Most commercial ice machines are equipped with anti-microbial linings in areas where ice is produced and stored. These linings inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and algae. However, it is still very important to follow a regular cleaning schedule for your ice machine. Thoroughly clean the ice machine bin and production parts at least once a month with specialized ice machine cleaner. This is an important food safety concern that is easily overlooked.

Also clean the condenser fan (on air cooled units) regularly and the air filter if the unit has one. The condenser fan is what blows air over the radiator coils, which helps the machine’s coolant lose heat so that it can make ice. When dust, dirt, and grime build up on the fan and the coils, it acts like a winter jacket, making it harder and harder for the coolant to lose heat and therefore forcing the machine to work harder to make ice. Make sure both the fan and the coils are cleaned regularly.

On both water and air cooled units, purge the water lines regularly to prevent mineral or bacterial buildup. Mineral buildup could choke the water supply off to your ice machine, possibly resulting in damage to the unit and certainly resulting in decreased ice production. Bacterial buildup is as gross as it sounds, and tainted ice could sicken your customers.

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Should You Use A Water Filter?
Installing a water filter with your commercial ice machine has become a standard practice in recent decades. Most manufacturers actively encourage adding water filtration to your commercial ice machine and will extend the warranty by as much as two years if you install the correct water filter with your new unit.

Filtered Water:

• Improves ice machine performance and lifespan
• Tastes better to your customer
• Reduces mineral deposits inside your ice machine,
  decreasing the chances of a breakdown

Most ice machine manufacturers will require that you install their water filter with the unit to keep the warranty active. However, depending on the water quality in your restaurant, you may want to add a pre filter to remove organic matter and minerals, which will help improve the ice machine filter’s performance and lifespan.

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Buying the right sized ice machine is the most critical element in making the right decision. Take the time to carefully calculate the ice requirements, both presently and in the future, of your business. After you buy your ice machine, a few easy maintenance practices plus a water filter will ensure the unit performs for years to come.