Why Are Some Ice Cubes Hollow

A typical problem with commercial ice makers is that the quality of ice can change over time. Cleanliness, quality of ice maker parts, and quality of water can all affect how the ice turns out. Bad ice is usually referred to as hollow ice or cubes that don't seem to completely form properly.  These types of ice chip easily and even cause problems with the ice maker's operation.

The ice thickness control is the ice machine part that tells the board when to initiate harvest.  If the ice thickness control or ice probe is set to thin, it will cause a premature harvest, which would then lead to hollow cubes.  Freeze cycles can also vary, so consult your ice makers installation use and care manual on what thickness  the ice probe should be set at.  Manitowoc ice makers recommend an ice thickness probe be set at at an 1/8th of an inch.

Like a premature harvest a long harvest can also cause hollow cubes.  Consider this, if the ice maker is not harvesting properly, the ice will simply hang on the evaporator.  The cubes will eventually melt off of the evaporator and fall into the bin.  Long harvests are most commonly indicated by a dirty ice machine.  Minerals and scale build up will hold the ice onto the evaporator, forcing the slab of ice to melt partially before harvesting and falling properly.  Solution, thoroughly clean your ice machine.