Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
(OP)
I need to make an 8.00”x16.00”x2.70” ice block and need to control the ~9% expansion so that the ice block is a uniform as possible with a standard chest freezer. Using a stainless container as a mold with the top open and an Aluminum weight to hold it down, will make a silicone liner so that the ice can be removed from the mold. I’ve tried insulated the container on all sides and bottom but the center area still bulges out more than I want. Any ideas on how I can get a uniform ice block with an even flat top surface.
Forgot to add that I need to make 20 of these, so layering or multistep processing becomes a lot more time and labor which I like to avoid.
Forgot to add that I need to make 20 of these, so layering or multistep processing becomes a lot more time and labor which I like to avoid.

RE: Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
RE: Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
Our maybe just fill it and freeze it in small layers? So add say 1" water to start with, let it freeze and bulge then slowly add more water with less and less each time so it fils the edges more and can't bulge as much?
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RE: Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
Fill the container completely and freeze in layers, like Little inch says, and let the expansion drain off the level edges.
Freeze slowly. Layer by layer.
Keep a hair drier handy to melt off upward bulges.
A black swan to a turkey is a white swan to the butcher ... and to Boeing.
RE: Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
RE: Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
A black swan to a turkey is a white swan to the butcher ... and to Boeing.
RE: Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
RE: Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
RE: Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
They come clear up to 300lb blocks.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
Fill the container with small ice cubes up to say 70-80% of the height required. Then top up with ice cold water to the level required. Shake the container to release any trapped air. Insulate all sides, including the top before freezing.
Would be better if you have some kind of temp control in the freezer that maintains temp at just a few degC below freezing (say -5degC?), rather than the run of the mill domestic freezer which runs at -20degC.
Use water with low dissolved minerals, preferably de ionised water.
RE: Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
georgeverghese has some great ideas. combine with the proposal to do the filling in steps levelling out any bulges with the last pouring. Pay atention to the details (the water must be very cold, de-ionised and shake to release air.
Best regards, Morten
--- Best regards, Morten Andersen
RE: Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
RE: Ice block with uniform size in a chest freezer
A black swan to a turkey is a white swan to the butcher ... and to Boeing.