16

Apr

Maintenance and care tips for Your Commercial Icemaker

Commercial icemaker is one of the hardest working appliances of the commercial kitchens.  It is important appliance used in restaurants and bars. This appliance should be properly maintained to enjoy the continuous supply of ice. Maintenance of commercial icemaker is a tricky task. You have to train your staff about the cleaning and maintenance tasks related to icemaker, so that your machine keeps on running with the full efficiency. Hiring commercial icemaker repair services is also important to keep your appliance in tip-top condition for a number of years to come.

Commercial icemaker preventive maintenance tips

Below mentioned are a few simple maintenance and care tips that you can do to get the most out of your commercial icemaker:

Water Filter Installation

Water filters are very important for maintaining the efficiency and extending the life of your machine. This filter is responsible for reducing the build-up of minerals and sediment from the water in the ice machine, and thus keeping the ice clear and clean. Filters will also remove bad taste and odor from water, and thus provide better quality ice. Some manufacturers may even provide extended warranties on ice machines that have a filter on their water line. The water filters will slow-down the scale build-up in machine.

Antimicrobial Protection

In order to protect the components of icemaker, some manufacturers provide built-in antimicrobial protection filters. This water purging system has been patented by Scotsman. This prevents the growth of mold and slime inside the ice machine. This is the reason why business owners need not have to worry about Scotsman ice machine repair Alexandria too often.

Antimicrobial protection is extremely important when it comes to ice-machines. Mold and slime not only affect the taste of the water, but they are also hazardous for health. It is important to clean the ice machines to keep them free from dust, mold and slime.

You should also have ice scoop that is dedicated to ice in the machine. This will help you in keeping bin clean and free of any residue.

Sanitizing Your Machine

If you are changing water filter on the regular basis and have an anti-microbial agent you are doing right for increasing the life span of your machine and improving its performance. Sanitization is another important aspect of the ice machine maintenance.  You should empty your ice machine and clean it thoroughly in every six months.

22

May

Buying and Maintaining an Ice Maker Machine

All food business establishments need to invest in an ice maker. They have drinks in their menu, and a lot of them have to be served ice cold. That is why it is important for food businesses to have well-maintained ice maker machines. But for sudden machine breakdowns, a commercial ice maker repair company should be called immediately.

Factors to consider when choosing an ice machine

There are ice maker machines for every customer needs. It depends on where you will use the ice machine. It is also important to address issues including commercial appliances repair. This is to ensure that business will be in usual operation.

What ice machine size will you need?

Since we’re talking about commercial or industrial use, let us assume that you will need a large ice machine. You should determine the average ice quantity you use daily. Include a buffer amount of ice that will be good for around a week. From there, you can determine what ice machine bin size you will need.

What ice shape will you need?

Among common ice shapes used in commercial establishments include:

Cubed

This type of ice is mostly used in restaurants and bars. These are the ones you see in most cocktail drinks and any beverage put on clear glasses. They also melt slowly and cool faster than other ice shapes. Cubed ice is also used in cooling, bagging, and other commercial purposes. There are full ice cubes, half ice cubes, and regular ice cubes.

Nugget

This one is more chewable due to its smaller size. It is also the preferred ice shape within the health care industry. Nugget ice is also used for salad bars, smoothies, and cold food bars.

Flaked

This is also used in the health care industry. However, it is more widely-used for food presentation purposes. They cool quickly and are used for seafood markets, buffets, and salad bars. Likewise, it can be used for smoothies and blended drinks.

What traits should I look for in an ice machine?

Brand

Each ice maker brand boasts of its unique selling proposition or USP. One brand may be known for its high-quality make, while another one is an award-winning brand. Meanwhile, another brand claims to produce the best ice flakes. The other one offers cost-efficient ice machines for customers. Choose the one you think will be beneficial for your business.

Power source

It is also important to know the ice machine’s power source. It depends on the machine’s configuration. Also, ensure to check the specs manual so you won’t get lost on its electrical configuration and other features. Find commercial freezer repair services near your area in case of machine breakdown.

Eco-friendly

If you are able to find ice machines that are energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly, then good for you. Useful tip: choose air-cooled or remote-cooled ice machines because most of them have the Energy Star seal.

Filter

Some ice machines do not have a water filter. While a water filter may not be a definite requirement, it may not remove sediments, bad taste, and odor on ice. Water filters can help produce cleaner ice. Make sure to have it cleaned or repaired by professional ice dispenser repair service providers.

Warranty

A good ice machine should have a warranty of about 3 to 5 years. This should cover labor and parts, evaporator and compressor. Ice machines are also expected to last more than 10 years. To ensure longevity, make sure to address repair needs immediately and contact commercial ice maker repairs personnel.

Keeping the ice maker machine in good shape

To maintain its overall functionality and longevity, here are some tips to keep the machine up and running for longer.

  • Invest in a high-quality ice machine especially if it’s for commercial use.
  • Replace the water filter (if the ice machine has one) regularly to ensure cleanliness and improved function.
  • Schedule periodic clean-up for your ice machine.
  • Avoid using damp cloth when cleaning the ice machine. It can cause electrical failure or other damage.
  • Eliminate molds and ice plaques.
  • Call your local commercial appliances repair services in case of machine breakdowns.

Conclusion

Ice machines are important for both food and non-food businesses. It is only reasonable to take good care of this important business investment. For repair needs, contact a service provider that offers commercial freezer repairs in Northern VA.