The Hoshizaki IM-50BAA-Q Round-Up

Hoshizaki IM-50BAA-Q Overview

The Hoshizaki IM-50BAA-Q ice maker is a unique entry into the market – instead of traditional cube, crescent, or nugget shapes, this machine produces spheres of ice. While the ice functions the same, absorbing heat from drinks for a chilled experience, the novelty and elegance of perfectly spherical pieces of ice can give your bar a leg up over the competition. Spherical ice from the Hoshizaki IM-50BAA-Q can push your specialty cocktails from good to unforgettable.

If your business only serves soft drinks and water, Hoshizaki round ice might not make a big difference to your customers, but when creating a premium drink, alcoholic or not, sphere ice can distinguish your business from the pack. Creating a desirable aesthetic can increase customer perception of your business, which in turn enables you to charge more for your drinks, as they become an experience rather than a commodity. We'll go over the specifics of the Hoshizaki sphere ice machine here to help you decide whether it will be worth adding one to your business.

The Benefits of Hoshizaki Sphere Ice

Sphere ice, much like the gourmet ice favored in upscale venues, is a relatively large piece of ice. Specifically, Hoshizaki's sphere ice measures 1.8 inches in diameter. The larger the ice, the longer it takes to melt, which is why large gourmet ice is preferred for premium liquors and cocktails – it keeps the drink cool without melting and watering down the flavors your customers have paid top dollar for. Large ice also takes up more space in the glass, which can save you money on liquor per drink sold.

The real benefit of Hoshizaki sphere ice, though, is presentation. With spherical ice, you'll present your guests with something they've likely never seen before. This makes the Hoshizaki IM-50BAA-Q a great choice for corporate board rooms, high-end hotels, and any bar wanting to offer premium drinks. These ice spheres are solid and smooth, meaning they hold their shape for a long time and can rotate in the glass to create an entrancing display as your guests savor their drink. If your drinks are seen as a premium experience, guests will be willing to pay a premium price.

What features does the Hoshizaki sphere ice machine have?

The Hoshizaki round ice maker provides as much value to your business as possible with the least hassle. High-quality construction, easy installation, and low maintenance requirements ensure your new Hoshizaki sphere ice maker only adds to your business and never takes away from other necessities. Helpful features of the Hoshizaki IM-50BAA-Q include:

  • 50 pounds of ice produced per day. A small amount compared to total ice usage in a restaurant, but perfect for use in your specialty drinks.
  • Durable stainless steel exterior. Quality construction ensures your machine lasts long enough to make your investment back and then some. Stainless steel also is easy to clean and maintain.
  • Foam-injected polyurethane insulation. Insulation keeps heat out of the ice machine and reduces the total amount of power needed to produce ice. This feature helps you save on utility costs.
  • Ice scoop. A dedicated ice scoop prevents accidental contamination from an operator's hands contacting the ice. It can also help the user get the exact amount of ice needed.

What do I need before adding an IM-50BAA-Q?

Adding new equipment to a restaurant or other commercial setting can be a challenge, and not only because it requires a bit of an investment. You must hook up new utilities, teach people how to use the new machine, add it to the maintenance schedule, and find an easily accessible place to put it that's also out of the way. Luckily, the Hoshizaki sphere ice machine simplifies all these tasks. The IM-50BAA-Q is 391⁄2 inches tall and 243⁄4 inches wide, meaning it will fit under most standard countertops without needing any extra construction work. The IM-50BAA-Q only needs a 120-volt outlet, and has a 61⁄2-foot power cord, so it is easy to set up in most establishments.

Ensure you have six inches of clearance on the top, rear, and either left or right side of the machine. Insufficient clearance will choke the airflow needed for the machine to cool itself, making it less effective and reducing the machine's lifespan.

How to clean an IM-50BAA-Q

Maintaining your equipment properly can be the difference between a valuable purchase that lasts for years and a broken machine that isn't covered by the warranty. Hoshizaki offers a three-year parts and labor warranty on the entire machine and a five-year parts warranty on the compressor and air-cooled condenser coil. This warranty is void if you do not maintain the machine as specified in the owner's manual of the product. Hoshizaki specifies how often you'll need to clean and check on parts of your ice maker to ensure the machine keeps working to its fullest.

  • Daily: Clean the ice scoop and rinse thoroughly.
  • Bi-Weekly: Inspect the air filters and wash if they're dirty.
  • Monthly: Check external water filters to replace if necessary.
  • Clean the exterior with soft, clean cloths using gentle cleansers.
  • Yearly: Inspect the condenser and water hoses, then clean if necessary.
  • Close the water supply lines and drain the water system, then clean the water supply inlet screen.
  • Clean and sanitize the icemaker and ice storage bin liner.

More detailed instructions can be found in the user manual that accompanies your purchase. Not only does proper maintenance keep your warranty intact; it prevents potential contamination that can lead to health issues and keeps your ice machine working as efficiently as possible. An efficient machine produces more ice and requires less electricity, ensuring you get the value you paid for. For more information on maintaining a commercial ice maker, consult our ice machine cleaning and maintenance guide.