Everything You Need to Know About Your Hospital Ice Maker
Everything You Need to Know About Your Hospital Ice Maker
What Types of Hospital Ice Makers Are There?
Hospital ice machines come in different shapes and sizes to meet specific needs. The type of hospital ice maker or ice dispenser you choose can help you to make things easier for your staff while meeting patients' needs.
Below are some of the most common types of ice makers for healthcare needs:
Modular ice machines require a bin for ice storage. They dispense ice directly into an ice storage bin, where staff can scoop ice out into glassware and other containers. These are popular machines in facilities that use a lot of ice, like cafeterias. The size of these hospital ice makers range from 50-3000 lbs. of ice a day. The types of ice that modular ice makers will produce vary, so it's doable to get a modular machine that makes specialty ice like flake or nugget ice.
Learn More About Modular Ice Machines
Stackable ice machines allow you to install 2-3 units on top of one another, to double or triple your daily ice production. These machines still require you to purchase an additional ice storage bin or dispenser to store the ice. Stackable units can be great options for high-volume businesses that don't have a lot of extra room to fit two ice makers. Keep in mind, multiple stackable ice makers are much harder to service than a single large ice maker—so be sure regular maintenance is performed by a technician with experience specific to ice machines.
It's important to note, however, that there is only one series of ice machines that Easy Ice recommends stacking—the Hoshizaki IM-500SAB. This model only produces square ice cubes, so if you're looking for flake or nugget ice, a different option may be better. Our experts are always here to help if you need assistance making specialty ice machines work in your environment.
Learn More About Stackable Ice Machines
Commercial ice dispensers can produce their own ice or require an ice maker installed on top. These ice machines produce between 500-800 lbs. of ice a day. Some dispensers also dispense water as well. These ice machines are the most sanitary, because they dispense the ice cubes directly into the glass, instead of a staff member having to use a scoop.
Learn More About Commercial Ice Dispensers
Countertop ice makers are very popular in healthcare settings because they limit the chance of accidental contamination. These machines dispense ice directly into a container at the press of a button. Your staff won't have to use a scoop to grab the ice, which decreases the chance of contaminating the ice supply.
Learn More About Countertop Ice Makers
What Are the Best Hospital Ice Types?
Hospital ice chips (sometimes referred to as nugget ice or flake ice) were designed with healthcare in mind. These types of ice are soft and chewable for patients who have a hard time swallowing liquid. A hospital ice chip maker also creates moldable ice that makes it easy to ice injuries without cutting through plastic bags.
Nugget ice (also called cubelet ice) is soft and chewable. Patients who have a hard time swallowing can chew on ice to stay hydrated. The soft texture is easy on teeth as well. While not as moldable as flake ice, nugget ice cools around elbows and knees much more efficiently than cubed ice.
Flake ice has the consistency of snow. It's also soft and chewable, but it has less structure than cubelet ice, making it more moldable. Flake ice won't cut through bags and is great for icing wounds. The moldable texture provides an even cooling area around hard to ice areas like knees and elbows.
How Much Ice Do I Need for My Hospital?
You want the best medical ice machine that delivers enough ice for all your patients. Whether you're looking for a modular ice maker or a hospital ice dispenser, there are a few factors you should consider when choosing your hospital ice machine.
How much ice does your facility go through in a day? If you need an ice machine for your hospital lobby, hospital cafeteria, or for patient needs, our handy Ice Machine Estimator can help you find the right amount to get you through the day.
The average hospital patient requires 10 lbs. of ice a day. Certain ice, like nugget ice, are chewable so patients who have a hard time swallowing can stay hydrated. Don't forget your staff! No cafeteria is complete without a reliable ice maker.
Hospital ice chip makers are a great addition to physical therapy clinics. The ice is soft and malleable, which makes it a great choice for cold compresses. This soft ice won't tear through plastic bags and the texture cools more effectively.
Hospital Ice Machine Cleaning and Sanitizing
Mold and slime can grow in your ice bin over time and can pose a risk for people with compromised immune systems.
Mold and slime can infect your ice machine. You should have your ice machine professionally sanitized twice a year.
Routine cleaning can keep your ice machine free of mold and slime and protect your ice supply from contamination.
Ozone works 3,000 times faster than chlorine and helps our ice makers stay sanitary between professional cleanings.
What Type of Ice Machine Condenser Do I Need?
Your ice machine condenser helps to cool refrigerant and emit heat away from the ice machine so it can run smoothly. There are three main types of ice machine condensers—air cooled, water cooled, and remote.
The most common and cost-effective condensing unit for commercial ice makers. These systems use a fan to help cool condenser coils and emit hot air into the surrounding environment. Air cooled ice machines need plenty of space for hot air to escape into the environment. This is the most cost-effective and common condenser system you'll find on commercial ice machines.
View Our Air-Cooled Ice Machines
These use incoming water to help cool condenser coils. The water absorbs the residual heat and flushes it down the drain. Since these machines don't emit hot air, they do not need the same space requirements as air cooled models. Note that many cities do not allow water cooled ice machines due to increase in water usage.
View Our Water-Cooled Ice Machines
Remote condenser ice machines are similar to an air cooled condenser except the condenser unit is installed away from the ice machine, usually outdoors or in a large space with plenty of ventilation. Remote cooled ice machines ensure heat stays out of your business. They are also quieter than air cooled ice machines, since the fan is located away from the unit.
View Our Remote-Cooled Ice Machines
How Much Does a Hospital Ice Machine Cost?
The average hospital patient requires 10 lbs. of ice a day. Generally, hospitals choose smaller dispenser models on each floor to meet their patients' ice needs. Cafeterias may require a larger ice machine, depending on how many visitors and staff they serve in a day. Smaller ice machines cost around $1,500, while larger ice machines can cost close to $10,000. If you're purchasing a modular ice machine for your cafeteria, you'll also need to buy an ice storage bin to store the ice. Beyond the retail price of the ice making machine, there are also hidden costs to take into account.
Maintenance and cleaning are vital to a healthcare facility because they help ensure your ice machine is producing clean ice. Cleaning gets rid of mold, slime, or microorganisms that may harm patients with weakened immune systems. Preventive maintenance keeps the ice machine in working order. Routine maintenance also allows technicians to identify potential issues that may require expensive repairs if they are not fixed. Manufacturers suggest 2 preventive maintenance visits a year. They also suggest 2 cleanings per year, which run around $250 per visit.
Learn More About Our Preventive Maintenance Agreement
Water filters protect your ice machine from particles and sediment that can cause damage to the unit. Depending on the filter's rating, they will require replacing roughly every six months. Clogged water filters will reduce your water flow and cause your machine to produce smaller, malformed ice cubes. Ice machine water filter prices range between $15-$100 depending on the brand. Ice machines in challenging water environments will likely require additional water filtration methods along with a standard sediment filter.
Avoid Expensive Ice Machine Repairs
Repair costs depend on how severe the damage is, and which component may need replacing. Generally, repairs cost between a few hundred dollars or a few thousand. Here are some examples of common ice machine repairs and their estimated costs:
- Hot Gas Valve Replacement: $600
- Expansion Valve: $600
- Compressor Repair: $1,500
- Evaporator Repair: $2,500
If repairs take too long, it may force you to buy extra ice at retail costs. A 20 lb. bag of ice costs about $4.50.
Learn More About Our Breakdown Ice Program
Managed Hospital Ice Machines: Maintenance and More
Choosing the right nugget ice maker is more complex than you'd think, and maintaining flawless operation can be challenging too. That's why you should turn to the Ice Experts and embrace our managed ice machine rental program.
We go beyond simply leasing ice makers. Instead, we offer our expertise in finding the right model for your needs and offer emergency support and repairs at one affordable price. Our rental program comes with routine maintenance to prevent accidents and breakdowns, but if your machine ever does break down we'll be there to fix it. On top of that, we have the logistics in place to provide a steady flow of ice while your machine is down.
You're not just renting hospital ice machines; you're getting the peace of mind only the Ice Experts can provide.
There's a lot to consider when choosing a hospital ice maker, and we're here to help! Our team of ice machine experts can guide you through the decision-making process and answer any questions you have.
Reach out today to learn more about what we can offer you.
The Advantage Is Clear: Clean. Reliable. Easy Ice.
Talk to our team about a fully managed subscription for your operation.