How freezer ice makers cycle

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A solenoid valve opens for just enough time to fill the ice mold, while the freezer does the real freezing work and a thermostat watches until the cubes are ready.<sup class="text_citation" source_id="3"></sup><sup class="text_citation" source_id="33"></sup><sup class="text_citation" source_id="36"></sup>

When freezing is complete, the machine gives the mold a brief warm-up with a heater, or twists the tray in some models, so the ice loosens without a splash.<sup class="text_citation" source_id="3"></sup><sup class="text_citation" source_id="13"></sup><sup class="text_citation" source_id="36"></sup>

Then ejector blades or a rotating arm sweep the cubes into the bin, and the cycle begins again as the next fill starts.<sup class="text_citation" source_id="3"></sup><sup class="text_citation" source_id="36"></sup><sup class="text_citation" source_id="5"></sup>

A feeler arm or bin sensor rises when the bin is full, and that shuts the machine off until ice level drops again.<sup class="text_citation" source_id="3"></sup><sup class="text_citation" source_id="15"></sup><sup class="text_citation" source_id="28"></sup>