Ice Machines: Three Factors to Consider Before Your Next Purchase

Congratulations—you’ve made it roughly halfway through the summer season!

At this point, your kitchen equipment is no doubt being put to its paces; warmer temperatures mean warmer kitchens, making your equipment work that much harder. Let’s take a moment to review one of the heavy hitters in your kitchen—your ice machine. Your ice machine is a critical link in the chain of operation in your restaurant, and this is the time when you may be considering a replacement or upgrade. Here’s what to look for before purchasing your next ice machine:

Ice Types and SizingThe worst mistake you can make when purchasing an ice machine is not sizing according to your needs. Not having enough ice will send you packing to the store in the middle of service, and contrary to popular opinion, sizing up and having an abundance of ice is hardly ideal—leftover and wasted ice may slowly melt in the bin, contributing to bacteria and mold growth.

Your ice usage will vary depending on your operation…