Industrial Ice Cube Makers for Convention Centers
Convention centers can become packed with guests visiting for special events. A high-volume industrial ice cube maker is the most cost-effective way to provide ice for all your guests during busy conventions. If you need an ice machine for your facility or convention center, we have commercial ice makers that can meet your ice needs. Our helpful guide will show you the best way to choose an ice maker.
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The Types of Industrial Ice Cube Makers
Commercial ice machines come in many styles and models. Some are great for serving staff, and others are designed for self-service. Below are some of the most popular ice machine styles for convention centers:
Modular Ice Machines
Modular ice machines are the most popular ice makers because they produce a large amount of ice and allow businesses flexibility. These machines can be installed on top of a compatible ice bin to accommodate an increase in business. We have modular ice machines in all sizes from 500 – 1800 lbs. of ice a day.
Stackable Ice Machines
Some modular ice machines are also stackable. These systems allow you to stack 2-3 units on top of one another to double or triple your total daily ice cube production. Stackable ice machines are a great option for growing businesses that need more ice to operate but don't have room for an additional industrial ice cube maker.
Commercial Ice Dispensers
Commercial ice dispensers come in a few sizes and styles. Hotel ice dispensers are stand-up ice machines that drop ice directly into drinkware or an ice bucket. Smaller, countertop ice dispensers can be installed on a counter or bar top. These are great for self-service because users can grab ice without a scoop – which can lead to accidental contamination of your ice supply.
Countertop Ice Machines
Countertop ice machines are smaller units that dispense ice directly into glassware with the touch of a button or lever. Some countertop ice makers are even motion sensing! These are an excellent option for convention center concession stands that have self-serve areas where guests can grab drinks. These machines have built-in storage to protect your ice supply.
Types of Ice
Ice cubes come in a few shapes to meet business needs. Convention centers need a high-volume ice machine with ice that melts slowly and fills cups fully. There are a few great options of ice shapes for conventions centers:
How to Size an Industrial Ice Cube Maker Machine for Convention Centers
Ice machine sizing is more difficult than it might seem. Convention centers can receive a huge influx of visitors, depending on the event. You want a high-volume ice machine that can keep up with the crowd. Here are some factors to consider:
Daily Ice Usage
How much ice does your convention go through in a day? Convention centers are unique in that they see large groups of visitors at once, sometimes over the course of a few days. You want to make sure you have enough ice for slow and busy days.
Ice Machine Condensers
Industrial ice cube makers use refrigerant to rapidly cool water into ice cubes. The condenser is a vital component where the refrigerant is cooled down to produce ice. There are a few different types of condensing systems on the market:
Air Cooled Ice Machines
Air cooled ice machines are the most popular systems on the market. These systems use a fan to blow air onto the condenser. This helps to cool the refrigerant and move air away from the ice machine, so it doesn't overheat.
View Our Air Cooled Ice Machines
Installation Requirements for Industrial Ice Cube Makers
Industrial ice cube makers need water, electricity, space, and drainage to operate. Here's what that entails:
Drainage
When ice melts, it leaves behind water that needs to be drained away from the industrial ice cube maker. Your facility will need to have some sort of drainage system to accomplish this. A floor drain is one example. Some other machines may need a wall drain or standpipe to release excess water from the machine. Virtually all local health codes require an air gap between the ice machine and the drain, so check your local laws for specifics.
Electrical
Ice machines generally come in two voltage requirements 115v and 220v. Small commercial ice makers require 115v to operate. Large ice machines require 220v outlets to provide power. Different models also have different amperage needs, so make sure to check your product spec sheet for details. If you do not have an outlet that can provide power for your ice machine, you'll need to hire an electrician to install one.
Water
The larger the ice machine, the more water it will need to produce a batch of ice. Commercial ice machines require between 3-5 gallons of water per minute. You'll need a water line that is capable of delivering your machine water needs. Check your ice machine spec sheet to find exactly how much water your machine needs to operate. If you don't have a water line capable of delivering your model's water needs, you'll need a plumber to install one.
Space
Air cooled ice machines stay cool by releasing hot air into the environment where it can dissipate. If the ice machine is too close to a wall or surrounded by clutter, the hot air will linger around that machine, causing it to overheat. Ice machine manufacturers recommend freeing up at least 1 foot of space on all sides of the ice machine. That includes the top of the machine. When ice machines overheat, they produce less ice.
We’ve serviced over 10,000 ice machines across the country. No matter the challenge, we know exactly how to keep your hotel ice machine running smoothly. Our pre-installation checklist shows you what you need to provide to install an ice machine at your convention facility. If you have a challenging environment, give us a call and we'll help you find a solution.
Water Filter for Industrial Ice Cube Makers
Depending on your area, your local water supply may contain all manner of sediment and minerals. While these are entirely safe to drink, they can harm your ice machine. Ice machine water filters are the best way to limit the amount of sediment and scale that enters your ice machine. Here are the most common types:
Sediment Filters
Sediment filters trap unwanted sediment floating in your water supply, so your ice machine only receives the cleanest water. Sediment filters are a must-have for any industrial ice cube maker. These filters need to be replaced around every six months.
Phosphate Cartridges
While these are not technically "filters," they do help limit the amount of scale that can collect in your ice machine. These cartridges treat the water, so calcium and magnesium deposits don't combine to form scale. These cartridges need replacing when the phosphate begins to run out around every six months.
Carbon Filters
Carbon filtration dates back to Ancient Egypt. These filters work much like sediment filters, trapping unwanted particles before they enter your ice machine. These filters have the added bonus of filtering out chlorine from your water supply, which can affect the taste of your ice cubes.
Cleaning and Sanitizing your Industrial Ice Cube Maker
If you want to maintain a safe and clean ice supply, your industrial ice cube maker is going to need routine cleaning and maintenance. Mold and slime can form inside your ice maker or bin, and bacterial or viral pathogens can make employees or guests sick.
Professional Cleaning
Your staff should perform daily light cleaning to eliminate germs. Professional cleaning takes it one step further. An ice machine technician will dismantle the ice maker and clean each component by hand, ridding your machine of any mold or germs. You should schedule at least 2 professional cleanings per year.
Mold and Slime
Mold and slime prefer a dark, damp environment to thrive. A grimy ice machine can quickly become home to these growths. Maintaining two professional cleanings per year will help to eliminate these growths from your automatic ice maker. If your establishment works with yeast, you may want to consider more than two cleanings each year.
Ice Bin Cleaning
Your ice bin is also ark and damp, which can attract mold and slime. Cleaning your bin is especially important since that's where your ice is located. While mold and slime are generally safe for most individuals, it will and you in hot water with a visiting health inspector if he sees any in your bin.
Environmental Factors
The environment around your ice machine can directly affect its performance. Temperature, excess dirt, and more can lower your machine's production rate.
Air Temperatures
Air cooled ice machines require space to release hot air into the environment. Without proper ventilation, the air gets trapped and lingers around the ice machine, overheating it. You should free up at least 1 ft of space on all sides of the machine.
Ventilation
Air cooled ice machines also release hot air as they produce ice. The machine is designed to release the air through vents and disperse it into the environment. You need to make sure there is enough space around the machine for the air to escape. Make sure you free up at least 1 foot of space on all sides of the unit.
Water Temperatures
All ice machines require cool water to make ice. The warmer the water, the longer it takes to produce ice. The ideal water temperature for industrial ice cube makers is around 50 degrees. Temperatures above 90 degrees can harm the machine.
Water Condition
Sediment and minerals in your water supply can enter your machine and damage vital ice machine components. Water filtration is the best way to deal with unwanted sediment and scale from high-particulate water.
Cleanliness
A dirty ice machine will produce less ice than a clean one. If you run a kitchen in a convention center, dust and grease from cooking can cling to your condenser an insulate heat within the unit. This leads to less ice and potential damages.
How Much is an Industrial Ice Cube Maker for A Convention Center?
Convention centers often many ice machines around the facility for eateries or self-serve stations. A small countertop ice dispenser can run as low as $1,500. A high-production ice maker can run as high as $10,000. There are hidden costs associated with ice makers as well:
Maintenance and Cleaning
Industrial ice cube machines should receive at least 2 preventive maintenance and cleaning visits per year. During these visits, an ice machine technician will clean, disinfect, and sanitize the machine inside and out. They will check for potential problems, so you can avoid expensive repairs in the future.
The average maintenance and cleaning visit costs around $300.
Water Filters
Water filters should be added during any ice machine installation. High-particulate water can damage your ice machine. Sediment can clog areas inside the machine and minerals form to create scale. Water filters cost between $15-$100 depending on the type. Businesses with particularly challenging water may require multiple filters.
Breakdowns
Depending on the issue, ice machine repairs can cost between a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. Here are some examples of some common ice machine repairs and their costs:
- Hot Gas Valve Replacement - $600
- Expansion Valve - $600
- Compressor Repair - $1500
- Evaporator Repair - $2500
Quality Industrial Ice Cube Makers for Convention Centers
Choosing the right industrial ice cube maker for your convention center or facility services can be complicated - but the Ice Machine Experts are here to help! With an Easy Ice subscription, you get the best commercial ice equipment from Hoshizaki and Manitowoc. We include maintenance, cleaning, and repairs – all for a low monthly cost. We maintain 24-hour phone lines to assist you with any ice machine service issues. If your machine is down for extended repairs, we'll provide you with breakdown ice until the machine is fixed.
Our goal is to make sure your convention guests always have plenty of ice during their visit. With an Easy Ice subscription, we take care of your ice maker, so you don't have to!
Let our knowledgeable team help you choose the perfect industrial ice cube maker for your convention facility. We'll find the perfect machine to keep your convention guests happy!
