Key Product Features Required in an Ice Machine

Ice storage is one of the important elements to save energy and make ice efficiently.there is foam insulation built into the frame walls, adding another 2”- 4” of insulation depending on the model. Just like a high-end ice cooler, if you want your ice to last, the bin and machine must be well-insulated. An inferior bin that is ½” thick or less without insulation will cause the ice to melt much faster, driving electric costs up because the ice maker has to run longer to keep the bin full. When purchasing an ice vending machine, ask if the ice storage bin is insulated and to what extent it is.

The machine’s life is determined by the frame’s durability, especially in an outside environment. If you want a unit that will last 15 to 20+ years, then go with an aluminum frame. Your resale value will be higher when you sell the unit, and you can update the machine down the road for a second life. A powder-coated metal frame that can rust in 5-10 years or when you nick it with a tool is not a product that you will want to update and continue to invest money in, and your resale value and the ability to rebuild the unit will be limited.
While a little more expensive, all snowsman Ice machines have heavy-duty aluminum alloy frames. snowsman Ice machines are built to last, have high resale value, and are rebuildable for a second life. The frame is the core. If it’s good, you can continue to operate the machine for many, many years, increasing your revenues.

Ice machine in the Bar
THE IMPACT OF ICE
In the bar industry, ice is essential. It’s used to mix cocktails, chill champagne and keep white wine cool. Along with refreshing customers’ drinks, ice is crucial for keeping perishable products fresh and flavorful.

When making decisions about ice machines for a bar, operators should keep the following things in mind:

LOCATION
No matter where they’re located, ice machines have their place in every bar. Some ice machines are placed in the back of the house, and others are located underneath the bar for optimal efficiency.

For bars that serve everything from coffee to cocktails, an under counter ice machine that produces clear, slow-melting cubes is the perfect fit. For a popular bar located in a downtown area, a modular machine with a large bin will provide the ice needed throughout the day.

THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF ICE

EFFICIENCY
When bar owners are selecting new ice machines or replacing existing ones, they should look at the machine’s overall efficiency. What are its cleaning capabilities? Is it energy efficient? What does routine service look like?

THE CUSTOMER

While bar owners are always thinking about getting their customers the cleanest, purest, coldest ice, it should not be on customers’ minds.

As they choose new ice machines, operators should look for clean ice, high production speed and consistency. That way, customers consistently get cold, fresh ice when they order their beverages—and they’re more likely to return in the future.

From champagne buckets to cocktails, ice is fundamental in the bar industry. Operators should carefully consider location, volume, efficiency and the customer as they choose the right machine. That way, they can feel confident that they’re getting the ice they need for the facility—and their customers—while staying focused on running their businesses.

Hotel need ice machines
For large chain hotels, versatile cube machines with a dispenser offer a consistent, reliable ice source. In smaller, boutique hotels, under counter units can suffice and provide more specialty ice forms such as nugget or larger, clear cubes.Beyond the type of ice machine, there are a few additional features to look for in ice machines on guest floors. Built-in remote diagnostics are a significant advantage when there are multiple floors and several
machines per floor; checking them constantly would be a full-time job. Additionally, quiet machines are best so as not to disturb guests during their stay.
HOTEL RESTAURANT, SNACK COUNTER OR BAR
Ice machines are also a staple at a variety of dining locations around hotels and resorts. For hotel restaurants, a modular machine atop a bin for drink station filling is a popular back-of-house option. In order to meet guest demand, operators need to make sure that the unit has enough capacity to handle
large crowds during peak times, especially if the restaurant is available to an audience beyond just hotel guests. A snack counter or bar that serves iced coffees or specialty cocktails could use an under counter unit that provides larger, clear cubes — an ice form that is ideally suited for these types of drinks.
Additionally, locations with an outdoor dining option, like a swim-up bar at a resort, need plenty of ice to assist guests in beating the heat.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PORTABLE ICE MAKERS
Looking to produce large amounts of ice while saving on freezer space? A compact ice maker fit snuggly on your kitchen counter and lets you create ice on command. Plus, nobody wants to run to the convenience store during a party because they’ve run out of ice. Here are some answers to your burning questions about countertop ice makers.

How ice makers work
A portable ice maker has a freezing element that is placed directly in a water reservoir. Because the freezing element of a portable countertop ice maker is placed directly in the water tank, it can make ice much more quickly than a regular freezer, which works by lowering the air temperature of the freezer.

Instead of filling an ice mold with water and then putting the ice mold into a freezer, a portable ice cube maker freezes the water directly, so it takes much less time to complete a batch of ice.

Types of ice and ice machines
There are many reasons why you should buy an ice maker, but one way to decide which maker is right for you is to decide which type of ice you most suit your lifestyle. Here are types of ice that you can make at home with a portable ice maker:

Nugget ice (“Sonic ice”, “Cubelet ice”: If you love chewing ice but don’t like how it hurts your enamel, then nugget ice is your best friend. It is soft and chewable. You might know it as “the good ice” because it is so addicting to munch on its own. Plus, it chills drinks quickly and is great in any slushy beverage.

Bullet ice maker: If you enjoy making smoothies in the morning and cocktails in the evening, then bullet ice is the way to go. Bullet ice breaks down easily in a blender to give you all sorts of blended drinks.

Clear ice maker: If you hate ice that melts fast and dilutes your drinks, then clear ice is the type you want. It is clear of ice bubbles, leaving you with a dense ice cube that last longer than other types of ice.

Whisky ice maker: If you enjoy ending your day with a glass of scotch, then you know how important it is to have ice that doesn’t melt and dilute the flavor. Whisky ice is made to last long while also offering a nice chill for your favorite whisky.

Flaked ice (“shaved ice”): If you’ve ever had a shaved ice cone, then you have enjoyed the way flakey ice melts on your tongue in a matter of seconds. Flaked ice is used to preserve produce, seafood, meat, and buffets.

How to clean a countertop ice maker
You may be surprised to learn that countertop ice makers need to be cleaned regularly to ensure you get clean ice every time. Fortunately, in only a few steps, you can sanitize your entire ice maker. Read the manual that comes with your ice maker. A good manual will give you step-by-step instructions on how to clean your countertop appliance with ease.

For added convenience, look for a portable ice machine with a self-cleaning function. At the press of a single button, your ice maker will cycle through a process that will clean your portable icemaker for you.