If you run a food business, you know the importance of having reliable and efficient foodservice equipment, including an ice machine. Finding a trustworthy provider can be a challenge, but with Mountain Sales and Service, you’re in the right place. They offer wholesale foodservice equipment, including top-quality ice machines. In this blog post, you’ll find tips and advice to help you make the best purchase decision. Read on to learn more!
Choose the right size for your ice machine
Having the right amount of ice is crucial for any foodservice business, and choosing the right ice machine is key. With ice machines available in various sizes, it’s essential to select one that fits your needs. Ice is used for a range of purposes, from making iced or ice-blended drinks to preserving food and ingredients.
To ensure you have enough ice for your business, it’s important to estimate your daily needs based on your busiest and hottest day. Consider peak periods, such as holidays or busy weekends, when you expect a high volume of customers.
The production rate of an ice machine can be affected by the temperature outside, so it’s essential to factor this into your decision. If you’re in a city with a hot climate, such as Arizona, Nevada, or Texas, it may be necessary to opt for an ice machine that can produce more ice to compensate for the reduced production rate during the summer months.
You must also consider the following questions:
- Where will you be using ice aside from making drinks?
- Do you have a bar well, how much ice do you need to refill it?
- Do you need ice for food and drink preparation?
When you run out of ice, you may have to pay a lot for an ice delivery service. Ice delivery costs vary depending on how much you will need and can take a long time to arrive.
Choose the right ice cube shapes for your foodservice business
When it comes to running a successful foodservice business, having the right type of ice is crucial. Different ice cube shapes serve different purposes, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your business.
Cubelet ice, for instance, is soft and chewable, making it ideal for general consumption without damaging teeth. Flake ice, on the other hand, is recommended for seafood restaurants and food preparation. With so many ice shapes to choose from, it’s important to select the one that fits your needs.
Is there enough space available?
An ice machine for your foodservice business will need the right amount of space for it to operate properly. For example, if you will purchase an air-cooled machine you will need enough space for ventilation. You must keep in mind that it will also generate heat as they operate.
The heat will be emitted on the vents located on the unit. You must allow enough space for the air to escape and there must be ventilation in the room. If air will not be released accordingly, the warm air will cause the machine to have high internal temperature than the room temperature.
When an ice machine becomes too hot, it will have a hard time producing ice so it will have a lower ice production rate. If the problem persists, it can even cause serious issues like a machine breakdown that will require you to have it repaired which can be costly on your part.
The ice machine must be installed in a big room that has proper ventilation to allow airflow. It must be placed within a foot and a half from the wall with its side that does not have any vents. The ice machine must not be placed in a crowded room so the hot air can escape and exit through the vents without the possibility of it reentering the unit.
Does the ice machine have the right drainage?
Each ice machine needs water to make ice. So each ice machine must have proper drainage installed as well. If you will be purchasing a modular ice machine, you must also prepare a floor drain for its excess water to drain properly.
Countertop ice machines are usually connected to a drain used by a nearby sink. The ice machine must be suspended so there will be an air gap so the excess water will not run back up the drainage tube into your ice machine.
Install the right condenser
When it comes to ice machines, there are two main options: air-cooled and water-cooled. Air-cooled ice machines use a fan to cool their condenser coils, while water-cooled ice machines rely on water to do the same.
If you have limited space or low ventilation in your business, water-cooled ice machines are the recommended choice. On the other hand, a remote condenser is an option for businesses with ample space and proper ventilation. It has a separate condenser unit that is installed away from the ice machine.
Are you planning to purchase or lease an ice machine? Look no further than Mountain Sales and Service. Fill out our contact form to send us a message or get in touch with us.
In need of foodservice equipment, including ice machines? Mountain Sales and Service is your solution. Our company is a nationwide distributor of wholesale foodservice equipment. If you’re specifically searching for ice machines, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can call us at 303-289-5558, our toll-free number at 800-847-2557, or email us at sales@mtnsales.com.
Our location is at 6759 East 50th Avenue in Commerce City, Colorado 80022. Don’t wait, contact us today for all your foodservice equipment needs, including ice machines. Trust Mountain Sales and Service for all your equipment needs.
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