Commonly Asked Questions About Ice Bins
Ice bins are an integral part of temporarily storing ice for your outdoor activities or general activities inside the facility as well. Ice bins made of stainless steel, in particular, are perfectly suited for this thanks to the double wall construction & insulation. However, some confusion crops up over maintaining them & ultimately picking the right one that will work for you. IMC is here to shed some light on the situation.
In this article, we’ll give 5 of the most common questions asked about ice bins & give our answers to guide you. Let’s begin with the first question.
1. How Big of an Ice Bin Do I Really Need?
This is a great question & the answer will depend on several factors:
a. What is your expected capacity?
This is based on your operating demands. Choose a unit that will hold slightly more than your peak 24 hour period of ice. A 10-20% buffer between your peak demand & your actual storage should be suitable. Always plan ahead & don’t be caught short.
b. How much space do you have allocated?
If you are in close quarters, a smaller ice bin that can fit under a table will work wonders. If you have a larger area with plenty of breathing room, then consider an ice bin with all of the bells & whistles (push handles, extra storage compartments, etc.).
c. Do you need extra storage?
Space is a finite & important resource. If you need extra storage space for cups, straws, bottles, etc., consider an ice bin with built-in storage compartments. This will not only be helpful for you, but you are getting the best of both worlds. Just be warned that ice bins with storage capabilities will take up more space.
2. Can I Leave the Scooper in the Ice Bin?
Ice bins usually come with a scooper to conveniently acquire ice from the bin itself. The important thing to remember is to never under any circumstances leave the scooper inside of the ice bin when not in use. Why?
The scooper is always being handled, which means it is full of bacteria & germs. Leaving the scooper inside of the ice bin will only transmit these pathogens to the ice & potentially cause patrons to become sick.
Make it a habit to leave the scooper outside of the ice bin, ideally in the holster if provided.
3. How Do I Drain Them?
The process of emptying out the excess liquid out of an ice bin seems like a daunting task. However, you do not have to lift the entire ice bin. Most are equipped with a ball valve drain or similar type of release which will allow the liquid to come through the bottom of the ice bin. Here’s a picture of a typical release valve:
4. I Have Limited Space, Which Ice Bin Will Work for Me?
Referring to question 1, ice bins are available for tight spaces & most can be conveniently stored underneath a table. IMC offers a compact ice bin for tight spaces – Model #ICBS-S (sliding door model). ICBS-S has a relatively small footprint with overall dimensions of 20½”W x 26½”L x 27¼”H. It’s the smallest ice bin that IMC manufactures & designed with tight space in mind.
IMC also offers Model #IBP-1, which features dimensions of 23″W x 30″L x 34″H. The model comes with a hinged cover so it may not be the best option for using under a worktable. However, its small size fits the bill of space saving equipment.
5. What About Cleaning Them?
We’ve written a complete cleaning & care article specifically for ice bins here. To sum up, ice bins require thorough cleaning – both inside & outside – on a regular basis. Use only non-abrasive cleaners & soft cleaning materials. Remember to clean the ice scooper too! The ice is going to be in your patrons’ drinks – you want to give them the safest possible product!
On a side note – if glass ever falls inside of your ice bin, completely empty it out & start over with fresh ice. Do not reuse the same ice as the broken glass can be hidden very easily in the bin. Related to this, never use a glass to scoop out the ice in the bin. It can chip easily & the entire ice will be useless.
Ice is one of the most important food products – this means ice bins are just as important. Choosing the right one will go a long way in keeping your drinks chilled & your patrons happy. To learn more about IMC’s ice bins, click here.