What features differentiate ice machines and what innovations are suppliers working on?

Manitowoc Ice is committed to being a responsible manufacturer and an industry leader in energy-efficient ice machines. Mark Hogan says its ice machines are ENERGY STAR rated, meaning they are, on average, 15% more energy efficient and 10% more water efficient than other models.

“Manitowoc Ice leads the market with the largest number of qualified ice machines that meet and exceed ENERGY STAR standards. The Indigo NXT modular ice machines are a new generation of ice machines: they are 43% more energy efficient and use an average of 23% less water than previous modular models. They also offer a new level of simplicity with an intuitive touchscreen display, as well as superior hygiene, energy efficiency, and reliability.”

Manitowoc Ice ice machines feature patented air-assisted harvesting technology that speeds up ice harvesting cycles and reduces overall energy consumption. Its acoustic ice sensing technology accurately measures ice thickness, resulting in consistent ice cubes, producing high-quality ice in less time. “Indigo machines also have built-in self-diagnostic alerts, which means you’ll always be up to date on the machine’s care and maintenance, extending its life and reducing costly repairs,” Hogan adds.

Beyond energy consumption credentials, operators should look for physical outcome-driven features in an ice machine that demonstrate its efficiency. Hoshizaki’s KM ice machines combine a unique CycleSaver system with a design that allows ice to form on both sides.

“This means the KM is able to produce the same amount of ice but in around half the number of cycles as its competitors, enabling operators to save a significant amount of energy,” says Roz Scourfield.

In addition to ensuring the ice machine fits the space and provides the required amount and type of ice for the outlet, there are key features that can really make a difference to installation, ease of use and cleaning, says Adam Lenton of Ice-O-Matic.

The Elevation range offers one-touch descaling and sanitizing to ensure food safety. “The smooth, sturdy food area facilitates daily cleaning, and the dishwasher-safe components allow for easy removal and assembly. Mission-critical indicators keep you one step ahead of problems, while the smart harness control board, universal components and digital diagnostics make repairs simple.”

For enhanced safety, its SafeIce feature creates a constant protective layer of sterile air above the refrigerator, destroying contaminants such as coronavirus and flu in seconds, and provides a continuous viral and bacterial barrier to hard-to-reach areas, keeping the refrigerator safe and sterile from the start.

“It is fully automated and chemical-free, uses UV light, and requires minimal maintenance, with only annual bulb changes required,” Lenton explains. “It produces a reactive gas mixture that binds to and eliminates microorganisms on contact, helping to reduce technical failures and equipment downtime, keeping ice machines and refrigerators clean and mold-free,” he adds.

Scotsman continually invests in research and development to find ways to improve its ice machines. Following the development of the XSafe sanitation system, Scotsman turned its attention to reducing the operating costs of its ice machines.

“Reducing the amount of water wasted to produce a kilogram of ice is a particular area of ​​focus, as this figure has historically been high across all manufacturers, especially water-cooled machines,” says Hubbard System’s Rees.

Scotsman has also been developing new refrigeration systems designed to improve their cooling efficiency relative to power consumption. It is also working to introduce more green technologies, including the use of alternative refrigerants, greener plastics and more environmentally friendly insulation.

“These will all help reduce the carbon footprint of the equipment,” comments Rees. “Testing of these new ice machines will begin in early 2023, and they will likely be implemented in the second half of the year.”