Soft-serve ice creams are designed to make ice cream quickly and help serve several customers within a short span of time. These machines always draw a crowd with their delicious flavors. But because they run throughout the day, it is highly likely for them to run into problems as well. To avoid bad taste, odor, or malfunctions, you should maintain it with the help of commercial appliances repair services. Although, this could be frustrating, but we have got you covered. We have compiled a list of some important troubleshooting tips to help you get your machine running back to normal.
Not Adding Enough Ice Cream Mix
If your soft-serve ice cream machine is having trouble producing the right quality ice cream, you will need to check the ice cream mix. It is often that business owners tend to blame the machine for experiencing a problem. This way, not only does it end up wasting time but also effort.
Sometimes, the problem is not with the machine but with something else. For instance, an ice cream machine can only freeze the amount of ice cream mix specified by its manufacturer. It can be different depending on the model and type you have. However, this means that if you were to add too much or too little, the machine might malfunction.
If you don’t add the correct amount of ice cream mix can make the ice cream frozen or ice cream with no smoothness. If the recipe tends to freeze, it will become harder for the paddle to move, which will make it appear as if it has malfunctioned.
You can help the issue by adding a bit of salt. But it would be a lot better if you made sure things were right to begin with. So, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for achieving desired product quality.
If the mix happens to be too hard but everything else seems to be fine with the machine, it means you will need to make another batch and give it a go.
Overfilling The Base
Another common mistake made by many people is overfilling the base. While underfilling the machine is going to make the mixture too hard, overfilling it can result in consistency issues and a mixture that is watery and too soft.
Plus, overfilling the base can also put extra stress on the machine and cause it to overheat. This is because the machine will have to run longer than it should be to achieve the desired results. That’s why you must never exceed the limit set forward by the manufacturer.
Although, the limit is more or less the same but may vary based on the manufacturer. Following the directions of the manufacturer is important because ice cream expands when it freezes. So, there must be enough space for the ice cream to freeze. And, if you notice a burning smell, you should immediately turn off the machine and hire a professional for diagnosis and repair.
It’s likely that you have burned the motor and it will need to be replaced. If you can, remove the motor at a later time when the machine has cooled down. Then, find or order the exact replacement part for the expert to replace.
Check For A Blown Fuse
Ice cream machines run on electricity and electricity issues can also cause problems in machines. For example, a sudden increase in voltage or a power surge can blow the fuses in the machine. These fuses are installed inside the machine as a safety feature to protect the unit. If a fuse is blown, the machine will not turn on.
Also, it could be that the circuit breaker has tripped. While troubleshooting, you will need to check both things the fuse and the circuit breaker.
If the machine is not turning on, you will need to access the fuse area using the user manual and replace it with a new one. On the other hand, you will need to turn on the circuit breaker as well. If nothing works, have a commercial refrigerator service Springfield inspect and fix your ice cream machine.
The Paddle Is Jammed
The next step in troubleshooting your ice cream machine is checking the paddle. Although the paddle will save you from a lot of trouble, sometimes, user-related issues can result in performance issues with the paddle as well. In most cases, the paddle simply starts turning.
In that case, you will need to unplug the machine and access the paddle. Remove the paddle if possible and clean it. Then, clean the residue stuck inside and add a little more salt to the mixture. Salt mixed with water results in a reaction and makes it more manageable.
If cleaning the paddle and adding some salt does not fix the issue, it means the motor has most likely gone bad. In such cases, you are better off calling an expert.
The Components Are Rusty
Rust is also a significant contributor to ice cream performance issues. It is also the biggest enemy of such machines that are open to moisture and humidity. Commercial kitchens are extremely busy places. With different types of meals being prepared, it is very easy for moisture, oil, and other factors to influence the performance and lifespan of the ice maker.
Rust in areas like the paddle motor can make it hard for the components to function normally. This is why you must clean such areas and make sure they are dry. However, if there is a significant amount of rust in the machine, it means it is time to replace it.
Bad Outlet
If you have tried the troubleshooting tips above but there is still no luck, it means the problem does not lie in the machine but in the power source. It could be the power cord or wall outlet. Diagnosing such issues is relatively easier as you will need a multimeter.
A faulty power outlet means the wires are worn and will need replacement. You can try plugging the machine into another socket to make sure. Additionally, you can also check the power chord for any cracks or damage. In such a case, you will need to replace the chord for the machine to return to normal.
How To Avoid Ice Cream Machine Issues?
The best way to avoid ice cream machine issues is by scheduling professional maintenance and looking out for any unusual signs and symptoms. You might think that ice cream machines are fairly simple machines that hardly require any upkeep but you are wrong.
If you are running a business and serving hundreds of customers on a daily basis, your machine will need to be in perfect working condition for things to go smoothly. If that is not the case, your machine will break down in the middle and you might struggle to get it running.
Furthermore, professional maintenance is an investment in terms of avoiding complications. Not only does it include thorough cleaning but also identifying potential problems and solving them before they hurt your business.
Conclusion
Ice cream machine complications can be tricky to solve. But if you are aware of the troubleshooting tips, you are most likely to get the machine running back to normal. However, you should avoid problems as well in the first place by scheduling professional maintenance. Moreover, if the issue is complicated, call in an ice cream freezer repair Alexandria technician.