How to Choose the Perfect Ice Solution for Your Needs

Whether you run a restaurant, bar, resort, or school cafeteria, having a reliable ice machine is essential. The right ice solution can help you keep food and drinks at safe temperatures and present them attractively. But with so many ice solutions on the market, how do you choose the perfect one for your unique requirements?

Determine your Ice Needs

The first thing you need to think about is how much ice your business needs daily. If you run a busy restaurant or hotel bar, you may need a high-capacity machine that can produce hundreds of pounds of ice every day. You’ll also need to consider what kind of ice you require, whether it’s cubed, crushed, chewblet, shaved, or flaked. Deciding how you want ice dispensed for your specific application can help solidify your choice.

Follett

Follett offers Remote Ice Delivery Equipment (RIDE) technology to automatically transport ice through a tube from up to 75 ft away. Unique RIDE technology ensures a reliable, hands-free supply of Chewblet ice, no matter where the ice machine is located, perfect for restaurants and c-stores.

Icetro

ICETRO machines use cutting-edge technology to produce clear and slow melting ice. This is ideal for bars, hotels, and restaurants that require ice for cocktails, martinis, and other drinks. They also have self-cleaning technology, which makes them easy to maintain while reducing costs.

Marvel

Marvel Refrigeration ice makers are a good option for those businesses that need ice available in a hurry. The machines can make up to 34 pounds of ice per day, making them a perfect fit for K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. Marvel ice makers produce clear, restaurant-quality ice at the touch of a button, and some units have new BrightShield antimicrobial lighting to provide continuous sanitizing action.

Don’t forget about ice storage/delivery equipment!  Kloppenberg specializes in solutions like upright bins, ice baggers/dispensers, rolling carts, and Shuttle Plus Storage (SPS) systems.

Think about Space and Efficiency

The size and installation requirements of your ice machine will depend on your available space and your needs. Some models are designed to be installed on countertops, while others are built for undercounter or are freestanding. You’ll also need to consider factors such as the machine’s drainage requirements, access to water and electricity, and ventilation needs

Ice machines can be energy-intensive appliances, so it’s also important to choose one that is energy-efficient. Look for models that are certified by Energy Star, as these have been independently tested for energy efficiency.

Investing in the right ice solution can make a big difference in efficiency, hygiene, and customer satisfaction. By considering factors such as ice needs and storage, energy efficiency, and space requirements, you can choose the perfect ice machine for your needs. At Pecinka Ferri, our four top-of-the-line brands, Follett, ICETRO, Marvel Refrigeration, and Kloppenberg offer different ice machines, storage, and transportation solutions that suit many needs. Regardless of your business size or specific ice requirements, we are confident that our solutions will help keep your operations running smoothly.

Contact us today to learn more about our ice solutions or to schedule a free consultation!