With such a large variety of different ice shapes, ice maker manufacturers, applications and models, it’s important to know the fundamentals, in order to choose an ice maker that suit your specific needs.
Commercial units are usually used in places such as restaurants, bars, hospitals, supermarkets, etc. Home Ice Makers, particularly built-in and under-counter ice makers, are ideal for people who either enjoy entertaining others or who love specific types of ice.
Gravity Drain vs. Drain Pump:
Commercial and residential under-counter ice makers both need to be drained. There are two main ways of doing so: either by using a gravity drain or a progressive water discharge pump. Let’s compare them:
Gravity Drain:
A gravity drain makes use of the earth’s gravity to help assist condensate from the ice machine. Essentially, if your drain happens to be within one metre of the ice machine and the drain needs to physically lower than the actual drain port from the ice machine, gravity drains will be suitable for you. Bear in mind, though, you will experience problems if the drain is over a metre away, or if the excess water has to travel at an upward angle.
Progressive Water Discharge:
A progressive water discharge pump unique by Scotsman. It solves all your drainage height or distance problems. Place your ice maker just where you need it, up to 15metres away, and 1.5metres lower than the actual drain outlet. A progressive water discharge is standard on all Scotsman EC Easy Fit line models.
Ice Production Rates
Ice production rates are common identifiers for ice machines. Production rates are measured by how much ice a machine is producing per 24hours. Manufacturers categorise production rates based on their capabilities in optimal environments. The ideal temperatures at which an ice machine should run is: the ambient temperature @ 10°C and water temperature @ 10°C.
If the conditions of your ice machine’s environment are warmer, you should expect the production rates being roughly 20% less than specified. As production is dependent on the environment the machine is placed in, it is vital to consider these variables when establishing which production rate is right for your needs.
Many hotels, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and several other types of businesses rely on ice: cube, flake, diced, and gourmet ice, in quantities from cube-at-a-time dispensers to tonnes of ice a day – and Scotsman Ice Systems is the leading brand. Scotsman Ice Systems pioneered the advancement of affordable and reliable ice-making machines, for commercial and domestic applications.