Unifrost Commercial refrigeration knowledge hub for Irish businesses
FAQ

How should I plan refrigeration zones for optimal ice management?

FAQ
Quick answer

Plan ice as its own mini workflow so it does not collide with raw food handling or warewashing:

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Plan ice as its own mini workflow so it does not collide with raw food handling or warewashing:

Production zone (back-of-house): place the ice machine where you can service it easily and keep good airflow, away from dishwash steam, fryers, and flour or powdery prep that can clog filters and condenser fins.

Storage and dispensing zone (service side): position the ice bin where bartenders or floor staff can access it without crossing the kitchen pass or raw-prep routes. Aim for a short, unobstructed path from bin to drinks station.

Backup frozen storage zone: if you hold bagged ice as contingency, keep it in a dedicated section of an upright freezer and separate it from raw foods and unpackaged items.

A simple rule that works well is separate “make” from “serve”, and separate both from wash-up and raw prep. That layout reduces contamination risk and also prevents service bottlenecks.

Read the full guide: Unifrost Upright Freezer and Ice Storage Bin Service Planning.

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