When the temperatures rise, so does the demand for cold drinks, blended beverages, and — most importantly — ice. If your business relies on a steady supply of ice, the last thing you want is to fall behind during the hottest, busiest time of the year. Whether you're running a restaurant, bar, hotel, or convenience store, your ice machine plays a bigger role in your summer success than you might think.
Here’s how to make sure your ice machine keeps up with the heat and the hustle.
1. Know Your Capacity Needs
Summer traffic can double or triple your ice demand. If your machine was just enough for off-season use, you might be in trouble once the heat kicks in. As a rule of thumb, consider these average daily ice needs:
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Restaurants: 1.5 lbs of ice per customer
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Bars: 3 lbs per seat
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Hotels: 5 lbs per room
If your current machine can’t keep up, now’s the time to upgrade — before the rush hits. Glacier Tech offers ice machines that crank out 200 to 500+ pounds of ice per day, so you never have to worry about running dry.
2. Clean & Sanitize — Often
Higher usage means more opportunities for buildup, mold, and mineral deposits. A dirty machine can slow down production or even cause breakdowns. Make it a habit to clean your ice machine every 1–2 months during summer — or more frequently if you're operating in a high-dust or high-humidity environment.
All Glacier Tech machines are designed for easy cleaning, with accessible components and intuitive displays that walk you through the process step-by-step.
3. Keep It Cool (Literally)
Your ice machine works best in cooler conditions. If it’s tucked in a cramped, overheated kitchen corner, it may struggle to keep up. Ensure good ventilation around the unit, and avoid placing it near ovens, fryers, or direct sunlight. A few degrees of difference can significantly impact ice production.
4. Watch for Warning Signs
Is your machine taking longer to produce ice? Are the cubes smaller or misshapen? Is there any unusual noise or dripping water? These are red flags that a problem is brewing. Catching issues early can save you from an emergency service call in the middle of a weekend rush.
Our Glacier Tech control panels display clear diagnostics, so you know exactly what’s happening inside your machine — no guesswork needed.
5. Invest in a High-Performance Machine
If your current machine is older, undersized, or unreliable, the smartest move this summer might be a new Glacier Tech model. With fast production speeds, energy efficiency, and durable builds made for heavy-duty use, Glacier Tech ice machines are designed to thrive under pressure.
From 200 lb models perfect for small cafés to massive 500 lb machines that power through peak hours — we’ve got the right unit to keep your cool (and your customers coming back).
Don’t Let a Melt Down Melt Your Profits
Summer is your time to shine — not scramble. Make sure your ice machine is ready before the heat wave hits. Explore Glacier Tech’s full lineup of commercial ice machines and find the perfect fit for your business.
👉 Need help choosing a size or model? Head to our Contact Us page— we’re happy to help.