Choosing a High-Volume Ice Maker for Your Home or Business

Automatic ice makers are great for making sure you have enough ice to keep drinks cold when you are entertaining company, having the whole family over for a big dinner, or hosting a party for your teenager's friends. Built-in ice makers that come pre-installed in many models of refrigerator/freezer combinations produce about 6 to 9 trays of ice per day - enough for most household needs. However, if you entertain very much or find yourself running out of ice often, you might want to consider looking at freestanding ice makers.
Freestanding household-sized ice makers are a great option for large families or those who entertain big groups and need lots of ice on hand. These ice makers can handle much bigger quantities of ice than the standard built-in refrigerator model, producing as much as 50 lbs per day. Household-sized freestanding ice makers are also a great solution for small to medium-sized businesses that need a continuous ice supply at the office. Look for ice makers that offer great bonus features such as an additional lighted cool-storage compartment for keeping beverages and other perishable items cold and on hand at all times.
You can purchase freestanding ice makers at your local home improvement store for a price similar to other large appliances. Spend some time online comparing your options before you go shopping, so that you will feel confident about what is available elsewhere and what prices are a good deal. Freestanding ice makers come in two main types: under-counter ice makers that fit into your kitchen cabinetry just like a dishwasher, or stand alone ice makers that can be placed attractively in your entertainment area. Ice makers come in a variety of colors and designs. Though metallic finishes are the most common, you can also find ice makers with white, black, red, or other custom colored finishes to match your decor. With a little internet sleuthing, you might even be able to find a wooden-paneled model to coordinate with your cabinetry.
If you are looking for a much higher volume of ice to supply enough for a hotel or restaurant, you will want to look at commercial-sized ice makers. These ice makers produce up to 400 pounds of ice per day - enough to keep a small army satisfied. They are, of course, larger and more expensive, but if your patrons expect cold drinks on demand, your ice maker investment will be sure to pay off in the long run. The biggest disadvantage of commercial ice makers is the noise they produce. This is why often hotels will house them in their own little nook instead of in the middle of the hall near a guest room. But if you choose a good location, if your ice demands are high, and if you are willing to invest the money, commercial ice makers are probably going to be a good option for you. Shop around online and talk to several different dealers before making a decision.
If ice is in high demand at your place or you find yourself running to the store for bags of ice a little too often, have the foresight to check into the wide selection of freestanding household and commercial ice makers before your next big event.