Refrigerators and ice makers have the power to improve service and consumer perception, so it's vital to invest well.

Foodservice businesses simply couldn't survive or indeed thrive without quality refrigerators and ice makers. As a result, investing in new equipment and taking care of existing machines is vital.

It's important to choose the right size of ice maker for your purposes (and good suppliers can be indispensable in helping to ascertain the perfect capacity for any individual requirements), as otherwise you could be making ice that may never be required. Operators need to ensure that the machine they choose produces crystal clear ice. The aesthetics of ice cubes is down to the production process and how much air is trapped inside. 

As ice is food it's not just the quality that's important but the hygiene too. It needs to be stored carefully like any other foodstuff, as it can harbour bacteria and organisms which can cause food poisoning.

When it comes to ice machines it's also important that operators look for designs which make them easy to operate and maintain, such as removable air filters as they can accumulate dust. A dirt-free air filter helps keep an ice maker performing at maximum yield.

From bar top units with integral storage bins to large capacity models with separate storage units, there is a wide range of ice makers on the market to suit all sizes and styles of operation.

"The size and location of ice makers will play a large part in determining which make and model would be best suited to your business," explains Bob Wood, director of DC Warewashing and Icemaking Systems. "It's not simply a case of going out and buying an ice machine  - there's a lot to consider and get right starting with the ice type which best fits your business. The most suitable and desirable ice type will influence the choice of type of ice maker and particular model."

DC offers this guide to buying an ice maker ...  

Make sure that whatever machine you purchase is:

• Made from catering grade stainless steel.
• Uses environmentally-friendly refrigerant.
• Fitted with high quality components.
• Equipped with limescale-inhibiting evaporator plates.
• Made from insulated, non-toxic, ABS food-safe plastic.
• Carries a credible manufacturer's warranty.

Read full article in Pub & Bar magazine 10th Oct issue 2016 ...