Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize–a word that has pinballed around in our heads for years. Of course, sanitation has always been important, but this word has taken on a new meaning in recent years. Everything needs to be clean, especially anything that will be entering our bodies. In the restaurant industry, we have hi-tech sanitation systems for everything; utensils, cups, and plates are continuously blasted with meticulously balanced solutions inside man-made hurricane chambers right there in the kitchen.
What is one thing that could use a little more sanitizing? The ice! Contrary to the common belief that ice is too cold to harbor bacteria, ice is actually a prime breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and other unpleasantries that can cause some serious harm to your patrons. In a restaurant or bar, air containing food and drink particles flow freely and can easily make its way into your ice machine, thus contaminating the machine and its ice with possibly harmful pollutants. Sanitizing ice may seem a little trivial, but unsanitized ice can cause loads of grief to restaurant owners and their wallets., whether it be in the form of sick customers or machine failures.
Now, what does sanitizing ice look like, exactly? Cue the Manitowoc LuminIce II. This beautiful little piece of machinery, although small, can really pack a punch in the sanitizing game. The LuminIce II Virus and Bacteria inhibitor does just that: inhibits. Restauranteurs can rely on this machine to zap contaminants the second they try to enter their ice machine, including killing things like yeast and mold, on top of killing bacteria and viruses. Not only does the LuminIce II stop contaminants from entering the system, but it also creates an environment that keeps the air clean within the food zone.
How does the LuminIce II work? Located at the top of the ice machine, the LuminIce II brings in air from the evaporator and runs it through a ray of UV light to sanitize it. Within the UV light bulb, there are two different filaments at play: one boasting 254 nanometers, and another at 185 nanometers. The filament of 254 nanometers is responsible for disinfecting the air that passes through the UV ray, while the filament of 185 nanometers creates a cool oxygen plasma that is tasked with circulating inside the food zone, keeping it in a constant state of sanitation. Want a visual? Check out this video below to see the LuminIce II in action!
The beauty of the cold oxygen plasma that is sent out into the food zone is the fact that it helps keep your ice machine cleaner for longer. Not only is the air being sanitized the moment it enters the machine, but it is never given the chance to cross any contaminants. Since the machine is being ever cleaned, this also means that your machine is less likely to harbor molds and bacteria that necessitate frequent servicing, meaning less need for detailed cleaning as well as reducing the time that technicians are spending cleaning.
On top of drastically improving the cleanliness and taste of your product, the LuminIce II helps keep your machine clean and smoothly running as a whole. If you know anything about Tri-Point Refrigeration, it is our stress on the importance of a clean and well-serviced ice machine. The Manitowoc LuminIce II is the perfect aid to keeping your machine up to par and running as smoothly as ever. The machine is small and easy to install, nearly a turnkey situation. The machine has no need for maintaining invasive chemicals or complicated equipment, as its technology is centralized around the UV light bulb inside. This also means that you will have a safe, easy-to-use accessory that maintains its effectiveness for years.
Help us help you in keeping your beverages and ice tasting better, keeping your machines cleaner and more efficient, and extending the overall life of your ice machine.
With updating, maintaining, or servicing your machine, Tri-Point Refrigeration is excited to help you along the way, and our professional technicians will keep your machine running smoothly and healthily, while also extending the reach of your dollar.
For a direct line to any of our employees ready on the line to help you, please call…(512) 651-4565 for our Austin, Texas community (806) 686-0050 for our Lubbock, Texas community. Or check out our website at www.tripointrefrigeration.com