Post #751346 by AceExplorer on Wed, Sep 23, 2015 6:37 AM

On 2015-09-23 05:45, jimsflies wrote:
As you know, my bar is outside (and mostly used in the summer here in Michigan). So if sitting at 90-degrees ambient is going to keep it from making ice, and it certainly makes sense that it would impact performance...then an ice machine may not be the way to go for my situation.

I don't necessarily need a machine to keep up with a party situation (of course it would be nice). I don't mind picking up ice when guests are here for a drink. But it would be nice to have at least a few drinks worth of ice when I want to make a couple drinks in the evening for myself and my wife. Currently, I get the ice from the refrigerator in the kitchen which is inside and up a flight of stairs (not conveniently located to the bar). Plus the recently purchased Samsung fridge I bought for the kitchen seems to have a smaller capacity ice maker than other fridges I have owned.

I don't think you'll have a problem outside, the free-standing ice machines are decently well insulated although not intended for outdoor use. My thoughts on this are to either (a) test it outside and see how it works, or (b) use it indoors and keep a full 50lbs of ice ready and, when needed, carry it outside in a caddy when using your bar. I think your guests would understand the use of a ice caddy, although it would be nicer to keep the machine outside with your bar.

The only problem is that the machine should be protected outdoors against corrosion, insects taking up residence in side the machine, and stuff like that. A third option would be to keep the machine portable, on rollers, but then you lose the spontaneity of having ice on a moment's notice.

Tough choices. But to me it's very clear that I will never own another counter-top ice machine again. They are consistent disappointments because they are slow, noisy, and very low volume and not worth the money or the annoyances.

From an installation perspective, until you get something plumbed and wired at your bar, you can get by with an extension cord. For water, you can use a drinking water hose (not a garden hose!) with a good pre-filter to trap sediment and other things which are found in any municipal water supply. Then do your electrical and plumbing later at your convenience.