An ice machine is used to produce different types of ice for use in drinks and food service. Depending on the type of venue or purpose, there are a range of capacity sizes and styles to choose from.
Cube ice is formed when water runs over an evaporator plate divided into grids and freezes to form the desired shape. The ice then falls into a storage bin below.
Cubes
A cube ice machine produces regular, uniform cube-shaped ice that can be used for a variety of drinks. This ice melts at a slower pace than other types of ice, which can help maintain the temperature of beverages for extended periods of time. This type of ice is ideal for restaurants, bars, and other businesses that serve mixed drinks or pours of alcohol on the rocks.
When a cube forms on the surface of the evaporation tube, it is pushed out by the blades of the ice ejector. As it falls, it is lubricated by the water that flows into the chute from the ice tank. This prevents the ice from damaging the evaporation tube and helps to ensure that a clean, consistent ice is produced each time.
Cube ice machines are available in different sizes and capacities to accommodate the needs of any business. They are also available in both air and water cooled options.
Flakes
A flake ice machine produces flakes that are small and flat. These ice pieces are soft and can be molded into shapes, making them perfect for creating food displays. They also allow business owners to display drinks in attractive containers, while keeping bottles and cans at an appropriate serving temperature.
Flake ice is also ideal for preserving fish, seafood and other perishable products during transport. Its flat flakes spread out easily to cover larger areas, while maintaining their shape and covering delicate foods without causing bruising or indentations. It also melts quickly to draw heat away from foods and other materials for rapid cooling.
Who hasn’t enjoyed a snow cone at a carnival, zoo or state fair? These frozen treats are the perfect way to cool down on a hot day and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Flake ice is the perfect base for these scrumptious desserts, and it’s also used in many other dishes.
Bullets
Bullet-shaped ice is created by a process called adiabatic cooling, where highly pressurized materials cool quickly. The rapid expansion turns the refrigerant from a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid to low-temperature, low-pressure water that freezes around the ice cubes as they form.
The ice cubes are then scooped into a bin by a timer that automatically stops the ice machine when the ice reaches the full or empty bin level. The ice is stored in the bin until it’s needed, and the cycle begins again.
Countertop bullet ice makers are smaller than a traditional undercounter or freestanding unit. These small ice machines produce the same quantity of bullet ice as larger units but fit right on your countertop for easy access to quick drinks and other snacks. They are available in either air-cooled or water-cooled versions to accommodate the specific temperature range of your establishment. Some models are even energy efficient, using less water and electricity than others.
Nuggets
Nuggets are small, chewable cubes that have gained popularity in recent years. Often used to chill soda in bottomless drinks, they’re more versatile than standard cubes and offer a texture that absorbs the beverage’s flavor. They’re also ideal for smoothies and blended cocktails because they’re softer and easier to blend than cubes.
Efficient industrial ice makers for nuggets are designed to produce large quantities of this type of ice at the speed and volume required for foodservice operations. These machines often feature advanced features that boost production rates and minimize energy consumption, which helps you save money on your utility bills.
Water gets pumped into a cold metal cylinder and then pushed through small holes by a rotating auger. This creates nugget-shaped ice that’s then deposited into an ice bin. Nugget ice is a bit more expensive than standard cubes, but it can help you keep up with high demand for this chewable and fast-melting ice option.
