Each Hoshizaki commercial ice maker has different needs. A Hoshizaki ice machine specifications sheet helps consumers find valuable information about their ice machine. Spec sheets tell owners about their ice machine’s production rate, energy usage, water usage, type of condenser, and more. When installing a Hoshizaki ice machine, your business will need to provide the proper ice machine installation requirements to meet these specifications. A Hoshizaki ice machine specifications sheet has all the information you need to provide the right installation requirements to keep your unit running efficiently.
In this article, we’ll show you how to read a Hoshizaki spec sheet so you know exactly what your ice machine needs to run.
Ice Machine Dimensions
The first thing you’ll notice at the top of the ice machine specifications sheet is the Hoshizaki ice machine’s dimensions. This area shows you the width, height, and depth of the unit. Not only is this information important to make sure the unit can fit in the installation area, but there are other space factors to consider.
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Ice machines (especially air cooled units) require enough ventilation to release hot air into the surrounding environment. If you’re installing an air cooled ice machine, you’ll want to free up at least a foot of additional space on all sides of the ice machine, including the top.
Condenser Type
The first column in a Hoshizaki ice machine specifications sheet tells you what type of cooling system your ice machine uses. This is the same information you’ll find in a Hoshizaki model number, as well. However, the type of condenser your ice machine uses directly affects the amount of ice it produces. Different condensers also require different installation needs.
Following the row to the right, you’ll see specific information about the model as it relates to the condenser inside the machine.
There are three types of condensers you’ll typically find on a Hoshizaki ice machine:
- Hoshizaki Air Cooled ice machines – These systems use the surrounding air to cool internal ice maker components
- Hoshizaki Water Cooled ice machines – These models use incoming water to cool components
- Hoshizaki Remote Cooled ice machines – These ice machines place the heat-producing components away from the ice-making unit, typically outside
Model Number
A Hoshizaki model number tells you a lot about the size of the ice machine and type of cooling system it uses. This column helps to further clarify the type of machine in the spec sheet as well as the production statistics and installation requirements.
Next to some names, you’ll see a little blue star. That star signifies that the machine is Energy Star rated. Energy Star ice machines use 15% less energy and 10% less water than other models.
Air/Water Temperatures
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There are two temperature ratings listed in a Hoshizaki ice machine specifications sheet. The one labeled 70*/50* degrees shows the owner the maximum amount of ice the machine is likely to produce under ideal temperatures of 70-degree surrounding air and 50-degree incoming water. As these temperatures increase, you’ll see your machine’s ice production decrease.
The second column labeled 90*/70* degrees shows you the machines AHRI production rate. This column shows you how much ice the machine is likely to produce under 90-degree surrounding air and 70-degree incoming water.
Note how much less ice the machine produces as these temperatures rise. That’s because higher temperatures force the machine to work harder to produce a batch of ice. This information is important if you know maintaining 70-degrees is difficult in your workplace. This section can help you can get an accurate estimate when calculating your daily ice needs.
Water Usage
This column shows you how much water your ice machine will use under AHRI temperature conditions of 90*/70* degrees.
The first column shows you how many gallons of water the machine will use after producing 100 lbs of ice.
The second column shows how much water the condenser will use after producing 100 lbs of ice. Note that most of these sections are listed as “N/A.” That’s because only water-cooled ice machines use water to cool down condensers. Air cooled and remote use the surrounding air, so there’s no additional water usage going to the condenser when producing a batch of ice.
Ice Machine Specifications: Electrical
This column has the most sub-columns below it. These sub-columns let owners know how much energy the machine uses as it produces ice, and the ice maker’s electrical requirements the machine needs to run.
Here is an explanation of the sub-columns you’ll see under the Electrical column:
KWh Used
This sub-column shows how much energy the ice machine uses after producing 100 bs of ice. This amount is an estimate based on the ice machine running under AHRI temperature conditions. Ice machines running in ideal temperatures will likely use less energy to produce a batch of ice.
Min. Circuit Amp – Max Fuse Breaker
This section shows you how much amperage the fuse and breaker must have to operate the ice machine.
In this case, the minimum amount of amperage the circuit needs is listed in the column below. This is also the maximum amount of amperage the breaker can withstand. Any higher and lower, and the machine will not operate according to specifications.
Amperage
This sub-column shows you how much amperage your power outlet must provide for your ice machine to run effectively.
If you don’t have an electrical system that can provide this much power, you’ll have to call an electrician to install one.
Voltage
This area shows you how much voltage your ice machine needs to run. Generally, ice machines come in two voltage types, 115v and 220v. Ice machines that produce under 700 lbs of ice generally require 115v. Large ice makers that produce more than 700 lbs of ice generally require 220v.
Both voltage needs require a power outlet that can deliver energy at that rate. 115v outlets look like the standard power outlets you’ll find in your house. 220v outlets come in many types, but the outlet your home washer and dryer uses is a common example of a 220v outlet.
If you don’t have the right outlet for your particular model, you’ll need an electrician to install one.
Circuit Wires
This area shows you how many wires your ice machine uses in its electrical setup. In this example provided, this model only needs three wires: a hot, a neutral, and a ground. Many 220v machines use four wires: either two hots, one neutral, and one ground or three hots and one ground for 3-phase machines.
Heat Rejection BTU/hr
This column shows you how much heat your ice machine gives off every hour. Air cooled and remote cooled ice machines emit that heat out into the environment, which is why it’s so important to provide plenty of ice machine ventilation when installing an air cooled ice machine in a room.
Water cooled ice machines use water to absorb the heat and flush it down the drain. This system will not heat up a room like an air cooled model, which is why water cooled ice machines are a great choice for low ventilation areas.
Refrigerant Charge Amount
This column shows you how much refrigerant your ice machine uses. Generally, the larger the ice machine, the more refrigerant it will need in a charge to produce a batch of ice.
Net/Ship Weight (lbs)
This area shows you how much the ice machine weighs in and out of the box. The net weight is the weight of the machine once it’s been unpackaged. The second number is how much the machine weighs when packaged.
You Want a Quality Installation to Meet Your Ice Machine Specifications
A Hoshizaki ice machine specifications sheet is the first place to look for information about your ice machine specifications. However, installing an ice machine yourself isn’t easy. Ice machines that are installed incorrectly can lead to ice machine leaks, freeze-ups, or worse.
An experienced ice machine technician can make sure your Hoshizaki ice machine is installed to last for years. At Easy Ice, our technicians perform a 24-point pre-installation site survey to ensure our Hoshizaki ice machines stay efficient. With our all-inclusive ice machine subscription program, we guarantee ice machine performance with biannual preventive maintenance, cleaning, and routine ice machine repairs. You get it all for a low, monthly charge.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line Hoshizaki ice machine, contact Easy Ice today!