Ice Machine Buying Guide – Configuration and Compressor Type

If you are looking to open a restaurant or bar, you need to buy the right ice machine. Next to the oven, it’s one of the most important pieces of equipment in any food related business nowadays. To save money in the long run, it’s a good idea to get a high-efficiency ice machine. No matter if you choose to buy Manitowoc Ice Machines (America’s #1 selling ice machines) or some other brand, there are things you should consider before investing in this piece of equipment.

Configurations

Even though there are variation within each style, in general, commercial ice machines fall into 3 basic types:

Modular Ice Machine – Commonly available in 48”, 30” and 20” widths, modular ice machines are designed to sit on top of a soda dispenser, ice machine dispenser or an ice machine bin. On average, ice output ranges from 250 lbs to (over than) 1000 lbs a day.

Under-counter Ice Machine – If you’re opening a small cafe or a bar that won’t need as much ice, a self-contained or under-counter ice machine might be just what you should look for. These small appliances combine the ice machine with a storage bin and, just like their name suggests, they fit under most 40” kitchen counters. Although there are models with a higher capacity, under-counter ice machine commonly output up to 350 lbs a day.

Counter-top Ice Dispenser / Maker – You can find these compact units in health care settings; counter-top ice dispenser/maker has a small bin but it can still output up to 400 lbs a day. In most cases, these machines dispense nugget style ice.

Type of Compressor

Once you’ve made decision about the type of machine you want, it’s important to consider the type of its compressor.

Air Cooled – Since they don’t involve any additional water costs, Air cooled ice maker is probably the most cost-effective ice machine type. In fact, many of them achieve Energy Star Compliance. For the majority of users, they make an excellent choice, but, on the down side, they need at least 6” of clearance around air discharge and intake areas.

Water Cooled – In general, air cooled ice machines are the best, but in some cases, it might be wiser to by a water cooled item. In the area where the level of air contaminants (such as grease) is very high or where the ambient temperature is greater than 80°F (or 26°C), it’s a good idea to install a water cooled ice machine. Also, if he clearance limitations of an air cooled machine cannot be met because of the limited space, a water cooled ice machine is a good solution. Nevertheless, keep in mind that the water consumption is much higher if the water cooled machine is installed compared to an air cooled ice maker.

Remote Cooled – These machines consist of an air cooled condenser that is mounted on a roof or anywhere outdoors. Between the condenser and the machine, refrigerant lines are running, thus a remote cooled ice machine is much quieter than its water or air cooled counterparts. On the downside, installation and maintenance of a remote condenser ice machine is more expensive and its cost is one of the reasons why this type of ice machine is chosen only if conditions prohibit the use of water or air cooled units.