Your Ultimate Guide to Commercial Ice Machines

Choosing a commercial ice machine is not as easy as it looks. The size of the machine, ice type, and daily production are just some of the factors to consider. When choosing an ice machine, you also need to factor in the care. Commercial ice machines require preventive maintenance, cleaning, and repairs to keep them performing in top shape. Our commercial ice machine guide is here to help!

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Commercial Ice Machine Guide

How Do I Choose the Right Type of Commercial Ice Maker for My Business?

Commercial ice makers come in all shapes, sizes, and styles to meet specific business needs. Whether you run a restaurant, hotel, clinic, or manufacturing plant, there is an ice machine that is perfect for you. Below are some of the types of ice makers for different business needs:

  • Modular Ice Machines

    Modular Ice Machines

    Modular ice machines only produce ice. They require you to purchase an additional ice storage bin or dispenser to store the ice. Modular ice makers offer the largest amount of options for businesses. No matter the ice shape, there is a modular ice maker that produces it. Our modular ice machines produce between 500 – 1800 lbs of ice a day.

    Learn More About Modular Ice Machines

  • Stackable Ice Machines

    Stackable Ice Machines

    Stackable ice machines allow you to install 2-3 units on top of one another, to double or triple your daily ice production. These machines still require you to purchase an additional ice storage bin or dispenser to store the ice. Stackable units can be great option for high-volume businesses that don’t have a lot of extra room to fit two ice makers. Keep in mind, multiple stackable ice makers are much harder to service than a single large ice maker.

    Learn More About Stackable Ice Machines

  • Undercounter Ice Machines

    Undercounter Ice Machines

    These small ice machines measure below 40” high to fit underneath counters and bar tops. They produce between 50-350 lbs. of ice a day. They are particularly popular behind bars, so bartenders have access to ice without having to grab additional ice from the kitchen. Undercounter ice makers come with built-in storage, so you do not need to purchase an additional ice storage bin or dispenser. Many undercounter ice makers are also ADA compliant to accommodate people with disabilities.

    Learn More About Undercounter Ice Makers

  • Commercial ice Dispenser

    Commercial Ice Dispensers

    Commercial ice dispensers can produce their own ice or require an ice maker installed on top. Produce between 500-800 lbs. of ice a day. Some dispensers also dispense water as well. Commercial ice dispensers are popular in a number of industries. Hotels use standup dispensers so guests can fill buckets of ice for their rooms. Office break rooms and wait rooms use dispensers so staff and visitors can fill drinks with ice without assistance from additional staff.

    Learn More About Commercial Ice Dispensers

  • Countertop Dispenser

    Countertop Ice Makers

    Countertop ice makers are designed to fit on top of a counter for self-serve use. Countertop ice makers either produce their own ice or require an ice machine installed on top. Ice production ranges between 500-800 lbs. of ice a day. These are particularly popular in office breakrooms and healthcare clinics. They don’t take up a lot of space and reduce the chance accidental contamination for your ice supply.

    Learn More About Countertop Ice Makers

How Do I Select the Right Type of Ice Cube?

The shape of an ice cube is not just aesthetic. Each ice shape provides a different business need. Choosing the right type of ice can help to elevate your drinks, treat ailments, or even save you money.

Commercial Ice Making Machines

What Type of Ice Machine Condenser Do I Need?

Your ice machine condenser helps to cool refrigerant and emit heat away from the ice machine so it can run smoothly. There are three main types of ice machine condensers.

Air Cooled Ice Machines

The most common and cost-effective condensing unit for commercial ice makers. These systems use a fan to help cool condenser coils and emit hot air into the surrounding environment. Air cooled ice machines need plenty of space for hot air to escape into the environment. This is the most cost-effective and common condenser system you'll find on commercial ice machines.

View Our Air Cooled Ice Machines

Commercial Ice Maker Installation

We’ve serviced over 10,000 ice machines across the country. No matter the challenge, we know exactly how to keep your ice machine running smoothly. Our pre-installation checklist shows you what you need to provide to install an ice machine in your business. If you have a challenging environment, give us a call and we'll help you find a solution.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Commercial Ice Maker Water Filters

Ice maker water filters help to trap contaminants, sediment, and mineral deposits that can hinder the effectiveness of your ice machine. Without regular water filter replacements, ice machines breakdown due to several issues. We install water filters on every commercial ice machine we service. There are three main types of ice maker filters we recommend:

Standard Sediment Filters

Sediment filters trap particles that can harm your ice maker while allowing water molecules to pass through unhindered. These are great for all water conditions, but particularly necessary in hard water conditions. Standard water filters need replacement every few months. If filters are used past their replacement date, dirt and sediment can plug up your filter and restrict water flow to your ice machine. This results in smaller, malformed ice cubes.

Phosphate Filters

Phosphate filters are used in addition to a standard sediment filter. These filters prevent minerals from forming into scale by satisfying the ionic binds between calcium and magnesium deposits. Phosphate filters technically treat the water. They won’t plug up like standard sediment filters, but they still need replacement every few months before the phosphate in them runs out.

Carbon Filters

These are often used in nugget and flake ice machines and some countertop ice machine models. Carbon filters trap harmful particles that can damage your ice machine. These filters also trap chlorine, which affects the taste and odor of ice. Carbon filters are often used in place of phosphate filters in ice machines that use an auger system where phosphate isn’t effectively flushed out of the ice supply. Carbon filters also need replacing every few months.

Ice Machine Cleaning and Sanitization

Ice machine cleaning and sanitizing is necessary to reduce the growth of mold and slime in your ice maker. A professional ice machine cleaning can also remove scale from vital ice machine parts. Mold and slime can lead to a damaging health violation, while scale buildup can damage your ice maker, requiring expensive repairs.

  • Cleaning a Commercial Ice Maker

    Regular Cleanings

    Commercial ice machines should receive professional cleaning at least every six months. If your ice machine is in a challenging environment, like a bakery or brewery, you'll likely require more cleanings.

    See Our Ice Machine Cleaning Schedule

  • How To Clean A Ice Maker

    Mold and Slime

    Mold and slime feed off particles in the air that enter your commercial ice maker. They congregate in moist, dark areas in your ice machine and bin. Health inspectors look for excessive mold and slime growth during inspections.

    How to Clean Your Ice Machine from Slime and Mold

  • How To Clean An Ice Maker Machine

    Don't Forget About Ice Bin Cleaning

    Your ice bin is one of the most popular places for mold, slime, and scale to form. Its dark, wet, and open to the environment when many employees scoop ice. Cleaning your ice bin is just as important as cleaning the machine itself.

    Simple Steps for Cleaning Your Commercial Ice Bin

How Much Does an Commercial Ice Machine Cost?

A new commercial ice machine can cost anywhere from $1,500 for a small commercial ice machine to well over $10,000 for a high-volume ice machine with a high-capacity bin. Modular and stackable machines will also require an ice storage bin or dispenser to store the ice. You could buy a used one, but if it wasn't meticulously maintained, there's a good chance it'll break down on you quick. There are a couple of hidden costs involved with properly caring for an ice machine as well. Here are the most common:

Maintenance

Ice machine preventive maintenance costs around $300 per visit.

Manufacturers recommend two maintenance visits per year. During a preventive maintenance visit, ice machine technicians will work to optimize your machine, so it runs smoothly and continues to produce the maximum amount of ice. Preventive maintenance also alerts owners to potential problems that can lead to machine breakdowns and expensive repairs.

Water Filters

Water filtration is necessary to reduce the amount of dirt, minerals, and sediment that enter your ice maker. An ice machine water filter prices range between $15-$100 depending on the brand. They need regular replacement twice a year. When water filters clog, they can lead to smaller, malformed ice cubes. If you have an ice machine installed in a challenging environment, you might require additional water filtration in addition to a standard sediment filter.

Breakdowns

Depending on the problem, ice machine repairs can cost anywhere between a few hundred dollars to a few thousands. Here are some examples of some common ice machine repairs and their estimated costs:

  • Hot Gas Valve Replacement - $600
  • Expansion Valve - $600
  • Compressor Repair - $1500
  • Evaporator Repair - $2500

Save Money and Eliminate Stress with an Ice Machine Subscription

An Easy Ice subscription is more than just an ice machine lease. We include preventive maintenance, professional cleaning, and all repairs in your low monthly payment. Ice machine issues can happen anytime, so we also provide 24-hour customer support. You don't have to keep track of your ice machine service appointments. We do it for you! We'll call you when the ice machine is due for its next cleaning and find the best time that works for you! If the ice machine breaks down, we'll supply you with free replacement ice until we get it back up and running.

Our team of Ice Machine Experts is ready to help you pick out the perfect commercial ice machine to fit your needs. Ready to experience the only all-inclusive ice machine subscription for yourself?

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