Having the best commercial ice dispensers can certainly save money in the long run and guarantee that your customers receive the best iced drinks available. Still, ice machines are a considerable upfront financial investment for any business.
To help save costs, you might be looking into purchasing refurbished commercial ice machines. This makes sense in many cases! However, when buying a commercial ice machine, there are several things you should look out for to make sure you are getting a used, but still quality, ice maker dispenser.
In this article, we will look at what exactly you need to investigate before making a used ice maker purchase.
5 Features To Consider When Buying A Used Portable Ice Maker
When buying a refurbished unit, it’s wise to consider how much ice the machine can produce or if their ice production is smooth and seamless. However, it is also best to consider other aspects such as the machine’s history of repairs and the overlook look of the ice maker.
If you are already decided to purchase a used portable ice maker, here are just some of the things you need to look out for so you can enjoy their features.
1. The Refurbished Ice Dispensers’ Maintenance History
Just as not all ice machines are made the same, not all portable ice makers have received the same care by their previous owners.
Even when an appliance has been carefully repaired, it is important to look at the history of its care over time.
If the commercial ice maker has a history of recurring problems for its previous owner, it will be good to know when choosing a refurbished one. Perhaps it is something small that needs occasional upkeep and you can afford to maintain, or if it is a larger issue you may need to keep searching.
Ask the seller of refurbished ice dispensers what condition the appliance was in when they received it. While some sellers won’t have direct maintenance logs, it is always a good idea to ask so that you can see the history of the machine and its care.
Repairs on the best commercial ice makers can vary in costs, with some parts being rather pricey to replace. An ice maker dispenser that has received proper care from its first owner is likely to have less wear and tear on the parts and will be less likely to break.
2. Know The Environment the Remodeled Machine Came From And Where It Will Be Used
Refurbished ice makers’ previous running environment is an easy thing to overlook for first-time buyers.
However, the conditions an ice machine was asked to run in can have a big impact on the machine’s longevity, efficiency, and remaining value.
When purchasing an appliance from a previous owner, or installing a remodeled ice machine at your business there are a few things to avoid:
- Areas that have no air conditioning or that are naturally very hot.
- Excessive outdoor use.
- Environments with low ventilation such as closets or large cupboard spaces.
- Bakeries and Breweries
- Warehouse and busy factory environments
The best commercial ice makers that are used in harsh conditions experience rapid wear and tear. When a machine is for sale after only one or two years of use, carefully check the environment it was placed in to assure it doesn’t have the wear down of a much older ice maker dispenser.
Commercial ice machines run best when the temperature around them stays around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The amount of energy and effort needed to create and store ice is notably higher in high-temperature spaces.
Countertop ice makers need to be able to take in air to properly cool and maintain their internal parts. If ice equipment is used in places with poor ventilation or low air quality, dirt and grime can quickly build up inside the machine preventing it from working efficiently.
For this reason, ice machines that have been used in hot and dusty factories or warehouses often have signs of use beyond their actual age.
It may seem odd to avoid appliances used in bakeries and breweries. The reason to avoid, or at least be aware, of refurbished ice dispensers from this environment, has to do with the amount of yeast in the air.
Yeast promotes the growth of mold and slime. When an ice maker dispenser is kept in an environment with high levels of yeast it needs more regular cleanings to remain slime and mold free.
A machine from a brewery or bakery can be a good investment, but you will want to be sure it received regular cleaning to keep undesirable mold away.
If you will be keeping your remodeled equipment in a brewery or bakery, you will want to invest in at least two professional level cleanings annually. Health inspectors look closely at ice dispensers and will write code violations for any mold or growth in an ice machine.
After purchasing a modernized appliance, make sure to consider the factors above as well. To make your investment lasts as long as possible, you will want to install your refurbished ice dispensers in a location that promotes optimal running conditions.
3. Check For Internal Corrosion On A Refurbished Ice Machine
A re-equipped ice machine can look wonderful on the outside but it may have varying levels of internal corrosion caused by frequent water exposure.
Over time water naturally corrodes the environment around it. As machines age and are used they are more prone to leaks, drips, and internal water build up. A piece of equipment that regularly leaks and drips will become quickly corroded.
To check for internal corrosion you will need to gently remove the faceplate and look directly inside the ice machine.
If you see signs of rust or corrosion, it is time to continue your refurbished ice dispensers search elsewhere. Signs of corrosion include lime build up, rust, and break down of parts.
If you purchase a machine with corrosion, any parts displaying rust or corrosion will need to be replaced. You should also be aware that even after replacement, corrosion can continue if there is a regular leak within the machine.
4. Inspect The Ice Machine Condenser
When your ice machine cools water for freezing, the water gives off heat that needs to be released. This is where your ice machine’s condenser is the star of the show.
Without a properly functioning condenser your appliance will continually overheat and fail to work. At this point you are left with expensive repairs.
Ice machine condensers suffer when they are asked to run in harsh, dirty environments as they are often one of the first ice machine parts to experience dirt and dust build up.
When looking at refurbished ice dispensers make sure to peek at the condenser. If the condenser shows a build up of dirt and dust, you should request a professional cleaning before continuing with the purchasing process.
Ask for a receipt to prove the cleaning was done by a professional, not just the current owner of the machine.
Do not assume you can bring the machine home and properly clean the condenser yourself. Condensers are typically tricky to reach and a professional may need to take out several parts of the equipment to reach the part for total cleaning.
5. Look For Damage To The Evaporator
Evaporators are the part of the machine that is responsible for actual freezing of the ice. They also release prepared ice into the machine dispenser. To work its best the evaporator needs a smooth surface where the ice develops.
Over time an ice machine may produce what is known as scale.
Scale is a build up of the minerals calcium and magnesium that are found in water. Hard water builds up scale more quickly than soft water.
Build up of scale on a machine’s evaporator creates a rough surface for ice creation. When the surface is covered in scale the evaporator must work harder to freeze ice and to release it into the ice bin.
It is important that you check a machine’s evaporator for scale build up. An appliance with scale build up will not create ice efficiently and could eventually need costly repairs. Also look to make sure the evaporator is not dented, cracked, or loose.
If you run your nail along the surface of an evaporator it should slip smoothly across the surface without any bumps or drag. If your nail struggles to move along the surface of the condenser there may be harmful scale build up.
Evaporators are located in different areas in different ice dispensers. Look at the owner’s manual of the machine you are considering purchasing to find the exact location of the evaporator for inspection.
Careful Inspection Is Key To Purchasing Refurbished Ice Dispensers
A restored and re-equipped ice machine can be a great purchase for businesses on a budget. They are also a fantastic option for people new to owning and using an ice maker.
The key to a good investment is in the pre-purchase inspection. Use the tips above to help make sure you thoroughly inspect the most important parts of potential equipment.
Once you have made your purchase, be sure to run your ice cube maker in a temperature-controlled environment with clean air and good ventilation.
Inspect your appliance regularly for leaks, corrosion, and build up especially if your dispenser has an ice machine head. If you notice any problems, have your appliance professionally cleaned and evaluated.
A proper inspection and regular care will help you get the most out of any refurbished ice equipment you purchase. Your customers will thank you for giving them crisp fresh ice in every drink.