28 June 2010
How to Properly Maintain Commercial Ice Machines
Posted by Crystal under: Equipment Maintenance & Tips .
Commercial ice machine is a critical piece of equipment for any food service establishment. It is also one of the largest expenditures in a restaurant’s budget. Choosing and properly maintaining the right commercial ice machine will not only increase the life span of the equipment, it will also decrease your long-term costs. Do not neglect your ice machines, as proper maintenance will save you time and effort further down the road. Properly cleaning the equipment, regularly changing filters, and utilizing antimicrobial protection will help you minimize costs, while enhancing the quality and taste of ice.
Choosing the right ice machine. Consider the capacity of the ice machine that your restaurant might need for properly serving the needs of your customers, including the size of the ice maker and the ice bin to ensure you can satisfy the demand without too much over-production. Also consider how much available space you have in your kitchen for the size of the ice machine that you want. Keep in mind that it is cheaper to store ice than produce it, so consider getting an ice machine with a large ice bin. Next thing to take into account is what kind of ice you want to be producing: flaked ice, cubed ice, or any other type of ice. Select which method of chilling water you want utilized in your ice machine: air-cooled or water cooled. Water-cooled ice machines can be pricier; however, they operate more efficiently and are quiet. On the other hand, air-cooled machines are cheaper, but at the same time, they are noisy and not as energy efficient.
Antimicrobial protection. Ice machines often build slime and mold growths over time. To avoid this issue, make sure to buy antimicrobial pouches. These antimicrobial pouches inhibit the growth of slime and mold and should be placed inside the ice machine. Some modern ice machine models have built-in antimicrobial protection that automatically prevents the formation of slime and mold during the lifetime of the ice machine – something to consider when buying a new piece of equipment.
Sanitize ice machine regularly to keep it in good working condition. Every couple of months, empty your ice machine entirely and sanitize it thoroughly. Use ice machine sanitizing substances and scale removers to deep clean your equipment. Make sure to unscrew any removable parts of the ice machine for a deep, thorough cleaning. Do not miss condenser and air filters – clean those regularly as well, and replace them when necessary. Keep the condenser free from lint and any other build-up. This will increase ice machine’s operating capacity and efficiency.
Replace water filters regularly. Make sure to replace water filters to your ice machine on a regular basis, at least twice a year. Replacing filters regularly will help keep ice machine free of sediment from the water, and it will result in higher quality ice that is clear and tasty. Water filter’s function is to trap the sediments from the water in the filter. Proper filtering will remove bad odors and tastes. Water filters also prevent the formation of scale, which over time decreases the amount of ice that can be produced.
Timely repairs. Promptly address any equipment break-downs and use professional service to repair your ice machine. Ideally, always buy your ice machine with a comprehensive extended warranty so that the manufacturer will directly handle any potential issues and problems.
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