Hoshizaki provides advice on restarting ice makers

As pubs, bars and restaurants prepare to open their outside spaces and welcome back customers from the 12^th of April – Hoshizaki, the world’s leading refrigeration and ice machine manufacturer has provided a simple seven step guide for operators to get their ice makers restarted and working efficiently.

Roz Scourfield, National Sales Manager at Hoshizaki UK explains, “For operators looking to re-start their ice maker after the prolonged inactivity of lockdown, there are seven simple steps you can follow to make sure that the inner parts of your machine are absolutely clean and ready to produce perfect Hoshizaki ice.”

THE 7 STEPS TO RESTARTING YOUR ICE MAKER

1. Replace filter. Replace your existing water filter cartridge with a new one.
2. Flush filter. It is important to let the water run for 5 minutes to activate the filter.
3. Clean bin and accessories. We recommend mixing 5 litres of water with 18 ml of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution in a suitable container and wash thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use the recommended Hoshizaki sanitiser as directed on the packaging.
4. Clean air filter. Using a damp cloth, clean air filter thoroughly.
5. Connect ice maker. Push the start button and stand close enough to be able to hear any unusual sounds, as the machine is starting.
6. Stand close to the machine to identify any unusual sounds, as the machine restarts. If any are identified, make sure you call out your local service engineer to diagnose any faults prior to opening.
7. Discard first day batch. To make sure to use only absolutely clean ice, let the machine run for 24 hours and discard the entire first batch of ice.

Other things operators should look out for when restarting an ice maker after an extended period of downtime are any unusual sounds, as it could be a sign of a machine defect. Also whilst food-safe ice is absolutely neutral, if you notice a smell in or around the machine or the ice itself, do not under any circumstances use the produced ice for consumption as unusual odours can come from leakage and/or bacterial contamination.

More information about restarting your Hoshizaki ice maker can be found at http://www.hoshizaki-europe.com/restart-ice-maker-tips