http://www.ice-machine-guide.com/taxonomy/term/6/all An evaporator is one of the four basic elements of a refrigeration system; evaporator, compressor, condenser, and metering device (capillary line or Thermal Expansion Valve). The evaporator receives cool liquid refrigerant from the metering device. The evaporator allows the cool refrigerant to absorb heat and as a result evaporate into a gaseous state. A refrigeration system is a heat pump which moves heat from one place to another. For example a ice maker moves (removes) heat from the water which flows over evaporator. For more information on refrigeration systems, please view our refrigeration tutorial. en