the ice cubes are coming out really thin and hollow, like shells, not solid cubes

Diagnosis

The production of "shell" ice or hollow cubes in the Avalon Bay AB-ICE26S is almost always a symptom of an incomplete freeze cycle. In a healthy cycle, the refrigerant cools the evaporator pins until the water freezes from the outside in. When the cubes are hollow, it means the unit is triggering the "harvest" phase (where the pins heat up to drop the ice) before the core of the cube has reached the freezing point. This is typically caused by the internal thermistor reading an incorrect temperature or the compressor failing to remove heat efficiently from the water. This inefficiency is most often driven by poor ventilation. The AB-ICE26S relies on a small condenser fan and rear vents to expel heat. If the unit is pushed against a wall or placed in a room exceeding 90°F, the refrigerant cannot cool down sufficiently between cycles. Consequently, the water on the pins doesn't freeze solidly, and the machine "times out" or hits a temperature threshold that triggers the harvest, leaving you with thin, fragile ice shells that melt rapidly. You can confirm this by feeling the air coming from the rear vents; if it feels excessively hot or the fan sounds strained, the unit is overheating.

How to Fix It

To resolve the hollow cube issue, you must optimize the thermal environment and reset the cooling logic of the machine. Follow these exact steps:

1. Clear the Perimeter: Move the unit so there is a minimum of 5 inches of open space on all four sides. Specifically, ensure the rear exhaust grill is not obstructed by curtains, walls, or other appliances.
2. Perform a Hard Thermal Reset: Unplug the AB-ICE26S from the wall outlet. Remove the ice basket and drain all remaining water from the reservoir. Leave the unit unplugged for at least 2 hours. This allows the refrigerant gas to stabilize and the evaporator pins to return to ambient temperature.
3. Optimize Water Temperature: Fill the reservoir with chilled, filtered water (approximately 40°F to 50°F) rather than room-temperature tap water. This reduces the initial load on the compressor and allows the freeze cycle to penetrate the core of the cube faster.
4. Stabilize Ambient Temperature: Move the unit to a room where the temperature is consistently between 60°F and 75°F. Avoid placing the unit next to a dishwasher, oven, or in direct sunlight.
5. Run a Calibration Cycle: Plug the unit back in and press the "Select" button to choose the "Large" ice setting. Large cubes take longer to freeze and are less prone to the "shelling" effect than the small setting.

If That Didn't Work

• Deep Clean the Condenser Coils: Dust accumulation on the internal condenser coils acts as an insulator, preventing heat from escaping. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a can of compressed air to blow out the rear vents and any visible dust buildup inside the chassis. If the coils are clogged, the compressor will run constantly but the ice will remain hollow.
• Check for Mineral Scaling: White calcium deposits on the evaporator pins can interfere with heat transfer. Mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts distilled water. Pour it into the reservoir and let it sit for 30 minutes before running a full cleaning cycle. This ensures the water makes direct, clean contact with the freezing pins.
• Inspect the Fan Operation: Listen closely to the rear of the unit. If you hear a clicking sound or if the fan is spinning slowly/erratically, the fan motor may be failing. A failing fan leads to immediate overheating, which triggers the premature harvest cycle. This requires a professional component replacement of the fan assembly.
• Verify Power Stability: Ensure the unit is plugged directly into a grounded wall outlet rather than a surge protector or extension cord. Voltage drops can cause the compressor to run inefficiently, leading to shorter, incomplete freeze cycles.

Heads Up

• Avoid Overfilling: Never fill the water reservoir past the "MAX" line. Overfilling can cause water to leak into the internal electronics or interfere with the sensor's ability to detect water levels, affecting cycle timing.
• Ice Storage Warning: The AB-ICE26S is a maker, not a freezer. The basket is not insulated. If you leave the ice in the basket for too long, the cubes will begin to fuse together and melt from the bottom up, which can look like hollow shells. Transfer ice to a dedicated freezer immediately.
• Water Quality Matters: Always use filtered water. High mineral content (hard water) creates a "skin" on the ice that can trap air pockets inside, contributing to the hollow appearance and affecting the taste.
• Avoid Frequent Door Opening: While the unit is open-top, placing it in a high-traffic area where warm air constantly blows over the ice basket can cause the top layer of cubes to partially melt and refreeze, creating a shell-like texture.