Frozen drink machines can occasionally freeze up, but it's usually a problem that can be easily resolved. If your frozen drink machine is becoming overly cold, there's no need to panic! Often, the issue can be quickly fixed.
We've put together a useful list of tips and tricks to assist you in returning your machine to its normal operation, producing delicious, high-quality ice-cool slush.
Preventing Freezing of the Slush Machine
Tip One:
Always ensure the blades are turning before pouring any liquids into the machine. This prevents ice from forming prematurely.
Tip Two:
Check your mixture.
Insufficient sugar in the mixture can lead to large ice blocks forming that are difficult to break down. Maintaining the correct water-to-syrup ratio prevents this and allows the mixture to slush properly.
If your machine freezes on the outside of the tank, it may indicate that the slush ratio lacks sufficient water. To address this, switch off your machine, allow the slush to defrost, remove the mixture from the tank, and refill it with a slush mixture at a ratio of 6:1.
Tip Three:
Alternatively, over-freezing can occur if the machine is left on for too long. Always turn off the machine when not in use and allow the slush to fully defrost before switching it back on. Overnight defrosting is a good option.
Tip Four:
The quality of the slush syrup used also plays a crucial role in preventing over-freezing of your machine. Sugar is a key ingredient in quality slush syrup as it acts as antifreeze for the freezing barrel. Using cheaper, lower quality syrups can strain the motor gearbox due to lower sugar content.
Slush.co.uk offers a wide range of high-quality and reasonably priced slush syrups. We strongly recommend using our syrups with our machines to help prevent machine issues.
Tip Five:
Regular machine maintenance is essential to prevent over-freezing and avoid costly repairs. We recommend washing and rinsing your machine weekly, lubricating it twice a week, and cleaning the condenser weekly.
A comprehensive clean, including sanitization and seal lubrication, should be performed every week or after every 500 drinks, whichever comes first.
What to Do If Your Machine Continues to Freeze Up
If our previous suggestions haven't resolved the issue, check that the thickness setting screw hasn't been over-tightened. Also, ensure that the slush mixture has been prepared to the correct dilution rate as specified above.
This problem may stem from a faulty micro-switch located to the right of the motor in most machines. It could be a matter of the switch button being stuck, which can be freed and lubricated with WD40. However, if it's faulty, it may need replacement.
Over-freezing can also result from a weak or faulty gear motor that stops under load and fails to move against the thickness spring, causing constant freezing.
In the worst-case scenario, the valve stem controlled by the solenoid coil may be stuck in the open position, necessitating valve replacement by a qualified engineer.
But don’t worry, the Slush.co.uk team is always available in case of emergencies and can assist in getting your machine operational again.
Conclusion
Preventing damage to your frozen drink machine through proper maintenance and care is key. If our top tips haven't resolved the issue and you suspect a more serious problem with your machine, please don't hesitate to contact us.