Ice makers or ice vending machines are a great addition for any food service business. Conversely, you can decide to use it to run an independent business. Whatever the case may be, you need a commercial ice maker if you need to either use or produce ice in large quantities.
Whether you are looking to buy an ice dispenser, bin or bagger, you need to do your due diligence and ensure that you are getting the right model and type for your business. Bear in mind that these machines consume a lot of energy when in operation and even when cooling off. This contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases that negatively impact the environment. Click here for more information about greenhouse gas and its impact on the ecosystem.
For this reason, it is important to always look out for energy saving devices to preserve the environment. In addition to that, there are other features that you need to look out for. In this article, we will share tips that will help you make the right buying choice for an icemaker.
Types Of Ice Makers
There are many models of icemakers but they all come under 4 categories and they are as follows:
Modular Machines
These are large capacity machines that have separate units; this means that the unit sits on top of either an ice dispenser, ice machine bin or soda dispenser and dispenses the supply to it. Modular machine are mostly available in 22, 30 and 48 inches (width).
The output of machines in this category can be anywhere between 250lb daily and more than 1000lb and it makes all types of ice.
Under-Counter Machines
Icemakers in this category are those designed to fit under countertops to keep them out of sight and save space. They usually come in a combination of machine and storage bin which can conveniently fit under any counter that’s 40’’ high and above. These types are suited for small bars, restaurants and cafes.
The average output per day is 350lb with a few exceptions that produce more and they produce all types of ice.
Ice Dispenser
These are most commonly paired with modular machines. The commercial variant of these machines are similar to ice-bins only in the sense that they store the ice until they are ready for use. The main feature however, is that it uses lever or sensor dispensing system which removes the need for anybody touching the ice.
These machines are mostly used in the healthcare sector and hotels mainly because of its self-serving feature; this feature protects the supply from contamination. They often come in both countertop and floor models and can be gotten only with ice machines that are air cooled.
The output of machines in this category is usually between 120 to 618lb daily and they produce half cubes, full cubes, and nuggets.
Combination Dispenser
These are machines that can dispense both ice and water and the commercial variants are suited for cafeterias, healthcare facilities, break rooms and offices. Most combination units are usually self-service which means the design is usually space efficient, easy to use and clean.
Even though many of them have small storage bins, they surprisingly have an output of up to 500lb daily and the product is most commonly nugget style but they can also make cubelets, crescents and full cubes. They can come in either floor or countertop models.
If you want a particular model of any machine in the above described categories, you may have to visit the manufacturers or distributors. However, if you want to compare brands and models, you may need to visit an Ice Maker Depot where there are many options to check out. We actually recommend the latter because then, you stand a better chance of getting the best deal.
Find below a summary of the type of shapes and forms of ice that is most commonly available and what they are used for. This will give you a hint at a glance, of what type of machine to go for based on the purpose or the type of business you run.
Types Of Ice, Features And Uses
| Type | Features | Purpose |
| Cubed | Shape – cubes Melts slowly Weighs between 0.17 to 0.5oz | Chilled BeveragesMost common type of ice used in the food service industryOften used in Hotels, Bars, Restaurants, Convenience Stores, Offices. |
| Nugget | Shape – Pellets Often referred to as chewblets because they are softer and chewable. Sometimes referred to as nuggets | Chilled Beverages Used to enhance the texture of drinksMost often used in Restaurants, Fast Food, Bars, and Medical Facilities. |
| Flake | Form – Crushed or Shape – Shave flakes Melts fast Can have about 1/5 liquid content | Popularly used for cold storage or preserving, and packing perishable food itemNot meant to be ingestedCommonly used in packing and preserving meat Best suited for Grocery Stores and Research Facilities |
Features To Consider When Shopping For An Icemaker
Having looked at the categories of machines that we have and also the type of product they make, let us go on to list and explain the features to look out for. These features will determine the value you will get from your choice and they are listed below:
- Ease of installation
- Energy efficiency and speed of production
- Consistent production
- Capacity (both production and storage )
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance
- Type of ice produced
- Warranty and after sales support
- Water filtration
Some of the above features are self-explanatory so we will expatiate on only a few points:
Energy Efficiency And Speed Of Production
While it is very important to look out for a machine that has a high production turnover, it is very important to consider energy efficiency. Look out for models that come with an Energy Star sticker which indicates that they are energy efficient. This low energy consumption not only has smaller footprints on the environment but also helps you cut cost on utility bills.
Water Filtration
Look out for a model that has a water filtration system as this will highly improve the taste and quality of its product. This is very important especially if you service high end customers. Additionally, this feature is a must-have for businesses that operate in areas that have hard water.
Visit https://www.energy.gov/ to understand more about hard water and how to deal with it.
Warranty And After Sales Support
In choosing an icemaker, it is in your interest to look out for a brand that has a good warranty. Make sure you read the warranty conditions to be sure that they are favourable before purchase. In addition to a solid warranty, also find out how good and efficient their after sales service and customer support is. You can ascertain this by reading customer reviews on their website.
You can also visit some independent product review sites to see what people have to say about the product and the brand. Additionally, you may find people you know who have used the product to get their candid review.
Conclusion
When buying an ice machine or indeed any electronic item or commercial appliance, it would do you a world of good to consult a professional. This will help you as regards issues such as installation. They would help you ascertain that you have proper ventilation for the unit and also proper access to the utilities that is needed for the unit e.g. electricity and water.
The above tips and details shared will also go a long way to get you started even as you consult an expert and research on the different models that are available.
