In hospitals and aged care facilities food safety extends beyond what is prepared in the kitchen. Ice is consumed every day in drinks, used for patient hydration and often provided following surgery, yet the equipment producing it can be easily overlooked in routine cleaning schedules.

For healthcare environments, where patients and residents may be more vulnerable to contamination, maintaining hygienic ice production is particularly important.

Commercial ice machines operate continuously in warm, humid conditions, creating an environment where scale and build-up can develop without regular cleaning. Keeping internal components clean not only supports hygiene, it also helps maintain ice quality and reliable machine performance.

As Comcater's Head of Product Management, Scott Graham explains: “When it comes to commercial kitchens, clean ice is just as important as clean cookware, chopping boards or cooking equipment. However, ice machines are often overlooked in regular cleaning schedules, despite working around the clock in warm, high-traffic environments.”

Making routine cleaning easier

Brema ice machines supplied by Comcater feature an Automatic Washing System (AWS) as standard, helping health and aged care operators make regular machine cleaning simpler and more consistent.

Activated at the touch of a button, AWS runs an automatic internal washing cycle, reducing the manual effort involved in maintaining the machine and helping teams incorporate ice equipment into established hygiene routines.

For facilities looking to further minimise contact with ice, Brema also offers dispenser models that reduce the need for staff, patients or residents to handle ice or use a scoop.

Combined with water filtration, R290 natural refrigerant, Green Tech engineering and Tropical Class operation up to 43°C, Brema provides a practical ice solution designed for demanding Australian environments.

Ice may be one of the simplest ingredients served in healthcare but its hygiene shouldn't be taken for granted. Making cleaning easier helps ensure the equipment behind every cube receives the attention it deserves.

Comcater’s dedicated team is focused on supporting the needs of health and aged care facilities. With extensive industry experience, they understand the nuances of kitchen workflows and compliance requirements, helping operators select equipment that works for their kitchen, staff, residents and patients.