When i make these ice balls i notice a white line INSIDE The ice ball everytime. like its about to crack in half? how to avoid plze
138355
I have the same issue, I tried to use cold water, tap water, filtered water same results. Let me know if you get an answer.Christophe
138356
I tried filling it just short of the top allowing for expansion. However it still creates the split line. Dont think it is avoidable.
1566731
Take it fully out and make sure there isn't a collection of grounds at the back of the slot for the tray. That happens if you let it get too full and the grounds pucks get cut off as they tray is coming out of its location. If there is, just get a paper towel of a small brush and clean it out good.
257632
I had the exact same problem with mine! After two years of use I started noticing black plastic just like you... when I examined the bottom chute where the ice comes out I noticed the plastic chute seeming to split in the middle. I took off the top screws and examined the insides but could not see anything wrong... I assume the pieces are coming from the plastic starting to split. I ended up getting a new unit ... from what I have read in other reviews this thing has a limited shelf life and will break after a year or so... Since I love crushed ice in my drinks I just ended up getting another one because there seems to be no others on the market that can do a better job... the ' pro ' model should be all metal if you ask me and use no plastic at all... maybe they will make a better unit by the time my current one breaks...
428769
The only thing I can think of is that your freezer is too cold. If you don't want to set your freezer lower, let the bowl set out for a while before you make the ice cream.
1133103
Our water is very hard the normal cubes that come from our ice maker are white. The small amount that we make with this water have a white hue but are translucent.
2165753
That's actually happened to me! To the best if my knowledge, the machine doesn't produce as small and fine an ice as is needed for a proper snow cone. Melting it slightly by pouring the syrup on top causes it to melt back into chunks
1201832
I have never had this problem and I have whacked the balls against one another as well as myself countless times LOL. I've had mine for quite some time now, use them regularly, and have had no problems whatsoever. I would try to contact the seller if I were having those issues.
2005756
I have the same white mtn. Ice crm. maker and it started that same screaching and grinding sound you described, my husband checked it out and it was the bearings. Needless to say I got on line and found a old fashion hand crank to fit it,until I could find a new motor. All in all I must say I was very disapointed in the wht. Mtn. Ice crm. makers quality. When you pay high dollar for the best you expect it!! I guess they just do not make them like grandmas anymore.
1792082
That sounds truly strange as these balls are very sturdy. Is it possible it was defective in some way? I did, however, purchase a bigger ball. So far, it has held up pretty well. Check how long you've had it to see if it is still covered under their warranty, and let Gaiam know about your experience.
1524693
I have only used mine a few times and I had these same issues the first time I used it. With subsequent I made sure the counter was very wet (not just a few sprinkles) and I used quite a bit of flour. I live in a very dry, mountain climate and have to add extra water to my dough so it won't crack around the edges. I think it just takes practice to find the right amounts. Hope this helped some.
953707
Make sure the ingredients are ALL very cold and that the ice cream maker bowl has been frozen for a couple days. Keep trying. My first two batches were too liquid in texture. You can use those as a smoothy (someone suggested this to me).
1555802
What residue ? Never saw any. The ice balls do tend to splinter or crack too easily, but then so do ice cubes.
669502
If it arrived in the cold, you'll definitely want to let it warm to room temperature before inflating. And, you really should follow the instructions about inflation, as these folks know their product best. I think the wait is because you don't inflate it fully at first, let it sit and finish inflation the next day. With all of the balls I've bought through the years, I've also had to add more air after a couple of weeks, but then they're just fine.
2245464
Make sure that you reset the ball to make sure it isn't near the end of the game. Otherwise, it takes awhile to get it done. I gave them as gifts and they were a big hit
845229
I keep this bowl in the freezer all the time so it will be ready at a moment's notice whenever I decide to make ice cream. I am not sure what the directions say how long it needs to be in the freezer to freeze the gel that is in between the walls - seems like it says 24 hours. If you keep it in the freezer it becomes a none issue. It works real well. I highly recommend it - sometimes I think I should get the second bowl to make ice cream for larger groups. One could make ice cream ahead of time, freeze it and make another later. If you add xanthum gum to it it does not get as icy as it would otherwise. I keep this bowl in the freezer all the time so it will be ready at a moment's notice whenever I decide to make ice cream. I am not sure what the directions say how long it needs to be in the freezer to freeze the gel that is in between the walls - seems like it says 24 hours. If you keep it in the freezer it becomes a none issue. It works real well. I highly recommend it - sometimes I think I should get the second bowl to make ice cream for larger groups. One could make ice cream ahead of time, freeze it and make another later. If you add xanthum gum to it it does not get as icy as it... » Read More I keep this bowl in the freezer all the time so it will be ready at a moment's notice whenever I decide to make ice cream. I am not sure what the directions say how long it needs to be in the freezer to freeze the gel that is in between the walls - seems like it says 24 hours. If you keep it in the freezer it becomes a none issue. It works real well. I highly recommend it - sometimes I think I should get the second bowl to make ice cream for larger groups. One could make ice cream ahead of time, freeze it and make another later. If you add xanthum gum to it it does not get as icy as it would otherwise. « Show Less
1810185
To answer your question, I must address your concerns about "white" and "bitter-flavor" separately. Yes, these ice cubes are white, not crystal clear. The white color is from air entrapped as the cubes form on the refrigerated rods. The entrapped air makes the ice cubes "soft" and easily chewed if you are inclined to chew ice. We love this consistency. These ice cubes do not, however, have a bitter flavor. As I stated in my review, you must clean the ice maker when you first use it to get rid of the slight "new plastic" taste, but after that the ice does not have any bad flavor. We love this ice machine! Hope this helps.
1135040
I have had problems with this brand. The ice balls break, have a ridge around the entire ball or a little nipple at the top where the hole is. I have tried everything and they just don't come out right, I am not satisfied with this product. I love the Tovolo brand, they always come out great, easier to fill and get out of the mold and they are a tad bit larger which I really like.