How to Make Craft Ice With LG Fridge revolutionized my home bartending game.
I’ve always been a cocktail enthusiast, but something was missing. Regular ice cubes just didn’t cut it for my premium spirits.
Then I discovered LG’s craft ice feature. It’s like having a professional bartender in your kitchen.
These slow-melting spheres elevate every drink. I researched the best techniques to maximize this feature.
Get ready to impress your guests with bar-quality drinks at home. This guide will transform your drinking experience, one perfect sphere at a time.
Key Takeaways:
- Craft Ice takes 18-30 hours to form in LG fridges
- LG offers dual ice makers with traditional cubes and Craft Ice spheres
- Users can toggle between 3 ICE and 6 ICE modes
- Proper maintenance ensures optimal ice quality and production
What is Craft Ice?
I’m amazed at how slowly this craft ice melts. It’s like it’s preserving the flavour of my drink.
Craft ice, also called clear ice or slow-melting ice, is a special type of ice made to boost the flavour and look of drinks.
Unlike regular machine-made ice, craft ice is shaped into specific forms and optimized to dilute drinks properly and enhance flavours.
How many types of craft ice?:
Large cube ice – These 2-inch cubes melt slower to prevent drinks from getting watered down. The large surface area also helps promote aroma release in spirits and cocktails.
Spears and blocks – Ice spears and blocks have a higher dilution rate due to more surface area. They are best used for chilled glasses or lightly diluted drinks.
Crushed ice – Small, crushed ice chips mix into drinks easily to help chill quickly. Crushed ice works well in blended and slushy cocktails.
What are the benefits of craft ice?
- Enhanced flavor and aroma
- Slower melting for less dilution
- Visual appeal in cocktails
- “Craft ice elevates a simple drink into a luxurious experience through optimized chilling, dilution, and mouthfeel,” says expert mixologist Laura Johnson.
Craft ice producers use specialized machines like the Clinebell EBAC425 to produce up to 425 pounds of clear, dense cubes per day.
Advanced water filtration and directional freezing result in pure, odourless cubes that are slow-melting yet soft on textures.
Many discerning hotels, bars, and restaurants are investing in craft ice to enhance their drink offerings. With attention to quality and detail, craft ice makes spirits shine. “It’s like cooking – better ingredients make all the difference,” adds mixologist Laura.
How Long Does it Take LG Refrigerator to Make Craft Ice?
I’m amazed by the science behind this! Watching water transform into ice over 18-30 hours is truly fascinating. It’s a reminder of the power of patience and the beauty of natural processes.
- Craft ice takes 18-30 hrs to make in LG fridges, depends on model & environment.
- First batch might take longer, 36-60 hrs, after install.
- Freezer needs stable temp & ice maker time to optimize. Use a silicone ice mold to make it easier to release the ice.
Overview of LG Refrigerators with the Craft Ice Feature
Imagine opening your fridge and finding perfectly rounded ice spheres waiting to chill your favourite drink. That’s the reality with LG’s lineup of refrigerators featuring the innovative Craft Ice™ maker.
These aren’t your average fridges; they’re a leap forward in kitchen tech, designed to elevate your home bartending and beverage experience.
LG’s craft ice refrigerators come packed with cutting-edge features, making them a must-have for any modern kitchen.
Key Features:
- Dual Ice Maker with Craft Ice™: LG refrigerators stand out by producing not only traditional ice cubes but also slow-melting craft ice spheres. These spheres are perfect for cocktails, sodas, and other beverages, as they chill your drink more evenly without diluting the flavours quickly.
- Large Capacity: Space is no longer an issue. With generous storage options, these refrigerators offer ample room for all your groceries, alongside your craft ice.
- Smart Cooling Plus™ System: This technology ensures that your food stays fresher longer, with precise temperature and humidity controls.
Technological Advancements in LG Craft Ice Refrigerators
LG has always been at the forefront of appliance innovation, and its craft ice refrigerators are no exception.
Innovative Features Include:
- Wi-Fi Enabled: Control your fridge remotely with LG’s ThinQ® app. Whether it’s setting the temperature or monitoring your craft ice production, everything can be managed from your smartphone.
- Energy Efficiency: These refrigerators are designed to be as energy-efficient as possible, reducing your bills and environmental footprint.
- Freshness Features: Multi-air flow vents and the LINEARCooling™ system maintain consistent temperatures, keeping your food in the best condition.
Why Everyone’s Talking About LG Craft Ice:
“LG’s Craft Ice™ feature has changed the game for home entertainers. No more running to the store for fancy ice molds or settling for quick-melting cubes. It’s like having a professional bar setup at home!” – a satisfied LG refrigerator owner.
LG Refrigerator Craft Ice Setting
Change Craft Ice Mode on LG Fridge
- Wake Control Panel: Press any button to wake from power saving mode.
- Enter Craft Ice Mode: Hold the Freezer button for 3 seconds. A beep will sound and the current mode will display.
- Toggle Ice Modes: Press the Freezer button to switch between 3 ICE and 6 ICE modes.
- Save Mode: If no button is pressed for 5 seconds, the last mode will save and the display will return to normal.
- Ice Production:
- 3 ICE: Makes 3 ice spheres per batch.
- 6 ICE: Makes 6 ice spheres per batch (may affect shape and clarity).
Note: After installation, it may take 24-48 hours for the Craft Ice Maker to start producing ice normally.
How Does LG’s Craft Ice Maker Work: Step-by-Step Guide
Settings and Initial Steps
1. Clear and Clean: Begin by emptying and cleaning the ice bin with warm, soapy water to remove any old ice or debris. Ensuring it’s thoroughly dry before proceeding is essential.
2. Fill Water Reservoir: Locate the water reservoir within your LG Craft Ice Maker. Fill it with fresh, clean water, being careful not to overfill to avoid spills during the ice-making process.
Pro tip: Fill your water reservoir to the “Max 4L” line to ensure optimal performance and avoid overfilling.
Inadequate water supply can lead to inconsistent ice production and lukewarm water. Let’s ensure your refrigerator is always ready to quench your thirst!
3. Check Water Filter: A crucial step involves checking the Craft Ice Maker’s water filter. If it’s equipped with one, replace it if necessary to ensure your craft ice is free from impurities and crystal clear.
I can’t stress enough the importance of a clean water filter for your craft ice maker. A clogged filter can lead to cloudy, subpar ice. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Pro Tip: Keep a spare water filter on hand to avoid any interruptions to your craft ice supply.
How to Activate the Craft Ice Feature
I can’t believe how easy it is to switch between craft ice, cubed ice, and crushed ice. It’s like having a personal ice bar right in my fridge!
1. Change Mode: To enjoy the craft ice feature, press and hold the Freeze button on your fridge for at least 3 seconds. This action cycles through available modes: Craft Ice, Cubed Ice, and Crushed Ice. Select your desired option to start the ice-making process.
2. Start the Ice Maker: To turn on the Craft Ice Maker, press and hold the Craft Ice button for 3 seconds. This will activate the ice-making feature.
LG Craft Ice: Tips for Perfect Ice Cubes
LG’s craft ice makers produce beautiful 2-inch ice cubes that melt slowly for premium beverages. Getting the most out of your craft ice machine requires following some best practices.
Here are my top tips for craft ice machine owners:
Change Between 3 ICE and 6 ICE Modes
LG craft ice makers have different modes to produce either 3 large cubes or 6 smaller cubes per cycle. To switch modes:
- Press any button to wake machine from power-saving
- Hold the freezer button for 3 seconds
- Press the freezer button repeatedly to toggle between 3 ICE and 6 ICE
Dispense Ice Properly
To get craft ice without issues:
- Touch left icon on dispenser for full cubes
- Touch right icon for crushed ice
- Press dispenser paddle gently with glass/container
Dispensing too aggressively can damage the ice cubes.
Adjust Cube Size
If you only get 5-6 small cubes, turn the adjustment screw to let the machine produce more ice per cycle. This increases the size of each cube.
Check Water Supply
Lack of water flow will create half-sphere “dome” ice cubes. Fix by:
- Dispensing 2-3 gallons of water
- Allowing 2-3 cycles of ice production
Set Freezer Temperature Below -4°F
Colder temperatures make clear, solid craft ice. Keep your freezer at the recommended -4°F or lower.
Creative Uses for Craft Ice
The slow melt time and visual appeal make craft ice perfect for:
- Cocktails – large cubes dilute drinks slower
- Whiskeys on the rocks – enhances flavour
- Soda water or iced tea – keeps cold longer
- Displaying food-ice sculpture effect
FAQs
How do I turn on craft ice on my LG refrigerator?
To turn on the craft ice feature on your LG refrigerator, navigate to the ice maker settings on your fridge’s control panel or through the LG ThinQ app, and select the craft ice or ice ball option.
Can I Add a Craft Ice Maker to my LG Refrigerator?
No, you can’t add a Craft Ice maker to your LG fridge. These ice makers come built-in with specific LG models like the InstaView Door-in-Door series. They make clear ice spheres, regular cubes, and crushed ice. The Craft Ice feature is integrated and can’t be added separately.
