There are a variety of considerations that can have an effect on the output of your ice making equipment. If you believe that your daily ice output is not what it should be, here are some questions that can help you diagnose the issue:
1. Does the area around your ice maker have proper ventilation or is the air flow restricted?
The amount of ventilation and the air temperature around your ice maker can have an adverse effect on the output of the equipment. If air circulation around equipment is limited or if your ice maker is installed in a hot kitchen area it can make the unit work harder and produce less than the output it would have in a cooler or well ventilated area. The factory is anticipating a well ventilated environment with a comfortable room temperature when they provide output estimates. To avoid this issue, be sure to verify the air temperature requirements and recommendations for ventilation that are listed on the specifications of any commercial foodservice equipment that you are considering for purchase.
2. What is the incoming water temperature?
If the water that is feeding into your ice machine is hot, or even warm, it can reduce the efficiency and output of your ice making equipment. If the temperature of the water going into the machine to be turned into ice is too warm, it will require additional energy and time from your equipment to cool the water to the appropriate starting temperature as well as the anticipated energy and time to make ice. For water cooled ice making equipment, it is also necessary to confirm that the cooling water is at an appropriate temperature.
3. Do you have mineral rich or hard water?
Poor water quality will adversely affect any equipment that utilizes water. Hard water will result in a build up of mineral deposits on the interior components of your ice machine or ice dispensers and inside the water lines. This build-up will slow down the flow of water into your equipment, reducing the speed and efficiency of your ice maker. If the water in your facility is hard or has a high mineral content you should invest in a good water filtering solution for the water line that feeds your ice machine and to any other equipment that utilizes water like steamers, commercial dish machines, coffee brewers, etc.
4. When was the last time the machine was cleaned?
It is important to follow the recommended cleaning process and timetable for your ice making equipment for safety as well as efficiency. Any type of build up on the interior components will reduce the flow of water to the machine. This can cause any sensors to fail or provide inaccurate warnings. Your machine may also provide poor quality ice because of build up and there is even the possibility of bacterial growth causing sickness.
While the output provided in the manufacturer’s product specifications will provide a good estimate of the anticipated ice production in a 24 hour period, any of the factors above can negatively impact your ice machine's performance. These questions can help you diagnose an issue with your current ice making equipment or help you assess what you need to look for when purchasing a new commercial ice machine.
