About 4 to 5 years. It really all depends on how much the ice machine is used and how it is maintained. With an optimal service plan, it’s possible your ice machine could last up to 10 years. But the average heavily-used ice machine has a life expectancy around half a decade.
Regularly clean your ice machine to keep it in working order. The filter should be replaced at least once every 6 months. Without a properly-working filter, microscopic mineral deposits tend to build up ice machines, stopping them from fully working.
Other things you can do include: check if your ice machine has “breathing space” around it for good air circulation. And listening out for unusual noises. If your compressor is on the way out, they make a distinct noise.
For more information, we’ve written extensively about how to service restaurant-grade ice machines on our blog.
It depends on factors such as how badly damaged the ice machine is and the parts needed. On average it costs about £130 — £310 for repairs.
You can of course lower the price of repairs with a routine service or maintenance plan. It’s worth factoring in that ice machines in need of repair are out of order in the meantime. Which could impact customer satisfaction. So it’s better to keep on top of things to prevent a breakage happening in the first place.
A common cause is a clog. Which can be caused as water freezes in the line, or if the ice machine’s filter itself is clogged. If the filter is clogged, then it can be replaced or fixed quite easily. (And the filter should be replaced every 6 months anyway.)
Some clogs can be fixed by shutting the ice machine off for a bit and allowing for the frozen water to melt. But not all clogs are caused by frozen water. If you think you are dealing with a clog that is not the result of frozen water, or are unsure about the problem in general, consult a professional for help.