Simple Steps to Turn off Your Ice Maker
If you won't be needing ice for a couple of weeks, it's a good idea to turn off your ice maker. Shutting down your ice maker will save you in utility costs and help to safeguard the establishment should anything go wrong. Leaks or freeze-ups can do damage to the ice machine or the building if they are left unattended.
Follow the steps below to turn off your ice maker when it’s not in use.
Is Your Machine Safe From Cold Weather?
Chicago winters get very cold, and the freezing temperatures can harm your ice machine - even if it's off. If you expect freezing temperatures, please call Automatic Icemakers Customer Support so we can schedule a technician to winterize your machine.
How Do I Turn Off a Manitowoc Ice Maker?
- If you are able, simply unplugging the ice machine is the best way to turn it off.
- If you cannot unplug the ice machine, the next best course of action is to locate the breaker that your ice machine is on and turn it to “off”
- If either of these options are not possible, please follow the instructions below.

- Open the front panel of your ice machine by unscrewing the (1) top and (1) bottom screw of the Manitowoc front panel with a Phillips-head screwdriver. The door will swing open. Make sure you do not lose the screws as they are necessary to secure the front panel.

- On the top of the display panel, there will be three buttons. On the far left is the power button. Push and hold the power button until the unit powers off.
- Once unit has powered off, the screen will go blank. Please close the front door of the machine, and replace the 2 screws, thoroughly securing the front panel.
How Do You Turn Your Manitowoc Ice Machine Back On?
- To turn the ice machine on, either plug the unit back into the outlet or turn the breaker back on. Otherwise, follow the instructions below.
- Open the ice machine as described above.
- Push and hold the power button until the unit powers on.
- Once unit has powered on, the screen will activate. Please close the front door of the machine, and replace the 2 screws, thoroughly securing the front panel.
How Do I Turn Off a Hoshizaki Ice Maker?
- If you are able, simply unplugging the ice machine is the best way to turn it off.
- If you cannot unplug the ice machine, the next best course of action is to locate the breaker that your ice machine is on and turn it to "off"
- If either of these options are not possible, please follow the instructions below.

- Loosen or remove the Phillips-head screw(s) from bottom edge of the front panel.
- Firmly grasp the edges of the front panel and slide upward to release the front panel from the top panel’s lip.
- Set aside panel in a location that’s away from foot traffic.

- Locate main “toggle” switch, which will be located on the control box.
- Flip switch to the “off” position.
- Once the machine is “off,” please replace the front panel. Ensure that the front panel’s top hinge has thoroughly secured with the top panels lip.
- Tighten the Philip’s screw(s) on the bottom edge of the front panel.
How Do You Turn Your Hoshizaki Ice Machine Back On?
- To turn the ice machine on, either plug the unit back into the outlet or turn the breaker back on. Otherwise, follow the instructions below.
- Open the ice machine as described above.
- Flip switch to the “ICE” position. You will hear water begin to flow in your ice machine.
- Once the machine is on, replace the front panel as explained above.

24/7 Ice Machine Support
If you run a Chicago business and experiencing problems with your commercial ice maker, our Ice Machine Experts are here to help.