An experimental data base obtained from specific tests carried out, on an adsorptive solar-powered ice maker using methanol/carbon pair and equipped with the collector-condenser technology is analysed and the part of the evaporator in the condensation of the methanol vapour during the desorption phase is highlighted. Consequently, a new adsorptive solar-powered ice maker equipped with a single heat exchanger playing alternatively the role of condenser and evaporator is conceived. When working as a condenser, this heat exchanger is simply cooled by natural convection by means of fins. The estimated heat transfer area of the fins needed to reach the performance of the tested machine (COPsapproximate to12%) is 1.3 m(2). This new conception of the machine leads to a 30 kg lightening of the metallic mass and enables to equip the, collector with airing shutters, in order to improve its nocturnal cooling, which is the limiting factor of the collector-condenser technology. A notable reduction of the manufacturing cost and more than 10% improvement of performance are expected. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.