From time to time, service technicians are asked "What size ice machine do we need?". Giving the correct answer to this question requires some research. One thing you should always remember is that it is better to have too much ice than not enough. This article will cover some aspects of sizing a unit correctly. Consider the type of business and how they will use the ice. Remember, ice can be used for many things other than cooling drinks. List the different uses at this customer’s location. Ask the customer:

1. What is the seating capacity and turns per day?
2. What days are they open?
3. What are their hours of operation and peak periods?
4. Are cocktails, ice water, or iced soft drinks served?
    What is the cup or serving size?
5. Do they offer any promotional drink sales? (Super duper 64 oz. specials)
6. Is there a salad bar or other ice holding area?
7. Are there any special ice uses such as icing down produce or meats for            storage?

Estimate how much ice is used for each purpose. This may require measuring the containers such as a salad bar or fish display cases, storage trays, or holding bins. You should also look at how many times during the day these containers are refreshed. To calculate how much these containers hold, use this rule of thumb. A cubic foot of KM cube ice weighs approximately 32 lbs. A cubic foot of flake ice weighs around 27 lbs. Once you calculate the actual ice usage, add approximately 20~25% as a safety factor to accommodate for future business growth and peak summer demands. Now that you know the ice demands, choose the model that provides the proper ice production. The unit should meet the demand under a worst case scenario of high ambient and water temperature conditions. The ice storage bin should be sized to provide adequate storage capacity to meet that peak demand draw.

More Hoshizaki Tips:

1. TXV Diagnostics

2. SQUEAKY FLAKER

3. ICE STRIPS

4. SIZING ICE MACHINES
   
   

Danny Moore Hoshizaki America, Inc. Volume 107
Editor 618 Hwy. 74 South July 14, 1994
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Care Facsimile: (800) 843-1056