Frequently Asked Questions

Here, you'll find quick answers to all the questions we get about ice and ice machines on a regular basis. Need help with something else? Call any time: (804) 673-0888 or contact us for a response within one business day!

What are the types of ice available?

How much ice do I need?

The following amounts are approximate ice usage per day:

Foodservice:

• Restaurant – 1.5 lbs. per person
• Cocktail – 3 lbs. per person per seat
• Salad Bar – 40 lbs. per cubic foot
• Quick Service – 5 oz. per 7-10 oz. drink, 8 oz. per 12-16 oz. drink, 12 oz. per 18-24 oz. drink

Lodging:

• Guest Ice – 5 lbs. per room
• Restaurant – 1.5 lbs. per person
• Cocktail – 3 lbs. per person per seat
• Catering – 1 lb. per person

Healthcare:

• Patient Ice – 10 lbs. per bed
• Cafeteria – 1 lb. per person

Convenience Store:

• Beverage – 6 oz. per 12 oz. drink, 10 oz. per 20 oz. drink
• Cold Plate – 50% more ice usage per day
• Packaged Ice – weight per bag X number of bags sold per day

How much space do I need for an ice machine?

You must have enough room for the ice maker by width/height/depth, plus 12″ in width and 6″ in depth to allow for proper airflow on air-cooled models. Water cooled models only need the exact width/height/depth of the ice machine and storage bin combined. If a water filter is used (recommended), add additional space per the water filter specifications.

What utility connections do I need for an ice machine?

Electrical – All commercial ice machines require dedicated circuits. This means each ice machine must be on its own breaker. The electrical characteristics vary by ice machine model and must be determined at time of purchase. Usually up to 500# per 24 hour production models require a 115V/20a dedicated wall outlet, above 500# per 24 hour production require a 220V/30a dedicated wall outlet.

Drain – A floor drain is recommended, within 6′ of the ice maker installation site. If a floor drain is not available, the ice machine and bin drains may be piped into a drain pump and then the waste water pumped from there into a nearby sink with a working drain. (Sink should be within 6′ of the ice maker).

Water Supply – Most commercial ice makers require a water supply with a 3/8″ to 1/2″ diameter (depending on make/model) and a shut off valve to be within 6′ of the ice maker.

What type of maintenance is required for a commercial ice maker?

De-scale of the water circuit – Manufacturers suggest this service to be performed every 6-12 months depending on water quality. This service involves full tear down of the water circuit, hand cleaning the components, and then an acid de-scaler run through the water circuit and rinsed. The ice bin should be emptied and sanitized as well.

Condenser Coil Cleaning – On air-cooled models, the air intake filters should be cleaned or replaced monthly, and the air intake condenser coils blown out for dust/dirt removal quarterly.

Bin drains – Storage bin drains should be cleaned out every 6-12 months to assure proper drainage of ice melt.

Remember – ice machine production varies with ambient air and water temperatures, and ice machines should be sized for the hottest time of year and/or peak usage times.

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