There are various models and choices on the market if you are contemplating on buying an ice machine for making your daily business operations running smoothly. Before selecting a model, you must ascertain if the commercial ice maker machine is suitable for your individual business setup. Here are five commonplace mistakes that business owners make when purchasing such equipment.

1. Buying A Model That Is Not Keeping Up With The Demand

When you’re shopping for an ice maker, look at models that have the capacity that you require for running your establishment. Don’t buy a model that is too large since it can unnecessarily increase your water and electricity bills and can result in other inefficiencies. You must figure out the quantity that the establishment require in terms of output and add twenty percent as a contingency measure.

2. The Model Doesn’t Comply With The Existing Plumbing

For ice machines to operate efficiently, they require a continuous water supply, therefore it is critical to select a model that is suitable with the business’s present plumbing system. Not doing so can result:

• Failing grade from the local health inspector
• Inlet valves that are leaking
• Producing undersized cubes

The ice maker must be installed close to the floor drain to collect the excess water and the installation must comply with the local building codes.

3. Purchasing An Unsuitable Type Of Ice Maker Machine

Buying the appropriate commercial ice maker for your establishment is crucial if you are looking to make enough ice during buys times. There are three types of ice machines to choose from:

• • Modular
  • Also referred to as machine heads are manufactured for installation on top of an ice machine bin which are typically bought separately. These units can make 250 to 1000lbs of ice each day and are a suitable selection for large foodservice establishments like restaurants, cafeterias or companies that sells ice for retail purposes.
  • Undercounter
  • Undercounter units are a combination of machine heads with storage bins. they fit underneath your standard 40” counters and typically make around 350lbs of ice daily. They are usually bought for use at hotels, bars and restaurants.
  • Countertop
  • These units are made for countertops and are suitable for smaller businesses that don’t have adequate floor space to accommodate larger units. With most of them the water is dispensed and they are equipped with a small ice bin. They can make up to 400lbs. of ice daily and are used in diners, bars and cafes.

4. Purchasing an ice machine with the wrong type of compressor

There Are Three Choices When It Comes To Compressors:

• Air cooled – the most cost-effective and don’t necessitate water. They require a minimum o 6” clearance around the discharge and air intake areas.
• Water cooled – suitable for smaller establishments and must have enough clearance to accommodate the unit. They are connected directly to the plumbing and are excellent for areas with high levels of contaminants and dust.
• Remote cooled – the compressor is separate from the ice maker and are typically mounted outside on an exterior wall or the roof.

5. Not Tending To Cleaning And Maintenance Of The New Ice Machine

Not buying a descaler or filter for the commercial ice machine can end up costing you more along the way. The ice machine must also be cleaned frequently to avoid mold or limescale build-up. The following must be done frequently:

• Cleaning the water system
• Inspecting the air filters
• Check the water filtration prior to sanitizing the inside of the ice bin
• Observe two ice production cycles afterwards to ascertain that the machine is entirely clean.