While the British weather remains unpredictable, the demand for icy beverages remains unwavering. As summer approaches, restaurants and bars brace themselves for an influx of customers seeking cool refreshments and increased profits. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that this season also brings potential challenges for your ice machine.
The rising temperatures and heightened demand can strain commercial ice machines, potentially leading to complications. It’s vital to take proactive steps to prepare your ice machine to prevent expensive repairs or breakdowns during the peak summer.
At ICE4, we provide reliable and cost-effective ice machines to businesses across the nation. Nonetheless, proper care is necessary to ensure the sustained efficiency of your ice machine.
5 Recommendations to Maintain Your Ice Machine’s Performance Below are several straightforward guidelines to help you maintain optimal functioning.
Recommendation 1: Ensure an Ideal Environment
Every machine operates optimally within specific environmental parameters, and ice machines are no exception. To achieve the manufacturer’s projected ice production rate, position the machine in an environment where temperatures range from 7 to 32 degrees Celsius.
As temperatures rise, ice production can decline, making it crucial to prevent the ambient temperature around the ice machine from exceeding 37 degrees. Excessive heat could even halt ice production altogether. Additionally, elevated room temperatures accelerate ice melting within the bin, depleting the overall ice supply.
Aim for a room temperature significantly below the maximum limit for the ice maker, taking into account that the area surrounding the machine will be even warmer due to the expulsion of hot air during the ice-making process.
Recommendation 2: Allocate Adequate Space
Allowing at least one foot of space on all sides of the ice maker is imperative. Ensure the unit isn’t confined within a tight space, which could compromise ventilation and trap hot air, leading to elevated temperatures. Ice makers require a consistent flow of cool air to produce ice efficiently. Consider relocating the ice maker to a more suitable spot to optimise production during the bustling summer season.
If the ice maker is situated near heat-emitting appliances such as grills, it’s advisable to relocate it to a cooler area. Furthermore, ensure no obstructions like boxes or crates obstruct airflow around the ice machine.
Recommendation 3: Monitor Water Temperatures
If you’ve noticed reduced ice production during quieter periods, investigating this matter is worthwhile. An ice maker that struggles to meet production demands during slower months can become problematic as demand surges.
Optimal ice maker performance is achieved when the incoming water temperature hovers around 10 degrees Celsius. Warmer water requires the ice maker to work harder to cool it, resulting in longer ice cycle times.
Outdoor conditions can significantly affect water temperature. Consider addressing this issue if you observe a drop in ice production as outdoor temperatures rise.
Recommendation 4: Maintain a Clean Ice Maker
A clean ice maker functions far more efficiently than a dirty one. The accumulation of scale, mould, or grime compromises ice quality and impedes ice production.
Ice machine cleaning involves two categories: daily and deep cleaning. Both are critical for peak performance. Routine procedures at the end of each day or week should involve wiping down high-traffic areas like the bin handle and scoop.
Deep cleanings, recommended by manufacturers at least twice a year, should be carried out by an ice machine technician. These thorough cleanings, encompassing descaling, disinfection, and sanitisation of the interior and exterior of the ice maker and bin, are ideally scheduled in spring before the busy season. Though professional cleanings might take several hours, they are a worthy investment.
Recommendation 5: Implement an Effective Ice Management Protocol
A robust ice management procedure can substantially enhance your business’s ice accessibility without incurring extra expenses. Often overlooked, the size of the bin beneath the ice maker can limit ice production capacity. When the bin reaches full capacity, it signals the ice maker to slow down or cease ice production.
Ice shortages occur when the bin’s storage capacity falls short of the ice maker’s production capability, causing the business to rely solely on the ice machine’s production rate.
To optimise ice production, bars and restaurants can consider the following steps:
At the beginning and end of each shift, ensure all ice storage bins and drink stations across the establishment, including those behind the bar and other high-usage areas, are fully stocked. This frees up bin space, enabling continuous ice production 24 hours a day. Prioritise scooping ice from the back of the ice maker. Accumulated ice at the front can prematurely trigger the bin control, prompting the ice maker to halt—train staff to utilise an ice shovel to shift ice forward as needed. Promote enhanced performance by tending to your ice machine. Taking proactive measures and demonstrating attentive care towards your ice machine is the most effective approach to sidestep repairs and breakdowns during the bustling summer season. By upholding your ice machine, you prolong its lifespan, saving your business money. By adhering to the suggestions above and promptly addressing any environmental or operational concerns, you can guarantee your patrons savour refreshing, chilled drinks all through summer.
For any inquiries regarding ice machines suitable for bars or restaurants, don’t hesitate to contact the welcoming team at ICE4. We are dedicated to assisting you in finding the ideal ice machine for your needs.
