Purchasing a Machine That Can’t Produce Enough Ice
The first thing you should do before you opt for a particular model is to check its production rate. A lot of people purchase these units because they have a modern and futuristic look which makes your kitchen more appealing. However, looking at the specifications is much more important than the design. Therefore, check if it’s able to fulfill your daily ice requirements.
On the other hand, you should also avoid buying a machine that makes much more than you need. The reasons are quite simple – it’s more prone to bacteria buildup, and it spends a lot of water and power. When you determine exactly what you need regarding output, add 20% as a buffer, and it should be the optimal rate of production for your everyday needs.
Avoid Cheap Models
Although it sounds like common sense, many people get carried and decide to purchase a cheap copy of a famous brand. Needless to say, it ends up being a huge mistake and an incredible burden. The list of disadvantages is pretty big, but here are some of the most important ones. First of all, cheap copies aren’t as durable as the real thing. Most companies use low-quality materials and even toxic polyvinyl chloride in the design which later contaminates the ice. The worse thing about it is the fact that you can’t make it better because it is the integrity that is toxic, not the surface. Therefore, cleaning won’t do any good.
Furthermore, consistency is also an issue with cheap models. The top quality models always produce same-looking cubes of ice without exception. However, the low costing units tend to produce different shapes and use an excessive amount of power during the process. If you’re interested in some of the top quality models, check our reviews out.
Avoid Unknown Resellers
Retail is one of the most profitable businesses in the world. Consequently, there is a ton of shady companies that sell affordable merchandise. However, whenever something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. The most common problem with shady resellers is the warranty. Many of them will tell you that they offer incredible warranty conditions just to persuade you to buy a unit. Once you fall into the trap, there’s no coming back. Read our Benefits and shortcomings of buying an ice machine online article to get a better insight into the matter.
Your safest bet is probably Amazon. Although it’s not always the best solution, it’s the one that offers most options if something goes wrong. Apart from that, you can always read some of the user’s opinions and reviews to figure out whether it’s worth buying that particular model. Before you decide to buy something, always conduct research about the company and their brands. If you stumble upon a bunch of negative opinions, skipping the said company would be a good idea.
Avoid Complex Systems
The simpler the unit is, the better, especially if you don’t have any experience. The main reason behind this is – maintenance. Because you need to maintain the machine in good condition, it’s beneficial for you to buy the simplest one you can find. However, it should still fulfill your requirements regardless of its simplicity. Therefore, if you need a lot of ice on a daily basis, you cannot expect to find a simple system with a high production rate. In that case, make sure to schedule regular maintenance, or even hire a professional to do it for you. It’s far better to let the professional do the job because it’s quicker and most importantly – safer.
If you want to handle the maintenance part by yourself, check out our article about ice machine maintenance tips.
