Ice Machine: Choose The Right One! Check IT! (Update For 2023)
Navigation
- Types of Ice machine
- Types of Ice
- Ice Production and Storage Capacity
- Water Source
- Accessories
- Ice Bags
Ice is vital for daily life, especially highly required in summer. It is hard to image order a soda, tea, or water without ice. What a horror! A commercial ice maker is an absolute necessity if you run a restaurant, bar, cafeteria, or anywhere that serves food and drink. It's more complex than finding an old machine that will freeze water. You might be surprised at just how many options there are and all the factors you should consider to find the best ice maker for your needs
How to choose a suitable commercial ice maker/ice machine? There is something you need to know before you buy ice machines.
Types of Ice machine
1. Self-Contained Ice Machines
Self-contained machines include both the ice maker and container in one unit. They are larger and produce more ice than your typical consumer models but smaller than modular ice machines. They come in undercounter and countertop configurations and are easier to fit into tight spaces than modular ice machines.
The tradeoff, as you would expect, is that they don't make as much ice as modular machines or provide as much storage space. Smaller bars or cafes may suffice, all while allowing more space for other needs in the kitchen. You'll likely need a modular ice machine for larger cafeterias or restaurants.
2. Modular Ice Machines
Modular ice machines only make the ice, and you'll have to buy a separate storage bin to keep it in once it's made. They're the best choice for any commercial kitchen that needs to be able to keep a lot of ice on hand and ready. They produce large amounts of ice quickly and are designed to be easy to attach to a storage bin that's the size of your choosing.
They take up more space than self-contained ice machines but provide more capacity in the bargain. If you need a significant amount of ice produced every day, then a modular model is likely the best commercial ice maker.
Types of Ice
There are six main ice shapes, so you can choose six main types of ice machines. You can choose the suitable machine according to your requirements
- Bullet: Commonly used for cocktails and chilled foods in a buffet display.
- Crescent: Common in many home freezers, they usually come in larger pieces than other types.
- Cube: Probably the most standard option
- Half Cube: Comes in smaller pieces than cube ice, also pretty common
- Gourmet: Used for some high-end cocktails, usually has a unique shape like an octagon or cylinder and promises a 100% water-to-ice ratio.
- Nugget: Small, chewable pieces of ice.
Ice Production and Storage Capacity
After deciding on the type of ice machine and type of ice, the next step is to figure out two main points: the machine's ice making speed and the storage capacity.
If you use a lot of ice cubes regularly, the productivity of your ice machine will be more important than the size of your ice cube. In this case, choosing a model with a large storage capacity is better.
Remember, if the ambient temperature around the ice maker is above 70°F, production is expected to drop. Also, if the ice maker is not adequately ventilated, it will produce ice slower. As a general rule, ice machines should have 1 inch of clearance on all sides to ensure proper ventilation.
Water Source
Your ice machine must be connected to a water source that can supply large amounts of water to the machine. Your water line must have a shutoff valve and meet the codes for your area. To install one in a new space, you may need to work with a plumber to ensure the ice maker is connected to tap properly.
Accessories
Whichever commercial ice maker you buy, there are a few accessories you need to add.
Water Filter
A good water filter will help you produce better-tasting ice and extend your machine's useful life since it keeps impurities in the water from collecting.
Gseice water filter
Storage Bin
A storage bin will be required if you purchase modular ice machines. Be sure you find right size for your needs and compatible with the ice machine you buy.
If you are selling bags of ice, you will need to buy an ice merchandiser to store and display for customers.
Ice Bags
It makes your ice portable and allows for selling ice by bag.
Now you know how to choose the right commercial ice makers for yourself. If you still have doubts, welcome to contact GSEICE, and we can help you to get a suitable commercial ice maker.