Choose Right Ice Maker For Your Needs

Steps For Selecting The Best Ice Machine

Step 1: Gather Information on the existing product
Get the brand and the model number for the modular unit and the bin.  Note if the unit is a cuber or flaker.  Note if the unit is air cooled, water cooled, or remote air cooled, you will have to find the remote condenser and get its model number as well.  Note the liner routing - its length and tubing size.  Note the refrigerant type.

Step 2: Ask Questions

• Did the machine make enough ice?

• Did it put out too much heat?

• Was it loud?

• Are you planning to expand?

• Was the bin big enough?

• What is the electrical capacity available?

• Would two machines be better than one, with a smaller one in an undercounter spot closer to where the ice is used?

• Changing to a remote system?  Where will the condenser go?

• Water filters?  If they don't have them, add them

Step 3: Answer the condenser question - Which one is ideal?
A water cooled model is quiet, easy to install compared remote air cooled, cheaper and does not put any excess heat into the room.  The trade off is, of course, the added expense of the water usage.  In many areas, water cooled machines are not even allowed, so check with the local authorities to be sure what is permitted.  Self contained air cooled machines are very simple and common.  Although they are the easiest and are the least expensive to install, they do make the most noise and do exhaust heat into the surrounding air.  Remote air cooled have the low noise advantage of water cooled and use no more water than a self contained air cooled, but can be expensive to install.

Step 4: Size the machine correctly for the use
Many ice machines are too small for the application.  If an ice machine runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without shutting off, it is too small.  Not only will it wear out prematurely, it will not give the user any ice making margin-they will occasionally have to buy ice.  Do not specify a bin that is too small, because it can not hold the amount of ice needed.  Small bin may also be too low for ease of use.  Having a bin that is too large can also be a problem, as ice that is not used tends to melt together and then it is hard to remove from the bin (a little cold water poured on the "clump" helps to loosen it up).  Remember, when specifying a combination of ice machine and bin or dispenser be sure that all the necessary adapter kits are on the list. 

Step 5: What is the desired ice form?
Flaked, Nugget or cube?  Flaked ice is best for packing food like fish or chicken - many supermarkets and seafood markets use it for displays.  Nugget ice is good for that but also makes an excellent beverage ice.  Cube ice is fairly universal, good for almost any application.  However, cubers do have to stop refrigerating water to release their ice while flakers don't, which is why flakers are more efficient at producing ice.