The seven most common reasons a commercial ice machine stops making ice are dirty condenser coils, water supply issues, mineral scale buildup, refrigerant leaks, faulty thermostats or sensors, compressor failure, and excessive ambient temperature. In Arizona, dirty condenser coils and mineral scale from hard water are the two most frequent causes, accounting for over 50% of service calls.
Is your commercial ice machine failing to produce ice? Before you panic, there are several common causes that could be behind the problem. In Arizona's extreme heat, ice machines work harder than anywhere else in the country, which makes them more susceptible to certain types of failures. Here are the top seven reasons your commercial ice machine may have stopped making ice, and what you can do about each one.
1. Dirty Condenser Coils — The condenser coils on your ice machine are responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant. When these coils become clogged with dust, grease, and debris — which happens quickly in a busy commercial kitchen — the machine cannot dissipate heat efficiently. This causes the compressor to overheat and the machine to shut down or produce ice very slowly. In Arizona, where ambient temperatures are already extreme, dirty condenser coils are the number one cause of ice machine failures. The fix is straightforward: have the condenser coils professionally cleaned at least twice per year.
Industry Data: Dirty condenser coils account for approximately 40% of all commercial ice machine service calls in Arizona, according to regional CFESA data.— Commercial Food Equipment Service Association (CFESA)
2. Water Supply Issues — Your ice machine needs a consistent supply of clean water to produce ice. If the water supply valve is partially closed, the water line is kinked, or the water filter is clogged, the machine will not receive enough water to make ice. Check that the water supply valve is fully open and that there are no visible kinks in the water line. If you have a water filter, check whether it is due for replacement. Most manufacturers recommend replacing water filters every six months.
3. Mineral Scale Buildup — Arizona is known for its hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals accumulate inside the ice machine, coating the evaporator plate, water distribution tubes, and other components. This scale buildup reduces ice production efficiency and can eventually cause the machine to stop making ice entirely. Professional descaling and cleaning is the solution, and in Arizona's hard water conditions, this should be done at least once per year.
Industry Data: Arizona's municipal water supply averages 15–25 grains per gallon of hardness, compared to the national average of 3–7 grains, accelerating mineral scale buildup by 3–4x.— USGS Water Quality Data, Arizona
4. Refrigerant Leak — If your ice machine is low on refrigerant, it cannot properly cool the evaporator plate to form ice. Refrigerant leaks can develop over time due to vibration, corrosion, or manufacturing defects. Signs of a refrigerant leak include the machine running but not producing ice, thin or incomplete ice cubes, and frost on the refrigerant lines. Refrigerant leaks require professional diagnosis and repair — this is not a DIY fix.
5. Faulty Thermostat or Sensor — The thermostat and sensors in your ice machine control the ice-making cycle. If a thermostat is miscalibrated or a sensor has failed, the machine may not initiate the freeze cycle properly. This can result in no ice production, incomplete cycles, or the machine running continuously without producing ice. A qualified technician can test and replace faulty thermostats and sensors.
Industry Data: Air-cooled ice machines lose 15–20% of rated ice production capacity when ambient temperatures exceed 100°F.— ASHRAE Handbook — Refrigeration
6. Compressor Failure — The compressor is the heart of your ice machine's refrigeration system. If the compressor has failed, the machine cannot circulate refrigerant and therefore cannot produce ice. Compressor failures can be caused by electrical issues, overheating (especially common in Arizona), refrigerant problems, or simply age and wear. Compressor replacement is a significant repair that should be performed by a licensed technician.
7. Ambient Temperature Too High — Most commercial ice machines are designed to operate in ambient temperatures up to about 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. In Arizona, kitchen temperatures can easily exceed this range, especially near cooking equipment. When the ambient temperature is too high, the machine's condenser cannot release heat effectively, causing reduced ice production or complete shutdown. Solutions include improving ventilation around the machine, relocating it away from heat sources, or installing a remote condenser.
Industry Data: The average commercial ice machine compressor replacement costs $1,500–$3,000 including parts and labor.— RSMeans Mechanical Cost Data
When to Call a Professional — While some of these issues (like checking the water supply or cleaning visible debris from condenser coils) can be addressed by your staff, most ice machine problems require professional diagnosis and repair. Attempting to fix refrigerant leaks, compressor issues, or electrical problems without proper training and tools can cause further damage and void your warranty. American Pride Refrigeration offers 24/7 emergency ice machine repair across Maricopa County. We also offer free ice machine cleaning inspections — visit DeepCleanedIceMachine.com to learn more.
Commercial Ice Machine Problems: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
| Problem | Most Common Cause | DIY or Professional? | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not making ice | Dirty condenser coils | Professional recommended | $150–$300 |
| Slow ice production | Mineral scale buildup | Professional required | $200–$400 |
| Undersized cubes | Water supply restriction | Check supply first, then professional | $100–$250 |
| Machine cycling on/off | Faulty thermostat/sensor | Professional required | $200–$450 |
| No ice, compressor running | Refrigerant leak | Professional required (EPA certified) | $300–$800+ |
| Complete shutdown | Compressor failure | Professional required | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Reduced output in summer | Ambient temp too high | Improve ventilation or relocate | $0–$500 |
Additional Industry Data:
According to the FDA, ice is classified as a food, and ice machines must meet the same sanitation standards as other food-contact surfaces.— FDA Food Code 2022