Almost every food service establishment relies on ice in some way as part of its service. Whether you offer full meals and drinks or you're relying on your ice supply to keep things cold during service, you need to have a reliable, steady supply of ice. That's why your commercial ice machine investment is so important. When you're setting up your commercial kitchen, you need to give as much priority to the ice machine as you do all of the other appliances. Here's a look at some of the things you need to think about when you're choosing a commercial ice machine.

Ice Machine Size

The size of your commercial ice machine is important in two ways. First, you need to determine where the machine will be installed so that you know exactly how much space you have to work with. Your ice machine will have to be installed somewhere with access to a plumbed-in water line, so keep that in mind as you choose its location. Once you know where it will go, you can narrow down your ice machine options based on the machine's dimensions so that you know it will fit.

Additionally, the size of the ice machine will directly affect its capacity. The more ice you use during service, the greater the capacity you will need. After all, running out of ice in the middle of service will leave your business in a lurch and potentially leave you with unhappy customers. Make sure that you consider how much ice you expect to use so that you can ensure that your ice machine has sufficient capacity to meet that demand.

Cycle Time

Every commercial ice machine has a pre-determined cycle time that tells you how quickly it produces ice and how long it will take to refill the ice bin. If you are running a fast-paced business with a lot of ice demand, you'll want to make sure that you choose a commercial ice machine with a faster cycle time.

If your ice is solely for prep use and not for any kind of service, you will often be able to get away with a machine that has a slower cycle time because you won't be putting as much demand on the equipment. Slower cycle times often mean more affordable equipment, so if your budget is a concern, keep this in mind.

Consistent Production

When it comes to food service, presentation is everything. That applies to not only the plates coming out of your kitchen, but it applies to your drinks as well. You want to be sure that the ice machine you choose produces consistent ice that's uniform in size, shape, and style. Or, if you're choosing crushed ice, make sure that the machine crushes it adequately and doesn't leave large shards of ice throughout.

Serviceability

Many people don't think about the fact that ice machines need service just as much as any other kitchen appliance, if not more. Remember that anything using water will need to be flushed and treated to avoid any kind of bacteria growth.

As a result, you'll want to be sure that you choose a commercial ice machine that's easy to service. The easier the components are to access and maintain, the lower your routine maintenance and service costs are going to be. Remember that the labor involved is an important factor in cost, so opt for a machine that's quicker and easier to deal with.

These are a few of the most important considerations when you're choosing a commercial ice maker for your business. Talk with an equipment supplier near you today to explore your choices and find the one that's right for your needs.

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