Should I Purchase or Rent My Commercial Ice Machine?

One thing commercial kitchens have in common: they all need ice. That’s where the similarities begin and end, though, because every kitchen has unique ice needs. Some commercial kitchens use ice cubes, while others prefer pearl ice. Meanwhile the bar might be shaking up a cocktail with crushed ice. 

While it’s important to determine the best type of ice for your business, the first thing a commercial kitchen owner should decide is whether to buy an ice machine or rent one. Once that’s decided, ice type and service preferences will follow.

If there’s one thing you should know about commercial ice machines, it’s this: they need regular maintenance. Servicing your ice machine isn’t something you can opt into, it’s a requirement. After extended use, your ice machine needs a good cleaning and thorough going over to ensure you’re getting the most efficient service from your machine. Buildup, slime, and mold can form on the interior of your machine, which means making ice can be a dirty business. 

What does this mean to you? Well, before you decide to rent or buy an ice machine, you need to evaluate whether you have the time and resources to regularly clean your machine properly.

If your business has the capital to purchase a commercial ice machine directly, it’s a great investment that will pay off over time. Even if you get a little sticker shock initially, your kitchen is guaranteed a staple appliance that you’ll use for years. Plus, commercial ice machines have solid resale value if you decide to upgrade or change your ice type.

If you buy an ice machine outright, keep in mind that with most dealers, you’re on the hook for repairs and maintenance. At Memphis Ice, we offer an optional preventative maintenance program for your new purchase, but not all dealers do. So if scheduled cleaning isn’t available from your dealer, make sure your business has the tools, time, and expertise to regularly service your appliance and keep the ice coming. 

Whether that’s an in-house repair department or outsourced repair person, it’s up to you to keep your investment in good working order.

If time is at a premium, renting an ice machine is your best option. Even though you won’t own your appliance, it’s a flexible option that keeps many commercial kitchens constantly supplied with ice. 

Ice machine rental gives you all the ice you can use, without the stress of maintenance and cleaning. Your kitchen stays supplied with ice without a deep initial investment, and your dealer is usually responsible for service and maintenance. Most dealers will offer flexible rental agreements to accommodate your business.  

If you decide to rent your ice machine, there are many reasons why you’ll want to choose to rent from Memphis Ice Machine Company. 

Our rental program offers a low monthly rate (How low? As low as just $4 a day!) without any capital investment. It includes an annual cleaning to keep your ice sanitary, and we keep our initial contracts short to accommodate your business. As if that’s not enough, businesses enrolled in our rental program receive priority service and service on the weekends. That means you won’t have an ice crisis during your busiest hours. In the event your ice machine repair is extensive, we supply you with ice until your machine is back on its feet. Your ice supply is guaranteed. Always.

If you decide to buy a commercial ice machine, you’re in luck. That’s kinda our thing. We have machines that produce every ice type you can think of, in various quantities. Cube, flake, pearl, chip, crushed, we’ve got all the ices. 

Our ice experts are always ready to guide you toward the best ice machine for your business based on your industry, business size, and unique ice needs. If you’re looking for commercial ice machines for sale in the Memphis area, our selection is unmatched. We stock and service brands like Ice-O-Matic, Everest, Cornelius, Manitowoc, Scotsman, Hoshizaki, and KitchenAid, so we’re sure to have the ice machine your business needs. 

Preventative maintenance is the best thing you can do for your ice machine, regardless of whether you buy or rent it. If you rent your equipment, don’t skip that annual checkup. If you own your equipment, it’s worth enrolling in our preventative maintenance program to ensure your machines stay fresh and clean without adding another task to your to-do list.