Whether you manage a hotel, restaurant, or convenience store, making the customer experience as pleasant as possible is one of your top priorities. Your on-site ice machine ensures everyone can enjoy cold beverages or fill up bags to take home. Similar to other major appliances, this equipment needs regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent mechanical malfunctions. Below are a few telltale signs your machine may need serviced or replaced.   

3 Red Flags Your Ice Machine Is Failing

1. Cubes Are Larger Than Normal

When the ice machine is working correctly, cube size should remain consistent. If the frozen chunks are larger than usual, there’s most likely a water inlet leak inside the equipment. The inlet monitors the flow of water into the machine. The oversized cubes can clog and freeze the evaporator, leading to premature appliance failure.

2. The Machine Won’t Produce Ice

Failure to make ice is another sign of a water inlet problem. If the inlet is corroded or broken, water can’t flow from the supply line into the machine. Apart from inlet damage, loose water valve connections and clogged filters can also disrupt ice production. 

3. Ice Is Watery

If the ice surface is slick and wet, it means water isn’t staying at the freezing point. An issue with the compressor or evaporator fan could be to blame for the warmer temperatures. When this happens, it typically takes much longer than normal for the machine to make ice cubes. This drop in performance could cause the machine to shut down. If you own a commercial kitchen, the ice machine should be far away from appliances that generate heat, as the warm surroundings can also affect equipment. 

If you have experienced any of the above problems, it might be time to swap out your current ice machine for new equipment. If you own a business in the Taney County, MO, or Branson Tri-Lakes regions, Bill's Sales & Service carries a full line of Indigo™ Series ice machines as well as walk-in freezers and additional refrigeration equipment. They also handle maintenance and repairs. To learn more about products the Rockaway Beach-based company sells, call (417) 334-4486. You can also check out their website to see what merchandise may be a good fit for your business needs.