Blog

Commercial ice machines are essential for many Australian businesses—from restaurants and bars to hotels and healthcare facilities. Yet, they're often neglected until problems arise. At Coast Distributors, we understand that a well-maintained ice machine is crucial to your daily operations, especially during our hot Australian summers when ice demand peaks.

As Australia's exclusive importers of Ice-O-Matic, Follett, and Grant ice systems, we've created this comprehensive guide to help you establish an effective maintenance routine that will keep your ice machine running smoothly for years to come.

Why Regular Ice Machine Maintenance Is Critical

Your commercial ice machine works tirelessly to meet your establishment's demands, often producing hundreds of kilograms of ice daily. Without regular maintenance, several issues can develop:

1. Safety Concerns: Food safety authorities classify ice as a food product. Neglected machines can harbour mould, bacteria, and contaminants that pose serious health risks. In busy establishments, ice contamination can affect dozens or even hundreds of customers.
   
   
2. Reduced Efficiency: Scale buildup and dirty components force your machine to work harder, consuming more energy and water while producing less ice. This inefficiency can increase operating costs by up to 25% while reducing output by a similar margin.
   
   
3. Shortened Lifespan: Regular maintenance can extend your ice machine's life by years, protecting your investment. Most quality commercial ice machines should last 7-10 years with proper care, but neglect can cut this lifespan in half.
   
   
4. Poor Ice Quality: Maintenance issues often lead to cloudy, odd-tasting, or improperly formed ice that affects customer satisfaction. In premium venues, ice quality directly impacts drink presentation and flavor profile.
   
   
5. Unexpected Downtime: Preventive maintenance helps you avoid the frustration and cost of emergency repairs during your busiest periods. The average emergency service call costs significantly more than scheduled maintenance and often occurs at the most inconvenient times.
   
   

Essential Maintenance Schedule for Commercial Ice Machines

Different maintenance tasks should be performed at specific intervals. Here's a practical schedule to follow:

Daily Maintenance (5 Minutes)

• Wipe down exterior surfaces with a clean, damp cloth to prevent dust buildup
• Check for any visible leaks around the machine and floor area
• Remove and sanitise the ice scoop, storing it in a clean, dry location
• Ensure proper airflow around the machine by clearing obstructions
• Inspect the ice bin door for proper closure and seal integrity
• Discard any ice that has fallen on the floor to maintain hygiene

Weekly Maintenance (15-20 Minutes)

• Empty the ice bin completely and allow it to air dry to prevent mould growth
• Clean the bin interior with a mild sanitising solution approved for food contact surfaces
• Check air filters on air-cooled models, cleaning if necessary to maintain airflow
• Clean the water distribution components per manufacturer's guidelines
• Inspect and clean the area surrounding the machine, including under and behind it
• Check ice quality and production rate for any changes that might indicate issues

Monthly Maintenance (30 Minutes)

• Perform a more thorough cleaning of the ice bin including gaskets and door mechanisms
• Clean the condenser coils on air-cooled machines to maximize heat exchange efficiency
• Check all water lines for mineral deposits or blockages that might restrict flow
• Inspect the water filter and replace if necessary (typically every 3-6 months depending on water quality)
• Check the quality of ice being produced for clarity, shape consistency, and taste
• Inspect electrical connections for any signs of wear or corrosion

Quarterly Professional Maintenance

We strongly recommend scheduling professional service quarterly for:

• Complete descaling and sanitising of the entire ice machine including hard-to-reach components
• Comprehensive inspection of all electrical components and safety systems
• Checking refrigerant levels and system pressure to ensure optimal performance
• Thorough inspection of moving parts including pumps, motors, and bearings for signs of wear
• Water quality testing and optimisation of machine settings for your specific water conditions
• Calibration of sensors, timers, and controls to maintain peak efficiency

Rather than trying to book a technician directly, we recommend submitting a service request form on our website for prompt attention from our qualified technicians.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedures

Proper cleaning involves two distinct processes: descaling (to remove mineral deposits) and sanitising (to eliminate bacteria and mould).

Preparation

1. Gather supplies: Nickel-safe ice machine cleaner, approved sanitiser, rubber gloves, protective eyewear, clean cloths, soft brushes, spray bottle, and clean water
2. Turn off the machine: Switch to "OFF" and disconnect water if possible
3. Remove all ice: Empty the storage bin completely and allow for partial defrost if needed

Descaling Process

1. Access the water system: Remove necessary panels according to manufacturer's instructions
2. Initiate cleaning mode: For machines with automatic cleaning cycles like Ice-O-Matic's ICE Series, follow specific instructions in your manual
3. Add cleaner solution: Use manufacturer-recommended amount of nickel-safe cleaner to avoid damaging critical components
4. Run the cleaning cycle: Allow circulation for the recommended time (typically 15-30 minutes) to dissolve mineral deposits
5. Clean removable parts: While the machine is cleaning, scrub removable components with the cleaner solution
6. Rinse thoroughly: Run multiple rinse cycles until all cleaning solution is removed to prevent chemical contamination

Sanitising Process

1. Mix sanitising solution: Prepare according to manufacturer's recommendations, being careful not to exceed recommended concentrations
2. Apply sanitiser: Run another cycle with sanitiser or manually apply to all food-zone surfaces
3. Clean the ice bin: Thoroughly sanitise the ice storage bin, paying special attention to corners and door gaskets
4. Final rinse: Rinse all surfaces with clean water to remove all sanitising solution
5. Reassemble and restart: Put the machine back together and restart production
6. Discard first batch: Always discard the first batch of ice produced after cleaning as it may contain trace cleaning agents

For specific cleaning instructions for your model, refer to your owner's manual or contact our team.

Water Quality and Filtration

Water quality significantly impacts ice machine performance and maintenance requirements. In many parts of Australia, particularly in areas with hard water, proper filtration is essential:

• Install appropriate water filters: Different regions require different filtration solutions. Coastal areas may need protection against corrosion from salt air, while inland areas often require scale inhibitors.
• Maintain regular filter changes: Mark your calendar for scheduled replacements based on your water quality and usage.
• Consider reverse osmosis: For areas with particularly poor water quality, reverse osmosis systems can dramatically reduce maintenance requirements and improve ice quality.

Troubleshooting Common Ice Machine Issues

Even with regular maintenance, issues can arise. Here's how to address common problems:

Low Ice Production

Possible causes and solutions:

• Dirty condenser coils → Clean thoroughly to improve cooling efficiency
• High ambient temperature → Ensure proper ventilation and room temperature below 35°C
• Water supply problems → Check for restrictions in supply lines and filters
• Scale buildup → Descale the machine following manufacturer recommendations
• Refrigerant issues → Contact a qualified technician through our service request

Machine Won't Make Ice

Possible causes and solutions:

• Power issues → Verify connections and switch positions, check circuit breakers
• Water supply problems → Check water supply valve is fully open and water pressure is adequate
• Control board malfunction → Reset the machine according to manual instructions
• Faulty components → Submit a service request for professional diagnosis

Poor Ice Quality

Possible causes and solutions:

• Mineral deposits → Perform complete descaling of water system and evaporator
• Dirty components → Clean all components in the water path including distribution tubes
• Water quality issues → Install or replace water filters with appropriate models for your water conditions
• Improper harvest settings → Adjust thickness probes if necessary (professional service recommended)

For persistent issues, don't attempt complex repairs yourself. Instead, submit a service request form for professional assistance.

Specialized Maintenance for Different Ice Types

Different types of ice require specific maintenance considerations:

Cube Ice Machines

For Ice-O-Matic's cube ice machines producing crystal-clear full, half, or grande cubes, watch for scale buildup, which can cause cubes to become cloudy or irregularly shaped. These machines need special attention to evaporator plates, thickness probes, and water curtains to ensure they move freely for proper ice formation and release.

Flake and Sub Zero Flake Ice Machines

For flake ice machines or Grant's Sub Zero Flake Ice produced at -9°C, pay extra attention to auger components and bearing lubrication. Regularly check for unusual noises that might indicate auger wear. Consistently clean barrel surfaces to remove scale buildup from inner surfaces of the freezing barrel, which is particularly important for maintaining flake quality.

Chewblet Ice Machines

For Follett's Chewblet or Micro Chewblet ice, focus on compression components and transport mechanisms that create the unique texture. Check extrusion openings to ensure they're free from blockages that can affect ice formation. Due to their unique ice formation process, these machines often benefit from more frequent cleaning cycles.

Gourmet Ice Machines

For machines producing specialty ice like Ice-O-Matic's Gourmet Ice or Grant's Solid Large Cube and Extra Large Cube, water quality is absolutely critical. These machines require precise cleaning procedures to maintain the premium appearance of specialty ice types that are often used in high-end establishments.

The Benefits of Proper Maintenance

Investing time in regular maintenance provides significant returns:

Food Safety

Clean, sanitised ice machines produce safe ice that protects your customers and reputation. Regular maintenance eliminates potential breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms that could lead to foodborne illness outbreaks.

Extended Machine Life

A well-maintained ice machine can last 7-10 years or more, while neglected units often fail within 2-5 years, translating to substantial savings on replacement costs that can range from $3,000 to $20,000 depending on the model.

Energy Efficiency

Clean components operate more efficiently. A properly maintained ice machine can use up to 25% less energy than a neglected one, leading to lower utility bills year after year. For high-capacity machines, this can translate to hundreds of dollars in annual savings.

Consistent Ice Quality

Proper maintenance ensures your ice is always clear, clean, and properly formed, enhancing customer experience and satisfaction. In competitive hospitality environments, ice quality is a detail that discerning customers notice.

Reduced Downtime

Preventive maintenance minimises unexpected breakdowns and emergency service calls, keeping your operation running smoothly even during peak periods when ice demand is highest.

Professional Maintenance Support

While regular in-house maintenance is essential, professional servicing ensures your ice machine operates at peak performance. Coast Distributors offers comprehensive maintenance services for all ice machine brands, with special expertise in Ice-O-Matic, Follett, and Grant systems.

To schedule professional maintenance or request service for your commercial ice machine, simply complete our online service request form. Our qualified technicians will promptly respond to your needs.

Conclusion: Making Maintenance a Priority

Your commercial ice machine is a significant investment that plays a critical role in your business operations. By implementing the maintenance schedule and procedures outlined in this guide, you'll ensure that your machine provides reliable service, quality ice, and optimal efficiency for years to come.

Remember that proper maintenance isn't just about preventing problems—it's about maintaining food safety standards, protecting your investment, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Don't wait for problems to arise; be proactive with your maintenance routine.

For additional information about our products or maintenance services, contact Coast Distributors at 1300 423 423 or email sales@coastdistributors.com.au.

Browse our quality ice machine range:

• Ice-O-Matic Systems
• Follett Ice Systems
• Grant Ice Systems

Request service today to keep your ice machine running at its best.