Ice Machine Not Working? 3 Pro Tips to Keep It Running All Summer

Folks are sweating from the sweltering season and making their ice makers work extra hard. With more production from the ice maker comes greater chances of the handy machinery getting tired.

If your ice machine is not working or having difficulties keeping up to speed, check out our three pro tips to make your summer a breeze.

It’s simple: location is everything when it comes to the efficiency of your ice machine. In the past, we’ve discussed why putting your ice machine outside is a bad idea. But it’s important to keep in mind the other factors that could be affecting your ice machine indoors as well. 

Heat is the primary suspect of an ice machine acting up. A rule of thumb is that your ice machine should stay in a room with a consistent temperature that is between 70 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. During the summer, these temperatures are difficult to maintain.

Unfortunately, the higher the temperature in the environment of your ice machine, the more your machine struggles to produce ice. When you consider the thick, humid air that hovers over a chef and his kitchen line, it’s easy to see why a nearby ice machine might start sweating, too. 

This is why it’s imperative to choose logic over convenience. Sure, it might be easier to have your ice maker near the kitchen entrance—but it could be detrimental to your business before you know it.

Okay, so you’ve got the perfect location, yet your ice machine still isn’t working correctly. Time to check the air flow!

Firstly, make sure your ice machine isn’t crammed into a tight space or being blocked by other objects. If there isn’t a perfect air gap allowing the ice maker to cool down, this could be a tell-tale sign that heat is yet again the culprit.

Secondly, remember that it never hurts to check the intake vent. Dust buildup over time can make a hardworking ice machine work even harder and amount to more heat buildup. Ensuring proper ventilation with a clean surface and air to breathe are crucial.

Thirdly, take a step back and look at the room containing the ice machine. Is there room for air to escape? If not, a hot and stuffy room trapping heat could be harming your ice machine no matter how dust-free it is.

A high ice demand for ice and machine maintenance go hand-in-hand. From May to August (let’s be honest: September), your ice machine is working its hardest. The production output skyrockets and with that comes the need for a well-maintained machine.

If you’ve neglected any of the aforementioned tips, increasing the demand on your ice machine is only going to make it worse. We advise you to think of your ice machine like your car: you want to keep the tires full of air, get your oil changed, and keep the outside shining. The more you don’t, the harder it is to get it back to its original mint condition. Ice machines are no different!

If you think some of these steps may be slipping through the cracks for you or your business, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you not only acquire the best ice machine for your needs, but also keep it in the best condition possible.