Buying an Ice Maker in Nigeria: Essential Tips To Consider Before Buying

If you have ice-making needs in your home or business, a standalone ice maker can ease your chilling woes. In fact, an ice machine is a great addition for any establishment that processes perishable goods like food, drinks and medicines. An ice maker also has other benefits as well. A spacious cooler can keep perishable goods fresh for longer and reduce the risk of spoilage. Because of this, many people are opting to buy an ice maker rather than build one themselves. However, before you go out and buy one, it’s important to understand how they work. This guide will help you understand what factors you need to consider when buying an ice maker in Nigeria and whether they’re the right fit for your home or business.

What is an Ice Maker?

Ice is one of the greatest contributors to good health. It’s refreshing, hydrating and provides instant gratification. Because of this, many people love to incorporate ice into their life. You can use ice for iced tea, iced coffee, smoothies, fruit salads, cocktails and more. You can also use ice to store your food. Ice is basically a frozen liquid that consists of 98% water. You can make ice in your kitchen with a machine called an ice maker. There are several models of ice makers available today. They have various features that can help you choose the best model. Let’s take a closer look.

Types of Ice makers

• Countertop Ice makers – These are the most common ice makers. Most people have these in their kitchens. They’re easy to use and compact, making them ideal for small spaces. Most countertop ice makers have a water reservoir that can store around 3 litres of water. When the machine starts working, you’ll see ice cubes forming in the container. The ice maker can produce up to 12 cups of ice per day. Most people buy these because they’re space-saving and easy to use. They can also help you keep your food cool because your drinks don’t get watered down.
• Freezer Ice makers – You may have noticed that some retailers sell ice maker models that also serve as ice makers for frozen drinks. With a freezer ice maker, you can make frozen drinks like blended drinks, slushies, and frozen cocktails. In order to use this ice maker, you first have to fill the hopper with water. The water goes through the motor, freeze and the ice cubes come out.
• Automatic Ice makers – These are the most efficient ice makers. They can produce up to 30-50lbs of ice every day. Most people like automatic ice makers because they save you a lot of time. You don’t have to manually run the machine once per day; it does it all on its own.

How does an Ice Maker Work?

Ice makers use a process called freezing to make ice. This means that a liquid undergoes a process of freezing and thawing. First, the water in the ice maker’s storage tank is made into a slush by freezing. This is a continuous process throughout the day. Then, the water in the tank is thawed and ice cubes are made. When you use an ice maker, you’re not simply chilling water. You’re turning frozen water in the tank into frozen ice. Because of this, you can store more water in the same amount of space. Ice makers are great because they don’t require electricity. They’re also extremely energy efficient because they don’t require any additional power to produce ice.

Advantages of buying an ice maker

• Keeps Food Cool – When you use ice to store your food, you’re preventing the food’s nutrients from oxidizing. This means that you’re keeping them fresh for longer. With ice, you can also store produce for a longer period of time. This is especially helpful for farmers and produce sellers who have perishable goods.
• Efficient – An ice maker is highly efficient at producing ice. They’re capable of producing 30-50lbs of ice per day. This means that you don’t have to go out every day and buy ice.
• Easy to Clean – An ice maker has a small ice maker basket and a water tank. Because of this, you don’t need to clean a large space. You can simply clean the tank and the basket.
• Durable – Like all appliances, ice makers are durable. They can last for years, provided that you clean them regularly.

Disadvantages of buying an ice maker

• Expensive – Ice makers aren’t cheap. You can expect to spend at least US$200 on a good model.
• Small Space Required – Most ice makers require a small amount of space. However, they’re more compact than most countertop models. If you have a small kitchen, an ice maker may be more efficient.
• Noisy – Like any appliance that makes a loud noise, ice makers are noisy. You can expect them to produce a buzzing or a humming noise. Depending on the model, it can be distracting.

Buyer’s Guide

When choosing an ice maker, it’s important to consider a few factors. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for when buying an ice maker.

• Storage Capacity – If you’re buying an ice maker for home use, make sure that it has a storage capacity of 3 litres. If you have parties or large gatherings, you may need to store additional water in the tank.
• Type of Ice you want – There are two types of ice that ice makers produce – standard and crushed. Standard ice is ideal for drinking and crushing it yourself is the best way to go.
• Price – Price is obviously a major factor when choosing an ice maker. But, you can’t just go with the cheapest ice maker. Make sure you buy a model with good reviews and features.
• Installation – If you’re buying an ice maker that requires installation, make sure you check the reviews before buying. Also, check if the seller offers installation services.

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These are some of the factors you need to consider when buying an ice maker. Whether you’re buying an ice maker for home use or business purposes, make sure you consider all of these factors to ensure that you get the best possible model.