Hotel Ice Dispensers
Hotel Ice Machines and Dispensers: What You Need to Know
Frequently placed in hotel hallways and vending areas, these machines enable guests to dispense ice into buckets or other containers for personal use.
With some exceptions, hotel ice machines and dispensers are floor model machines designed to dispense ice into buckets provided to hotel guests for that purpose. Hotel water dispensers that also include the option to dispense ice may dispense directly into cups.
Hotel ice dispensers store 50, 90, 120, 150, 180, or 200 pounds of ice. Heights range from about 50 inches without an ice machine head to 90 inches high in the tallest units with an included ice machine head. They're typically 2 or 3 feet deep and wide.
To determine what size machine you need, consider production requirements against the dispenser's storage capacity and the ice maker's production capacity.
Common Questions About Hotel Ice Dispensers
How often should a hotel ice dispenser be cleaned?
Hotel-style ice dispensers should be cleaned thoroughly and sanitized regularly to prevent bacteria and limescale buildup. These procedures should be done at least twice a year, with greater frequency necessary in some situations. Vendors may recommend less labor-intensive cleaning and sanitizing cycles between biannual cleaning. Consult manufacturer use and information manuals for specifics on cleaning requirements.
Why do hotels have ice machines?
American hotels traditionally have offered free ice since the 1950s when a popular hotel chain bucked the trend of charging guests for bringing it to their rooms. Free ice now is expected at most hotels, as guests often plan to enjoy cold drinks in their rooms. Hotel ice machines, typically located in a vending area next to drink machines, are now the most efficient way for hotels to offer this amenity. Some operations now go a step further by including a hotel water dispenser that also dispenses ice.
How do hotel ice dispenser machines work?
Most hotel ice dispenser machines use a rocking chute mechanism to dispense ice. When guests depress a chute, a switch activates a paddle wheel or other mechanism to bring ice to the chute for dispensing.
Are hotel ice machines ADA compliant?
Because hotel ice dispensers are designed for public use, it's important to ensure that guests with disabilities can access them. To be ADA compliant, access to the dispensing area must be 32 inches or less from the floor. Most hotel ice dispensers meet this requirement.
What type of compressor should I choose?
While hotel ice dispensers don't require a condenser, they're either sold with, or are designed to be paired with, an ice machine that requires cooling to create ice. The following compressor options are available for these ice maker heads:
- Air-cooled machines are the best choice for most operations with no more than a few units. For these models, the compressor is located on the unit. Installition is simple but noise can be a drawback if you desire a quiet environment.
- Water-cooled machines use a constant stream of water or other liquid such as glycol to cool the compressor. High utility costs make this option cost-prohibitive for most operations, but operations with a recirculation system can use a water-cooled machine to eliminate space requirements and noise.
- Remote machines use an air-cooled compressor located remotely that may service more than one machine. This option is ideal for operations with multiple machines, or those that wish to eliminate noise near the machine.