Ever since she was a young girl, my sister has been interested in agriculture. After graduating with a degree in agriculture education, she accepted a teaching position at a local high school. For the past three years, she has been amazing her students with her knowledge about subjects such as raising beef cattle, growing flowers, and canning fruit preserves. Since she has a sweet tooth, canning fruit preserves is one of my sister’s favorite pastimes. If she ever has the time, she may even launch her own home based business canning fruit preserves to sell to customers. If you’re considering canning jams, jellies, and other sweet goods to sell to customers, you will need to invest in some state-of-the-art industrial equipment. On this blog, you will discover the types of industrial equipment that are necessary to start a canning business.
Malou Leffers
Ice machines are vital to many commercial businesses. Without access to a functional ice machine, it would be impossible to keep food in a display case fresh or chill a customer's beverage.
Commercial ice machines are made of many different components that must work together in harmony to produce quality ice. One of these components is the condenser. A condenser is responsible for drawing heat away from the ice machine and transforming the compressed refrigerant into liquid form.
The type of condenser an ice machine is equipped with can play a major role in the function and efficiency of the ice machine. Learn more about the three types of condensers available on the market so that you will be prepared to invest in an ice machine that will serve your business well in the future.
1. Air-Cooled Condensers
Ice machines equipped with air-cooled condensers are among the most affordable.
Air-cooled condensers work by using fans and vents to draw in cool air from the surrounding environment to reduce the temperature of the condenser coils. The heat from the condenser coils is then transferred back out into the environment through an exhaust system.
Air-cooled condensers are considered plug-and-play models. There is no special setup or installation required to prepare an air-cooled condenser for duty.
You will need to make sure that you clear a suitable spot in your commercial kitchen for your air-cooled ice machine. The location of the ice machine should feature plenty of ventilation and ample air space around the air-cooled condenser in order for the machine to function efficiently.
2. Water-Cooled Condensers
Commercial kitchens located in hot or humid climates may not be able to rely on ice machines with air-cooled condensers. Since the air surrounding the ice machine must be cool in order for an air-cooled condenser to work, a hot and humid climate can't provide the right environment for these ice machines.
A commercial ice machine equipped with a water-cooled condenser is a better choice in a hot and humid environment. These ice machines rely on a supply of water instead of air to cool the condenser coils. Any ice machine with a water-cooled condenser must have access to a separate water supply line dedicated solely to the condenser to work properly.
3. Remote-Cooled Condensers
Some commercial kitchens may want to install an ice machine with a remote-cooled condenser. A remote-cooled condenser is a type of air-cooled condenser. The major difference between the two is the location of the condenser itself.
In an air-cooled condenser, the ice machine and condenser are contained in the same unit. Remote-cooled condensers are typically mounted on the roof of a commercial building, while the ice machine sits inside the commercial space. Separating the condenser and the ice machine allows companies to utilize the air in the outside environment to keep their ice machine's condenser cool.
Additional tubing is required to connect the condenser and the ice machine so that refrigerant can travel freely between the two. Because this additional tubing is needed for the remote-cooled condenser to function, a professional must install this type of ice machine in your facility.
Many factors will come into play when determining which type of ice machine condenser will function best in your commercial facility. You must consider the amount of ventilation in your space, your ability to access or install a dedicated water line, and any water use restrictions that may limit your condenser options before investing in a new ice machine. Installing an ice machine equipped with the right condenser will ensure you are able to meet the ice demands of your business with ease.
Reach out to a local supplier of ice machines to learn more about your options.