A commercial ice machine is usually one of the hardest working pieces of equipment in your bar or restaurant. There are a few simple care and maintenance procedures you can do to get the most out of your commercial ice machine and protect your investment.
1) Replace water filters every six months.
Water filters are extremely important to extending the life of your machine. A water filter will remove or reduce the amount of sediment and minerals from the water, keeping the ice clean and clear, it will remove odor and bad taste, and it will slow scale build up which reduces ice production. Some companies, such as Ice-O-Matic offer extended warranties at no extra charge when customers replace the filter in their ice machines every six months.
2) Invest in antimicrobial protection.
Some commercial ice machine manufacturers like Hoshizaki have begun making machines that have cleanable removable antimicrobial protection filters built-in to protect the components from dust, lint, grease or flour. Scotsman has a patented water purging system called WaterSense to reduce scale build up in the machine. These filters and designs help to inhibit the growth of slime and mold for the life of the machine.
3) Sanitize your machine regularly.
If you change your water filter regularly and invest in some kind of anti microbial agent you are well on your way to extending the life and performance of your ice machine. Your ice machine should be emptied and thoroughly cleaned every six months. You can clean your ice machine with a nickel-safe scale remover and an ice machine sanitizer.
By taking the time every six months to clean your machine and change water filters and antimicrobial devices, you can greatly increase the life and performance and power usage of your commercial ice machine. These preventative measures will not only enhance the experience of your patrons but regular maintenance will also guarantee the terms of your warranty in the unlikely chance something happens. |
