Stay Cool, Shop Smart: Mistakes to Avoid When Getting an Ice Machine

When purchasing an ice machine for your business, the abundance of models and brands in the market can make the selection process overwhelming. It’s crucial to choose the right ice machine that aligns with your business needs, ensuring it can produce an adequate amount of ice, especially during busy days.

If you find yourself unsure about how to make the best choice, look no further. At Mountain Sales and Service, we are here to help you make an informed decision by sharing the common mistakes to avoid when buying an ice machine.

By the end of this blog post, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what to consider when investing in an ice machine for your business. To learn more, keep scrolling below.

Now, let’s delve into the list of common mistakes that can occur when purchasing an ice machine.

Purchasing an Inadequate Ice Machine Size

With numerous ice machine models available, it’s crucial to assess your business needs before making a purchase. Ensure the chosen machine can produce enough ice to meet your daily requirements.

Avoid getting an oversized machine that exceeds your needs, as it may lead to unnecessary water and electricity consumption. Select an ice machine that meets your output demands, and consider adding an extra 20% capacity to handle busy days.

If you need assistance in choosing the right size ice machine, rely on suppliers like Mountain Sales and Service for expert guidance.

Overlooking Plumbing Compatibility

To produce ice, ice machines require clean water, and it’s essential to choose a model compatible with your existing plumbing system. Failing to do so can result in issues like undersized ice cubes, leaks, or potential failure during health inspections.

Ensure the ice machine you select is suitable for your plumbing setup. Additionally, locate the machine near a floor drain to facilitate easy disposal of excess water.

Choosing the Wrong Type of Machine

When selecting an ice machine for your business, it’s crucial to consider its capacity to handle busy days effectively. There are three main types of ice machines available: countertop, modular, and undercounter, each catering to specific business needs.

1. Countertop – Ideal for Small Businesses: Countertop ice machines are designed to be installed on countertops, making them a great choice for small businesses with limited floor space. They also dispense water and come with a small ice bin. Capable of producing up to 400 pounds of ice daily, they are well-suited for establishments like cafes, diners, or bars.
2. Modular – Versatile and Efficient: Also known as ice machine heads, modular ice machines are meant to be installed on top of a separate ice machine bin, which needs to be purchased separately. Their production capacity ranges from 250 to 1000 pounds of ice per day, making them a versatile option for larger food service businesses, restaurants, or those involved in selling packaged ice.
3. Undercounter – Space-Saving Solution: Undercounter ice machines are designed to work with an ice machine head and storage bin, conveniently fitting under a 40-inch counter. Capable of producing up to 350 pounds of ice daily, they are well-suited for establishments like bars, hotels, and restaurants.

Purchasing an Ice Machine with the Wrong Type of Condenser 

When purchasing an ice machine, it’s essential to consider the type of condenser that best suits your business needs. There are three main types of condensers available: air-cooled, remote-cooled, and water-cooled, each with distinct features and benefits.

1. Air-cooled – Economical and Water-Saving: The air-cooled condenser is the most economical option as it uses the ambient air in the room for cooling. Since it doesn’t require water, it helps you save money on your water bill. To ensure proper functioning and prevent issues, the air-cooled model needs at least 6 inches of clearance around its air intake and discharge area.
2. Remote-cooled – Quieter and Independent: The remote-cooled condenser operates independently of the ice machine and is usually placed outdoors on a roof or exterior wall of the building. Due to the distance between the unit and its condenser, it is a quieter option. The remote-cooled condenser is commonly used in situations where the use of other condenser models is not possible.
3. Water-cooled – Ideal for Small Spaces: The water-cooled condenser is commonly used in businesses with limited space. It is connected to the plumbing and can be an excellent choice for areas where an air-cooled condenser is not suitable, such as locations with ambient air temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit or areas with high levels of dust and other contaminants.

Not Cleaning and Maintaining the Ice Machine

Properly cleaning and maintaining your ice machine is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Failure to do so may result in the production of dirty ice.

Always use clean filtered water for making ice, and regularly clean and maintain the ice machine, especially if your area has hard water to prevent limescale buildup. Limescale, a hard, off-white, chalky substance, commonly accumulates in water-operated machinery where hard water is used.

Additionally, ice machines are susceptible to mold growth due to excessive moisture. Regularly clean the water system, air filters, and filtration system. Ensure the interior of the ice bin is thoroughly cleaned, and run two cycles of ice production to ensure the machine is clean and safe to use.

Choosing the right ice machine is crucial for your business. With various styles and models available, you can benefit from purchasing from a reliable company like Mountain Sales and Service in Colorado.

This way, you can avoid mistakes and have the assurance that your equipment will serve your business for a long time. For any inquiries regarding our products, feel free to send us a message. If you are in search of an ice machine for your business, you can also request a free quote on our website.

Need an ice machine for your restaurant? Rely on Mountain Sales and Service, a Colorado-based national distributor of wholesale food service equipment, including ice machines. If you are interested in purchasing our products, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Reach us at 303-289-5558 or call our toll-free number 800-847-2557. You can also send a fax to 303-286-7054 or email us at sales@mtnsales.com. Why wait? Contact us now! We are more than happy to assist you with your ice machine needs.