Dirty Ice, What it Means

What cases dirty ice?

Nugget or flaker ice maker:

• High water level
• Bad filters
• Leaking seal (grease!)

Any ice maker:

• Pink ice – mold – bad filtration
• Black specks – nickle coming off of evaporator surface

Always inspect an ice maker when dirty or discolored ice appears. Not only can “dirty ice” drive your customers away, it is a potential health hazard.

 

P.S. I cannot tell you the number of times I have heard people say, “I will never order a drink from a soda fountain again!,” after seeing what looked like dirty ice. Keep your business out of that situation!

Do not wait for the health inspectors to find mold or grease in your ice!

Prevent Auger Damage (Ice Machine)

Don’t let this happen to your ice machine! Dreaded auger damage, see our pic of a chewed up auger, is simple to prevent!

Prevention steps when servicing a nugget or flaker ice maker :

• Inspect entire unit (all the way down to the gear box)
• Ensure top bearing is greased
• Ensure the gear box grease is clean and free of water

Augers are expensive to replace – much less expensive to properly maintain.

Proper maintenance = more money in your profits!

 

Save the Life of Your Refrigeration Equipment

At the top of the list – a dirty condenser or evaporator shortens the life of your equipment drastically. 

Equipment owner:

• Make sure your condensers are kept clean
• Make sure your filters are clean and free of dust and debris
• Use water filtration systems (especially in Central Texas!)
• Perform routine maintenance on a regular basis (especially on nugget and flaker ice machines)

Save yourself time and money by staying on top of these steps!