ICE MACHINE LEASING LOS ANGELES

Leasing an ice machine offers a manageable way to access high-quality equipment without a significant initial investment. However, it's crucial to thoroughly understand all associated costs to make an informed financial decision.

Ice Machine Leasing in Los Angeles

We know that growing your business, increasing revenues, and earning greater market share is a goal that you share with all other driven business owners. However, it sometimes feels like coming up with enough business capital to purchase ice machines and supplies, manage inventory, repair broken equipment, and secure new machinery is the truly challenging part of running a business. If you own or operate a business that relies on one or more ice machines on a daily basis, you understand how critical these industrial grade appliances are to your day-to-day operation.

Why Ice Machine Leasing is Better for Your Bottom Line

If one of your ice machines goes down or fails to perform at peak levels, the results can be disastrous. Spoiled inventory, upset customers, and damage to other equipment can result from faulty ice machines. If you are in the market for a new ice machine or a series of ice machines, you’ll want to decide between purchasing outright using on-hand cash, or leasing.

Keep more cash on hand by Leasing your Ice Machines

Businesses require money to make money, and there must be sufficient funds in the bank to handle the ebb and flow of the revenue stream. Payroll must be met, suppliers must be paid, utility bills must be kept current, and emergency expenses can be quite unforgiving when there aren’t sufficient funds in the bank. By leasing an ice machine, you will be able to keep more cash on-hand because little to no money down and no collateral are required to obtain the ice machines that are needed by your business. Another side effect of having cash on hand is a greater ability to respond quickly to lucrative opportunities within your field. Cash-strapped businesses often find that they must turn down potential opportunities simply because it can take money to start a job.

 

7 Considerations for Selecting the Optimal Ice Machine for Your Los Angeles Enterprise

Navigating the process of selecting the ideal ice machine for your enterprise in Los Angeles, California can be daunting. Numerous factors must be evaluated to ensure you choose the most suitable machine for your needs. Easy Ice has distilled this decision-making process into seven crucial guidelines for selecting the perfect commercial ice machine for your business.

1. Determine the Appropriate Ice Machine Size

The most complex aspect of choosing an ice machine is ascertaining the correct ice quantity required for your establishment. Ice plays a significant role not only in beverages but in various other applications, which complicates the estimation process.

Consider the following: What is your busiest and hottest day of operations? Estimating your ice needs based on peak periods ensures preparedness for high-demand situations. Heat can diminish the ice machine's production efficiency, especially in scorching climates like Arizona or Nevada. Consequently, a machine with a higher output capacity may be necessary to compensate for reduced production rates during extreme heat.

Additionally, evaluate the non-beverage uses of ice within your business. For instance, if you operate a bar, how much ice is required for the bar area? Does your kitchen need ice for food preparation? Are you in the healthcare sector, using ice for therapeutic purposes? Engaging your staff in these discussions can provide valuable insights into your specific requirements.

Running out of ice can incur significant costs due to purchasing replacement ice from delivery services, which can cost between $1-$3 per 10 lbs. and may have a delayed delivery.

Modular Ice Makers vs. Larger Machines

For establishments with modest ice needs, modular ice machines might suffice. These compact units, available as countertop or undercounter models, can effectively meet the demands of an average bar or restaurant. They offer affordability, compactness, and convenience.

Nonetheless, it's imperative to anticipate future needs and assess whether the ice makers under consideration can consistently produce and store sufficient ice. In some cases, investing in larger, high-capacity commercial ice makers may be more appropriate.

2. Selecting the Ideal Ice Cube Shapes

To ensure the best performance from your commercial ice machine, it's essential to choose the right ice cube shapes. The variety of ice—whether nugget, cubed, flaked, or round—can significantly influence the presentation and experience of your beverages. Offering a selection of ice types can provide a competitive edge over businesses that offer only a single type.

Ice shapes serve various functions beyond mere aesthetics. For instance, cubelet ice (also known as nugget or flake ice) is soft and chewable, making it suitable for young children or medical patients. Flake ice, on the other hand, is moldable and ideal for seafood displays and food presentations.

Assessing Different Ice Types

Evaluate the various types of ice and select the one that aligns best with your business needs.

3. Ensuring Adequate Space

Even the most efficient ice machine requires sufficient space for optimal operation. Air-cooled machines, which are the most prevalent, require ample ventilation to function effectively. These units generate heat as they operate, which must be expelled through vents. Inadequate ventilation can lead to a microclimate, causing the machine to overheat and reduce ice production.

Install your ice machine in a spacious area with adequate ventilation, ideally with only one wall within 18 inches of the unit (preferably a wall without vents). This setup prevents the accumulation of hot air around the machine, maintaining efficient operation.

4. Providing Proper Drainage

Proper drainage is crucial for ice machine installation, as these machines generate excess water during operation. For modular or self-contained machines mounted on bins or dispensers, a floor drain is necessary to manage this water.

Countertop units often connect their excess water to nearby sink drains using a wye fitting, reducer coupling, and either a 4" or 6" bell fitting, depending on the model. Each setup requires an air gap to prevent backflow into the machine. Most municipalities mandate this air gap, and failure to comply may result in violations during health inspections.

5. Ensuring the Correct Electrical Setup

Ice machines require either a 115v or 220v outlet, depending on their size and model. Smaller machines typically use 115v outlets, while larger, commercial units necessitate 220v outlets.

115v outlets resemble standard wall outlets with parallel slots and a small round hole. In contrast, 220v outlets, often used for washing and drying machines, come in various configurations but always require a dedicated neutral. It may be necessary to enlist an electrician to install the appropriate outlet.

Additionally, avoid GFCI outlets (with “test” and “reset” buttons) as they can cause malfunctions in ice machines. Hoshizaki recommends using non-GFCI outlets for optimal operation.

6. Choosing the Right Condenser: Water-Cooled vs. Air-Cooled

Air-cooled machines, which use fans to cool condenser coils, are the most common. However, water-cooled machines use water for cooling and are less impacted by ambient temperature. They may be ideal for businesses with limited ventilation or space.

Remote condensers, installed separately from the ice machine, use refrigerant lines to transfer heat to an external unit. Although these systems may offer benefits, they can be more costly and may require significant installation efforts, such as cutting through walls or ceilings.

If your region experiences high water temperatures, water-cooled systems might waste large amounts of water, raising utility costs. Remote units can be expensive to install but may offer long-term savings if their installation is feasible.

7. To Buy or Rent: That is the Question

Finally, consider whether to purchase or lease your ice machine. While buying provides ownership, it also entails ongoing responsibilities, including routine maintenance and compliance with health regulations.

Leasing or opting for an all-inclusive managed ice machine rental from Easy Ice offers financial advantages and convenience. Leasing reduces the upfront cost, and many leasing agreements include maintenance and repair services, often at minimal or no additional cost.

Leasing also mitigates the risk of unexpected repairs; leasing companies typically handle repairs or replacements, saving you from significant expenditures and operational disruptions.

In summary, leasing an ice machine offers peace of mind and allows you to concentrate on enhancing your business, rather than managing equipment issues.

Contact the Los Angeles, CA Ice Machine Experts

The optimal commercial ice machine is one that caters to your specific needs, whether a modular unit or a high-performance water-cooled model. The choice ultimately hinges on your requirements and preferences. Keep your ice supply robust and efficient with the assistance of the Ice Experts. Begin today by calling 855-550-7792, requesting a quote, or learning more at easyice.com/our-subscription/.