Air Cooled Ice Machines

Air-cooled ice machines are considered energy-efficient and cost-effective because they rely on ambient air to cool the condenser rather than using additional water. Since an air-cooled ice machine does not require any additional water costs to operate, it is a cost-effective option for your business.

An air-cooled ice machine may be a good choice if:

You will be using it in a cool or air-conditioned environment

The environment is relatively free of oil and dust

You commit to a regular maintenance schedule

You want a more environmentally friendly machine

You want to reduce energy costs

Air-cooled ice machines use air to remove built-up heat. A fan within the unit draws air from the surrounding environment and cools the condenser. Keep air flowing throughout the day to prevent overheating and malfunction.

Some of the advantages of owning an air-cooled ice machine compared to a water-cooled ice machine are:

Easier installation and operation: Air-cooled machines are simpler in structure; they are easier to install and operate. For example, you don’t need to arrange for water pipe connections.

Low water consumption: Since these models run on air, you don’t need additional water for cooling. This is a great feature for both your bill and the environment.

More Affordable: Air-cooled machines are more common and simpler. Their initial price will be lower than their water-cooled counterparts.

While these are huge benefits, air-cooled units may not be right for everyone. There are some disadvantages you should be aware of:

Climate dependent: These models work well in a well-climate controlled environment. However, if you are operating in a hot area without adequate ventilation and air conditioning, your unit will absorb heat from the outside and push it into the condenser. This can cause your machine to operate inefficiently or malfunction.

Contamination risk: Air-cooled units have a slightly higher risk of contamination. Air drawn in from the environment can carry dust, dirt and sediment that can contaminate the product. If you place your ice machine carelessly, or neglect regular maintenance and cleaning of filters and vents, you could be compromising the overall ventilation of your space. In this case, the machine may start producing ice that doesn’t taste good and looks bad.

Increases kitchen temperature: The air used to cool the machine is then released into the surrounding environment. This will inevitably increase the temperature in the kitchen and put a strain on the air conditioning system. It’s best to position the unit carefully to leave room for the vents without allowing exhaust air to reach and interfere with the functionality of other cooling equipment, such as refrigerators and freezers.