Why Owning an Ice Machine Beats Daily Ice Subscriptions for Restaurant Operators

When it comes to iced drinks, various factors determine whether they turn out great, average, or subpar. While some restaurant operators still prefer daily or weekly ice subscriptions due to space, cost, and convenience, an ice machine is often a more favorable option. Here, we outline the differences between owning an ice machine and relying on external ice suppliers.

1. Cost Efficiency:

• Long-Term Savings: While the initial investment in an ice machine may be a little bit higher, over time, operators get to save cost incurred from paying for daily ice deliveries. A daily ice subscription requires a recurring cost, which adds up over time, while an ice machine allows you to produce ice on demand without ongoing fees.

• No Delivery Fees: With a daily ice subscription, restaurants typically pay for the ice as well as delivery charges. Ice subscriptions typically come with contracted ice volumes that operators need to take each delivery, regardless if the use of ice is low during certain periods. These costs accumulate, making it more expensive in the long run compared to the upfront purchase of an ice machine.

2. Constant Supply of Ice:

• On-Demand Production: An ice machine allows restaurants to produce ice continuously and according to their specific needs. During peak hours or busy seasons, having an on-site machine ensures that ice is always available without the risk of running out.

• Avoid Delivery Delays: Relying on a daily ice delivery service means there could be delays or mistakes, potentially leaving the restaurant without enough ice when it's needed most. An ice machine eliminates this risk.

3. Storage and Handling:

• Space Management: With a daily ice subscription, the restaurant needs to store large bags of ice, which can take up valuable freezer or storage space. That doesn’t stop there. Oftentimes, operators still require another ice bin nearby, which exposes the ice to various handlings, which could potentially cause contaminations. An ice machine eliminates the need for ice storage and simplifies inventory management.

• No Ice Breakage: Ice bags can tear or break during transportation, leading to wasted ice or messy storage. With an ice machine, the ice is produced in solid, uniform blocks or cubes, making it easier to handle and store.

4. Quality and Customization:

• Consistency and Control: An ice machine produces consistent ice quality and size, allowing restaurant operators to choose the type of ice that best suits their beverages or food. Depending on the ice type you need, Manitowoc adjustable ice density setting allows operators to have denser and lighter ice volume depending on the type of drinks they need. This control over the ice quality enhances the customer experience, especially in bars and restaurants where ice plays a significant role.

• Cleaner Ice: Sanitation and food safety are always listed as top concerns on Operator survey. Ice machines typically produce ice in a cleaner environment than bagged ice, which may come into contact with dirt, contamination, or improper handling during transportation. Regular cleaning and proper hygiene practices are essential to ensure ice remains safe. The Manitowoc Indigo Luminice controls viruses, bacteria, mold and yeast within the foodzone to keep the machine clean longer. Read more.

5. Labor Efficiency:

• Less Dependence on Staff: With a daily ice delivery service, staff may have to spend time managing the ice supply, receiving deliveries, and organizing storage. An ice machine streamlines the process and reduces the workload by providing a constant, self-sufficient ice supply.

• Time Savings: Having an ice machine eliminates the time spent waiting for or receiving ice deliveries, which can be especially important during peak service times.

6. Environmental Impact:

• Less Waste: Manitowoc Indigo programmable ice production helps to program the volume of ice needed, to turn off the ice machine during certain times of the day such as at night. Daily deliveries of ice may lead to unnecessary ice being thrown out, especially if deliveries overestimate demand.

• Fewer Packaging Materials: Ice delivery subscriptions often come with plastic packaging which generates waste, or foam boxes which are non-biodegradable, meaning they can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills. An ice machine reduces the need for packaging and helps the restaurant lower its environmental footprint.

7. Reliability:

• Independent Operation: With an ice machine, you don't have to rely on an outside vendor, which means you're not dependent on the reliability of the delivery service and the quality itself. Manitowoc Indigo ice machines allow operators can be sure that the machine will always produce the ice when needed, idle when the bin is full, or stop when the store is closed.

While a daily ice subscription may seem convenient at first, owning an ice machine offers long-term savings, greater control, and operational efficiency. It also allows for flexibility, consistent ice production, and reduces reliance on external suppliers, ultimately benefiting the restaurant’s overall management and customer experience.

Talk to us to understand ice machine profit story based on your usage and requirement.

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