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Keeping and maintaining ice machines
in commercial establishments and guest facilities is absolutely critical.
But when it comes to ice machines people who are not well informed of
what they are buying may make the wrong decision and purchase a machine
that will not suite their needs. A smart buyer will make sure they are
getting exactly what they will need. There are many questions you will
need to ask yourself before buying an ice machine for your establishment. Click Here to browse our commercial ice machines.
Did You Know?
Ice machines come in a variety of cube types. Certain
ice shapes are better for a specific application than others. For example,
flake ice (softer and more like snow) is generally better and more efficient
for stores who pack frozen seafood on display. If you will need to "pack"
your product in ice, a flaker may be better.
How Much Ice Do I Need?
This is probably the first question
you will need to ask yourself. Knowing how much ice you will need
for your restaurant, bar or other food service establishment will
keep you from getting an ice machine that is too big or just simply
not enough. The following guidelines will help you in deciding what
is right for you.
Restaurants & Bars
- Full-Service Restaurants - 4 lbs. per customer
- Fast Food Restaurants - 4 lbs. per customer
- Iced Salad Bars - 36 lbs. per square foot
- Bars and Cocktail Lounges - 4 lbs. per customer
- Cafeteria - 3 lbs. flake/cubed ice per person.
5 oz. flaked/cubed ice per 8-10 oz beverage
- Carryout Food Service - 8 oz. flake/cube ice
per 12-16 oz. beverage
Hospitals and Guest Facilities
- Schools and Educational Facilities - 4 lbs.
per person
- Hospitals - 7 lbs. flake/cube ice per bed
- Nursing Homes - 6 lbs flake/cube ice per bed
- Hotels and Motels - 6 lbs. flake/cubed ice
per guest
- Correctional Facilities - 7 lbs. per person
Stores & Retail Establishments
- Supermarket Seafood Displays - 37 lbs. flake/cube
ice per cubic feet of display. Flake ice is recommended.
- Supermarket Iced Produce Displays - 61 lbs.
flake/cube ice per cubic feet of display
- Convenience Stores - 4 lbs. cube ice per person
How Much Ice Will I Really Get?
When choosing an ice machine and bin be aware of ARI ratings. Most restaurant
supply merchants give their customers the standard manufactures rating
of ice yield. These numbers are generated under "ideal" and
usually unrealistic conditions: 70°F air and 50°F water. For
everyone else who keeps their ice machine in a place such as a restaurant
kitchen or storage area an ARI rating will be far more accurate and
generally yields numbers typically 30% less than what the manufacturer
tells you.
(Air-conditioning and Refrigerating
Institute) test equipment in their laboratory to generate numbers that
will more accurately reflect real life usage. Their laboratories let
the ice machines operate in a controlled and consistent environment.
Their "standard 810" rating uses the following:
- Ambient temperature: 90.0ºF [32.2ºC] (For
a Split System Ice-Maker, the
condenser air inlet temperature shall be 90.0ºF [32.2ºC]
with the indoor ambient
temperature 90.0ºF [32.2ºC])
- Water Inlet Temperature: 70.0ºF [21.1ºC]
- Water Inlet Pressure: 30.0 +_ 3.0 psig [207 +_21.0 kPa] (ARI, Standard
810.
pg. 2)
Jean's Restaurant Supply takes this into consideration when listing our
ice machines. That's why you will see our ice ratings listed under both
ARI and manufacturers' specifications. When you search for a 500 lbs.
ice machine, we will offer you a machine that really yields you 500 lbs.
Make sure to read the tech sheets for each ice machine and bin to review
all the data before making a purchase. And as always, call us if you are
ever unsure.
Remember That Ice is Food
Ice is used in a broad spectrum of industries. But never
forget that ice is considered food. When used with beverages or when used
to cool food, the ice is also consumed. Even when the ice is used solely
for display purposes such as seafood and fish markets the ice is in constant
contact with the product. The water used for producing ice must be potable
drinking water. Water filters are always recommended when purchasing any
kind of ice machine. This not only keeps your water more sanitary, it
prolongs the life of the ice machine itself. Some manufacturers will extend
their warranty if you purchase their water filters and ice machine together.
Here are some possible hazards you need to be aware of with your ice:
- Contamination may result from the scale build up and any damp mold
from within the ice machine
- Using a glass to scoop the ice from the bin is especially dangerous
because if the glass chips, you will not be able to see the glass in
the ice. Use only ice scoops, spoons or tongs to retrieve ice. Generally
its better not to keep your scoops in the ice bin.
- Bacteria and microbiological materials can contaminate your ice in
a number of ways: using hand to get ice, un sanitized scoops, waste
water reentering the ice due to clogs, storage of non sanitized items
in the ice bin such as cups, cans and bottles.
Click Here to Browse Our Ice Machines
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