Yes. Commercial ice machines will need to be installed level to avoid operational problems. Many ice machines have adjustable feet to allow you to compensate for an uneven installation surface to level the machine. We recommend the use of a spirit level when installing an ice machine rather that relying on guesswork. If an ice machine fault is attributed to the equipment being out  of level, it is classed as installer error and warranty may be void.

Your ice machine should operate properly without legs. Make sure that the ice machine is level and the drain still runs downhill. Check local laws which may require legs for cleaning under your ice machine.

Space requirements differ between ice maker models. Ensure there is always an uninterrupted cool air supply to the air inlet and the hot air exhaust is not restricted or blocked. Make sure condenser air cannot be recirculated causing overheating and low ice production. Remember, always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions, as installation requirements may vary between different ice makers.

Yes. As ice slowly melts in the ice storage bin, it needs to drain to somewhere. Remember water cannot run uphill, so a floor level waste water drain line will be required within 1 meter of the installed location. Ice machines can also discharge water as a normal part of the ice production process, so a bucket or tray will not be adequate. A drain line is a must.

Note: If the ice maker has a pump out drain fitted, then this drain line can be higher than floor level.

Whilst it is desireable, depending on the  current load on the existing circuit, you may not need a dedicated power supply for your new ice maker. Smaller ice makers will generally not need a dedicated power supply, whereas larger ice makers likely will. If in doubt, contact a licensed electrician for advice.

Note: All 15 amp single phase, 20 amp single phase and three phase ice makers will require a dedicated power circuit to be installed.

Yes, all commercial ice makers require a dedicated cold water line (preferably filtered). Remember ice is a food, so installation of a water filter is not only highly recommended to protect the ice machine, but also the ice it produces.

Yes, and it is advisable to do so if possible. Following manufacturer’s instructions you can keep you ice machine running reliability with a few simple tools and some common sense. If you are not confident to perform your own maintenance or do not have the time, don’t neglect upkeep. Poor ice machine performance, costly breakdowns and contaminated ice are the result of poor or no maintenance.

A condenser is a refrigerant cooling device fitted to all ice machines. Air cooled condensers are often similar in appearance to a car radiator and is usually silver or black in colour. Condenser blockages are a major cause of refrigeration system and ice maker breakdowns, so it is very important that they be kept clean. We recommend that you clean your condenser monthly, to avoid costly breakdowns and maximize ice production. Whilst condensers can be cleaned with a brush or a vacuum cleaner, this method is not always effective. Cleaning a condenser with compressed air is usually the best way to clean the condenser on an ice machine.

Note: Condensers can be effectively cleaned using a hose or water pressure pack, however extreme care is required to avoid damage, water entry into electrical components and serious injury or death. Do not try this method unless you have been professionally trained in this proceedure and always disconnect electrical power source before cleaning a condenser with water. This method is definately not recommended and is best left to the professionals.

All ice makers will include cleaning instructions in the owner’s manual. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and sanitizing instructions, as requirements may vary between different models. A basic ice maker cleaning proceedure is to:

1. Unplug the ice machine and discard any ice that remains inside.
2. Remove all internal parts from the ice machine that come into contact with ice, then wash them using an approved ice machine cleaner. Rinse off all cleaned and sanitized parts in warm water.
3. Clean and sanitize the ice storage bin.
4. Reassemble the ice machine.
5. If fitted with clean mode – Pour the correct amount of ice machine cleaner in the water trough and allow to circulate for 15-30 minutes or as per clean cycle.
6. Clean the ice maker condenser and filter (if fitted).
7. Clean all external surfaces with suitable stainless steel safe cleaner/polish.
8. Replace the water filter (if fitted).
9. Restart the machine and discard the first two batches of ice produced after cleaning.

Note that this proceedure is a general guide only and the proceedure will vary between ice makers according to the model.

The purpose of a water filter is to protect both the internal components of the ice maker as well as the ice it produces. How often it needs to be changed depends upon several factors.

1. The size and type of water filter installed.
2. The capacity of the ice machine.
3. How often the ice machine is used
4. The quality of the incoming water supply.

Generally speaking an ice maker water filter should be changed yearly at minimum. It will require changing more regularly if conditions are not ideal.

There are many possible causes for this general fault. Before calling a technician for service, try checking these common causes:

1. No power to socket outlet/power point. Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker at the power distribution board.
2. No power to ice machine. Check that the ice machine is plugged in and switched on (you would be suprised to learn how often we are called out for this fault).
3. Ice machine is in cleaning mode. Switch to ice making mode.
4. No water supply. Check the water supply line for water pressure at the tap and also at the entry connection to the ice machine.
5. Blocked water filter. Replace.
6. Electro-mechanical fault with the ice maker. Call an experienced techincian for repair. Best Ice Machines are available to repair all brands and models of ice makers in the Central Coast, Newcastle and Hunter Valley regions on 1300 237 842.

If your ice machine is working to maximum capacity and still not producing enough ice for your requirements, before buying a larger capacity ice machine, try these steps:

1. Have the ice maker serviced to ensure the equipment is operating at peak effeciency.
2. Re-locate the ice maker to a cooler location.
3. Bag ice and store in freezer so ice machine can make ice overnight.
4. Run water supply line through adjacent cool room if possible to increase ice machine production.
5. Replace modular ice storage bin with larger unit to hold more ice.

There are many possible causes for this fault. Before calling a technician for service, try checking these common causes:

1. Dirty ice machine or blocked water filter. Clean the ice machine and change the water filter.
2. Blocked condenser. Clean condenser as described and make regular condenser cleaning a priority.
3. Installation environment has changed. Determine why the ice machine area has become hotter and rectify.

Before calling a technician check these common causes:

1. Water supply line disconnected. Reconnect.
2. Water supply line turned off. Turn on.
3. Blocked water filter. Replace.

Check these common causes of bad smelling or bad tasting ice cubes before calling a technician:

1. Dirty ice machine or blocked water filter. Clean the ice machine and change the water filter.
2. Water supply line not suitable for potable water. Replace water supply line with suitable supply tubing.
3. Contaminated water supply. Seek professional assistance.

This fault can be attributed to several factors:

1. The ice machine is not installed level. Re-level the ice machine using a spirit level – yes you do need to use a spirit level.
2. The evaporator plate is dirty. Follow the cleaning instructions applicable to your ice machine model. If cleaning the ice machine doesn’t work, call a technician for diagnosis and repair.
3.  The evaporator plate is worn. Have a technician replace the evaporator plate or replace the ice machine.

There are several possible causes for an ice bin not draining water:

1. The drain on the ice storage bin is running uphill. Lower the drain line and ensure it has a downward slope towards the main drain tundish.
2. The ice storage bin drain is blocked. Clear the drain using a plunger, hose or compressed air.
3. The pump out drain pump motor/control has failed (if fitted). Replace.