Waring IC20 Ice Crusher: Ultimate 2025 Guide to Fault Codes, Maintenance & High-Volume Bar Performance
Why the Waring IC20 Ice Crusher Rules Compact Bar Set-ups
If you run a cocktail bar in London’s Shoreditch or a smoothie shack on Brighton Beach, space is gold—and that’s where the waring ic20 ice crusher shines. With a 190 mm × 250 mm footprint and a half-horsepower motor, it cranks out up to 30 kg of crushed ice per hour—impressive for a machine that stands just 440 mm tall. Sam Electronics
The IC20 (sold as IC20K in the UK) balances power with simplicity: a single-speed induction motor, wide-mouth stainless-steel funnel, and a 2.4-litre collection bowl that slides neatly under most bar counters. Operators love the plug-and-play usability; accountants love the sub-1 kW draw, keeping energy bills in check even during busy summer shifts. BeanBurds
Key Specifications at a Glance
Feature | Spec |
---|---|
Hourly Output | 30 kg |
Motor | 0.5 HP (≈ 370 W) induction |
Hopper Capacity | 2.4 L |
Footprint (W×D×H) | 190 × 250 × 440 mm |
Safety | Lid & bowl interlock, thermal overload |
Weight | ~9 kg |
Warranty | 12 months parts & labour |
These numbers place the IC20 comfortably ahead of most entry-level crushers while staying well below the price and size of heavy-duty floor units.
Crushing Capacity vs. Footprint: The 30 kg/hr Sweet Spot
Zero wasted space defines the IC20 design. Stainless housing doubles as a heat sink, letting the motor stay cool even at full tilt. A helical-cut gear set replicates the bite of larger crushers without the gear-whine. The result? 30 kg of cocktail-ready ice every hour—enough for roughly 250 mojitos—delivered from a device barely wider than a blender base. Sam ElectronicsTomado Store
Safety Features Every Bartender Should Know
Hopper & Bowl Interlock Switch
Forget to latch the feeder lid or slide in the bowl and the IC20 simply won’t start. A hidden microswitch breaks the circuit, thwarting accidental blade contact—a compliance must for any commercial ice crusher UK venue. fridgefreezerdirect.co.uk
Self-Resetting Thermal Overload
Run nonstop through a twelve-hour festival shift and the windings will eventually heat up. Rather than frying, the motor cuts off around 130 °C. Wait 20-30 minutes, and the crusher springs back to life—no tools, no reset buttons, no lost warranty. Herc Rentals
Anti-Jam Blade Geometry
The dual-edge stainless blades angle forward by 12°, slicing cubes under compressive load. Oversized chunks can still wedge, but the motor’s high stall torque stops rotation before damage occurs.
Common IC20 Fault Codes and Indicators
Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
---|---|---|
No lights, no hum | Unlatched lid/bowl or blown fuse | Close lid, replace 13 A UK fuse |
Motor cuts mid-run | Thermal overload | Power off, wait 30 min, retry |
Humming, blades stuck | Ice jam | Unplug, clear cubes ≤ 30 mm, allow 5 min cool |
Use this cheat-sheet next time a staff member yells, “The crusher’s dead!”
Step-by-Step Bar Ice Crusher Troubleshooting
Power Check – Confirm socket and breaker; swap plugs if needed.
Safety Interlocks – Press the hopper firmly; seat the bowl until you hear a click.
Thermal Timeout – Feel the base. Hot? Let it rest 30 minutes.
Jam Inspection – Look for cube bridges; remove with a wooden spatula.
Blade Spin Test – Turn blades gently by hand (machine unplugged). If stiff, call service.
Preventive Waring IC20 Maintenance Schedule
Interval | Task |
---|---|
Daily | Rinse hopper; wipe exterior with food-safe sanitiser. |
Weekly | Remove blades; soak in descaler; air-dry. |
Monthly | Vacuum motor vents; inspect interlock switch alignment. |
Annually | Replace blades; check gearbox grease; test fuse ratings. |
Regular upkeep prevents 90 % of service calls and keeps that hourly output near spec.
Daily Cleaning & Sanitising
Use warm water and a neutral detergent. Never submerge the base—electrics and water don’t mix.
Monthly Blade Inspection
Look for nicks and dull edges; replace when the shaved ice looks chunky or melts too fast.
Annual Motor Vent Check
Dust buildup chokes airflow; a two-minute vacuum keeps windings cooler, extending life.
Choosing the Right Ice Cube Size (≤ 30 mm)
Feed oversized, rock-hard blocks and the IC20 will protest with stalls or jams. Stick to crescent or half-dice cubes fresh from an ice machine (≈ 0 °C). They fracture cleanly, reduce blade stress, and won’t trigger ic20 fault codes.
Commercial Ice Crusher UK Compliance & Warranty
CE & UKCA Markings Explained
The IC20K bears both logos, confirming conformity with Low Voltage and EMC Directives—vital for insurance audits.
One-Year Parts Warranty—What’s Covered
Covers motor, gearbox, and interlocks against manufacturing faults. Misuse (e.g., crushing frozen fruit) voids coverage, so train staff accordingly.
Energy Use & Noise Ratings
Drawing just 0.7 kW at full load, annual running cost averages £46 (based on 8 h/day, £0.22 kWh). Noise tops out at 68 dB—conversation-level—thanks to rubber feet and balanced blades.
Pro Tips from UK Mixologists
Pre-crush a full 2.4 L batch before happy hour; store under the counter.
Keep spare blades in the POS drawer—downtime costs drinks.
Pair the waring ic20 ice crusher with a 25 kg under-counter ice maker to avoid cube drought.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Waring IC20
Why won’t my IC20 start after cleaning?
Check that the hopper lid and bowl are clicked into place; the microswitch must close.How long does the thermal overload take to reset?
Around 20–30 minutes—leave it unplugged to cool faster.Can I crush super-frozen ice blocks?
No. Use cubes ≤ 30 mm to avoid jams and blade damage.Is the IC20 suitable for outdoor pop-ups?
Yes, but keep it under shelter; IPX0 means no direct rain.How often should I change blades?
Every 12–18 months in high-volume bars, sooner if ice appears uneven.Where can I order genuine Waring spares?
Via authorised UK distributors or the Official Waring Commercial site.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Compact, powerful, and engineered for safety, the waring ic20 ice crusher is a smart investment for crowded counters and fast-moving drink menus. Master its simple bar ice crusher troubleshooting steps, stick to the thermal overload reset guidelines, and schedule routine waring ic20 maintenance—your staff and customers will thank you with every perfectly chilled beverage.