Short answer
An ice machine water filter removes sediment, chlorine taste and scale-forming minerals before water reaches the evaporator. Size it by flow rate and capacity to match the machine's daily output, install it on the ice machine's inlet only, and replace the cartridge every 6 months or when its rated gallons are used.
What an ice machine filter does
- Sediment filtration: traps sand and rust that block valves and distributors.
- Carbon: removes chlorine taste and odour so ice tastes neutral.
- Scale inhibition: polyphosphate or similar media keeps hardness minerals in solution so less scale forms on the evaporator.
How to size a filter
| Machine output per 24 h | Typical filter class |
|---|---|
| Up to about 150 kg (330 lb) | Single-head filter |
| 150–450 kg (330–1,000 lb) | Single or twin-head filter |
| 450 kg (1,000 lb) and up | Twin or triple-head filter system |
Check two numbers on the filter: maximum flow rate (it must exceed the machine's water inlet flow) and rated capacity in litres or gallons. Ice machines use roughly 0.1–0.2 m³ (25–50 gallons) of water per 45 kg (100 lb) of ice, depending on design and water quality, so a 230 kg (500 lb) machine can use several thousand litres a month.
Installation tips
- Install the filter on the ice machine supply line only, close to the machine.
- Fit a shut-off valve before the filter and a pressure gauge if possible.
- Flush new cartridges before connecting to the machine.
- Label the cartridge with the installation date.
When to change cartridges
Replace every 6 months, when the rated capacity is reached, or when the pressure gauge shows a large drop, whichever comes first. Combine the change with the 6-monthly cleaning described in our ice machine cleaning guide.
