Ice machines can be expensive and Chicago business owners often think they can save money buying a cheap ice machine instead. While this does save some money upfront, a cheap ice machine is likely to break down leaving you with expensive repairs down the line.

In order to save money, business owners often:

• Buy used and cheap ice machines
• Select cheaper, smaller machines that can’t keep up
• Skip important maintenance and cleanings

Buying Used, Cheap Ice Machines

Used commercial ice machines in Chicago often come with problems that were never fixed by previous owners. Used ice machines and used ice maker bins are no different because you assume the risk when you purchase the machine.

Ongoing ice machine problems can lead to structural damage if not repaired. When looking at a commercial ice machine for sale you could run into potential unexpected problems. If the ice machine you’re looking at wasn’t taken care, of you may notice:

• Corrosion
• Evaporator damage
• Lime and Scale buildup
• Dirty/damaged condensers
• Ice machine bin damage
• Dirty commercial ice dispensers
• And more

If you still think a used commercial ice machine is right for your business, remember to inspect the machine thoroughly before buying. Ask the owner to open up the ice machine so that you can check for any internal problems. If you see corrosion, damage, or excess dirt, don’t buy the machine! Also, feel free to ask the owner about past problems and repairs so that you can have confidence in the quality of the machine.

Also, ice machine manufacturers recommend twice-yearly preventative maintenance and cleaning visits to keep your machine in top shape. Used commercial ice makers for sale are a risky investment that can set your business back.

Cheaper Ice Machines Might Not Produce Enough Ice

A quality, larger-sized ice machine can be rather expensive. To save money, people will look to smaller types of ice machines, not realizing that it won’t produce enough for their business. Trying to scrape by on a low ice supply can leave customers unhappy and employees scrambling.

Ice is always a necessity which is why overestimating your ice needs is always better. If you run out of ice, it can halt your business operations altogether. You will have to sacrifice time and money to run and get backup ice to make up for a smaller machine.

While your employees are out buying ice, it takes time away from focusing on the customer. It can also be extremely disruptive when it becomes a daily task.

On average, a 10-lb bag of ice will cost $3. If a business needs backup ice nearly every day, they could be spending hundreds of dollars in backup ice per year.

Skipping Important Maintenance and Cleaning

Routine maintenance and cleanings are necessary to keep a commercial ice machine equipment running properly. If the high volume ice machine isn’t taken care of it is guaranteed to break down.

Skipping ice machine maintenance and avoiding spending money on repairs may seem like an easy way to save money, but it will most likely cost you the price of a new machine.

While you’re repairing your machine or hunting down a new one, you will also need to provide backup ice which means more unforeseen ice expenses.

Keep in mind, it’s also important to remember how expensive ice machine repairs can be. Even smaller repairs, like valve replacements, can cost nearly $600. Larger repairs, like a condenser repair on air cooled ice machine, can cost even more, ranging as high as $2000.

If the industrial ice machine is maintained as recommended, it can help you avoid unnecessary expenses down the road. It allows technicians to catch problems early which saves you from expensive repairs.

Cheap Ice Machines Can Cost You in the Long Run

Business owners are always looking for ways to save money but cutting corners on cheap ice machines is not the way. This expensive mistake doesn’t need to be made. Instead, look for quality machines that are the right size for your business and focus on maintaining them properly.

Rather than buying a cheap ice machine, consider Automatic Icemakers ice machine lease program based out of Chicago. We will provide you with the best ice machine for your business, preventative maintenance, cleanings, and repairs for one low monthly cost.  Automatic Icemakers covers the upfront capital for you, giving you the convenience of owning an ice machine without all the worry.