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In every modern bar, cafe or restaurant you can find an ice machine. It allows the production of large quantities of ice for chilling drinks or displaying food. In addition, ice is actively used for therapeutic purposes – for the treatment of bruises or bruises, so it can be purchased for the home.
Types of ice
Cubic – a popular type in bars, restaurants and hotels. Due to the large surface area, the ice quickly cools drinks and melts slowly.
Cheshuchatyy — looks like small chips or splinters and evenly cools dishes, so it is often used in salad bars and cafes. Also used for compresses in clinics and emergency rooms.
Granulated – is rightfully considered a favorite among visitors to cocktail bars and cafes. This is because it is quite soft and easy to chew. Ice is ideal for juices, fruit smoothies and other drinks.
Hexagonal and crescent used by restaurant and cafe owners who want to add creativity. It cools drinks fairly quickly.
What to look for
Consider what options are important when choosing an ice maker.
Air cooling
An air-cooled generator works like a fan or cooler. Air moves through the condenser through vents and vents.
The advantages of these models are that they are much cheaper than machines with a water or remote condenser. They spend much less water and are considered quite economical. The peculiarity of the technique is that it needs a lot of space for air movement. Do not forget to clean the filters periodically, otherwise the device will start to overheat and make unnecessary noises.
Water cooling
The principle of operation of such a generator — two plumbing. The first serves to produce ice and stretches to a special compartment. The second one runs along the condenser and serves to remove the refrigerant.
Note that the technique does not depend on the ambient temperature. Another plus — small power consumption. Unlike the previous type, it works quite quietly. But the generator spends a large amount of water, respectively, and the costs will be impressive.
Performance
How much ice the generator can produce depends on where it will be used. The volume varies from a few kilograms to several tons. If your establishment has a large flow of customers, pay attention to models with high performance. Usually such ice machines have a capacious chamber or a bin for storing unused product.
Water filter
A significant part of generator failures depends on the purity and quality of the water. “Heavy” elements, minerals and various impurities accumulate inside the device over time and disrupt its operation. Substances in the water can affect the smell and taste of the resulting ice, impair the performance of the equipment.
Of course, there are no regulations that would require the presence of a water filter. But it is worth knowing that a breakdown associated with poor-quality water is not serviced under warranty. If the master finds that the damage was due to bad water, the client will have to pay for the repairs themselves.
Filter advantages:
- Elements dissolved in water, such as chlorine, impair the taste of ice. The filter will qualitatively purify water from harmful minerals and impurities.
- Mineral contaminants build up inside the machine and reduce performance. Filtration helps him to work at full strength.
- Impurities can destroy the compressor and seal. As a result, this will lead to serious damage and high repair costs. The filter prevents buildup and stabilizes the appliance.
Water filters can be of different sizes, depending on the brand and power of the product.
Optional Accessories
- Storage. A bunker or dispenser is simply necessary if the device does not work autonomously. There are two types of dispensers: table and floor. Most often they are used in public catering and hotels. Bunkers are made to store ice until it is used.
- Remote condenser. If the generator is too noisy and the sound irritates visitors, a remote condenser will save the situation. Refrigerant piping is also required to use such a system.
- Scoop. This accessory ensures that the ice for visitors will be filled with a clean tool.
How to choose an industrial ice maker
It is best to proceed according to this scheme:
- It is necessary to decide where and how the device will be used. Most often, ice is needed for drinks or food display in supermarkets and shopping centers.
- Next, you should choose the optimal size.
- Then you need to make a choice between water and air cooling. The first type will significantly reduce noise and is suitable even for hot climates. The second will help save money on water bills.
- You can order accessories. Buyers will definitely need a water filter, hopper or scoop. Each of the details will simplify the use of the device.
Other types
Household and home
These devices are usually small and are of the “jellied” type. They are ideal for the home and do not require a connection to the water supply, just pour water inside. If you need a good home or bar ice maker, consider Gastrorag DB-09. It produces up to 10 kilograms of ice per day.
Features:
- dimensions — 30h45h30 cm.
- Installation — desktop.
- The shape is cubic — finger.
- Capacity — 0,6 kg.
- Performance — 10 kg in 24 hours.
For bath
In baths and saunas, ice generators are used both for rubdowns and for cooling drinks. Devices are installed in the hall, and sometimes in the steam room itself. Such equipment must necessarily have high-quality thermal insulation. She is one of the popular models. — PROCONHEALTH ICE CREAM TOWER Naked EU 22.
Features:
- dimensions — 53h57h54 cm.
- Installation — embedded.
- Performance — about 120 kg in 24 hours.
- Features — built-in Standby mode.
Dry ice generators
Dry granular ice is necessary for cleaning car parts and equipment. Also suitable for cooling certain foods. Models are compact enough and allow you to clean yourself.
The company enjoys success with buyers of such devices. KARCHER.
Liquid ice generators
One of the innovative technologies that allows the production of a gel-like substance from salted (sea) water and ice microcrystals. This system allows you to save products without spoilage and thermal burns.
Models overview
ZB-26 banquet
Description:
Convito ZB-26 is suitable for making ice at home. The maximum amount of product output — 26 kg per day. The equipment requires an additional connection to the water supply and sewerage. The model is suitable both for home and for a bar or a small cafe. If you do not know how to connect the generator to the water supply, it is better to contact the master or the equipment service center.
Options:
- dimensions — 40h54h67 cm.
- Performance — up to 26 kg in 24 hours.
- Охлаждение — air.
- Power — 0,2 kW.
Cost: about 42 thousand rubles.
FROST ICE MAKER VA-8383
Description:
This device is suitable for home or mini diner. Main Benefits — high performance. The generator is equipped with electronic control and a timer with automatic shutdown. Of the features — a sound alarm that notifies you of a low water level in the tank.
Options:
- dimensions — 36h24h32 cm.
- Performance — up to 12 kg in 24 hours.
- Охлаждение — air.
- Power — 0,12 kW.
- Features: microprocessor, Stan By mode, timer.
Cost: about 15 thousand rubles.
Bremen Split 350
Description:
Brema equipment can be called really high quality. The body is made of durable stainless steel. The Brema generator will be enough for the needs of a large restaurant or shopping center.
Options:
- dimensions — 49h58h70 cm.
- Performance — up to 400 kg in 24 hours.
- Охлаждение — air.
- Power — 0,18 kW.
- Features: scaly form of ice floes.
Cost: about 300 thousand rubles.
Scotsman MAR 56 AS
Description:
Another model of industrial equipment. It also has a high level of performance. All plastic elements are protected from bacteria by AglON technology.
Options:
- dimensions — 90h81h112 cm.
- Performance — from 380 to 426 kg in 24 hours.
- Охлаждение — air.
- Power — 2 kW.
- Features: protection against bacteria.
Cost: about 600 thousand rubles.
ICEMATIC E21 W
Description:
Quality appliances for home, small shop or bar. Housing material — top quality stainless steel. There is an automatic condenser cleaning function. The electronic control panel allows you to control the operation of the equipment.
Options:
- dimensions — 34h54h52 cm.
- Performance — up to 21 kg in 24 hours.
- Охлаждение — water.
- Power — 0,22 kW.
- Features: frontal ventilation, bunker full alarm.
Cost: about 61 thousand rubles.
In addition to the presented manufacturers, ice makers of various types can be found in the brands Hoshizaki, Cooleq, Simag, Maja, Hurakan, Apach and Eqta.
If you need a small amount of ice cubes, you can upgrade your refrigerator and purchase appliances with a built-in ICE MAKER. Such models can be found at Electrolux, Samsung, Bosch or Liebherr. Liebherr has a popular model ECBN 6156. Bosch boasts a refrigerator CAN58A45.
Important! You can find out how the equipment works or how to set up functions in the instruction manual that comes with the kit.
Reviews
Elizabeth, Krasnodar
Has bought Frost Ice Maker VA-8383 — only he saves in the heat. The house is now always cold drinks for yourself and for guests. There is an automatic shutdown setting. This is very convenient, because you do not always remember that you need to turn something off. I am glad that there are such portable devices on sale. We can say that the technique fully justifies its price.
Andrey, Chelyabinsk
I decided to please myself with a new technique — ice maker. Long searched and chose CASO Ice master Pro. Of the pros — There is a quick freeze mode and an auto-off setting. After two months of use, it began to turn on on the third attempt. I had to take it to a service center, fortunately, the guarantee is 24 months. Fixed, so far it works fine. In principle, a good thing, only it is a little expensive for its capabilities. It could be a little more expensive to take a refrigerator with this function.
In conclusion, it should be said that the ice maker — thing is specific. If you do not have a cafe or bar, then you can really refuse such a purchase. In any case, now you have learned the main characteristics and principle of operation of such devices. Buy or not — it’s up to you to decide.