Replacement Guide for Hoshizaki Parts

Summer is here — which means restauranteurs need to make customer service their number one priority to capitalize on the busy season. The key to happy customers is fresh food and cool beverages, and that means your hardest working restaurant equipment this season will be your refrigerator and ice machine. The gold standard for refrigeration and ice machines in the hospitality industry is Hoshizaki, who has been making superior quality equipment since 1947 and has a reputation for durability and reliability. But like all frequently used equipment, even Hoshizaki machines are prone to general wear and tear; this is especially true if you don't clean or maintain your machines properly. Replacing worn parts can feel like an overwhelming task that may be better left to the professionals. However, with a little knowledge, replacing Hoshizaki parts can be done quickly and simply. To help you get your Hoshizaki ice machine back up and running, here is a replacement guide for Hoshizaki parts.

How to Find the Part You Need

Hoshizaki has made it simple to find errors or damage in its machines with helpful beeps. There is a beep code that corresponds to specific problem areas. For example, the 3-beep code indicates there have been two long freeze cycles in a row, suggesting a problem with the control board, float switch or water level. Unfortunately, these codes won't always help you locate the source of the problem. Always consult your user manual before attempting to open and inspect the machine for issues. Once you have located the issue and determined that a part needs to be replaced, you can use the machine's model number to find authentic replacement Hoshizaki parts online at reputable commercial parts dealers.

Tips for Replacing Hoshizaki Parts

1. Clean It Up

Often the primary source of problems is not the machine itself but rather that it has become too dirty or scaled. Before you start troubleshooting, give the machine a thorough clean, focusing on the filters, evaporator, water valve and float switch.

2. Reset the Control Board

Before attempting to locate any problems, try resetting the control board to see whether the problem resolves itself. The alarm reset button is located next to the yellow and orange LED. Simply press with the power on to stop the alarm beeping, then either restart the machine or troubleshoot for problems.

3. Check for Common Problems

Different issues are often the result of a single malfunctioning part. So rather than going through all the potential areas that could be the source of the problem, check out common parts that usually need replacing to save you some time and hassle.

Common Parts that Need Replacing

• Water Distribution Tubes

Some of the Hoshizaki ice machine parts are more prone to damage and wear than others. Some of the most common parts that need to be replaced or repaired are the water distribution tubes. In areas with hard water, you may find these tubes need to be inspected and replaced more often than recommended in the user manual due to buildup caused by minerals in the water.

• Control Module

If you notice that the compressor or the evaporator fan remains on during defrost mode or the ice being produced is abnormally shaped, there may be an issue with the internal control board, and it should be replaced as soon as possible. Though finding replacement Hoshizaki ice machine control parts is simple, installing a new board is more complex and may be a job for a registered technician.

• Float Switch

If your machine is not making ice or has stopped cooling, the culprit is most often the float switch, which controls the water level and determines whether there is adequate water in the tank after the fill and harvest cycles. A malfunction can mean the machine does not respond to changes in the water level and stops making ice.

• Refrigerant Line

Leaking refrigerant tubes or low refrigerant levels can slow down the production of ice. If you notice your machine is still producing but the supply is reduced or the cubes are smaller than usual, this is likely the issue. However, replacing the refrigerant should only be done by a certified technician.

Final Thoughts

Although you can find authentic replacement parts for your Hoshizaki ice machine at reputable online retailers, preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding damage and wear to your machine. Regularly inspect your Hoshizaki ice machine and perform monthly cleaning and maintenance to stop small problems from becoming bigger. If you do need to replace any Hoshizaki parts, always buy genuine replacements to ensure the quality of your ice and the longevity of the machine.