it takes forever to make the first batch of ice, like over an hour, is that normal?

Diagnosis

The slow initial production cycle on the Costway EP24744US is primarily due to "thermal inertia." When the unit is first plugged in, the aluminum evaporator rods (the spikes where the ice forms) are at ambient room temperature. The compressor must not only cool the water but also pull the heat out of the metal rods themselves before the water can begin to crystallize. Because this model uses a small-capacity compressor and a modest refrigerant charge, the heat exchange process is gradual. Furthermore, if the water reservoir is filled with room-temperature tap water (typically 65-75°F), the machine must spend the first 30 to 45 minutes simply bringing the water temperature down to the freezing point. You can confirm this is a normal thermal lag if the second and third batches are significantly faster (usually 6-12 minutes) than the first. If every single batch takes over an hour, you are likely dealing with a refrigerant leak or a failing condenser fan rather than a standard first-run delay.

How to Fix It

While you cannot bypass the laws of thermodynamics, you can drastically reduce the "first batch" wait time by optimizing the starting temperature and airflow. Follow these exact steps to speed up the process:

1. Pre-Chill the Water: Do not use room-temperature water. Fill the reservoir with filtered water that has been refrigerated. Using water at 40°F instead of 70°F can shave 20-30 minutes off the initial cycle.
2. Optimize Airflow: Ensure there is a minimum of 6 inches of clearance on the left, right, and rear of the unit. The side vents pull in air to cool the condenser coils; if the unit is pushed against a wall or inside a tight cabinet, the heat cannot escape, and the evaporator rods will take twice as long to reach freezing temperatures.
3. Ambient Temperature Control: Place the unit in a room with a temperature below 75°F. If the unit is sitting next to a stove, toaster, or in direct sunlight, the compressor will struggle to overcome the external heat load.
4. Initial Prime: After pouring in the cold water, let the unit sit for 5 minutes before hitting the "ON" button. This allows the water to settle and ensures the sensors are reading the reservoir level correctly.

If That Didn't Work

If the machine consistently takes over an hour for every batch, try these deeper troubleshooting steps:

• Clean the Condenser Vents: Use a vacuum or a can of compressed air to clear dust from the rear and side intake grills. Dust buildup acts as an insulator, preventing the refrigerant from shedding heat and causing the ice-making cycle to stretch from 10 minutes to 60 minutes.
• Check for "Thin" Ice: Inspect the ice cubes. If they are hollow or slushy even after an hour, the refrigerant charge may be low. Check the back of the unit for any oily residue near the copper tubing, which indicates a leak. If a leak is present, the unit generally cannot be repaired as the system is factory-sealed.
• Power Reset: Unplug the unit for 30 minutes to allow the internal pressures to equalize. This "hard reset" can sometimes resolve glitches in the timing board that controls the harvest cycle.
• Water Hardness Check: If you have extremely hard water, calcium deposits can build up on the evaporator rods, creating a thermal barrier. Run a cycle with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and distilled water, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then run two rinse cycles with clean water.

Heads Up

• Avoid "Over-Filling": Filling the reservoir to the absolute brim can actually slow down the initial cycle because there is more total mass of water to cool. Fill to the "MAX" line, but no further.
• Don't Use Hot Water: Never use warm or hot water to "clean" the reservoir while the machine is running, as this can cause the compressor to overheat and trigger a thermal shutdown.
• Ice Storage: Remember that the Costway EP24744US is not a freezer. It is an ice maker. The ice will naturally melt back into the reservoir over time, which the machine will then re-freeze. This is normal operation.
• Scaling Prevention: To keep the evaporator rods efficient, use distilled water or a filtered pitcher. Mineral buildup on the rods increases the time it takes for water to freeze.