15 Questions You Should Ask When Buying An Ice Machine
Getting Satisfaction....From Ice
If there is one thing I cannot comprehend, it is drinking lukewarm liquids. I enjoy hot liquid. I enjoy cold liquid. Unless I am to the point of death (or attempting not to offend a host who has just handed me a glass of lukewarm liquid), I refuse to drink lukewarm liquid.
It's All About Temperature
If you think about it, temperature is quite amazing. It's amazing that heat can excite molecules enough to affect flavor. It's just as amazing what a glass of ice water will do on a hot summer day in the middle of mowing the front lawn... nothing tastes as sweet and refreshing. Ice is one of those things that will make or break your cold drink sales. You doubt me? Pretend that your ice machine broke down and serve all of your customers ice-less drinks during your next lunch rush. If your waitresses haven't plotted mutiny, and your phone survey line isn't flooded with complaint calls then you are doing very well indeed. I used to work at a coffee shop and one day our ice maker went down. Try telling the customer who always gets her large strawberry and whipped cream icey that she is going to have to go slushy-less for a day... not a pretty sight.
Why Should I Care About Ice Machines?
At this point you may be tempted to say, "ok Kirk, we all agree that ice is a necessary convenience for restaurant owners, stop wasting our time writing about stuff we already know about." Well, as with anything, not all ice is created equal. Do you want full cubes or half cubes? How much ice do you want? What kind of water filter do you need so your ice doesn't taste like monkey poo? These and many other questions are what you should be asking yourself (and the sales rep you are talking too) when you consider purchasing a new ice machine.
Commercial Ice Machine Blog Series...What Now?!
This will be the first of a new blog series we would like to do focusing on ice makers. In my next post (and periodically throughout the rest of the series as well) we will attempt to point you to some excellent ice making machine brands by means of answering questions like these:
- What brand of ice makers is the best?
- Do I need a bin with my ice maker? Do they come together? Separately?
- How big of a bin do I need for my store?
- What is the difference between ice makers that produce ice that is half-dice, full-dice, shaved, cube, nugget, etc. etc. etc.?
- What kind of ice cube is the best for my needs?
- How much ice does an ice machine produce?
- How much ice would I need in a day?
- Do ice machines require a special electrical source?
- What is the difference between air-cooled, water-cooled, and remotely cooled? Which is best for me?
- Are there different kinds of ice making machines for different kinds of businesses? Which would I need for my business?
- Are there environmentally friendly, energy efficient choices of ice makers out there?
- Do I really need a water filter, I mean... really?
- Is there a warranty on ice machines?
- How long can I expect my ice maker to last?
- If I don't like the ice maker I buy from Prima, can I return it?
In the next couple of months, we will answer all of these questions (and then some) so you can become an expert on ice machines before you purchase, making your transaction with us enjoyable for everyone involved. Stay tuned! And as always, if you have a question you would like to see addressed, leave us a note in the comments. Ready to buy but not sure where to start? Than check out these 4 great commercial ice machines
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It wobbles, no matter what I do.
Ordered this table last week for home use and it arrived promptly via UPS. Setup was a breeze after watching the tutorial video and I discovered a trick to setting up the bottom shelf on your own; with the table upside down, place a box on the underside of the tabletop and then slide the bottom shelf onto the legs so it lies flat against the box. This will level the bottom shelf and hold it in place so you can tighten the fasteners on each leg.
The table itself is moderately sturdy and the 16 gauge steel thick enough to take some abuse. The table is a bit wobbly since there is no back brace and the legs are not welded but this can be remedied by placing the table in a corner. I arranged my table in the middle of my kitchen with the side flush against the wall and the corner resting snugly where my window frame meets it.
Very fast shipment and the table came well packaged, but unfortunately UPS mishandled it a bit so there are minor dents on the sides. However, this does not detract from the rating since it is not Prima's fault. I would suggest, however, that freight shipment be an option for all products if this is possible. I would be willing to pay more if I knew it would protect my investment.
Sturdy, easy to install. 36" length only allows for attachment to one stud. Get yourself (3) 3/16 x 2" toggle bolts. Fast shipping, great price, will shop here again.