In this guide you will learn the different types of ice machines, the types of ice they produce and some tips on choosing the right ice machine for your business.
There are many types of commercial ice machines on the market, and which one is best for you and your business depends on several things. You’ll need to consider the type of ice you need and the type of ice machine that works best for your needs and available space.
You’ll need to determine how much ice you need and find a unit capable of producing it. Lastly, you’ll want to choose the right condenser to optimise performance and energy efficiency.
By understanding the different types of commercial ice machines, the type of ice they make, and how much space and energy they use, you’ll be well-equipped to find the best unit for your business needs.
There are three main ways that commercial ice machines are categorised – the style of the machine, the type of condenser it uses, and the type of ice it produces. Below is a detailed breakdown of each categorisation.
This first category covers the different styles of commercial ice machines on the market. For each one, you’ll find a general description and some pros and cons to consider when determining which style of ice maker is best for your business needs.
Modular ice machines are good for producing high volumes of ice. One of their most notable features is that they use separate storage bins. So, the top or “head” that makes the ice is one piece, and the bin that collects the ice is another.
This can be useful because it’s quite easy to scale your output. For example, if your business grows and you need more ice, you can change the size of the collection bin without needing a whole new unit.
While the scalability is nice, there are a few downsides, too. Modular machines can be harder to install than other unit types, and there are potential issues at the connection point between the head and the storage bin.
It’s important to weigh these cons against the pros to determine if a modular ice machine is the best choice for your business. Bromic modular ice machines can produce 160 to 485 kg of ice per 24 hours, making them good options for businesses with high ice demands.
Self-contained ice machines are the opposite of modular machines. So, the ice-making mechanism and the storage bin are combined into a single unit. The advantages of a self-contained unit are lower upfront cost, easier installation, and smaller space requirements.
That said, self-contained ice machines usually have a lower overall output and don’t scale as well because you can’t change the size of the bin. Lastly, with everything together in one unit, getting to certain parts for maintenance or repair can be a bit harder.
Bromic self-contained ice makers, ranging from 18 to 115kg, are a good consideration for businesses with low to moderate ice needs or limited space.
Under-bench ice machines are small, self-contained units. Their most notable advantage is their compact size and shape, which allows them to fit in spaces that larger machines can’t.
However, being a smaller unit means they can produce and store less ice. This also means you’ll likely pay more per pound of ice.
Still, this unit style is a good option for smaller businesses with limited space. Commercial under-counter ice machines typically produce 25-160kg per hour, depending on the model.
These are compact and portable units designed for smaller-scale use, such as in offices or small businesses, with very low ice demands. They often produce bullet-shaped ice or small cubes.
An ice dispensing unit is solely for dispensing ice. So, it doesn’t produce ice itself. Instead, it is used with an ice maker (usually a modular one) to store and dispense large quantities of ice.
They have different dispensing mechanisms (push-button, lever, etc), giving you options for which is most convenient for your customers or staff.
This unit type is common in self-service areas like cafeterias and hotels. The smaller ice dispensers will hold up to 90kg, while the largest could hold up to 450kg.
It’s important to know how much ice you’ll produce during peak hours and match your ice dispenser size accordingly.
Commercial ice machines work by using a refrigerant to remove heat from water so that it can freeze. This heat needs to be dissipated, and that’s what the condenser does.
A unit’s condenser type can affect ice production efficiency and consistency, operating costs, and space demands.
Here is a breakdown of the three main types.
Air-cooled ice machine condensers work by drawing ambient heat over the condenser coils via a fan. These condensers are the most common type, and are fairly inexpensive compared to others.
Being fan-driven means that these units don’t function as well in hot environments. At the very least, an ambient temperature (above 21°C) may cause the unit to work less effectively.
It also means you’ll want good clearance around your unit to allow for adequate airflow. Finally, air-cooled units are noisier than others, which is something to consider in quiet environments.
Water-cooled condensers draw the hot refrigerant over coils flowing with water, which cools it. Once this happens, it’s condensed back into a high-pressure liquid, and the water used will be discharged and sent to a drain. Alternatively, it will be cooled and recirculated.
Some advantages of water-cooled condensers include being highly efficient (even in hot temperatures), using less energy than other condenser types, releasing less heat into the environment, and being generally quiet.
Some potential downsides include requiring plumbing connections for both water supply and drainage, which can complicate installation. Furthermore, without a recirculating system for used water, you will consume more water than other cooling methods.
Overall, water-cooled ice machines can be excellent for businesses in hot climates, owners who prioritize a quiet ice maker, or those looking for particularly energy-efficient options.
Remote condensers are separate from the ice maker and are connected via refrigerant lines. This allows the condenser to be placed outside of the kitchen and even outside of the building.
Placing a condenser outside allows you to reduce noise in your establishment, improve indoor air quality and temperature, and offer more freedom when picking the location for the ice machine head without accommodating the condenser.
A remote condenser can be water or air-cooled. Some possible downsides are a more complex installation, a greater chance of refrigerant leaks (due to the longer lines), and the potential need for insulation if the environment is very cold.
Ice machines can produce several types of ice, each with various case uses. Understanding the types of ice available and the applications of each will help you pick the kind that is best for you.
Different types of ice cubes include:
Here’s what you need to know about each ice type:
Solid cube ice is a solid piece that comes in various sizes. Because it’s dense and melts slowly, it’s a good option for most drinks and cocktails, where a slow melt is preferred. However, anything that needs rapid cooling or blended would be better served by another option.
Hollow ice comes in a few shapes and is hollow in the centre. It is great for general purposes in most beverages, as long as they don’t require the ice to melt slowly. Without the centre, the cubes will melt slightly faster than solid ones. This can be advantageous depending on what you’re serving.
Flake ice consists of small, soft, and non-uniform flakes of ice. This type of ice is best for establishments that need to blend ice into frozen beverages.
Since the pieces are small and soft, they’re much easier to blend than the bigger chunks mentioned above. If you don’t blend the flake ice, it can lead to an unclear, slushy-like appearance and consistency, which isn’t great for many regular drinks.
Half-dice ice cubes are solid but about half the size of a standard solid cube. Their smaller size makes them good options for beverages with a high ice volume. They’re also easier to blend than full-size cubes but still give a clear, solid appearance.
Nugget ice is small, soft, and chewable. This is a good option for soft drinks and other beverages where you want the ice to absorb the flavor of the drink. It also provides a chewable option that many customers may find appealing in settings like quick-service restaurants.
For more information, see our guide to ice machine use cases.
Ice requirements vary significantly depending on the type of establishment or business. While your exact needs will be specific to you, here are some general guidelines to help you determine what size ice machine your business needs.
For more information, check out our Commercial Ice Makers Buyer’s Guide.
Here are some best practices for getting the most out of your commercial ice machine.
With an idea of the different types of commercial ice machines available, the condensers they use, why they use them, and the types of ice they are capable of producing, you can now make a more informed decision on which unit is best for you.
Browse Bromic commercial ice machines now, and we’ll be happy to help you find the ice machine that best fits your business needs.
