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Ever been slammed by a rush just as your ice machine breaks down? It's a nightmare no one ever wants. Here's what you need to know to stay in the ice-making game.
Ice makers are better than ever. Recent improvements come in the form of new technology, better sanitation and new styling. Let's take a look at the equipment available and what you should consider when buying an ice maker.
Ice is food. As such, icemakers must be sanitized regularly. Several manufacturers now make it easier to keep the ice and water contact surfaces of the machines cleaned and sanitized. Most systems use a mechanism that counts the number of ice-making cycles and, at a specified frequency, initiates cleaning and sanitizing. The optional systems use a solution stored in the machine. The solution, mixed with water, periodically flushes through the unit for several minutes until thoroughly sanitized.
Another similar system continuously releases a sanitizer to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that form slime and cause odors in the food zone of ice machines. These automatic systems make it easier on operators who might otherwise forget some of the required maintenance.
Several icemaker manufacturers have developed sleeker, more stylish equipment. While the style of the machine may not result in better ice, it does, in some cases, result in added durability when rounded comers are provided. More stainless steel, along with high impact plastic, is being used, which enhances strength and is corrosion-free. Many of the makers also have fewer moving parts.
Some manufacturers have shrunk the dimensions of some icemakers and now use common dimensions for various capacity units. Though the dimensions may be the same, the ice-making capacity may be different. Sizing icemakers is always a difficult thing to do because there are...