Before you can decide to buy a commercial ice machine, there are a few things you need to know about choosing the right option for you. An ice machine is a piece of must-have restaurant equipment if you are in the hospitality industry, be it a restaurant, hotel, resort or even a golf club. The various options available may at first seem confusing. Read on to know more about which ice machine will suit your need the best.
The different types of ice machines available are modular ice machines and ice bins, self contained ice machines and the under counter ice machine.
The modular ice machine and ice bin are two separate units, one to make the ice and the other to store the ice. They are normally placed one atop the other, which makes them look like a single unit.
On the other hand the self contained unit is a single unit, where the ice maker and the ice bin have been put together as a single unit. Typically the capacity of self contained ice machines is much lower than that of the modular units.
Under the counter ice machines are compact enough to be installed under the counter. They are also self contained ice machine units with a low capacity suited for smaller bars or even homes.
So after considering your quantity and space requirements, you now need to decide upon the shape of ice cubes, you desire. The shapes on offer are diced cubes, contour cubes nuggets and flakes. Each of the different shapes is suited for different applications and has its own advantages.
Diced ice is regular ice in the shape of cubes. It is commonly used for carbonated beverages, mixed drinks, ice displays, ice dispensing, banquet services and ice retailing. The cube ice has a favorable liquid displacement.
Contour cube ice is just right for carbonated beverages, mixed drinks, ice displays, ice dispensing and ice retailing. Their unique design reduces splashes as the contour shape encourages the liquid to flow over easily. Individual cubes make them easy to dispense.
Nugget ice or Sonic ice is the ideal choice for blended cocktails, bar fountain drinks, produce displays, salad bars and even therapeutic needs. Its diverse uses are due to the fact that the ice melts slowly. It cools a drink faster without any foam formation. It is the right option for patient care and therapeutic needs. It also displaces more liquid, which could translate to better profits.
The last of the lot is flaked ice. It is the thing for seafood, produce and meat displays. It is also useful in blended cocktails and salad bars. Flaked ice can be easily molded to use for ice displays. As it cools faster than any other ice shape, it is ideal for therapeutic or patient use.
Another point of consideration would be whether you would like your ice maker machine to be an air-cooled model or a water cooled model.
An air cooled ice maker is cheaper and easier to install. Their drawback is that they cannot be installed in closed spaces; neither do they work efficiently without air conditioning in hot climates.
Water cooled machines may be more expensive and also difficult to install but they work better than air cooled machines and may also reduce running costs. But of course if your area experiences water shortages or water conservation is an issue then the air cooled machines would be a better choice.
Used Commercial Ice Machines
Why is it that in England it is so difficult to get a drink with a good amount of ice? Okay it may be because the weather is consistently dire but that is no excuse for not getting a cold drink! Having spent a lot of time living and working in America I have developed a real love of a cold drink and let's face it they do it properly in America. A coke with ice is exactly that. The ice and the coke are delivered in almost even proportions.
I guess this raises another issue because in England this would be seen as an attempt by the proprietor to short change you for the amount of coke that you receive. However the Americans also have a wonderful way of letting you refill your non alcoholic beverage for free. This should also be introduced in the UK. The other favourite of mine is a drink of ice cold whisky. Sadly the UK is not the place for this. All too often the order whisky with ice is returned with a couple of shots of whisky but only the solitary chunk of ice to keep it cool. It has to be said that for a commodity that is essentially free the British bar tenders are extremely tight with their ice. So why do English bars, pubs and restaurants get it so wrong? I think it's because the ice machine is not a standard piece of kit for all bars and pubs.
Ice maker
Ice makers can turn your pub, bar or club into a venue that will make people flock to it. An iced beverage is so much nicer than a tepid warm one. By offering ice as standard you will reap the rewards and better still water doesn't cost you anything so the ice that you make will not cost much at all. Ice making machines are a great investment for any establishment that wants to sell cold drinks. The variety of these machines that are available means that you can find an ice maker that will produce enough ice for your level of consumption. Some ice machines can produce massive amounts of ice. A 50kg unit that works on a 24hour basis can produce 2kg of ice until the storage section of the machine is full. The main thing that you have to consider when purchasing the ice maker is the storage capacity of your ice maker.
Ice crushers
Not many establishments in the UK make the most of ice crushers. These devices can play a great role in making the ice that you have prepared crushed so that more of the ice can be included in the glass. There are hand operated ice crushers which allow you to crush ice by turning a handle. There are also a range of electronic ice crushers that crush ice. All you have to do is load them with ice cubes and switch them on. This type of ice is fantastic for cocktails.
Both Maxx Johnson & Shaun Parker are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Maxx Johnson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Shopping and Golf Guide. Max Johnson of VGS Golf Read more about . Learn more about. Maxx Johnson's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
Shaun Parker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Online Marketing, Auto Insurance and Wedding Bells. Shaun Parker has been a pub landlord for many years. He is a member of the campaign for real ale and offers advice on to. Shaun Parker's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.
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