Keeping Your Cool: Essential Maintenance Tips for Commercial Ice Machines
Commercial ice machines are the last pieces of equipment that should be put on the back burner in foodservice operations. Not only does this machine produce the ice needed to keep beverages refreshing, but it also helps with maintaining food quality. Ice machines won’t last long without proper maintenance, even if they’re of the best quality.
If you’ve struggled to find solutions to the problems you have with your commercial ice machine, such as the machine not making ice, or if you’re dealing with commercial ice machine troubleshooting, this guide will help you understand the basic measures needed to ensure your equipment is in its best condition to increase longevity.
Why proper maintenance matters: “Ice is food”
Commercial ice machines must be cleaned and sanitized frequently. Like any other food product, ice needs to be clean to be considered safe for human consumption. That’s why the hygiene of commercial ice machines must be properly maintained. If you don’t regularly clean your ice machine, it will affect the quality of your ice. These issues can include mold, bacteria, and mineral buildup, which can be hazardous to customers and lessen the efficiency of the machine.
Key steps for effective cleaning and sanitization
- Establish a cleaning schedule: The recommended frequency of cleaning is every three to six months — or more often if the machine is used frequently. By adhering to a standard cleaning schedule, you can keep your ice machine in the best condition. You should seek professional help if you notice other signs, such as running water in your commercial ice machine, as this may indicate water flow problems.
- Disinfection procedures: The parts of a commercial ice machine that should be cleaned (how often?) include ice bins, water lines, and evaporator coils. Cleaning should be done with the use of approved sanitizers, helping remove bacteria and mold that may have built up on the surface. Ensure the area is well-ventilated when using chemicals to avoid contamination.
- Scale buildup removal: Scale deposition on surfaces is another common problem because of minerals in the water of commercial ice makers. Descale these deposits with descaling agents for ice machines to ensure the heat transfer of the unit is not blocked.
- Check for leaks: Always check for signs of leaks in water lines, connections, and fittings of your ice machine. Even the smallest leaks can cause havoc, accumulating water on the floor or damaging electrical components. If your commercial ice machine is not working as it should, a leak could be causing the problem.
Water filtration: Is your ice pure enough?
Proper filtration systems prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold, which can spoil your ice supply. The water quality used in your commercial ice machine will influence the quality of ice produced. If the water is not filtered properly, then the contaminants will cause the formation of scales, corrosion, and odd-tasting ice. If you’re concerned about your commercial ice maker not making ice, perhaps it is time to look at your water filtration system.
Water filtration considerations
- Invest in quality water filters: High-quality water filtration systems will help remove minerals, sediments, and other contaminants that may affect the performance of your commercial ice machine — and the quality of the ice produced.
- Regular filter replacement: It is recommended that you replace your filters at regular intervals, as shown on the tag by the manufacturer. A filtered water system is only as good as its filter, and if the filter is old or clogged, it can hinder water flow, resulting in other complications such as the commercial ice machine water keeps running or low ice production.
- Monitor water quality: You should check the water periodically to determine any changes in the water components. Adjust the filtration system to enhance the quality of water used for ice. If you notice additional commercial ice machine troubleshooting issues, poor-quality water could be the cause.
Common issues with commercial ice machines
Knowing when to seek the help of a professional technician for commercial ice machine troubleshooting can help you save time and money. Certain problems, like your commercial ice machine not making ice or your commercial ice machine not dropping ice, can’t be solved on your own. Most of these problems are not easy fixes and may point to some problems within the system.
Common signs indicating it’s time to get professional help from Tech24
- Decreased ice production: If the amount of ice produced is reduced, this could be a result of a low refrigeration system or low water flow. A technician can diagnose and solve these issues that may affect the quality of ice production. It is also possible that your commercial ice is not making ice due to a mechanical defect.
- Poor ice quality: If the ice is cloudy and soft or has a different taste and smell, it can signify low water quality, filter issues, or problems with the ice-making process. Professional maintenance will help determine and eliminate these problems to enhance the taste and quality.
- Persistent leaks: Leaks are a big problem as they can lead to flooding, mold development, and interferences with the working of your machine. Small leaks can be fixed, while the bigger ones may require the services of a technician to establish the cause and fix it.
- Unusual noises or vibrations: If your commercial ice machine is not working properly, it may make uncommon noises. This may require the replacement of parts, bearings, or motors which may be worn out. Technicians can also assist with commercial ice machine troubleshooting in this case.
- Ice machine error codes: Most new ice machines are equipped with diagnostic lights or display error codes. In cases where you notice odd codes, it is advisable to look for the user’s guide from the manufacturer or a technician to solve the issue and get your ice machine running again.
- Frequent breakdowns: This implies that your machine is developing a tendency to break down from time to time, even after having maintained it regularly. A professional will perform a detailed check to establish the causes of frequent failures and fix them.
The importance of regular ice machine maintenance
To ensure your commercial ice machine is always in its best condition, it is recommended that you maintain it as often as possible. Ice is a food product that is often consumed; therefore, it is important to ensure the ice used in your foodservice operation is clean and safe.
These measures should be taken to avoid most ice machine problems, including cleaning, sanitization, and filtration. If you have any concerns, it is always advisable to seek the services of experts like Tech24 to ensure your ice machine is in the best condition, and to help avoid costly replacements or downtime in the future.
With the right care, your commercial ice machine will continue to produce high-quality ice and maintain the operational efficiency you rely on.
