Cornelius Ice Machines Care and Maintenance Guide

Ice machines are a complex piece of equipment often costing thousands of dollars to purchase. They require care and attention to ensure no bacterial growth or scale deposits accumulate on the machine. They can also be very expensive to replace, but regular care and maintenance will help prolong the life of your ice machine. Here are some tips on how you can thoroughly clean and care for your Cornelius ice machine to ensure you continue to meet all food safety standards.

Cornelius Brand

Cornelius was founded in 1931 as part of the IMI Cornelius Group. Today, it is a global brand that employs 4,500 people and manufactures a range of beverage dispensing systems for drinks such as beer, cider, teas and frozen drinks. The company has operations in Europe, North America, Central and South America, as well as Asia-Pacific, and has made a name for itself as a leading supplier of beverage dispensing and cooling equipment.

Cornelius Ice Machines

Cornelius has seven series of ice makers designed to meet specific needs of various restaurants. Although ice machines in each series have different designs, their basic cleaning and maintenance procedures are very similar. Below you will find more detailed instructions on how to provide care and maintenance for your Cornelius ice machine.  

General Inspections

Before you start using your Cornelius ice machine, a general inspection should be performed to ensure the machine is functioning properly. Begin by checking all plumbing and tubes for signs of leaks. This ensures no water is lost for the creation of ice so that the machine can function efficiently. Also, make sure the tubes are not vibrating or in contact with other surfaces to minimize wear and tear. Additionally, the area surrounding the ice machine should be kept clear and uncovered during operation. This guarantees adequate air flow and prevents the machine from overheating.

Cleaning the Exterior

The exterior of the ice machine should be cleaned daily. There are a few simple steps to follow. Use a sponge on the outside of the machine to dust off any accumulated dirt and grime. You can follow this step by using a solution of mild soap and water to eliminate any stains and hard-to-remove spots. The wet exterior can be dried using a soft cloth.

Cleaning the Interior

The interior of the ice machine should be wiped down as needed. This includes the inside walls of the evaporator area, the water pan, curtain and evaporator. To remove any heavy scale build-up in the water distributor, spot-soak the area by first removing it from the machine and placing it in a full-strength cleaner. You can also replace the part with a new one if the damage is too severe.

Choose the Right Chemicals

When cleaning your Cornelius ice machine, you should only use chemicals that are approved by the manufacturer to avoid damaging the machine. Some harsh chemicals can react with the metal surface of the ice machine, resulting in discoloration or staining. All plastic pieces and hoses on the ice machine should be removable. You need to remove these parts and clean them with a strong disinfectant, as part of the proper cleaning procedures. Take care to soak these parts in a solution of hot water and manufacturer-approved cleanser for best results. You should also protect yourself by covering your hands with gloves and avoiding direct contact with the chemicals. A good safety practice is to keep a copy of the material safety data sheet for your cleanser in a visible area in case of a spill or contamination. During the cleaning process, you may want to wear protective goggles to cover your eyes and shield them from toxic fumes.

Use the Right Cleaning Tools

Choosing the right tools is another important task during the cleaning and maintenance of your Cornelius ice machine. Avoid materials with rough surfaces that can potentially scratch the surface of the machine. For cleaning hoses and tubes, purchase special brushes that can extend the length of the tube. Like pipe cleaners, they can help you reach hard-to-reach places for a more thorough cleanse.

Thorough Cleanings

Thorough cleanings will require you to completely disassemble the machine following the steps in your owner’s manual. Once you have all the components separated, hand-clean them by soaking them in solutions of chemicals to kill bacteria and remove build-up. Clean the underside of your ice machine, as well as any hard-to-reach places that tend to be neglected during daily cleanings.

Final Thoughts

Ice machines are integral to a restaurant business. Proper maintenance and care can help prolong the life of your Cornelius ice machine. While there is no set schedule for cleaning an ice-machine, wiping the exterior daily and checking the hoses weekly will ensure it is operating optimally.