Normally in casual conversations, people use the words ice maker and ice machine interchangeably, but there is a big difference between these two.

Ice Maker usually refers to a built-in ice dispenser that make ice and is a part of a fridge freezer unit. It is usually found in home refrigerators. It can sometimes be a countertop machine that make a little bit of ice mostly for residential use.

An Ice Machine, however, is typically a stand-alone much larger in size and used typically for commercial use like in bars, restaurants, hotels, convenience store and other business establishments. These machines do make much bigger amount of ice and sometimes have a much bigger ice bin.

First of all, whether it is an ice machine or ice maker, we need to check to see if it is still under Warranty.
If it is under warranty, you will need to contact the manufacturer first. They may provide authorized repair service technician or just send you the part and have you find a local technician like us to repair for you. They send you the part free, but you still have to pay the technician for labor.

If it is not under warranty, we will have to pay for parts and labor.

Common Ice Maker Problems and Solutions:

1. Ice Maker Not Producing Ice

• Check water supply: Ensure water line is connected, and valve is open
• Inspect water filter: Replace if clogged (typically every 6 months)
• Test water inlet valve: Should have 120V when cycling
• Verify freezer temperature: Must be 0°F (-18°C) or colder

2. Ice Maker Making Small or Misshapen Ice

• Low water pressure: Check for kinks in supply line
• Faulty water inlet valve: May not be opening fully
• Mineral buildup: Clean with vinegar solution

3. Ice Maker Leaking

• Inspect water lines: Check for cracks or loose connections
• Examine ice mold: Look for cracks or warping
• Check drain pan: Ensure it’s properly positioned

4. Ice Tastes or Smells Bad

• Replace water filter
• Clean ice bin with mild detergent
• Sanitize system with baking soda/vinegar solution

Basic Maintenance

1. Monthly cleaning with 1:1 vinegar/water solution
2. Replace filter every 6 months
3. Inspect seals for proper closure
4. Defrost if ice appears cloudy or contains bubbles

What to look for when buying a new fridge with an ice maker:

• Does what type of ice matters to you? Ice Type like Nugget soft, bullet, cube, or crushed – Pick the type you prefer.

• Speed: Some make ice faster or more quietly.

• Capacity: More storage space for ice is preferable for large families or if you tend to entertain parties more often.

• Water Filtration: Built-in filters improve taste & clarity.

Commercial Ice machine Repair
We work mostly on brands like Scotsman, Manitowoc, Hoshizaki etc.

To keep products fresh and safe, businesses such as restaurants, bars, hotels, grocery stores, supermarkets and many other institutions rely on Ice and ice machines on their day-to-day operations. But when the machine breaks down, it becomes an emergency, and the business has to act fast to find an ice machine repair technician to come out immediately to repair the broken machine.

There is also a need to get the ice machine serviced at least once or twice a year depending on the usage, but maintenance and service is not emergency, you have time to schedule it around whatever time suits your schedule.

We specialize in commercial ice machine repair and maintenance, and we offer emergency repair at no extra cost. Our technicians are factory trained and experienced and can identify the problem quickly.

Regular maintenance is necessary and can help prevent breakdowns and extend the life of the system. This includes cleaning the machine and replacing any worn or damaged parts.

If you are experiencing issues with your Commercial Ice Machine, contact us immediately so we can dispatch a repair service technician to diagnose and fix the problem quickly and cost-effectively.