A Quick Buyer's Guide to Commercial Ice Makers |
Posted: September 15, 2017 |
Those new to the food business may find it difficult to choose the right ice maker for their establishment. Just like any purchase you make, we have to consider our needs and properly research our options before finally buying a commercial ice maker. I wrote this guide for those in the market for an ice maker but don't know where to start. Not all ice makers are built the same, and I hope you will be able to find the right machine for your business. Here are some of the factors you have to consider. 1. How much ice do you need? One of the most important factors you have to consider is the amount of ice you need. If you choose an ice maker that can't make enough ice for your needs, you will have to buy an extra machine and pay for all its associated costs. You should calculate how much ice your establishment needs on a daily basis. After calculating, add another 10 percent on top to ensure you'll never run out of ice when you need it the most. 2. What kind of ice do you need? Not all ice come in the same form, and not all ice machines create the same type of ice. You have to consider what kind of ice do you need. Do you need ice for making and cooling beverages? Are you planning on presenting food in a salad bar format? How much liquid do you need to displace? Each question I just asked necessitates a different kind of ice. There are many kinds of ice — full cubes, half cubes, nugget ice, crescent ice, flake ice, gourmet ice — for all kinds of ice needs. Check whether the ice maker you have chosen can make the type of ice you want, as these machines can rarely be modified or adjusted once it is in your possession. 3. How much space do you have? Make sure you have enough space on hand for your ice machine. The average ice machine that's available on the market measures 22 to 30 inches wide. This is the bare minimum of space that you should have. However, you should also add an additional 6 to 8 inches of clearance on both sides and the rear to ensure proper ventilation and function. 4. Meet the condenser. Very few people take the ice maker's condenser into account, which is a serious mistake. The right or wrong condenser for the machine can make or break your ice maker's success. When it comes to commercial ice makers, there are three kinds of condensers: water cooled, air cooled and remote air cooled. Each type of condenser has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Water cooled ice makers create ice more quietly and consistently, which is good for centrally-located food establishments. However, these kinds of machines consume and waste a huge amount of water. Expect a higher water bill if you use a water cooled ice maker. Air cooled ice makers are designed to be the most efficient among the three and usually consume the least amount of resources. However, air cooled condensers tend to be noisy, which could be a problem if you have noise-sensitive neighbours or operate in an area with noise restrictions. Lastly, remote air cooled ice makers produce ice consistently, are quite efficient and emit low amounts of noise. However, the condenser is separated from the ice maker and has to be placed outdoors. This could be an issue for establishments with limited space.
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