A cool drink in a hot summer afternoon can be so refreshing. But what good is an iced drink if it doesn’t have the right ice? This is why ice maker machines are so crucial in many fields like the food and beverages industry. While a hotel is certainly not the only commercial business that would need ice making machines, it is certainly the most popular! However, many other industries and businesses need a regular supply of ice for their daily needs. This is where they would need a good quality ice making machine. But buying an ice machine is not about checking if it makes ice or not. There’s so much more to it. You need to consider your business needs, location, space available, etc. before making a decision. Here are some things that you should consider before you decide to invest in an ice machine.
Types of Ice
Before you start looking for a quality ice maker, it is crucial to know what type of ice your business needs. Typically ice is either needed as huge slabs or small pieces that can be categorized in six types. These types are cube, half cube, crescent, nugget, flake, and gourmet. Some businesses like the research industry or cold storages, etc. may need large amounts of ice in big slabs to keep their samples and wares cold and preserved. However, for most hotels and food businesses, the size and amount of ice needed is not as large. So, it is important that you know what type of ice you need.
Type of Ice Machine
After you determine the type if ice you need for your business, you should decide on the type of machine that you’ll need. Ice making machines are of four types: self-contained, modular, undercounter, and countertop machines. While self-contained machines have both the ice machine and storage in one unit, other types may need a separate storage for ice. You should also take into account the type of ice it produces, your daily ice needs, storage space, and machine capacity in different conditions before taking a decision. Make sure you consider all the factors and choose the machine that best suits your needs as well as your budget.
Size of Ice Machine and Storage Bin
Once you know what type of machine you need, the next thing to consider is the size of the machine and the ice bin. Most ice machines need separate storage for the ice they generate. For self-contained and under-counter machines, the storage needed is not big. Hence, it is often attached with the machine or kept close. However, if you have a machine that produces a big batch of ice and you use it regularly, you might need a bigger storage that an attached ice container. The size of the machine and storage depends a lot on how much ice you need per day.
Cost and Available Space
There was a time when having an ice maker was a luxury and a big investment for businesses. However, with the advancement of technology, not only has the quality of machines improved, it has also become cost-effective. Ice makers are no longer unaffordable whether for money or space. Most modern ice maker machines are quite lightweight and compact. They don’t need huge space or cost a fortune either. You should decide what kind of machine you need and ensure you have enough space in your premises to accommodate it as well.
Water Filter for Ice Maker
Water filters are very beneficial to any equipment that use water for any purpose. The same is true for ice makers as well. Ice maker can also benefit a lot from an added water filter. Using filtered water for making ice is not just good for health, it has other benefits too. It can improve the taste of ice and increase the ice production. It can also reduce the mineral deposit inside the machine and thus extend its life. As the machines can perform more efficiently and last longer, they also use less energy which is also a big plus.
Energy Efficiency and Hygiene
A good quality ice maker is one that gives you the best quality of ice at the best cost. This also includes the cost of storage and the energy used by the machine. With the latest technological advances, most ice machines have become energy-efficient. This means they use less energy to produce the same quality and quantity of ice. Make sure you buy a machine that is energy-efficient and has easier maintenance. Good maintenance is not just important to increase the machine life, it is also good for hygiene and health. Make sure that the machines you select are hygienic and safe.
While all these factors are important to consider when buying an ice machine, you should also remember to take good care of the machine once bought. Proper maintenance and upkeep is important to keep any machine working properly for a long time.
