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Chewblet ice makers have revolutionised the way Australian businesses serve chilled beverages and preserve perishable goods. These innovative machines produce soft, chewable ice that's not only gentle on teeth but also perfect for cooling drinks without diluting them too quickly. The uniformly shaped pieces of compressed nugget ice, measuring approximately 2.54cm long (or 0.95cm for Micro Chewblet), have become increasingly popular among consumers worldwide for their long-lasting, soft, crunchy texture.

As Australia's exclusive distributor of Follett ice machines, Coast Distributors understands the importance of maintaining your Chewblet ice maker in top condition. We know that even the most reliable machines can occasionally experience issues, and addressing these problems promptly is crucial to ensuring a consistent supply of quality ice for your customers.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore common Chewblet ice maker issues and provide expert solutions to keep your machine running efficiently. Whether you operate a healthcare facility, restaurant, bar, café, or any other business that relies on quality ice production, this troubleshooting guide will help you maintain optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your investment.

Understanding Your Chewblet Ice Maker

Before diving into troubleshooting, it's important to understand what makes Chewblet ice makers special. Exclusive to Follett, these machines can transport Chewblet ice up to 22 metres through a tube, allowing for remote installation and convenient ice delivery exactly where you need it. This unique capability, combined with their energy and water efficiency, makes them an ideal choice for a wide range of Australian businesses.

Follett Chewblet ice makers available from Coast Distributors come in various models, including the Maestro Series and the Horizon Elite Series. These machines are designed to be compact, sanitary, efficient, and attractive, with many models featuring antimicrobial treatment for enhanced hygiene. Understanding your specific model's features and specifications is essential when troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

Common Chewblet Ice Maker Issues and Solutions

1. Uneven Ice Production

Inconsistent ice production is one of the most common issues faced by Chewblet ice maker owners. When your machine isn't producing ice evenly, it can significantly impact your business operations, especially during peak hours.

Potential Causes:

Water Supply Problems: A steady water supply is crucial for consistent ice production. Check your water supply line for kinks, blockages, or restrictions that might be affecting water flow to the machine. Ensure the water valve is fully open and that the supply line isn't frozen.

Clogged Water Filters: Coast Distributors strongly recommends fitting a water filter with every commercial ice machine, as the warranty may be voided if no water filter system is installed. Over time, these filters can become clogged with minerals and debris, affecting ice production efficiency. Regularly replacing your water filters is essential for maintaining optimal ice quality and machine performance.

Temperature Settings: Chewblet ice makers are designed to operate within specific temperature ranges. If the ambient temperature is too hot or too cold, it can affect ice production. Ensure your machine is located in a well-ventilated area with an appropriate ambient temperature as specified in your model's manual.

Solutions:

To resolve uneven ice production, start by checking and ensuring a consistent water supply to your machine. Inspect the water line for any blockages and verify that the pressure meets the manufacturer's specifications.

Regularly replace your water filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Coast Distributors offers a range of quick-change water filter systems specifically designed to enhance ice quality and extend the life of your ice machine.

Ensure proper ventilation around your ice maker, keeping it away from heat-producing appliances and ensuring adequate clearance as specified in your model's installation guide.

2. Noisy Operation

A Chewblet ice maker that suddenly becomes noisy can be both annoying and a sign of underlying issues. Identifying the source of the noise is key to addressing the problem effectively.

Potential Causes:

Fan Problems: If the fan is making more noise than usual, it might be clogged with dust or beginning to fail. Regular cleaning can prevent dust accumulation and extend the fan's lifespan.

Loose Components: Vibration or clattering sounds often indicate loose screws, panels, or other components. These can worsen over time if not addressed promptly.

Ice Jams: Excessive ice build-up in the machine can cause the motor to work harder than necessary, resulting in increased noise levels. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance can prevent ice jams from occurring.

Solutions:

For fan issues, turn off and unplug the machine before carefully cleaning the fan blades with a soft brush or cloth. If cleaning doesn't resolve the noise, the fan may need replacement by a qualified technician.

Check for loose components and tighten any screws or panels that may be causing vibration. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can cause damage to the machine.

Regularly inspect for ice jams and clear them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Implementing a routine cleaning schedule can prevent ice build-up and ensure smoother operation.

3. Ice Quality Issues

The quality of ice produced by your Chewblet ice maker is crucial for customer satisfaction. Issues with ice clarity, taste, or texture can negatively impact the experience your business provides.

Potential Causes:

Water Quality Issues: Poor water quality is a common cause of cloudy or off-tasting ice. Minerals and impurities in the water can affect both the appearance and taste of the ice produced.

Dirty Ice Bin or System Components: As Coast Distributors emphasises, "ICE IS FOOD and should be treated as such!" Improper cleaning and maintenance can lead to dirty ice and decreased machine efficiency. Bacteria and mould can grow in poorly maintained ice machines, affecting ice quality and potentially posing health risks.

Improper Water Temperature: The temperature of the incoming water can affect ice clarity. Water that's too warm may result in cloudy ice, while water that's too cold may slow down the ice-making process.

Solutions:

Install a high-quality water filtration system from Coast Distributors to improve water quality and enhance ice clarity. Regularly replace filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Implement a regular cleaning and sanitising schedule for your ice bin and all system components that come into contact with water or ice. Follett machines feature "convenient cleaning and sanitising in less than 1 hr," making maintenance manageable even for busy establishments. Coast Distributors supplies non-corrosive, non-toxic and safe cleaning kits for ice machines, including lime scale remover tablets and sanitiser tablets.

For healthcare applications or environments where ice quality is particularly important, consider upgrading to a Follett Symphony Plus Ice & Water Dispenser, which features enhanced sanitary features specifically designed for hospitals and healthcare facilities.

4. Machine Not Turning On

An ice maker that won't start can be particularly frustrating, especially during busy periods. Fortunately, there are several checks you can perform before calling for professional assistance.

Potential Causes:

Power Supply Issues: The most common reason for a machine not turning on is a power supply problem. This could be due to a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or simply a loose power connection.

Control Panel Settings: Incorrect settings on the control panel can prevent the machine from starting. This is often overlooked but can be easily resolved.

Internal Component Failures: In some cases, internal components such as the control board, water inlet valve, or other electrical parts may have failed, preventing the machine from starting.

Solutions:

Begin by checking that the machine is properly plugged in and that the power switch is in the 'on' position. Inspect the circuit breaker to ensure it hasn't tripped, and check any fuses that may have blown.

Review the control panel settings to verify that everything is configured correctly according to your model's manual. A simple reset may resolve some electronic issues.

If the above checks don't resolve the issue, it may be time to contact Coast Distributors' service team for professional assistance. All ice machines should be maintained by an authorised service agent, and Coast Distributors provides troubleshooting guides and service support for its customers. You can access service manuals on the Troubleshooting page of the Coast Distributors website.

Preventive Maintenance: The Key to Reliable Performance

Regular maintenance is essential for preventing common Chewblet ice maker issues and ensuring long-term reliability. Implementing a comprehensive maintenance schedule can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Water Filter Replacement

Coast Distributors emphasises that "water filters enhance the ice quality and extend the performance and life of the ice machines," and warns that "the warranty on the ice machine may be voided if no water filter system is fitted!" Regularly replacing your water filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations is one of the most important maintenance tasks.

Coast Distributors offers a range of quick-change water filter systems specifically designed for ice machines. These filters feature a sanitary design that's easy to install and use, protecting against water contamination by eliminating handling of the filter media.

Cleaning and Sanitising

Regular cleaning and sanitising of your Chewblet ice maker is crucial for maintaining ice quality and machine performance. As Coast Distributors notes, "Improper ventilation and water filtration, and dirty components all impact the functionality of your ice machine. It will not only decrease the efficiency of the ice machine but also support the growth of harmful bacteria."

Develop a regular cleaning schedule for your ice bin, water lines, and all components that come into contact with water or ice. Coast Distributors recommends organising "a monthly, quarterly or yearly maintenance program on your Ice-O-Matic, Follett or Grant ice machine." Follett machines are designed for easy cleaning and sanitising, typically requiring less than an hour to complete the process.

Coast Distributors supplies cleaning products specifically designed for ice machines, including lime scale remover tablets and sanitiser tablets that are non-corrosive, non-toxic, and safe to use.

Professional Servicing

While regular cleaning and filter replacement are tasks that can be performed by your staff, professional servicing is recommended at least annually. As noted on the Coast Distributors website, "All ice machines should be maintained by an authorised service agent. Maintenance is not covered by warranty and any problems caused by lack of maintenance will be charged at the normal rate."

Coast Distributors provides "24hr services, sales and technical support that ensure customer satisfaction every time" across Australia, with a team of experienced technicians who specialise in ice machine maintenance and repair. Scheduling regular professional servicing can identify potential issues before they become major problems, ensuring continuous and efficient operation of your Chewblet ice maker.

Warranty Information

Understanding your Chewblet ice maker's warranty is important for maintaining the machine and ensuring you're covered in case of issues. Follett Chewblet ice makers distributed by Coast Distributors come with comprehensive warranty coverage:

• Maestro Chewblet Ice Makers: 3 years parts & labour, 5 years on compressor
• Horizon Elite Series Ice Makers: 3 years parts & labour
• Symphony Plus Ice & Water Dispensers: 3 years parts & labour warranty, 5 years on compressor
• 7 & 15 Series Ice & Water Dispensers: 2 years parts & labour

It's important to note that the warranty on your ice machine may be voided if no water filter is installed or if the unit is not installed correctly by a licensed technician. Coast Distributors strongly recommends professional installation and regular maintenance to protect your investment and maintain warranty coverage.

The Bottom Line: Investing in Quality and Support

Chewblet ice makers represent a significant investment for any Australian business, and protecting that investment through proper troubleshooting and maintenance is essential. By addressing common issues promptly and implementing a comprehensive maintenance schedule, you can ensure reliable performance, optimal ice quality, and a longer lifespan for your machine.

Coast Distributors is committed to supporting Australian businesses with not only the highest quality ice making equipment but also the expertise and service support needed to maintain these machines in optimal condition. As the exclusive Australian distributor for Follett, Coast Distributors offers unparalleled knowledge and experience with over 80 years in the ice machine industry, providing the expertise and support you need to keep your ice making operations running smoothly.

Whether you're experiencing issues with your current Chewblet ice maker or considering investing in a new system, Coast Distributors is here to help. With a nationwide service network and 24-hour technical support, we provide the assistance you need to keep your ice making operations running smoothly.

For more information about Chewblet ice makers or to schedule a service visit, contact Coast Distributors today. Our team of specialists is ready to help you find the perfect solution for your ice making needs and ensure that your equipment continues to deliver the quality and reliability your business demands.