the ice cubes are coming out really tiny and thin, like slivers, not the full cubes it made before

Diagnosis

The production of "sliver" or "needle" ice in the Antarctic Star AZ-I11A is almost always caused by an inconsistent water-to-plate ratio. In a healthy cycle, the water pump delivers a precise volume of water to the evaporator pins; if the pump is failing or the inlet valve is partially obstructed, the pins don't get enough water to create a full cube, resulting in thin, fragile shards. Alternatively, this is often a symptom of mineral scale buildup (calcium and magnesium) on the cooling pins. When scale accumulates, it creates an insulating layer that prevents the refrigerant from chilling the water efficiently. Instead of a solid freeze, the water freezes sporadically or "hollows out," causing the cubes to snap into thin slivers during the harvest cycle when the pins heat up to release the ice. You can confirm this by inspecting the evaporator pins for a white, chalky residue or by checking if the cycle time has increased significantly.

How to Fix It

To resolve this, you must perform a deep chemical descale and a hard system reset to recalibrate the pump timing.

1. Disconnect the unit from the power outlet and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow any residual ice in the internal lines to melt completely.
2. Empty the water reservoir and fill it with a solution of 50% distilled white vinegar and 50% warm filtered water. Fill it to the "MAX" line.
3. Plug the unit back in and initiate a standard ice-making cycle. Allow the machine to run for 3 full cycles using the vinegar solution. This dissolves the mineral deposits on the evaporator pins that cause uneven freezing.
4. Drain the vinegar solution completely. Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe out the interior basin and the area around the ice chute to remove any loosened scale.
5. Fill the reservoir with fresh, filtered water. For best results, use distilled water to prevent future buildup.
6. Run the machine for two more "clear water" cycles to flush out the remaining acidity before consuming the ice.

If That Didn't Work

• Check the Water Filter/Sump: If you are using an external filter or if debris has entered the reservoir, the pump may be struggling to pull water. Inspect the small intake screen at the bottom of the water tank for slime or sediment. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the intake area and ensure the pump has an unobstructed path to pull water.
• Ambient Temperature Adjustment: If the room is excessively hot (above 85°F/29°C), the AZ-I11A may struggle to maintain the temperature gradient required for full cubes. Move the unit to a location with at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides to ensure the condenser fans can exhaust heat efficiently.
• Replace the Water Pump Assembly: If the cubes remain thin after descaling, the internal water pump (the small motor that pushes water to the pins) is likely failing or the tubing has a pinhole leak. This requires opening the chassis to check for leaks. If water is dripping inside the casing rather than flowing onto the pins, the pump assembly must be replaced.
• Verify Power Stability: Ensure the unit is plugged directly into a wall outlet rather than a crowded power strip. Undervoltage can cause the solenoid valve to open only partially, resulting in an insufficient water dose per cycle.

Heads Up

• Avoid using tap water if you live in a hard-water area; this model is highly susceptible to calcium buildup which directly impacts cube size and shape.
• Never use abrasive scrubbers or metal brushes on the cooling pins, as scratching the coating can lead to premature refrigerant leaks.
• Perform a vinegar descale every 30 days if the machine is used daily to maintain the integrity of the "full cube" shape.
• Ensure the unit is perfectly level on the countertop; a tilted machine causes water to pool on one side of the pins, leading to asymmetrical or thin ice slivers.