Thursday, June 4, 2015

Buy Koolaire KY0250A Commercial Ice Machine

Our friends over at Ice Maker Parts Shop have announced that they will start selling commercial ice machines, not just ice machine parts. They offer free shipping on everything they sell, so this adds tremendous value to any order you place with them and now that extends to equipment.
The current offering is only for a package, being a KY0250A ice machine and K570 ice storage bin, but according to IMPS, that line will be growing and added to regularly.
If you are looking to buy an ice machine, I recommend going through Ice Maker Parts Shop. They have great reviews on eBay and on their ecommerce website.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Does A Manitowoc Ice Machine Have A Defrost Cycle?

Manitowoc ice machines, like most commercial ice makers, have what is called a harvest cycle.  This takes the place of a defrost cycle, that is most commonly found in other pieces of refrigeration.  Instead of defrosting a coil or condenser, the ice machine defrosts(harvests) the evaporator.

The harvest cycle allows the evaporator, where the ice forms, to heat up and allow the ice to melt and fall off.  This is considered the harvest cycle and will terminate once the ice drops.  Typically, once the ice breaks the contact of the bin switch, through the water curtain, the ice machine will go back into freeze mode.  The freeze, then harvest cycle will continue until the storage bin fills up and the machine shuts down.

There is also a warm water rinse on newer Manitowoc ice machines.  This typically takes place once every 500 cycles.  During the warm water rinse, all lights on the clean light and harvest light will be illuminated on the control board.  Water will cascade over the evaporator, but will not freeze.

The warm water rinse allows any ice formation behind the evaporator to melt off.  This will reduce maintenance costs and prolong the life of the evaporator and ice machine.  To cancel the warm water rinse, simply turn the switch from ICE to OFF, then back to the ICE position.  Otherwise, allow this cycle to continue and it'll go back to making ice once completed.

If you are looking for more tips on troubleshooting a Manitowoc ice machine, be sure to view the Service section on Ice Maker Parts Shop.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Manitowoc 300lb Ice Machine

Commercial ice machines that produce 300lb of ice per day is a very common size.  This amount of ice is perfect for remote locations or small restaurants.  It's also the smallest Manitowoc ice machine made that is considered modular, which means it is separate from the storage bin.  A modular machine allows it to be paired with almost any type of ice bin.

Manitowoc Indigo series is the latest series ice maker, by the leading manufacturer of commercial ice making equipment.  Advancements in diagnostics, efficiency, and ease of cleaning, make the Indigo a popular choice among those looking to buy an ice machine.

The model number varies, depending on the size of ice and type of condenser required.  The 300 comes in 115v and can produce ice in Dice or half-dice sized cubes.  It's also is available in either an air-cooled condenser or water-cooled.

The 4 model numbers available are IY0304A, IY0305W, ID0302A, and ID0303W.


Monday, August 18, 2014

Why Buy A Neo Undercounter Ice Machine?

Manitowoc's NEO undercounter ice machines have been making waves, with their advancement in ice making technology. The newly redesigned cubers now have features to make it easier for service, front facing notification lights, delay ice buttons, and more.  What's more is that these machines are priced competitively, so you can have the Cadillac of ice machines for the price of a Chevette.

The #1 benefit to the new NEO ice makers is the ability to remove the storage bin from the unit.  This allows access to all the refrigeration components, fan motors, water pumps, inlet valves and other components.  With just a few latches, unplug the control board, and unhook the drain, you can then slide the one piece bin straight off the front.  So if the ice maker is crammed under a counter, servicing has immediately become easier!

Next, the indicator lights on the front of the machine let you know what's going on inside.  If service is needed, a pretty little wrench light comes on.  If the machine is currently making ice, it'll let you know that as well.  Perhaps you want to delay the ice machine for awhile because of the noise and you are having a meeting, the NEO can now accommodate.  Simply push the delay button to trigger a delayed ice making cycle, that then automatically puts the ice machine back to making ice.

In 2013 the NEO was awarded the ACHR Design Award, thanks to it's innovative design and functionality.

"We are very pleased to receive this recognition from our service contractor community," states Rick Showers-Vice President of Marketing, Manitowoc Ice. "This award acknowledges our commitment to developing industry leading, energy efficient, operator-friendly ice machines."

With NEO you can have ice when and where you need it, without the need for extra space.  It breathes out the front, so it feels right at home underneath a counter top.  For more information, visit the official Manitowoc NEO web page, for more features and benefits.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Manitowoc Ice Machine Water Filters

Commercial ice machines require special water filtration.  Using filtered water adds life to your equipment, cuts down on nuisance maintenance calls, and makes your ice machine more energy efficient.  Manitowoc Ice sells their own line of water filters, called Aqua Pure, that are designed specifically for Manitowoc and Koolaire ice makers.

Not all filters are created equal, you should consider capacity, and scale removal ability.  A 300lb per day ice machine requires a lower capacity cartridge than a 1000lb per day ice machine.  Manitowoc water filters cover a broad line of machines to fit your particular need.

The smallest water filter by Manitowoc is the K-00374, which is designed to work ONLY in their smallest ice machine, the SM50A.  This water filter actually mounts inside the ice machine and does not require a separate mounting bracket or shut off valve in head.


The K-00374 can currently be purchased for $41.69 with free shipping from Ice Maker Parts Shop.

Next is the K-00338 water filter cartridge, which has the capacity to take care of all ice machines sized 100lb per day to 600lb per day.  The K338 should be changed out at the minimal of every 6 months.  The chemical Siliphos is used to aid in scale reduction, which is water activated and no longer effective after 6 months.


Water filter K-00338 can currently be purchased for just $55.99 with free shipping from Ice Maker Parts Shop.

Lastly, you've got the high capacity K-00339 cartridge, which is used in the AR20000 and AR40000 filter system heads.  For machines 800lb per day to 1200lb per day a single K339 cartridge will work for up to 6 months.  However, larger machines may require 2 of these cartridges to meet capacity requirements.


The K-00339 can be purchased from Ice Maker Parts Shop for just $71.56, with free shipping.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

What is the Warranty on a Kool-Aire Ice Machine?

The new budget ice machine by Manitowoc, Kool-Aire, has just updated it's warranty agreement.  Any machines purchased, before this change, or after, now enjoy a full 3 year parts and labor warranty.  This is extended from their normal 1 year warranty, at no additional cost or price increase in the marketplace.

This means, you will also enjoy coverage of 5 year parts and labor on the evaporator and 5 year parts, 3 years labor on the new rotary compressor.  This puts the warranty in line with the more expensive Manitowoc Indigo ice machine, making the KoolAire a much more attractive purchase.

So, hold off purchasing your Kool Aire ice machine parts until the warranty is up.  Find an authorized service tech near you to complete warranty service and put more money on your bottom line.  Typically Manitowoc ice machine warranty technicians would also be authorized to complete and file KoolAire warranty.  Just be sure that the issue you are having is a warranty concern and not a basic cleaning or maintenance issue.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Manitowoc Bin Doors

Food inspectors will pay very close attention to the quality of ice storage bin being used.  Ice is a food product, so a storage bin is considered a food zone.  An inspector will look to make sure there are no signs of rust, proper functionality, and a good seal.  This is why it's important to replace a bin door anytime it is damaged.

Manitowoc bin doors can be very expensive, but a necessary part to keep in proper working order.  They are easily replaced, so save money by replacing a bin door yourself, instead of paying a service technician.  Many Manitowoc part dealers online can sell the door at a discount, with the part being delivered right to your door.

Ice Maker Parts Shop offers one of the most popular Manitowoc bin doors, the 7628453 for sale.  However, this does not come with the barrel hinges.  This door is used on S Series storage bins like the S400 and S570.

Before replacement, ensure that the door itself is damaged and not the part that it mounts to.  The deflector in most bins is what the door hinges on, which can have a hairline crack, keeping the door from hinging or laying properly.  A crack in the deflector will also keep the door from remaining open when lifted.

To extend the life of an ice storage bin, train your employees to properly use the equipment.  Leaning on the plastic door and being rough with opening is the most common cause of damage.  Slamming of the ice bin door can also cause premature failure, so be easy with it!