. The unit features a control panel that allows users to select the desired ice cube size and monitor the ice-making process. It is designed for ease of use, with automated features such as stopping when the ice basket is full or when the water reservoir is empty.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model No.: AI-100
- Rated Voltage: 115V / 60Hz
- Current: 1.9/2.7 amps
- Power Consumption: 120 watts
- Capacity (Daily): 28 pounds of ice
- Capacity (Per Cycle): 9 pieces of ice
- Ice Sizes: 3 (Small, Medium, Large)
- Dimensions: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be compact and portable.
- Refrigerant: Uses a refrigerant system, requiring a settling period before initial use.
Usage Features:
- Control Panel: The unit is equipped with a user-friendly control panel featuring "Power" and "Select" buttons.
- Power Button: Turns the unit on and off.
- Select Button: Allows the user to choose between three ice cube sizes: Small (S), Medium (M), and Large (L).
- Indicator Lights:
- S, M, L Lights: Indicate the currently selected ice cube size.
- Ice Light: Illuminates when the ice basket is full, signaling the unit to pause operation.
- Add Water Light: Illuminates when the water reservoir is empty, prompting the user to refill and pausing operation.
- Ice Making Cycle: Each ice-making cycle takes approximately 6 to 15 minutes, depending on the selected ice cube size and ambient room temperature. In very high room temperatures, the ice-making time may vary significantly.
- Automatic Shut-off: The ice maker automatically stops when the ice basket is full or when the water level in the reservoir is too low.
- Water Reservoir: Features a "MAX" line to indicate the maximum water level, preventing overfilling.
- Ice Shovel and Scoop: Includes an ice shovel and ice scoop for convenient ice retrieval.
- Portability: Designed to be portable, making it easy to move and place in various locations.
- Environmental Considerations: For optimal performance, it is recommended to select small or medium ice cube sizes if the ambient room temperature is below 60°F to prevent ice from sticking together.
- Initial Setup: After unpacking, the unit must rest in an upright position for at least one hour to allow the refrigerant fluid to settle in the compressor before plugging it in. This prevents potential damage to the compressor and shortens the unit's lifespan.
- Power Connection: Must be connected to an exclusive, properly installed, and grounded wall outlet. Extension cords are not recommended unless they meet specific wattage and gauge requirements (minimum No. 14 AWG and rated for no less than 1875 watts).
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning:
- Interior and Water Reservoir: Should be cleaned with diluted detergent, warm water, and a soft cloth.
- Exterior: Can be cleaned with a mild detergent solution and warm water.
- Ice Basket: Removable for separate cleaning.
- Calcium/Impurity Build-up: To remove, add a capful of vinegar or lemon juice to the water reservoir and run for two or three ice-making cycles. Afterward, drain and refill with clean, warm water and run two more cycles to rinse.
- Water Change: It is recommended to change the water in the reservoir every 24 hours to ensure hygienic ice.
- Draining: When not in use for an extended period, the water should be drained from the reservoir by unplugging the drain-off cap located on the side of the ice maker.
- Storage: Before storing, the unit should be thoroughly cleaned and allowed to dry for at least 24 hours to prevent mold or mildew growth. It should be stored in its original packaging or covered with a soft cloth or plastic sheet.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues such as "ADD WATER" light on, "ICE" light on, both lights flashing, no ice production, small ice cubes, and plastic taste in ice. Solutions range from refilling water and repositioning the ice shovel to consulting a qualified technician for refrigerant leaks or blockages.
- Cloudy Ice: The manual explains that cloudy ice is normal and can occur due to trace minerals in the water or rapid freezing, which causes gases to surface as microscopic bubbles.
- Warranty: The product comes with a limited manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the original purchase date, provided the appliance has been used under normal operating conditions. The warranty excludes damages caused by power failure, transit, improper power supply, misuse, commercial use, natural disasters, external influences, dismantled appliances, or excess wear and tear.
- Product Registration: Users are encouraged to register their product online for benefits such as faster service and support, recall notifications, and special promotions. Alternatively, users can record purchase information and attach a sales receipt for service inquiries.