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I have chosen not to have an icemaker with water dispenser etc... since they eventually spoil. I make my own ice cubes in traditional trays. Lately, when I twist the trays for the cubes to fall out, they stick and break up rather than fall out as before. What causes this? Are my trays getting old? I have heard suggestions of using cooking oil. How is this done? Even if you apply a light coating, won't the cubes come out with oil residues? Any comments will be appreciated. Eugenio

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16y ago

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Why do ice cubes stick to the tray?

Ice cubes stick to the tray primarily due to surface tension and adhesion. When water freezes, it expands and can create a slight vacuum that causes the ice to bond with the tray's surface. Additionally, any small imperfections or rough areas on the tray can enhance this sticking effect. As the ice melts slightly at the surface, it can create a film of water that further aids in adhesion.


Why do ice cubes stick together in the freezer?

Answering the question and the question in the details below:Ice cubes stick together because the surface of ice is liquid-like and when the ice cubes touch, the surfaces freeze together. For more background, please view the answer to "Why is ice slippery?"The following answer gives some scientific details pertaining to ice:Water freezes at 0 degrees celsius, but the ice that comes out of your freezer is much colder.From the moment you put ice into water, the water gets colder and the ice gets warmer until there is one uniform temperature and all ice has turned to water. You can imagine how if the ice were cold enough, it could freeze all the water.Two cubes of ice at say -10C would easily freeze a thin layer of cold water surrounding them before they get down to the temperature at which they begin to melt.BUT I have noticed that often cubes that are half-melted will still stick together. How can this be? If it has been shrinking, the outer layer should be in the process of melting and therefore not cold enough to freeze its surroundings. I do not know the explanation for this. Perhaps I wasn't watching closely enough. Maybe they froze together when they were larger and for some reason the connections don't melt as fast as the other parts of the ice. More experimentation needed.


What plastic is ice cube trays made of?

cheese


Which melts faster a bunch of ice cubes or a block of ice explain?

A bunch of ice cubes would melt faster than a block of ice. This is because the ice cubes have a greater surface area exposed to warmer temperatures causing accelerated heat absorption.


Why do the ice cubes crumble when you empty the tray?

Ice cubes crumble when you empty the tray because they have stuck to the surface. This causes the ice crystals to shatter when they are forcefully removed.

Related Questions

How can I make airplane-shaped ice cubes for a themed party?

To make airplane-shaped ice cubes for a themed party, you can use airplane-shaped ice cube trays. Simply fill the trays with water, freeze them, and then pop out the airplane-shaped ice cubes to use in your drinks.


How do make ice cubes?

Well, the general way of making ice cubes is filling ice cube trays with water and putting them in a freezer, or you can buy a fridge that has an ice cube machine to make ice cubes for you.


What are some kitchen items that begin with letter I?

· ice · ice bucket · ice cream · ice cream scoop · ice maker · ice pick · ice trays · iron griddle · island


Why do some ice cube trays pop out whole ice cubes and some the ice breaks up when twisted?

cause god said so


Why do ice cube trays have plus and minus signs on each end?

The plus and minus signs on ice cube trays are for you to indicate the direction you need to twist or pull to release the ice cubes from the tray more easily. The signs help you know which way to apply pressure to prevent the tray from breaking when separating the cubes.


How can I freeze eggs in ice cube trays?

To freeze eggs in ice cube trays, crack the eggs into the compartments, gently whisk them, and then place the trays in the freezer until the eggs are solid. Once frozen, transfer the egg cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container for storage.


What dose an ice cube tray used for?

An ice cube tray is used to freeze water into ice cubes, which can be used in beverages to keep them cold. The tray typically has multiple compartments that allow for easy filling and removal of the ice cubes. Some trays come with lids or are designed in various shapes for added fun. Additionally, ice cube trays can be used for other purposes, such as making flavored ice or freezing small portions of food.


Why do ice cubes stick together at times?

A cold glass of water sometimes causes water vapour from the surrounding air to condense onto the surface of the glass. The same thing happens with ice cubes, but instead the water droplets condensing on the surface, they will instantly freeze and 'weld' ice cubes together. They also can stick together if put into a drink, where again, the water in the drink near the surface of the ice cube may get cold enough to freeze and cause the ice cubes to fuse together.


What are some domestic uses for ice cube trays?

Ice cube trays are traditionally used to hold water within a freezer for the purposes of making ice cubes. Other uses for ice cube trays are to make homemade popsicles; putting a fruit juice instead of water results in popsicles made from fruit juice. Grape juice and orange juice work particularly well.


How long does it take ice cubes to freeze?

Depends on the starting temperature of the liquid being frozen, the melting point of the liquid being frozen, and the temperature of the freezer being used to freeze the liquid. Of course it depends upon the temperature of the water being placed in the ice trays, and the temperature of the freezer into which the trays are placed ... but mine, room-temp tap water into a stack of 4 ice trays ... about 10 hours.


How do you substitute water for ice cubes?

To substitute water for ice cubes, you can freeze water in ice cube trays or any suitable container to create your own ice cubes. Alternatively, you can use crushed ice or chilled water if the goal is to cool a drink quickly. If you're aiming for a similar effect without actual ice, consider using frozen fruit or other frozen ingredients that won't dilute the flavor.


How much do trays of ice cost at Walmart?

I don't see where Walmart sells trays of ice. They do sell ice trays for making ice cubes ranging in price from under a dollar each (when you buy a pack of three) to over ten dollars for a tray. It depends on the brand and style of the ice tray. Some Walmart stores also allow you to purchase bags of ice out of a refrigeration unit in various sizes but you have to get it in the store. They don't ship it for obvious reasons.