Our most popular questions revisited: Can I order dry ice?

Mike Noyce

So far, we've had positive feedback on our newest blog series. We appreciate your thoughts and try our best to address any further questions.
Today, our series continues as we explain and answer more of Ice Now's most popular questions.
Last week, we talked about the products that we DO sell.
This week takes a new turn-- it's all about dry ice.
Our question of the day is: "Can I order dry ice?"
Let me explain...

Do we or don't we?
Out of the continuous calls we receive during the day, a good number of those are asking to purchase dry ice.
So to be up front- the answer is NO, we do do not sell dry ice. That is... We do not sell it in bulk, in small quantities, or at all. Our primary customers are events and businesses that need beverage ice.
There are businesses, and even grocery stores, that sell dry ice. But we do not have relationships with any of these companies and can't recommend a good supplier at this time.

The fine line
While we don't offer dry ice, this makes it easier to continue to fulfill our drink ice and snow orders. Our services may grow at some point, but our expertise is currently in these areas. And the related products we currently offer.

Ice Machine Horror: The growth within your drink

Most likely, you've never see the insides of an ice machine. What consumers don't know won't always hurt them. But it might really gross them out.

Restaurants have to meticulous about proper food storage and handling. Patron will peek at the insides of their steak, check their plate before digging in. But who of us has done the same to their drink order? If you've ever chewed an ice cube that tasted just a bit "off", here's the most likely reason why.

Terror in the ice bin

Like any machine in the kitchen, ice machines need to be cleaned. Thoroughly cleaned. At least twice a year.

That means taking it apart, chipping out old stale ice, and sanitizing every piece that touches the ice customers will be drinking in their cup.

Restaurant staff hate this. They don't always have time to clean an ice machine and their hourly pay doesn't make up for the labor involved in proper cleaning of this type of machine. Regardless of not having the right tools to open the machine, wiping out the ice box really doesn't cut it.

That means... horrors like mildew, mold, and stale ice.

Take a look for yourself at some ice machines we have had the pleasure of making right. The before pictures are stomach-churning.

So you tell us... should we handle the cleaning?