Sunday, September 29, 2013

Considerations Before You Choose Commercial Ice Makers

By Paulette Short


Running a restaurant business often necessitates the purchase of commercial ice makers. Various types of this appliance can be found on the market therefore you have to know the one that will be very suitable for your establishment. Do not hastily make a decision since this is going to cost you some money. Below are vital considerations that will enable you to make the best choice.

Think about the quantity of ice that is needed each day. There are various models of this equipment and each one is made with a particular production capacity. You might want to ask a more experienced person some questions if you are just beginning your business. You should start searching for suitable models as soon as you have calculated your projected daily need.

It is wise to buy a machine that has a capacity that is slightly bigger than the quantity you have calculated for your daily need. The reason is that the same number of customers will not always be in your establishment every day. Sometimes, special events can take place at the restaurant and the number of people present at once will be higher than usual.

One other consideration is the kind of ice that is required. Commercial ice makers have the capacity to produce blocks, cubes or flakes. The perfect type is determined by the type of business you run. If you operate a restaurant, you must get cubes that will make cold drinks. If you are a raw food seller, you will need blocks to preserve your supply.

You have to also consider the most appropriate cooling mechanism for your environment. Your choices lie between condensers that are air-cooled and those that are water-cooled. If you want to save money on water costs, an air-cooled condenser is the best choice for you. On the other hand, a water-cooled design will produce less noise and is more efficient in hotter climates.

Find out the requirements for additional accessories. This is usually dependent on the model that is purchased. Most of these machines will require a storage bin or a dispenser that will be placed at the bottom to collect the produced ice. Other common accessories are the water filter and the scoop. The cost of each of these items must be added to the estimate you are making.

The cost of any machine you want to purchase should be considered also. Since they are made by different manufacturers, there are usually price differences. Factors that influence the price include the production capacity, the type of technology as well as the extra accessories. Ensure that you search for manufactures with well known names in the industry.

By doing a little internet shopping around, you will be able to know a lot about the alternatives that are available. Go through other customers' reviews so as to be familiar with the commercial ice makers that are dependable. You must also give some thought to the kind of warranty provided by each company. Remember to find out if replacements parts can be obtained easily as well as the level of sales support that will be given to you.




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