Choosing an ice maker can be complicated and daunting due to the vast array of models and features available. Before buying a commercial ice maker machine, make sure it functions with your business’s specific configuration. But here are five common ice machine blunders to avoid.
1. Buying an Ice Machine That Cannot Produce Enough Ice
Find a new ice machine that fulfills your company’s capacity requirements. Buying an ice tube maker that is too big for your needs will increase your electric and water expenditures, among other inefficiencies. When comparing ice machines, determine your company’s output requirements and add 20% as a buffer.
2. Buying an Ice Machine That Isn’t Plumbing Compatible
your existing plumbing. Improperly proportioned cubes, leaking inlet valves, and failing health inspections can result from failure to meet. A floor drain can also help catch any surplus water. Check your local building codes for more information on floor drain placement and connecting drains to plumbing.
3. Buying the Wrong Ice Machine
For busy shifts, buying the right industrial ice maker is critical. Portable, under-counter, and countertop ice makers are available.
Modular Ice Machines
You must first acquire an ice machine bin to use modular ice machines. In big foodservice outlets like cafeterias or enterprises that package and sell ice in ice bags, modular ice machines are a good solution for ice production.
Undercounter Ice Machines
Ice makers with storage bins are called under-counter ice makers. Undercounter ice makers are ideal for bars, restaurants, and hotels because they can create 350 lbs. of ice each day.
Countertop Ice Makers
Smaller enterprises with limited floor areas can benefit from countertop ice machines. They usually have a small ice bin and distribute water as well. Cafes, diners, and bars can benefit from these devices’ 400 lb. daily production capacity.
4. Buying an Ice Machine with the Wrong Kind of Condenser
Choosing an ice maker with a suitable condenser is also crucial. There are three primary condensers: air-cooled, water-cooled, and remote-cooled.
Air Cooled Condenser
The most cost-effective ice maker has an air-cooled condenser. Their non-water cooling system keeps your water bill low. Just remember to leave 6″ room around the air intake and exhaust ports.
Water Cooled Condenser
In places where air-cooled ice machines can’t fit, water-cooled ones perform well. Their direct plumbing connection makes them ideal for situations with high ambient air temperatures (over 80°F) or heavy dust or other impurities (above 80%).
Remote Cooled Condenser
They use an air-cooled condenser separate from the ice producer. These condensers are typically located outdoors, commonly on roofs or outer walls. Because of the distance between the unit and the condenser, remote cooled ice makers are also smoother than air and water-cooled equivalents. They are only used when water or air cooling is not possible.
5. Not Cleaning and Maintaining Your New Ice Machine
Don’t compromise on your business ice maker’s water filter. Investing in low-cost maintenance supplies now can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars later. Plus, ice prepared from purified water tastes better. Cleaning your ice maker periodically will help prevent limescale buildup. Before sanitizing your ice bin, clean the water system, inspect the air filters, and clean the water filtering system. After that, run your machine for two cycles of ice production to check it’s clean.
Choosing a suitable ice machine for your restaurant is crucial. It’s critical to understand the various styles and setups accessible. By avoiding these five common ice maker buying blunders, you’ll wind up with a high-quality piece of equipment that will last for years.
