Hoshizaki Commercial Ice Maker Guide for Chicago Businesses
Hoshizaki has been at the forefront of ice machine technology for decades. They specialize in the most dependable and energy-efficient commercial ice equipment in the industry. We offer the best models of Hoshizaki ice makers for Chicago businesses. We offer modular ice machines and bins, countertop ice makers, hotel dispensers and more. We’ve created this guide to help answer all your questions about Hoshizaki commercial ice maker models!
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How Do I Choose the Right Type of Hoshizaki Ice Machine for My Business?
Hoshizaki commercial ice makers come in all types of styles and models to fit the ice needs of any Chicago business. Restaurants, hotels, clinics, and manufacturing plants all use ice in their day-to-day operations. Below are some of the types of ice makers for different business needs:
Modular Ice Machines
Modular ice machines’ only job is to produce ice. Once you choose a model you still have to buy storage in the form of an ice bin or dispenser. Modular ice makers come in the widest range of sizes and options. They produce any type of ice you need for your business. Our modular ice machines produce between 500 – 1800 lbs of ice a day.
Stackable Ice Machines
Stackable ice machines allow you to install multiple modular units on top of one another to increase your overall daily ice production. This style of commercial ice machine still requires an ice storage bin or dispenser to store the ice. A stackable ice machine is a good option for Chicago businesses that need a lot of ice but don’t have extra room for multiple ice machines.
Undercounter Ice Machines
Undercounter ice machines are under 40” high, so they can fit underneath counters and bar tops. They average between 50-350 lbs. of ice a day. These commercial ice machines are popular in Chicago bars because they allow bartenders to grab ice directly below them. All undercounter ice makers come with built-in storage. You don’t need to buy a bin of dispenser to hold the ice. Even larger bars can benefit from an undercounter ice machine in addition to your main restaurant ice maker.
Countertop Ice Makers
Countertop ice makers fit on top of a counter so customers and employees can have access to ice. Some countertop ice makers come with the machine and dispenser, while others require that you buy a machine to fit on top. They produce between 500-800 lbs. of ice a day. Countertop ice makers are popular in office break rooms and waiting rooms. They are a hygienic way for customers and employees to grab ice and don’t take up a lot of space.
What Type of Hoshizaki Ice Shapes are There?
Hoshizaki provides ice cube shapes to fit a multitude of business needs. They ‘re ice machines form each cube individually, which prevents clumping in your ice bin or dispenser. Here are some of their most popular ice shapes for businesses.
How Do I Size a Hoshizaki Commercial Ice Maker?
To size an ice machine, you need to know how much ice your business needs to operate. Our Ice Machine Estimator know exactly how to size an ice machine to fit your business needs. There are three factors we look at to pick best ice machine for your business.
Daily Ice Usage
The first step is to determine how much ice your business goes through in a day. From there you can get a good idea of how big of a machine and bin you'll need. Consider all the places you use ice. If you own a restaurant, you'll need ice for drinks, food prep, or food presentation. Hospitals need ice for patients drinks and physical therapy. Remember, ice machines take 24-hours to produce their maximum amount of ice. A 600-lb ice machine will produce 600 lbs of ice in 24 hours.
What Type of Hoshizaki Ice Machine Condenser Do I Need?
Aa your ice maker runs, it produces heat. Your ice machine’s condenser system is responsible for cooling the machine down by releasing that heat into the environment. Overheated ice machines produce less ice and can damage over time. Getting the right condenser system for your environment will keep your ice production rate high.
Hoshizaki Air Cooled Ice Machines
Air cooled ice machines use a fan to both help cool the condenser and force heat out of the system. Air cooled ice machines require space so the hot air doesn't linger around and reenter the unit. air cooled systems are the most common and cost-effective cooling system available.
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What are the Hoshizaki Ice Machine Installation Requirements?
Hoshizaki ice maker models have 4 major requirements for installing. We’ve provided a pre-installation checklist that details all the requirements commercial ice machines need to run. You can find a brief description of these requirements below.
Drainage
As ice melts, the water needs somewhere to go. Commercial ice machines with a bin generally use a floor drain to flush excess water away. Specialty models, like countertop ice makers, have different drainage setups. All ice machines require an air gap to meet state standards. It’s best to check your local health code for your city’s drainage requirements.
Electrical
Ice machines generally run on two voltages, 115v and 220v. Smaller ice machines that produce under 800 lbs a day are generally 115v machines.. Larger ice machines that produce over 800 lbs of ice a day are generally 220v. There are also different amperages you may need to run your ice machine, so check with your electrician to see if you have the right setup to install your particular ice machine model.
Water
Clearly, you can’t make ice without water. Each model of ice machine requires a specific flow rate to ensure there is enough water to form a batch of ice. Using a lower flow rate will cause your machine to produce small or malformed ice cubes. Commercial ice machines generally require between 3 to 5 gallons a minute. Consult your plumber to to make sure you have the proper water line with a dedicated shut-off valve.
Space
Installing an air cooled ice machine requires space to release heat away form the machine. When air cooled systems don’t have enough space, the hot air reenters the ice machine causing it to overheat. Overly hot ice machines have a lower ice production rate and can lead to expensive repairs. You should free up at least 1 ft of space on all sides of the machine (including the ceiling). More is even better!
We’ve serviced ice machines across Chicago. No matter the challenge, we know exactly how to keep your ice machine running smoothly. Our pre-installation checklist shows you what you need to provide to install an ice machine in your business. If you have a challenging environment, give us a call and we’ll help you find a solution.
How Much Does a Hoshizaki Commercial Ice Maker Cost?
Hoshizaki ice machines run anywhere between $1,500 to $10,000. You will likely need to purchase a bin and pay for installation as well. Proper installation will keep your ice machine in working order, but there also some additional costs:
Hoshizaki Ice Maker Maintenance
Hoshizaki recommends at least two preventive maintenance events per year. The average preventive maintenance visit can cost up to $300. During that time, a technician will check your ice machine for potential issues and work to keep it in top performance. Both will prevent expensive repairs down the line.
Hoshizaki Water Filters
Sediment and minerals in your water supply can damage your ice machine. Sediment filters block those particles from enetering your ice machine. An ice machine water filter costs anywhere between $15-$100 dollars, depending on the type. Water filters need replacing every few months or they will clog. Clogged water filters lead to smaller, malformed ice cubes. Certain environments might require additional water filtration in along with a standard sediment filter.
Hoshizaki Ice Machine Breakdowns
An ice machine repair can cost anywhere between a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. Preventive maintenance and cleaning will help to keep repairs to a minimum. Here are some common ice machine repairs and the costs associated with them:
- Hot Gas Valve Replacement - $600
- Expansion Valve - $600
- Compressor Repair - $1500
- Evaporator Repair - $2500
If your ice machine is down for repairs, you’ll have to pay for backup ice. on average, 500 lbs. of ice will cost you over $100.
Our All-Inclusive Rental Program
Has Everything Hoshizaki Ice Machines Need to Run
Our ice machine rentals include everything a Hoshizaki commercial ice machine needs to stay in the best condition. We include 2 preventive maintenance and cleaning visits a year. We also cover all machine-related repairs, including parts and labor. If your ice machine is down for repairs for an extended amount of time, we’ll cover your day’s supply of ice. You get in all for a low, monthly cost!
Preventative Maintenace
Preventive maintenance prevents costly repairs by optimizing your ice maker. We include 2 preventive maintenance events a year in rentals.
Repairs
If your ice machine encounters a problem due to machine-related issues, we'll cover the repair, parts, and labor for no additional fee.
Breakdown Ice
If your ice machine require a long time to fix, we'll deliver a day's worth of ice to your business. In the event we can;t reach you in time, we'll credit your account for the cost of the ice. We offer this until your machine is up and running.
Need Help Choosing a Hoshizaki Commercial Ice Maker for Your Business?
Choosing a Hoshizaki commercial ice machine is not as easy as it seems; our Ice Machine Experts are here to help! Contact us anytime for assistance.