GreyBar Electric

Commercial ice machines should be professionally cleaned and sanitized every 6 months at minimum, or more frequently in hard water areas. The FDA Food Code requires ice machines to be clean and sanitized to prevent mold, slime, and bacterial growth. Between professional cleanings, staff should clean the exterior, ice bin, and scoop holder regularly. Many operators who skip cleaning face costly repairs from scale buildup and potential health code violations.

Common causes include: faulty igniter or ignition module, failed heating element (electric ovens), thermostat or temperature probe failure, gas valve issues, or clogged burner ports. Start by checking error codes on the control panel if equipped. If the oven lights but doesn't reach temperature, the thermostat or temperature probe is often the culprit. A certified technician can diagnose the root cause quickly.

1) Call an emergency refrigeration technician immediately. 2) Take and document temperature readings. 3) Move the most temperature-sensitive items (proteins, dairy) to alternate refrigeration first. 4) Contact your health department if temperatures approach 40°F+ — they can advise on food safety decisions. 5) Document all food temps for insurance claims. 6) Consider dry ice or portable refrigeration units for critical inventory. 7) Alert your supplier you may need emergency replacement products.