When it comes to cold drinks, nothing is more refreshing than an ice-cold coffee. Well, except for a gin and tonic on a hot day. But we’ll save that for another time!
Table Of Contents
−- Basic facts about water and freezing
- The science behind frosting
- What is the required temperature to freeze water?
- Factors that affect water freezing duration
- What is a dedicated ice maker?
- Ways to make ice fast
- Mpemba effect in detail
- FAQs
- At what temperature does non-pure water freeze?
- Is it true that boiled water freezes faster?
- Does boiling water before freezing gets rid of impurities?
- Which moves faster, hot or cold substances?
- Does salt make water freeze faster?
- Will salt affect the water’s freezing temperature?
- What type of liquid has the fastest freezing rate?
- Can you make the ice melt slower?
- Conclusion
There are many different factors that determine how long it will take your water to freeze into ice cubes. This includes the ambient air temperature and the size of the container you’re using.
And during summer, you’ll want to know how long it can take for your ice cubes to be ready.
This article will help you learn everything you need to know about how long it takes water to freeze, as well as what factors can affect the process. Give it a read, and enjoy your iced coffee!
If you rather skip to the best way to make ice quickly.
Basic facts about water and freezing
- If the water is hot or cold, it freezes faster at around 45 minutes (Mpemba Effect).
- 1.5 hours freezing time for room temperature water in a standard 16-ounce plastic bottle using a standard freezer. (The smaller the bottle, the faster the freezing time).
- 30 minutes of freezing time for an 8-ounce plastic bottle and 2 hours for 1 liter, given water at room temperature and using a standard freezer.
- 3 hours for 1 tank of liquid with a capacity of two hundred milliliters
- 3-4 hours freezing time for a standard ice cube tray in a standard freezer of 0° F (-18° C).
- 3-4 hours for the water in the freezer to reach a freezing point if the water started at room temperature and placed 12 spaces in the ice tray.
- Overnight freezing time for one gallon of water, given that a powerful freezer is used.
- Less time is needed to freeze if placed in metal containers, smaller containers, or colder freezers.
The science behind frosting
Here are some processes that occur before the water reaches its freezing point, which is zero degree Celsius.
Water is composed of moving molecules. Heat excites these molecules, making them move faster. When molecules are moving fast, that is when evaporation occurs. Evaporation is when water turns to gas.
On the other hand, when the temperature cools down, the molecules’ movements become limited and slow. This leads to hardening or turning into a solid crystal, commonly called ice.
In this difficult condition, the water expands. Hence, water in a solid state is denser than water in a liquid state.
What is the required temperature to freeze water?
Common knowledge is that the water’s freezing point is at 32-degree Fahrenheit. However, several factors affect this, for instance, the one mentioned above, which is the amount of water.
Naturally, a pond of water would take a longer time to freeze, probably a week, compared to a glass-sized one which would just need an overnight stay in the freezer in order to freeze.
Factors that affect water freezing duration
The speed of freezing water is affected by several factors, such as the quantity of water you want to freeze, the power and capacity of your freezer, and the type of container used.
Water quantity
Water quantity and freezing time are directly proportional. Meaning the greater the amount of water, the more time it takes to freeze, and the lesser the water amount, the lesser the freezing time is. It is because of mass. It is also because of mass and energy’s proportionality.
The greater the mass, the greater the energy required to transfer the temperature to its surrounding. Hence, with higher mass, a longer freezing time is needed.
Water thickness
Water thickness and freezing time are also directly proportional. Meaning the thicker the water, the longer it takes to freeze it. Salty water is thicker than freshwater.
Hence, the former takes a longer time to freeze compared to the latter.
Current water temperature
The current temperature of the water you are planning to freeze also matters. Hot water takes more time to freeze than its less hot counterpart.
Actual surrounding temperature
Your current freezer temperature affects the freezing point. If your desired temperature is lower than your current freezer temperature, you might consider adjusting your freezer’s temperature to get the desired results.
Water pressure
Pressure affects the molecules of water. The higher the atmospheric pressure, the lower the temperature needed for your water to freeze.
That is why if your aim is to produce ice, find a container with lesser pressure so as not to hamper the freezing process. A container with strong or high pressure will sublimate the ice inside it.
Altitude
At significantly higher altitudes, the required freezing temperature also gets lower. However, pressure is still to be considered. If you are at the peak of the mountain or in an airplane, you can make adjustments by setting the freezer temperature to 31-degree Fahrenheit.
Water will have the same freezing temperature even if you place it at high heights, as long as the pressure is not pre-released.
Freezer type and operating temperature
A freezer with an improved heat transfer surface would generally have faster water freezing speed than the freezer model, which blasts air. Similarly, the standard operating temperature of your freezer is also a factor.
Freezers have a usual setting of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or equivalent to zero degrees Celsius. A temperature higher than this means a longer freezing time.
Other objects in the freezer
Placing your water in the freezer along with other items for cooking would lead you to constantly open it. Constantly opening your freezer would lead to a delay in freezing.
Container’s size and design
As a rule of thumb, the greater the amount of water, the longer it takes time to freeze. Larger containers can accommodate larger amounts of water; hence, it also takes a long time to freeze.
This extended volume takes up time in both freezing and unfreezing. That is why ice cubes are constructed from smaller boxes in order to freeze water quickly.
What is a dedicated ice maker?
Dedicated ice makers, also called countertop ice makers, are like the small version of commercial ice machines. It can freeze water in just two hours, significantly faster than using your residential refrigerator.
How does a dedicated ice maker work?
The process includes direct freezing. Inside your ice maker is a metal tray attached to the compressor coil, which pumps the refrigerant. The refrigerant then passes to the coil going to the metal tray.
You do not need to manually put water on the tray because it has a water supply running on it to keep it cool. This helps maintain the coolness of the tray, leading to the faster forming of ice crystals.
This process makes it freeze water fast compared to ordinary refrigerators. On top of that, the water from dedicated ice makers is free from any impurities because the gases and other minerals are pushed toward the tray’s center.
Hence, you won’t get the white cloud in your ice, similar to what you see in regular freezers.
Ways to make ice fast
On average, water freezes for around 3-4 hours. Here are some ways to quicken the process:
Using a plastic bottle
- Lower the freezer’s temperature from -24C to -11 F.
- Place the water inside the plastic bottle and put it in the freezer.
- Allow a 2 ¾ hour is waiting time and remove it smoothly. The water should not freeze; if it already froze, your freezer is defective.
- Make a strong jolt or tap on the bottle’s side and observe as the water suddenly freezes.
- Repeat the same step for the other bottles.
- Cut up the plastic to get the ice.
Using an empty glass
- Repeat the first three steps.
- Then prepare an empty glass and place the supercooled water from the bottle in it.
- Drop an ice crystal inside the newly-transferred supercooled water.
- Observe as the water turns to ice.
Using an empty cup
- Repeat the first three steps.
- Then prepare an empty cup and place the supercooled water from the bottle in it.
- Get a piece of ice crystal and stick it on top of the water’s surface.
- Observe as the water turns to ice.
Reminders
- The greater the water surface area that is in contact with the cold temperature, the faster freezing occurs. That is why the water in a cookie sheet or tray will freeze faster than that in a plastic bottle.
- Tap water has impurities that will lengthen the freezing process. Bottled and distilled water are impurity-free and, therefore, will freeze faster than their tap water counterpart.
- Metal trays conduct heat better than plastic trays, which is why it is better for freezing water. If metal trays are too expensive, you may use copper trays, as copper can quickly remove heat.
- Pre-chilling the tray can quicken the freezing process. This makes the surface already cold and conducive to freezing. After prechilling, remove it from the freezer, fill with water, and place it back in the freezer.
Mpemba effect in detail
According to the Mpemba Effect, there is a paradox that boiled water tends to freeze faster compared to water at room temperature. However, this is still subject to scientific debate up to this moment. Here are some concepts that back up the Mpemba Effect.
Convection currents
According to this, water on the top and side cools down and sinks; then, the warm water rises to take its place. Warm containers have larger convection currents.
Evaporation rate
Evaporation causes lost water. This then minimizes the water amount. As previously discussed, lesser water quantity means faster freezing time.
Supercooling
Supercooling is when water gets super cold before it freezes due to the nucleation site, like an air bubble. There is less tendency for supercooling in warm water compared to cold water.
Gases dissolved
There are fewer gases dissolved in warm water than in cold water. The number of dissolved gases has an impact on the cooling rate.
Frost
Cold water has better heat retention than warm water because frost acts as an insulator.
FAQs
At what temperature does non-pure water freeze?
Is it true that boiled water freezes faster?
Does boiling water before freezing gets rid of impurities?
Which moves faster, hot or cold substances?
Does salt make water freeze faster?
Will salt affect the water’s freezing temperature?
If you want to achieve a freezing point below the standard 32F, adding salt is one way to do so.
What type of liquid has the fastest freezing rate?
Can you make the ice melt slower?
Yes, it is definitely possible to make the ice melt slower. Here are the steps
- Use boiled water for the ice to reduce impurities.
- Add salt to slow down the melting time. (This will also slow down the freezing time.)
- Make large cubes so that less surface is exposed to the air; hence, lesser melting will take place.
Conclusion
There are several factors that affect the freezing rate of water, such as the type of container, the initial water temperature, the freezer temperature, and the water quantity. There are science-based steps you can do to make the freezing process even quicker.
Understanding the chemistry behind water and freezing will help you better understand the cause of the delay in your water freezing.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.
