The Ice Maker Specialist

Commercial kitchen equipment lifespans vary: commercial ovens 15-20 years, fryers 10-15 years, refrigeration equipment 10-15 years, ice machines 7-10 years, dishwashers 10-15 years, steam tables 10-15 years. Regular preventive maintenance significantly extends equipment life. Equipment that is properly maintained often outlasts these averages by 5+ years.

Ice quality issues often indicate water system or refrigeration problems: cloudy ice suggests poor water quality or mineral content; soft ice indicates inadequate freeze cycle time or refrigerant issues; small or misshapen cubes typically point to low water flow, scale buildup on evaporator plates, or refrigerant problems. All of these issues affect the safety and quality of ice used in beverages and food service.

Installation time varies significantly: single appliance with existing connections 2-4 hours; single appliance requiring new utility connections 4-8 hours; full kitchen buildout 1-3 weeks depending on scope, permit timelines, and contractor scheduling. Work with your installer to create a realistic timeline that accounts for utility work, inspections, and health department walkthroughs before opening.