6 Tips for Buying Commercial Ice Machines

The global ice maker market reached $4.6 billion in 2021 and experts say it will continue to steadily grow over the next several years.

This may be largely due to the demand from the accommodation and food industry and medical care services, and food services.

Whether you own a hospital, hotel, or restaurant, you should be able to keep a constant supply of clean, fresh ice to protect the health and satisfaction of your customers. It’s why you need an ice machine.

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When it comes to buying commercial ice machines, the wide variety of options can be overwhelming. You need an ice maker that can not only keep up with demand but also create the best type of ice for your business needs.

Before you make this big investment, below are six tips to help you choose the perfect ice maker for your business.

How Much Ice Does Your Business Need?

Running out of ice can be bad for your business. While you can hire an ice delivery service, their costs are too high. The best way to keep a constant supply of ice is to have a commercial ice-making machine that supplies the right amount of ice for your business.

Scotsman Ice Makers

Depending on your business, ice can be used in a lot of different places. To determine the amount of ice you require, you must focus on the primary area you’ll be using ice. For instance, if you own a restaurant, you should know how much ice is needed to refill the bar area or for food preparation in the kitchen.

You can use an ice machine estimator to help calculate your industry’s ice needs. When choosing your ice amount, ensure you base it on your hottest or busiest day. What’s more, you can ask your staff to have a clear understanding of your ice needs.

What Type of Ice Do You Need?

Ice cubes come in all types of shapes. But many businesses overlook the need to select a commercial ice maker based on the type of ice that’s ideal for them.

To choose the right ice machine, you should determine which type of ice cube suits your business needs. Here are the different types of ice you may need

Crescent Cube: They don’t melt too fast. You can use them in bars, hotels, restaurants, and convenience stores.

Flake Ice: This type of ice is preferred in the healthcare industry due to its ability to pack and bend. You can also use it to pack fish and other food items.

Cubelet: It’s less dense with a small appealing shape and is suitable for ice chewers. This type of ice is a better fit for convenience stores, bars, and concessions.

Top Hat: It’s more of a designer ice cube best placed in offices executive suites, or homes.

Square Cube: They’re the slowest to melt and won’t dilute drinks. This ice cube is preferred for bourbon-based drinks.

Gourmet Cube: They melt slowly and don’t stick. Commonly used in upscale environments.

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What Kind Of Condenser Do You Need?

When choosing a commercial ice-making machine for your business, ensure you select a unit with the appropriate condenser. Since it’s like the engine for your ice maker, it’s essential for ice production. Consider the following three types of condensers:

Air Cooled Condenser

A commercial ice maker with an air-cooled condenser is the most cost-effective choice. To keep ice at the ideal temperature, it uses the ambient air in the room. What’s more, it doesn’t require water. This will help reduce your water bill costs.

Water Cooled Condenser

Water-cooled condensers use water to keep the unit cold. They are effective for small business spaces that don’t have enough clearance to fit air-cooled models. Also, they’re the right fit for areas where the ambient air temperature is greater than 80 degrees. They’re less noisy.

Remote Cooled Condenser

Commercial ice machines with remote cooling condensers are similar to ice machines with air-cooled units. However, the condenser is located separately from the ice maker. They’re also quieter than their air and water-cooled condensers.

Is the Ice Machine the Right Size for Your Space?

Ensure the commercial ice machine you want to buy fits well in your establishment. This is why you should measure the space you want to store the ice machine.

Clean Ice Maker

You also need to take the precise measurement of the machine, including the exterior components like ice bins, ventilation fans, and water filters.

Additionally, make sure the ice maker can pass through your hallways and doorways when you move it into your space.

Do You Have the Proper Drainage?

A commercial ice maker machine requires a lot of water. If there is any leftover water from the ice-making process, it needs to be drained out of your business. This is why you should consider your drainage system before getting an ice machine.

From wall drains and transfer drains to standpipe drains, your business can use these drainage setups with their commercial ice machine. However, floor drains are the most preferred method for draining ice makers since they handle higher volumes of water.

Check the ice machine features to ensure it’s suitable for your property’s drainage system.

Do You Need a Water Filter?

Hard water is detrimental to the durability of your ice machine. To avoid a costly commercial ice machine repair, check if you should install a water filter. It’ll help prevent lime and scale build-up to maintain optimal water flow and freeze cycle. What’s more, they help remove chloramine in the water.

Water filtration systems are the first form of defense and care for your ice machine. It’s why you should consider them when you go shopping for a new commercial ice maker.

Enjoy a Constant Supply of Cold Ice With Reliable Commercial Ice Machines

Looking for a commercial ice machine for sale? Visit our site today for more information on different commercial ice machines, their average pricing, and service reviews.

In case you’re stuck and can’t make a decision, our commercial ice machine professionals can help. Contact us to get expert advice and a quote for your new ice machine.

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