Have you ever run out of ice when you are partying with your friends? Well, we have some good news for you. You can avoid this problem in future by buying an ice maker. With an ice maker, there will be no more warm drinks, and you won’t be forced to leave the party to buy an overpriced bag of ice from your local store. But before you buy an ice maker, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Cheaper Models Usually Wear Out Quickly

Avoid cheap ice makers. Why? Most of them are made of substandard materials that wear off quickly. Most cheap models also don’t keep the ice frozen for long. Before you buy an ice maker, check the quality of the material. Ensure you pick a quality that can last for years under regular use. You can visit online review sites to find out what people are saying about a particular ice maker model.

Pay Attention to the Size And Shape

Ice makers come in different sizes and shapes. For this reason, you should check the dimensions of the ice maker you are about to buy to ensure it will fit the designated space. When measuring your space, leave a little space on all sides of your ice maker. Why is this important? This will help prevent overheating and allow for easy installation. You will also be able to clean the ice maker conveniently.

Ensure The Ice Maker Matches The Production Capacity You Need

When buying an ice maker, you need to check on the production capacity. Different models have different production capacities. If you pick an ice maker that produces ice at a slower rate than you go through it, then you will still be forced to visit your local store and buy a bag of ice, which defeats the whole purpose of getting an ice maker for your home, bar or restaurant.

Check the Capacity

Besides the production rate, you will also need to check how much ice the ice maker in question can hold at a time. Ice makers come with in-built storage space and some have bigger spaces than others. Your ice maker should have the capacity to store as much ice as you need at any given time.

How Long Does The Appliance Take To Make Ice?

Another factor you should consider is how fast the ice maker works. There only two rules here: If your guests don’t go through the ice quickly, a typical unit is all you need. Most ice makers take 10 to 20 minutes to make ice. If your guests usually go through the ice quickly, then you will need a machine that has a short freezing time.

Look & Style

Ice makers come in different colors and finishes. What finish should you go for? Well, that depends on your personal preferences. However, you should pick an ice maker that matches the decor of the area in which you plan to install it.

Energy Efficiency

Making ice requires a lot of energy so if you don’t want to see much of an uptick in your energy bills, go for the energy efficient ice makers. But how can you tell if an ice maker is efficient or not? Energy efficient ice makers have an Energy Star label. You can also reduce the energy consumption by picking a home or commercial ice maker with a capacity and production rate that closely matches your needs.

An ice maker can be an essential appliance for your home, restaurant or bar. It is quite effective and wont cost a lot of money. Before you visit the local dealer or order an ice maker from an online store, you should conduct thorough research both online and offline. This will help you choose one that matches your needs and budget. Also, follow the tips we have provided above. They will help you avoid the mistakes most people make when buying an ice maker.