<h1>How to Get Your Kold-Draft T284 Ice Machine Appraised</h1>
<p>The Kold-Draft T284 represents a significant capital investment for restaurants, hotels, and high-volume beverage operations. Whether you're evaluating this commercial ice machine for purchase, resale, insurance purposes, or lease termination, understanding how to obtain an accurate and professional appraisal ensures you make informed financial decisions backed by credible documentation.</p>
<h2>Understanding Your Kold-Draft T284's Market Value</h2>
<p>The Kold-Draft T284 Ice Machine currently commands an estimated value of <strong>$10,000 to $15,000</strong> on the secondary market, depending on condition, age, maintenance history, and operational functionality. This popular commercial ice maker produces up to <strong>285 pounds of ice per day</strong>, making it a cornerstone equipment piece for establishments serving high volumes of cold beverages and cocktails.</p>
<p>Introduced in 1960, the T284 has become a benchmark for reliability in <a href="/types/restaurant-equipment">restaurant equipment</a> across North America. Its patented ice-making process and heavy-duty stainless steel construction earned it a reputation that persists more than six decades later. When you're considering what your specific T284 is worth, understanding these foundational factors helps you prepare for the appraisal process with realistic expectations.</p>
<div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Market Insight</strong></p>
<p>Kold-Draft ice machines manufactured between 1960 and 2000 often command higher premiums in the used equipment market than newer competitors, thanks to their robust build quality and lower replacement costs compared to modern alternatives.</p></div>
<h2>Key Factors Appraisers Evaluate</h2>
<p>Professional appraisers examining your Kold-Draft T284 assess multiple dimensions beyond simple age. The machine's operational condition—whether it produces ice at rated capacity, cycles properly, and maintains temperature controls—directly impacts valuation. A T284 that consistently produces 285 pounds of ice daily commands significantly higher value than a machine experiencing mechanical degradation or capacity reduction.</p>
<p>Manufacturing year significantly affects pricing within the model spectrum. Earlier T284 units from the 1960s-1980s may carry premiums if they feature original components and documented maintenance records, while machines from the 1990s-2000s typically represent the "sweet spot" for value, balancing proven reliability with reasonable remaining operational lifespan. The stainless steel construction requires inspection for corrosion, dents, or finish deterioration that might require cosmetic restoration.</p>
<p>Maintenance history serves as a critical valuation indicator. Documentation showing regular service intervals, component replacements, refrigeration system checks, and water filtration updates demonstrates responsible stewardship. Conversely, machines with unknown service histories or evidence of deferred maintenance face significant value reductions, sometimes dropping into the $5,000-$8,000 range depending on severity.</p>
<div class="callout note"><p><strong>Appraiser Focus</strong></p>
<p>The ice-making process itself—whether the patented system still produces crystal-clear cubes or shows signs of mineral buildup—influences both immediate and long-term operational costs that appraisers factor into valuations.</p></div>
<h2>Assessing Operational and Technical Specifications</h2>
<p>Your appraisal begins with verifying that your T284 meets its designed performance specifications. The machine's ability to produce its rated capacity matters substantially. Appraisers will test cycle times, measure ice output over representative periods, and evaluate cube clarity and consistency. A machine that produces 250 pounds per day instead of 285 loses functionality value regardless of cosmetic condition.</p>
<p>The refrigeration system's integrity determines remaining operational lifespan. Appraisers inspect compressor performance, examine evaporator coil condition, and verify refrigerant levels. A T284 requiring immediate compressor replacement might see value reduction of $2,000-$4,000, as the cost of the replacement component becomes a negotiation factor for potential buyers. Water system functionality—including filtration efficiency and mineral accumulation—also affects valuation, as these systems impact both ice quality and equipment longevity.</p>
<p>Electrical systems and control mechanisms undergo careful assessment. The machine's ability to sense incoming water temperature, regulate freezing cycles, and harvest ice on schedule demonstrates that critical safety and operational controls function properly. Machines with electrical issues or control panel degradation require costlier repairs that appraisers factor directly into their valuations.</p>
<h2>Professional Appraisal Credentials and Expertise</h2>
<p>When seeking an appraisal for your Kold-Draft T284, working with certified professionals who specialize in <a href="/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-beverage-equipment-appraisals">beverage equipment</a> ensures you receive credible, defensible valuations. Qualified appraisers hold credentials from recognized organizations like the <strong>American Society of Appraisers (ASA)</strong>, <strong>International Society of Appraisers (ISA)</strong>, or <strong>American Association of Appraisers (AAA)</strong>, demonstrating specialized knowledge in equipment valuation.</p>
<p>Expertise in <a href="/blog/the-basics-of-equipment-and-machinery-appraisal">equipment and machinery appraisal</a> methods distinguishes competent appraisers from generalists who might overlook critical commercial ice machine factors. Specialists understand depreciation schedules specific to food service equipment, recognize regional demand variations, and maintain current knowledge of comparable sales in the commercial beverage equipment market. This expertise proves particularly valuable when your appraisal will support insurance claims, lease disputes, or business sale transactions where documentation accuracy matters.</p>
<p>AppraiseItNow connects you with credentialed experts across the U.S. who provide <strong>USPAP-compliant valuations</strong> accepted by insurance companies, courts, and financial institutions. These certified professionals deliver detailed reports documenting every factor influencing your T284's value, creating documentation that stands up to professional scrutiny.</p>
<h2>Documentation Required for Accurate Appraisal</h2>
<p>Preparing documentation before your appraisal accelerates the process and often results in more favorable valuations. Gather any available maintenance records showing service dates, component replacements, refrigeration system checks, and water filtration updates. Original purchase documentation, warranty information, and equipment specification sheets provide appraisers with baseline performance data useful for comparison.</p>
<p>If your T284 has undergone any significant repairs or component replacements, compile records documenting the work performed and parts installed. This history demonstrates responsible ownership and helps appraisers understand the machine's current condition within its service context. Photographs from multiple angles—particularly showing the stainless steel finish condition, control panel functionality, and any visible wear or damage—support the appraisal documentation.</p>
<p>Location and installation details matter as well. Appraisers note whether your T284 remains in its original commercial kitchen setting or has been relocated, as installation and relocation impacts affect machine condition and value. Information about the facility's water quality, ambient temperature conditions, and usage intensity helps appraisers contextualize their findings within realistic operational parameters.</p>
<h2>Regional Value Variations and Market Dynamics</h2>
<p>Kold-Draft T284 values fluctuate based on geographic demand, local equipment replacement costs, and regional beverage service industry strength. Urban markets with concentrated restaurant and hotel density typically support stronger secondary equipment markets, potentially yielding valuations near the <strong>$15,000 upper range</strong>. Rural or economically depressed regions might see comparable machines valued toward the <strong>$10,000 lower estimate</strong>, reflecting reduced local demand.</p>
<p>Local refrigeration service availability influences value as well. Markets with established commercial equipment service networks support higher resale values, as buyers view machines as maintainable long-term assets. Conversely, regions where technical service proves difficult or expensive see lower valuations, as buyers anticipate higher operational costs.</p>
<div class="callout tip"><p><strong>Valuation Factor</strong></p>
<p>Markets with strong hospitality sectors and active equipment trading networks typically maintain higher per-unit valuations for proven commercial ice machines like the T284.</p></div>
<h2>Depreciation, Age, and Remaining Life Expectancy</h2>
<p>Understanding how your T284's age affects its value helps you set realistic expectations. Equipment depreciation in the food service sector typically follows predictable patterns. A T284 from 1980 might be 40+ years old but could still command $11,000-$13,000 if meticulously maintained, whereas a poorly maintained 15-year-old unit could value at $8,000-$10,000.</p>
<p>Appraisers assess remaining useful life based on observed condition, maintenance history, and industry standards for commercial ice machine operation. Most commercial operators expect 15-20 years of service from equipment like the T284 with proper maintenance. A machine approaching or exceeding this threshold faces valuation reduction, as buyers factor replacement planning into their purchasing decisions. However, the T284's reputation for durability means well-maintained units often exceed standard life expectancy, supporting valuations that reflect extended remaining service potential.</p>
<h2>Comparable Sales and Market Research</h2>
<p>Professional appraisers employ comparable sales analysis to determine your T284's fair market value. They research recent sales of similar Kold-Draft machines, noting condition grades, sale prices, and relevant transaction details. This market research identifies pricing trends and establishes the <strong>$10,000-$15,000 range</strong> within specific confidence levels. When you ask about your particular unit's value, appraisers contextualize it within this range based on condition-specific factors observed during inspection.</p>
<p>Secondary market sources for used <a href="/blog/understanding-what-goes-into-a-beverage-equipment-appraisal">beverage equipment</a> provide valuable pricing data. Equipment dealers, auction results, and online marketplaces reveal what buyers actually pay for comparable machines, creating an empirical foundation for valuations more reliable than list prices or asking prices. Certified appraisers maintain databases tracking these transactions, enabling precise value determination for your specific T284 configuration and condition.</p>
<h2>Insurance and Financial Documentation Requirements</h2>
<p>If you're seeking an appraisal to support insurance coverage, lenders, or business valuation purposes, your appraiser will provide documentation specifically suited to those needs. Insurance companies require <strong>USPAP-compliant reports</strong> demonstrating replacement cost value—the amount needed to replace your T284 with comparable new or used equipment. This figure may differ from fair market value, as it accounts for current market pricing rather than what your specific unit might sell for.</p>
<p>Business valuations incorporating your T284 as a <a href="/types/business-assets">business asset</a> require appraisals documenting its contribution to ongoing operations. Equipment in active use serving revenue-generating functions may carry valuations reflecting this operational value rather than simple secondary market worth. Professional appraisers understand these distinctions and tailor their reports accordingly, ensuring documentation serves your specific purpose.</p>
<h2>The Value Proposition of Professional Appraisal Services</h2>
<p>Attempting to estimate your Kold-Draft T284's value through online research or casual inquiries often produces unreliable results. Professional appraisals eliminate guesswork, provide defensible documentation, and typically cost $300-$600—a modest investment given the $10,000-$15,000 asset value involved. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or insuring, the certainty that professional appraisal delivers pays dividends through confident decision-making.</p>
<p>When researching appraisal services, prioritize providers demonstrating specific expertise in <a href="/blog/tips-for-finding-the-right-appraiser-for-your-food-processing-equipment">restaurant and beverage equipment</a>. Ask potential appraisers about their experience with Kold-Draft machines specifically, their credential holdings, and their familiarity with your local market conditions. Request sample reports to evaluate their documentation quality and detail level.</p>
<div class="callout note"><p><strong>Key Takeaway</strong></p>
<p>A certified appraisal of your Kold-Draft T284 Ice Machine provides the professional documentation, market expertise, and credible valuation you need whether buying, selling, insuring, or managing this significant commercial equipment investment. AppraiseItNow's certified appraisers deliver USPAP-compliant valuations that give you confidence, accuracy, and documentation that stands up to professional and legal standards.</p></div>
