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How to Choose the Right Size Commercial Ice Machines for Your Business

If you're in the market for a commercial ice machines, one of the most important factors to consider is the size of the machine. Choosing the right size ice machine for your business can ensure that you have enough ice on hand to meet your needs without overspending on a machine that is too large for your operation. In this blog post, we'll go over some tips on how to choose the right size commercial ice machines for your business.

Consider Your Peak Ice Demand

The first step in choosing the right size ice machine is to consider your peak ice demand. This is the maximum amount of ice that your business will need during your busiest times. For example, a restaurant may have a higher demand for ice during the lunch and dinner periods than during slower times. 

To determine your peak ice demand, consider the busiest times of day for your business and estimate the amount of ice that you will need during those times. It's always better to choose a machine that can produce more ice than you think you'll need.

Calculate Your Daily Ice Production Needs

Once you have an estimate of your peak ice demand, you can calculate your daily ice production needs. This will help you determine the size of the ice machine that you need.

To calculate your daily ice production needs, multiple your peak ice demand by the number of hours that you will be using the machine each day.

Choose a Machine That Can Meet Your Needs

Once you have calculated your daily ice production needs, you can choose a machine that can meet those needs. Commercial ice machines are typically rated by the amount of ice that they can produce in 24 hours, so look for a machine that can produce at least the amount of ice that you calculated in the previous step. 

Ice Type

There are so many different styles of ice: cube, chewblet, micro chewblet, granular flake, subzero flake and gourmet. What are you using ice for? Cooling beverages, blending in smoothies or presentation & preservation of fish? Depending on the application - the style of ice is crucial in choosing the right commercial ice machines for your business. 

Consider Your Space

You need to consider where the ice machine will be located. You will need power, water and drainage within 1 metre of the machine. You will also need adequate air flow around the ice machine. You also need to consider door height/width - you need to be able to get your ice machine through the doorway. And lastly, do you need an under bench, countertop or freestanding model? These configurations have different requirements and must be adhered to, to make sure the warranty on your ice machine is not voided.

Consider Energy Efficiency

Finally, when choosing a commercial ice machines, consider the energy efficiency of the machine. A more energy-efficient machine may have a higher upfront cost, but it can save you money in the long run on energy costs. 

Ask the Experts at Coast Distributors

At Coast Distributors, we offer a wide range of commercial ice machines to suit the needs of businesses of all sizes. Our team of experts can help you choose the right size machine for your needs, and we also offer installation, maintenance and repair services to ensure that your machine is running at peak efficiency.

Have a question? Contact us today or take a look at out website.