When it comes to your drinking water, the cleaner and better-tasting it is, the more hydrated you’re likely to be. This has a significant impact on your mood and wellness, and as a result, your productivity. If a clean and delicious water supply is exactly what you need to drive hydration, it might be time to upgrade your drinking water options with a combination water and ice machine.
Read on to learn the ins and outs of water and ice machines, and why it could be a great move for you moving forward.
Considering a Combination Water and Ice Machine
With just one machine, you can combine your water dispenser and ice maker into a powerful hydrating solution for your household or business. But, what exactly is a combination water and ice machine? A combination machine is likely what you might think it is. They’re designed to dispense both ice and water from one machine whenever you need it.
Why should you consider this option?
Studies reveal that an estimated 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated — which means keeping hydration levels high can make a huge difference in your health. Keeping hydration levels high is a lot easier to do when you have a combination water and ice machine, especially since research shows people are more inclined to drink ice water over plain room temperature water. The benefits of a water filtration system in conjunction with an ice dispenser include:
- Increased productivity
- Boosted morale
- Higher levels of energy and mental focus
- Improved health and wellness
- Reduced environmental impact
Costs, Maintenance, and Cleaning To Expect
If you’ve been considering a combination water and ice machine, it’s important to note the costs, maintenance, and cleaning involved in the process. Here’s what you can expect along the way:
Costs to consider
Costs are inevitably going to vary depending on different factors. However, there are a few aspects to consider that can impact your expenses. First, you’ll need to determine whether you plan to rent or buy your machine — keeping in mind both options include an installation fee.
When it comes to owning a combination water dispenser and ice maker, they typically involve a one-time purchase. While this may seem like a good option to keep expenses low, the brunt of hard work falls onto you to keep up with cleaning and maintenance. Luckily, several benefits to water and ice machine rental are certainly worth considering.
With rentals, you can expect monthly expenses associated with having the machine on-site. However, these tend to be more cost-efficient long term. This is because renting includes service twice a year, so you don’t have to worry about personally ensuring your machine is in great shape. Review this cost comparison article to get a better sense of what expenses are involved with renting a water and ice machine.
The maintenance and cleaning involved with these options
Both an ice maker and a water dispenser require maintenance and cleaning to guarantee your machine is working properly. However, if you plan to own a machine the responsibility for these initiatives belongs to you. If there are any problems with your dispenser, you’ll need to be prepared to solve these issues on your own. With rentals from dependable vendors like Quench®, your dispenser will be serviced twice a year to keep it in the best shape possible — for the overall benefit of you and your wallet.
In terms of cleaning, it’s critical to keep sanitation a priority. This means the best practice for both owning and renting a combination dispenser involves regular cleaning for sanitary dispensing.
A Water and Ice Machine vs. a Bottled Water Dispenser
If you’ve been considering a water and ice machine, you might be wondering how this drinking water alternative stacks up against bottled water options. While it’s tempting to assume that the convenience of a bottled water dispenser translates to lower costs and less hassle, that isn’t exactly the case. Bottled options require ongoing expenses and place a continuous burden on your team members responsible for management and replacement. And let’s not forget the environmental impact of plastic bottle usage: Research indicates that approximately 60 million plastic bottles end up in landfills daily, with Americans alone contributing over 38 billion water bottles to landfills annually.
On the flip side, a combination water and ice machine connects directly to your building’s water line, providing an endless supply of drinking water on demand. By eliminating the need for plastic you can drastically reduce your environmental footprint. Although this option may raise concerns about dispenser maintenance to ensure water quality, partnering with experts like Quench makes it simple. So, you can rest assured that you’re supported every step of the way.
Discover the Benefits of a Water Ice Machine
While there are several benefits your business can expect to see as a result of a commercial ice machine and water filter, there are a few that stand out. These advantages include:
- A one-stop-shop solution: The main advantage of a combination machine is that one unit does the work of two. You have access to both an ice dispenser and a water filter in one place.
- Space efficiency: Because these machines do the work of two, you can quickly save valuable space at home or work. This eliminates the need to take up excess space trying to find a place for two separate machines.
- Cost efficiency: Using this all-in-one solution saves you money in the long run. This is especially true when comparing these machines to costly plastic water bottles or gallon jug options. You can expect to spend less on procurement and maintenance long-term.
- Access to delicious and clean cold water: Having access to clean, great-tasting beverages is invaluable. Plus, you appreciate the added touch of chewable ice, enhancing your drinking water experience.
Answering Water and Ice Machine FAQs
Here’s a closer look at some of the most commonly asked questions regarding combination water and ice machines:
What maintenance is required for a combination water and ice machine?
Maintenance for a combination water and ice machine typically involves regular cleaning of ice bins and water lines and replacing filters as recommended by the manufacturer. This includes occasional professional servicing to ensure optimal performance and hygiene.
With a machine from Quench, you gain access to skilled service professionals and a responsive customer service team to make any maintenance and repair needs simple. Plus, one of our certified Quench-badged technicians will routinely conduct an 11-point inspection and maintenance service on your dispenser to ensure everything is in working condition.
Is the water dispensed from the machine filtered?
Yes, the water dispensed from most combination water and ice machines is filtered to remove impurities and ensure clean, safe drinking water. A dispenser might be paired with a range of systems, from activated carbon filtration to reverse osmosis filtration and more.
What type of ice does a combination machine produce?
A combination water and ice machine usually produces cubed ice, which tends to meet basic ice requirements. However, this might lack the versatility needed to accommodate various preferences. That’s where Quench’s ice dispensers shine. They offer a variety of ice shapes, including chewable nugget ice (also known as “good ice”), tulip ice, and half-dice ice.
How long does it take for a machine to produce a batch of ice?
The time it takes for an ice dispenser to produce a batch of ice varies depending on factors like machine size and ice production capacity. However, you can usually expect this process to take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes per batch.
Can the machine be relocated easily if needed?
Certainly! Thankfully, if you initially position your machine in a spot you later find unsuitable, it’s easy to move. Advanced combination ice and water machines, such as those offered by Quench, boast compact, portable, and ergonomic designs, making relocation a breeze.
How To Choose the Right Machine for Your Needs
Choosing the right water machine tailored to your needs — and from the right vendor — requires careful consideration of a few key factors. Take a closer look at the following requirements to help you make an informed decision:
- Storage capacity: Evaluate the machine’s storage capacity based on your household or workplace’s water consumption to ensure it meets your demands.
- Ice production: If you’re looking for a combination water and ice machine, be sure to assess the unit’s ice production capacity. This is important to make sure the dispenser can keep up with your usage patterns.
- Water filtration: Look for machines equipped with reliable filtration systems, so you can rest assured that the water dispensed is clean and free from contaminants.
- Size and space: Consider the available space where you intend to place the machine and choose a size that fits seamlessly without overcrowding.
- Ease of maintenance: Opt for machines with easy-to-maintain features and high-quality customer service to simplify cleaning and upkeep.
- Energy efficiency: Prioritize energy-efficient models to reduce operating costs and minimize environmental impact.
- Brand reputation: Research reputable brands known for reliability, quality, and excellent customer service — like Quench — to ensure a satisfactory long-term investment.
Elevate Your Water Supply With a Machine From Quench
If you’ve been considering a combination machine to elevate your water supply, Quench can help. Our all-in-one ice makers and water filtration systems connect directly to your water supply, so you can meet hydration demands year-round. Gain access to an endless supply of the cleanest water and the most refreshing ice around.
Our local water experts know your water quality and can help you find the machine that’s the right fit for your needs — including the filter, ice production, and storage capacity required. If you’re ready to bring your water supply to the next level, try our product finder to identify the machine that’s just right. Or, get a free estimate today to get started.
