Your Complete Hoshizaki Commercial Ice Maker Guide
Hoshizaki is one of the leading names in commercial ice equipment, specializing in some of the industry's most reliable and innovative ice machines. Hoshizaki commercial ice makers produce ice cubes individually to prevent ice from clumping in the bin. The brand's patented crescent ice cubes have become a favorite with businesses around the world--but they also offer square, nugget, flake, and sphere ice.
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How Do I Choose the Right Type of Hoshizaki Commercial Ice Maker for My Business?
Hoshizaki 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 a Hoshizaki 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 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 Hoshizaki modular ice machines produce between 500 – 1800 lbs of ice a day.
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 Hoshizaki ice 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.
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.
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.
Countertop Ice Makers
Hoshizaki countertop ice makersare 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.
What Type of Hoshizaki Ice Shapes are There?
Hoshizaki makes a wide range of ice cube shapes to fit any business need. They specialize in creating evaporator plates that form each cube individually, which eliminates bridging commonly found in most commercial ice machine models. Below are some of their most popular ice shapes for businesses.
How Do I Size a Hoshizaki Commercial Ice Maker?
Sizing an ice machine is dependent on the amount of ice your business uses. Our Ice Machine Estimator can help you estimate the right amount for your business. There are three main criteria we use to determine the best ice machine for your business.
Daily Ice Usage
You’ll need to determine how much ice your business uses in a day, to correctly size the right ice machine and Hoshizaki ice bin for your business. Consider how much ice you use for drinks, food prep, beer tubs, and food presentation. Remember, ice machines take 24-hours to produce their maximum amount of ice. So a 600-lb ice machine will take 24 hours to produce 600 lbs of ice.
What Type of Hoshizaki Ice Machine Condenser Do I Need?
An ice machine's condenser is responsible for cooling refrigerant and expelling heat into the environment, so it doesn't linger around your ice machine. A properly working condenser keeps you ice production rate high, so you always have enough ice.
Hoshizaki Air Cooled Ice Machines
Air cooled ice machines use a fan to cool the condenser, while also expelling hot air away from the machine and out into the environment. These types of models require plenty of space so hot air has room to move or else heat will inger around the machine and lower your ice production rate. This is the most common and cost-effective cooling system available.
View Our Hoshizaki Air Cooled Ice Machines
What are the Hoshizaki Commercial Ice Maker Installation Requirements?
There are 4 major requirements to consider before installing a Hoshizaki ice maker. You can find these requirements below. We’ve also provided a pre-installation checklist that details all the requirements commercial ice machines need to run.
Drainage
When ice melts, the water left behind has to go somewhere. Most commercial ice machines use a floor drain to flush away excess water. Other models, like countertop ice machines, may use a different form of drainage. Ice machines also require an air gap to meet state health regulations. Check your local health code for your city’s drainage requirements.
Electrical
Ice machines generally run on two voltages, 115v and 220v. Ice machines that produce under 800 lbs a day require 115v outlet, which you’ll find in most households. Many larger ice machines that produce over 800 lbs of ice a day need a 220v outlet. You may need an electrician to secure a 220v outlet if you don’t have one in the room you plan an installing your ice machine.
Water
You need water if you're going to make ice. Proper flow rates ensure there is plenty of water to make a batch of ice. When there is not enough, ice cubes will come out small and malformed. Commercial ice machines generally require 5 gallons a minute. You may need a plumber to optimize your water line for installation.
Space
When installing an air cooled ice machine, you'll need enough space to release heat into the environment. When ice machines don’t have enough space for hot air to escape, the air re-enters the ice machine and overheats the system. Hot air in your ice machine lowers ice production and causes expensive repairs down the line. At least 1 ft of space on all sides (including the ceiling) is suggested, but more is even better!
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.
How Much Does a Hoshizaki Commercial Ice Maker Cost?
A commercial Hoshizaki ice machine can run anywhere between $1,500 to $10,000. If you need an ice storage bin and installation, you’ll have to pay extra for those. If you want to keep your ice machine working over the years, you’ll need to pay a few hidden costs:
Hoshizaki Ice Maker Maintenance
Hoshizaki recommends at least two preventive maintenance events a year. Preventive maintenance can cost up to $300 per visit. During preventive maintenance visits, a technician will optimize your ice machine to keep it in the best working condition. They will also identify any potential problems that can lead to expensive repairs if not addressed.
Hoshizaki Water Filters
Unwanted sediment and minerals can cause damage in your ice machine. A standard sediment filter helps to eliminate the number of particles in the water. An ice machine water filter costs between $15-$100 dollars, depending on the brand. You’ll need to replace water filters every few months or they will clog. A clogged water filter leads to smaller, malformed ice cubes. Ice machines in challenging environments might require additional water filtration in addition to a standard sediment filter.
Hoshizaki Ice Machine Breakdowns
The price of an ice machine repair ranges from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. Staying up to date on preventive maintenance and cleaning keeps repairs to a minimum. Here are some common ice machine repairs and the costs associated with them:
- Hot Gas Valve Replacement - $600
- Expansion Valve - $600
- Compressor Repair - $1500
- Evaporator Repair - $2500
When an ice machine breaks down, you’ll have to pay for backup ice. 500 lbs. of ice will cost you over $100.
Our All-Inclusive Ice Machine Program
is the Best Way to get a Hoshizaki Ice Machine
Our all-inclusive ice machine subscriptions include everything you need to keep your Hoshizaki commercial ice machine in the best condition. We include 2 preventive maintenance and cleaning events a year. We also cover all machine-related repairs along with parts and labor. If your ice machine is down for repairs, we'll even cover your day's supply of ice. It's all included in your already low, monthly cost!
Preventive Maintenace
Preventive maintenance keeps ice machine components in working condition and prevents costly damages from occurring. We include 2 preventive maintenance events a year in our standard subscriptions.
Repairs
If your ice machine encounters a problem due to machine-related issues, we'll cover the repair, parts, and labor for no additional fee.
Breakdown Ice
If your ice machine is down for repairs for an extended amount of time, we'll deliver a day's worth of ice to your business. If we can't get out to you in time, we'll credit your account for the cost of a day's worth of ice. We offer this until your machine is up and running.
Additional Resources
Hoshizaki Ice Machine Production Guide
Hoshizaki ice machine production is just as dependent on the surrounding conditions. When water and air temperatures are within optimal ranges, it’s much easier for the ice machine to freeze a batch of ice.
View our Hoshizaki Production Guide
Is it Smarter to Buy an Ice Machine or Rent One?
Buy or rent? Buying an ice machine comes with a lot of hidden costs. A rental helps to control those costs – and our ice machine subscriptions include much more!
Read MoreWhat to do When my Hoshizaki Ice Machine is Beeping?
Hoshizaki ice machines use a series of beeps to help users identify potential problems. Below you'll find a list of Hoshizaki beeps codes and what they mean.
Learn more about Hoshizaki 3 beeps
Ice Maker Not Making Ice? Check Your Room Temperature.
Heat can drastically affect the production of your ice machine. We show you how to keep your ice machine cool and efficient.
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