Discover the Superiority of Chewblet Ice and Advanced Dispensing
In today’s fast-paced environments, from bustling healthcare facilities to vibrant corporate offices and demanding hospitality settings, the need for reliable, hygienic, and high-quality ice is paramount. Gone are the days when any old ice machine would suffice. Modern demands call for a blend of efficiency, sanitation, and user satisfaction. Enter the Follett Symphony Series ice maker, a line of innovative ice and water dispensers that stands out as a leader in delivering superior refreshment. If you’re looking to upgrade your ice solution or are simply curious about what makes these machines so special, this guide will provide an in-depth look at the features, benefits, and applications of the Follett Symphony Series.
The Allure of Chewblet Ice: Beyond the Cube
What truly sets the Follett Symphony Series apart is its signature Chewblet® ice. Unlike traditional hard cubes or sharp flakes, Chewblet ice is a soft, compressed nugget. This unique ice type isn’t just a novelty; it offers several distinct advantages:
- Chewability: The soft, chewable texture is highly preferred by consumers, especially in healthcare settings where it’s ideal for patient care and can reduce the risk of choking. This preference often leads to increased hydration and satisfaction.
- Versatility: Its soft nature allows it to blend easily in beverages without diluting flavor too quickly, making it perfect for everything from sodas and water to smoothies and specialized drinks.
- Rapid Cooling: The porous structure of Chewblet ice provides a larger surface area than traditional cubes, enabling faster cooling of beverages.
The ability to consistently produce this highly desirable ice type is a cornerstone of the Symphony Series’ appeal.
Unpacking the Innovation: Key Features of the Follett Symphony Series
The Follett Symphony Series is engineered with a host of features designed for optimal performance, hygiene, and user convenience. These machines are not just ice makers; they are comprehensive hydration stations.
One of the most notable innovations is the SensorSAFE™ infrared dispensing system. This touchless technology minimizes contact, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination – a critical factor in any public or healthcare environment. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, some models also offer a one-hand lever dispense option.
Sanitation is at the core of the Symphony Plus design. Key ice and water contact components are treated with Agion® silver-based antimicrobial product protection. This helps inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, yeasts, molds, and fungi, ensuring that the ice and water dispensed are as clean as possible. Furthermore, the Symphony Series incorporates automatic self-flushing to remove impurities and semi-automatic cleaning and sanitizing cycles that can reduce maintenance time to as little as one hour. This ease of maintenance is a significant advantage for busy facilities, as detailed by Follett Ice’s technical documentation.
The modular design of the ice machine, which can slide out from behind the lower front panel, simplifies servicing and cleaning. An LED control board provides at-a-glance machine status, further streamlining troubleshooting and operational checks. Many ice machine parts are common across different Symphony Plus dispensers, which helps to reduce spare parts inventory and standardize maintenance procedures.
Follett also prioritizes environmental responsibility. The Symphony Series utilizes R404a refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential and features a continuous ice-making process that uses less electricity and water, meeting stringent energy efficiency specifications like those from the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) Tier 2. The inclusion of a “Quiet Night™” sleep mode further reduces energy consumption and noise during off-peak hours, a boon for environments like patient rooms or quiet offices.
Versatility in Application: Where the Symphony Series Shines
The Follett Symphony Series ice makers are incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into a wide range of commercial and institutional settings:
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities benefit immensely from the sanitary features, Chewblet ice for patient hydration, and reliable performance. Models like the Symphony Plus 110 FB series are specifically designed for these demanding environments, offering high production and storage capacities.
- Corporate Offices: Providing employees with access to clean, palatable ice and water can boost morale and productivity. The compact countertop and freestanding models are ideal for break rooms and common areas.
- Hospitality: Hotels, resorts, and even some restaurants leverage the Symphony Series for guest self-service areas, offering a premium ice experience that differentiates their offerings.
- Education: Universities and schools often integrate these dispensers in dorms, cafeterias, and faculty lounges, ensuring consistent access to refreshment for students and staff.
- Sports & Recreation: Gyms and sports complexes can use these machines to provide athletes with quick hydration and easy access to ice for recovery.
With a variety of models, including countertop, wall-mount, and freestanding units, and storage capacities ranging from 12 lbs to 110 lbs, the Symphony Series can be tailored to meet diverse space and demand requirements. You can explore the various models and their specifications on the Follett Ice website.
Maintaining Your Investment: Tips for Longevity
To ensure your Follett Symphony Series ice maker continues to provide optimal performance and hygienic operation, regular maintenance is crucial. Follett recommends a thorough cleaning and sanitizing of the entire machine at least every six months, with more frequent cleanings based on environmental conditions and water hardness.
Key maintenance practices include:
- Daily/Weekly: Wipe down the exterior, and check and clean the drain line and drip/drain pan.
- Monthly: For air-cooled models, clean the condenser.
- Semi-Annually: Perform a deep clean and sanitization of the ice machine, dispenser components, transport tube, and storage area.
Troubleshooting common issues, such as a clogged air filter, dirty condenser coil, or poor water quality, can often be resolved with simple steps. Resources like Parts Town’s troubleshooting guide for Follett ice machines offer detailed instructions and tips for keeping your unit running smoothly. Addressing these proactively will extend the lifespan of your machine and ensure consistent ice production.
The Follett Difference: A Commitment to Quality
Follett Products LLC, a subsidiary of Middleby Corporation, has a long-standing reputation for manufacturing high-quality ice makers and dispensers. Founded in 1948, the company has consistently innovated to meet the evolving needs of its customers across various industries. Their commitment to superior engineering, advanced hygiene features, and robust construction is evident in the Symphony Series. When you invest in a Follett Symphony Series ice maker, you’re investing in reliability, efficiency, and a commitment to providing the best possible ice and water experience.