Restaurant patrons often complain about the taste of drinks and water. They cannot quite place their finger on the taste or problem, but are sure the drink doesn’t taste the way it should. The reason – the absence of or clogged ice maker filters. Whenever you purchase ice machines also invest in ice maker filters. The ice maker filters have the function of removing minerals, scale, bacteria and various other types of contaminates from the water from which the ice will be produced. The filter plays an essential role in keeping the machine in good condition and ensuring ice free from impurities and harmful contaminates. It should be noted that the number of ice maker filters required differ according to the machine size and type. Cube icemakers can require as many as three filters while the flake types will require two where some will work with only one. As a rule of thumb ice cube machines producing more than 500 kg of ice will need three ice maker filters.

The commercial ice maker no doubt forms an important part of coffee shops and restaurants. Ice maker installation factors should be considered carefully before you purchase an ice machine. The first consideration should be facilities to accommodate the ice maker installation. The three main components to be present are:

• Water supply
• Power source
• Floor drain

The drain should be close to the where the ice machine will stand. Before you invest in an icemaker enquire whether the standard power outlet will be able to provide the required power for the specific model and whether changes should be made to the power supply. If you cannot do that, you should consider another model.

The next consideration is that of available space. Just enough space to fit the machine will not be adequate. There should be enough space around the machine to ensure enough ventilation and cool air. You cannot for instance, cramp the unit into the space between the stove and a cabinet. It should be placed far from any heat sources to ensure that it can run economically. Contact us for assistance regarding ice maker installation requirements. Where possible we will visit the premise to assess the lay-out ensuring not only that you get the best machine for the job, but also that it will operate perfectly at the required location.

A well maintained ice maker will be more productive, lower on maintenance costs, ensure healthier ice, and will also be more economical. Since more ice is used during the spring and warm summer months than in the fall and cooler winter months, the best time for ice machine maintenance is during the coldest winter months. It is about the only time that you will be able to go without the ice maker for a day or two and in some cases only hours. Plan the ice machine maintenance well ahead to ensure that you have enough ice for the time that it is serviced. Since most machines are serviced at our workshop, we recommend that you make provision for enough ice supply to carry you through the period. Upon making an appointment for ice machine maintenance inquire about the time frame and act pro-actively to ensure that business can go on as usual.

When you bring your machine in for its annual ice maker servicing, we will descale and sanitize the machine with a special Scotsman solution which has specifically been formulated to safely remove rust, harmful bacteria, and scale build-up which will all influence the working of the machine if left. In addition as part of the ice maker servicing, we will clean the coil with a special chemical solution and then do the mechanical and refrigerant check. Finally the controls as well as wiring will be reset to the original factory specification and the machine tested. This ice maker servicing process is essential to reduce the long term costs of maintenance, ensuring that you have a hygienic machine that can operate at maximum capacity, and that the machine will run economically.

There are a few ice system installation requirements which should be met if you plan to install an ice maker in your bar or restaurant. The guidelines below can be followed to ensure that your premises and location for the ice maker meet the minimum ice system installation requirements.

Make sure that the following facilities are within a meter from the planned ice system installation point:
• Ground or floor level water drain
• Electricity supply
• Water inlet valve

The following are not suitable locations for an ice maker:
• Stoves and other sources of heat such as tumble driers or dishwashers
• Outdoor locations

As a rule of thumb all required services must be close and all heat sources as far as possible form the point of ice system installation.