Commercial Ice Machines: Keeping Food and Drinks Cold for Customers
Commercial ice machines are indispensable tools in any food service establishment. Whether it's a restaurant, bar, hotel, or hospital, the demand for ice is constant and substantial.
Industrial ice machines guarantee a steady supply of ice, which is essential for various operations in a kitchen. Ice is integral to running a kitchen efficiently, from chilling beverages to preserving perishable items and even contributing to certain food preparations.
Ice from a refrigerator or reach-in cooler may not be sufficient to cool large volumes of food and drink. This is where commercial ice machines come into play. They are designed to produce large quantities of ice quickly, ensuring your kitchen never runs out.
Eleven36 offers a range of commercial ice machines alongside our other high-quality kitchen solutions. We know the critical role ice plays in the culinary world, and we're committed to helping you meet your needs with reliable, efficient equipment.
Introducing Commercial Ice Machines
An ice machine is made up of several key parts tailored to different functions. Commercial ice bins store the produced ice, ensuring a ready supply. Ice machine parts and accessories include essential elements like evaporators and compressors crucial for ice production. Ice makers are at the heart of the process, freezing water into ice using refrigeration systems. Ice merchandisers provide display and storage for packaged ice, aiding retail distribution. Ice and water dispensers offer convenient access to both ice and water with user-friendly interfaces. Remote ice machine components allow flexible installation options by separating certain elements, such as condensers, from the main unit. Undercounter ice machines are space-efficient, fitting neatly beneath countertops while maintaining ice production capacity. Water filtration systems ensure the purity of water used in ice production, maintaining quality standards. Together, these components create a comprehensive system for ice production, storage, and distribution in your restaurant setting.
Your Chill Partner for Ice Machine Excellence
At Eleven36, we provide food service business owners with premium ice machine brands to elevate their small businesses. Whether you're running a cozy local cafe, a bustling bar, or a large-scale catering service, we can assist you with finding the perfect ice machine combo (and other refrigeration equipment) that meets your needs.
With our selection of the top brands, including Hoshizaki and Scotsman, you can rest assured you've got a high-quality ice machine for reliable performance and excellent results for a long time.
Insufficient ice production can lead to operational delays and financial losses. You can provide excellent customer service with a dependable ice maker.
Cooling Solutions: Navigating the Range of Commercial Ice Machine Types
Restaurants and other establishments need an ice machine. However, since there are so many factors to consider when choosing, it's important to understand your options.
Whether you need bar refrigeration or worktop refrigeration, the ice maker you choose impacts not only your ice production capacity but also your ice storage capacity.
Modular Ice Machines
For businesses with a substantial need for ice, the modular ice maker, also referred to as an ice machine cuber head, emerges as an excellent choice. Recognized for its remarkable adaptability, these machines seamlessly pair with ice dispensers and ice bins of various sizes, including those designed for soda dispensers.
The option to mount smaller cuber heads on larger bins or dispensers is facilitated through the utilization of an ice bin adapter kit. This kit not only covers any open space on the bin's top but also ensures a secure and stable placement of the cuber head.
Pros of Modular Ice Machines
- The versatility of modular ice machines extends to their impressive ice production capacity, ranging from 250 lbs. to well over 1,400 lbs. per day.
- Cuber heads are typically available in widths of 22 inches, 30 inches, and 48 inches, aligning with the standard widths of ice storage bins for effortless integration.
- Modular ice machines are designed to be scalable, allowing businesses to increase ice production capacity based on their specific needs. This scalability makes them suitable for a wide range of establishments, from small cafes to large-scale foodservice operations.
Cons of Modular Ice Machines
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Due to their modular nature, these machines may require more space compared to countertop alternatives.
- Setting up modular ice machines may involve a more intricate installation process.
Self-Contained Ice Machines (also known as Undercounter Ice Machines)
As businesses explore the domain of commercial ice makers, the preference frequently leans towards self-contained ice machines, also known as undercounter ice machines because unlike their modular counterparts, self-contained ice machines provide a unified solution by seamlessly combining the ice machine with the storage bin. This eradicates the necessity for a distinct bin purchase, simplifying the setup process.
Pros of Self-Contained Ice Machines
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​Best for areas with limited space.
- Simple set up process by seamlessly combining the ice machine with the storage bin. This eradicates the necessity for a distinct bin purchase.
Cons of Self-Contained Ice Machines
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Limited ice output.
- Less scalability.
- Maintenance and repair tasks for self-contained ice machines might be more intricate due to the integrated design.
Considerations When Investing in a Commercial Ice Machine
Choosing Between Built-in Ice Bin vs. No Ice Bin
Ice bins give you ice storage to ensure enough ice throughout your day. While some units come with one, others do not, allowing you to control the amount of ice storage and where it is in your kitchen.
Pros of Built-in Bin
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​No need to purchase a separate commercial ice bin
- Store ice automatically until you need it
Cons of Built-in Bin
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​Affects the overall unit size
- Cannot upgrade storage capacity
Pros of No Ice Bin
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​Control where and when the ice is stored
- Upgrade bin storage capacity as needed
Cons of No Bin
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​Must purchase a separate storage bin for ice
What Storage Capacity Do You Need?
How much daily ice production do you expect to need? Your capacity needs depend on factors such as the size of your establishment, your average customer flow, and the purpose of the ice (e.g., drinks, food preparation, etc.). It's also important to consider peak times and days when you might need more ice.
Choosing a High-Quality Industrial Ice Machine at Eleven 36
We carry a range of ice maker brands and other kitchen equipment, including bar refrigeration and prep tables — many recognizable leading names in kitchen supplies. We've carefully selected our brands for quality and take pride in ensuring you get commercial equipment you can trust and rely on.
When selecting the best commercial ice machine for your kitchen, bar, or restaurant, you'll want to consider your needs now and into the next several years. The right ice machine will make running your establishment easier, resulting in a consistent, high-quality product you'll be happy to serve patrons.
Don’t want to commit to buying? Leasing ice machines is a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses. It provides access to reliable equipment without the upfront costs, offering flexibility to upgrade and includes maintenance for uninterrupted service, making it an ideal option for efficient ice production without long-term commitments.
Eleven36 is here to serve all your commercial kitchen and bar equipment and supply needs. We open the door to versatile menus and a kitchen that keeps customers coming back time and again. If you've got questions or want more information about any of our products, get in touch with us today!