Close view of the louvered air outlet of a portable air conditioner

Ice melting in the bin (portable / undercounter)

Many countertop and some undercounter machines have unrefrigerated bins: melting is normal and the melt is recycled or drained. Excess melting comes from a hot location, a door left open or poor ventilation.

Single source ~20 min easyBrands: All

Diagnostic steps

Unlock all 3 steps with expected values

Full library + AI assistant for $34.90, one time.

Get lifetime access

OnCall Tech is a reference tool for trained technicians and can make mistakes. Always disconnect power and confirm with the manufacturer's documentation before you work.

More ice makers guides

Guide · Ice Maker

Countertop ice maker shows 'Add Water' with water in the reservoir

These units detect water with a float, probe or wire sensor in the reservoir and a small pump that lifts water to the tray. Scale on the sensor, a blocked reservoir screen, a stuck float, very pure water or a weak pump can all trigger a false Add Water.

4 steps ~30 mineasy

Guide · Ice Maker

Undercounter ice maker: ice slab will not release or sticks on the cutting grid

Grid-cutter (slab) ice makers freeze a sheet, release it during harvest and let a heated wire grid cut it into cubes. Most release problems come from an unlevel cabinet, scale on the evaporator plate, or a cutting grid that is unplugged or not heating. Harvest switches and probes are next.

5 steps ~60 minmoderate

Guide · Ice Maker

Undercounter ice maker not making ice

Check power, water supply and pressure, drain (pump models stop when they cannot drain), bin sensor, cleaning status, condenser and room temperature. Scale is the most common cause on older machines.

7 steps ~60 minmoderate