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Home > Refrigeration > Ice Machine FAQs
Ice Machine FAQs
By Winnie August 10th, 2024

When looking for the right ice maker, you may have some questions. Here, we have consolidated a list of the most common questions. You'll find the answers to our most asked questions about ice machines, as well as answers to some questions you may not have thought of.

 

We've broken down these ice maker questions into four sections to help you find the answers. Please note that the broken down answers are just a general starting guide. If these actions do not solve your problem, then expert services are likely to be needed.

 

General FAQ

Installation FAQ

Fault FAQ

Maintenance FAQ

 

Ice Machine General Questions

Want to buy an ice machine but don't know how to start? These questions and answers below may be helpful to you.

What size ice machine do I need?

It is very important to choose the right ice maker for you. If you're not sure what size ice maker you need, check out our blog post, Different Types of Ice Maker, which describes the different types of ice makers you're sure to find. If you have any questions, you can also contact us at [email protected], or call us at +393778585366 for more information.

How much ice should I get in a day?

Please check our product website at leevot.com for ice maker specifications, which vary by model. These ice production volumes are based on the maximum ice production under ideal conditions. The water temperature and ambient temperature will both affect this value and have a negative impact on it.

What types of ice can ice machines make?

Most ice machines are dedicated ice types and are designed to produce only one type of ice. And depending on the model, ice can be classified as half cube, full cube, large cube, gourmet, half moon, etc. For more types check out the blog: 16 types of ice and uses. our brand of ice machines mainly produce cubic ice.

What are the things I should consider when buying an ice machine?

When buying an ice machine, we need to consider these things.

1. What you are using the ice for - Ice can be used for cooling beverages, storing or displaying food, medical purposes, etc. Consider what your ice will be used for, this will determine the type and shape of ice that is best for you.
2. How much ice you need- Before purchasing a machine, you should evaluate the amount of ice you will need each day in order to choose an ice machine with the right ice making and storage capacity for you.
3. Where you intend to install the ice machine- You should avoid installing the ice machine in direct sunlight and in a crowded environment and make sure that there is enough ventilation space around the machine, and that areas with high air temperatures are not suitable for placement. An electrical outlet is required within 1 meter around the place you intend to install to ensure that you can provide power to your ice machine. Secondly, during installation, follow the manufacturer's installation instructions strictly to ensure that the machine can operate properly.
4. Water supply- All commercial ice machines require a chilled water supply line to make ice. We recommend installing an external water filter to filter out contaminants and impurities (of course, if the machine comes with a filter, there is no need to install another one) to ensure the life of the ice machine and to obtain clean and clear ice. In addition, try to ensure that the water temperature through the ice machine is not too high, otherwise it will largely affect the machine's ability to make ice.
5. Drainage system- The ice machine needs a floor drainage system to drain excess water from the machine and melted ice from the ice storage bin. If the machine does not have and cannot have a floor drain around it, then you will need a drainage pump, and this will increase your cost. So we should solve these problems before installation.
6. Condensing system- The right condenser is also one of the factors you have to consider. There are three types of condensers on the market: air-cooled condensers, water-cooled condensers, and remote condensers. Most ice machines are equipped with air-cooled types. You can choose according to your needs.

What is the difference between ice production capacity and ice storage capacity?

Ice production capacity is the maximum amount of ice an ice machine can produce under ideal conditions, which is usually measured on a 24-hour basis. Ice storage capacity, on the other hand, is the maximum amount of ice that an ice storage bin can store for future use.

Should my ice machine be drained by gravity or by a pump?

Gravity drains are simple and effective, with no moving parts to break down. This makes gravity drains the most popular type of drain to install on ice machines and ice storage bins. Pump-out drains can be used when the chosen installation location does not have a suitable floor drain point. Like any appliance, pump-out drains are expensive to run and will eventually fail. Machines with pump-out drains can also be more expensive to purchase.

We believe in keeping things simple and reliable. Therefore, unless you need a pump-out drain for a specific purpose, we recommend a gravity drain for ease of use, cost and reliability.

 

Do ice machines cool the ice they produce?

No. The ice machine's refrigeration technology is used to cool the water and freeze it into ice, which then falls into a non-refrigerated storage container, called a freezer, for future use.

Can I increase the capacity of my ice machine?

Yes and no. While you can't directly change the design features of an ice machine to force it to produce more ice, there are other ways to increase the ice production of an ice machine. For example, cooling the water - cooling the water before it enters the ice maker - will greatly improve the ice making capacity and increase production.

How long does an ice machine last?

Depending on the quality of the ice machine purchased and how often it is used, a commercial ice machine should have a life expectancy of between 10 and 15 years. If the machine has a major breakdown, the life expectancy will also be shortened.

Should I use the first batch of ice?

We do not recommend it. This is because the ice produced by the first use of the ice maker is usually flavored. After installing or cleaning the ice machine, you should discard the first batch of ice to ensure that it is free of dust or chemical residue.

 

Ice Machine Installation Questions

If you want to install your own ice machine, there are a few questions you need to know. To avoid common mistakes during installation, we've given the answers here.

Can I install my own ice machine?

Yes, but we prefer to recommend that you use a professional. The installation process is as follows:

1. Remove all packing materials, including wooden boxes, cartons and protective packing materials such as plastic foam.
2. Place the ice machine horizontally in a well-ventilated area.
3. Connect the water line (preferably with a water filter).
4. Install the drain hose and place the hose at a lower drainage point to allow the sewage to drain by gravity (if a drainage pump is installed there is no need to worry about the sewage not draining).
5. Connect a proper power source and you are ready to start using the ice maker.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions, as installation requirements may vary from one ice maker to another.

Does it matter if my ice maker is not flat?

Yes. Commercial ice machines need to be installed level to avoid malfunction. Many ice machines are equipped with adjustable feet that allow you to compensate for uneven floors.

Can I take the legs off my undercounter ice machine?

Your ice maker will function without the legs, but only if the ice maker must be level.

How much space do I need around the ice maker?

Space requirements vary from model to model of ice maker and are roughly around 20 feet. Make sure that there is always an uninterrupted supply of cold air to the air inlet and that the discharge of hot air is not restricted or blocked. Make sure that the condenser air cannot recirculate resulting in overheating and low ice production.

Do I need a drain for my ice maker?

Yes. When the ice melts in the ice reservoir, it needs to be drained. Also, the ice maker drains water during the ice making process, so a bucket or tray connection is not enough. Therefore a drain is necessary.

Is a water filter for the ice maker necessary?

It depends on the situation. If you have a less-than-clean water connection, then installing a water filter will help filter contaminants and impurities from the water, making the ice produced by the ice maker clearer. This is where a water filter becomes important. Some ice machines can use a bucket as a water supply, so a water filter is not as necessary.

 

Ice Machine Fault Questions 

Problems can occur with all high-performance brands of ice machines, and it is impossible for us to detail all the problems. Here are some simple common faults that can occur with ice machines and their remedies. Remember safety first when handling appliances.

 

Note: We recommend that you always contact the ice machine manufacturer's service professional when you need to remove the ice machine cover. Do not work on electrically powered equipment unless you are trained to do so, as this could result in injury or death.

My ice maker is not making ice.

There are many possible causes for this, including unconnected water lines, clogged filters, or ambient temperatures. Before contacting a professional for repairs, you can try to check if any of these components are faulty:

1. Is the power supply turned on or connected. Check whether the fuse on the distribution panel is blown or the circuit breaker is tripped.
2. The water line is not connected and there is no water supply. Check the water pressure at the water supply line at the faucet and at the inlet connection of the ice machine.
3. The water filter is not clogged and needs to be cleaned or replaced.
4. The condenser is not clogged.

 

My ice maker is not producing enough ice.

If your ice maker is working at maximum capacity and still not producing enough ice to meet your requirements, try the following steps before purchasing a larger capacity ice maker:

1. Have the ice maker serviced to ensure that the unit is operating at maximum efficiency.
2. Relocate the ice machine to a colder location.
3. Bag and store the ice in the freezer so the ice maker can make ice overnight.
4. If possible, run a water supply line through an adjacent freezer to increase the ice maker's output.
5. Replace the modular storage binwith a larger unit to hold more ice.

My ice cubes are small or shapeless.

Possibly because of:

1. Poor water flow. Place the ice maker horizontally and make sure the water filter is not clogged.
2. The temperature is not normal. Install the machine in a location with a low ambient temperature.

My ice has a bad odor or taste.

It can be that the water filter is clogged or the water source is contaminated.

My ice machine is leaking water.

Possible causes are:

1. Ice cubes are stuck and in contact with outside air causing a melting leak. Crack the stuck ice cubes to make them fall off.
2. The ice machine is not level. Place the machine level.

My ice cubes will not fall out of the mold.

This failure can be attributed to several factors:

1. The ice maker is not installed horizontally. Readjust the ice maker with a level to place it horizontally.
2. Ice cubes are too thick. Adjust the ice making time to adjust the ice thickness.

My ice maker is not getting water out.

Please check these common causes:

1. The water supply line is disconnected. It needs to be reconnected.
2. The water supply is not turned on. Turn on the water supply.
3. Water filter is clogged. Need to be replaced.

My ice storage bin is full of water.

There are several possible reasons why the ice bin is not draining:

1. The drain in the ice storage bin is going up. Lower the drain tube to make sure it has a downward slope that allows the water to drain because of gravity.
2. The drain in the ice storage bin is blocked. Use a plunger, hose or compressed air to clear the drain.
3. The drain pump's motor/control unit is malfunctioning (if any). Replace it.

 

Ice Machine Maintenance Questions

A common cause of ice machine failure is a lack of proper maintenance. Here's what you need to know to maintain the life of your ice machine and enjoy clean, clear, delicious ice.

How often should my ice machine be maintained?

Your ice maker needs to be thoroughly cleaned every six months, as does the condenser. Adjust the cleaning frequency to the cleanliness of your ice machine. Your water filter should also be changed once a year.

Can I maintain my own ice machine?

Yes. You can keep your ice machine running reliably by following the manufacturer's instructions, using a few simple tools and some common sense. If you don't have the confidence to perform your own maintenance, or don't have the time, don't neglect maintenance.

How do I clean my ice machine?

Cleaning instructions are included in the owner's manual of all ice machines. Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning and sanitizing instructions, as requirements may vary from model to model. A basic ice machine cleaning procedure is to:

1. Unplug the ice maker and discard any ice left inside.
2. Remove all removable parts and clean with a qualified ice machine cleaner. Rinse all cleaned and sanitized parts with warm water.
3. Clean and sanitize the ice bin.
4. Reassemble the ice maker.
5. If equipped with a cleaning mode - pour an appropriate amount of ice maker cleaner into the sink and let it cycle for 15-30 minutes or on a cleaning cycle.
6. Clean the condenser and filter of the ice maker.
7. Clean all exterior surfaces with a suitable stainless steel safety cleaner/polish.
8. Restart the machine and discard the first two batches of ice produced after cleaning.

Please note that this procedure is only a general guide and will vary from model to model for different ice machines.

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