If your establishment uses a lot of ice, then an ice machine head is perfect for you. Ice machine heads, also known as ice machine cuber heads or modular ice makers, provide a lot of flexibility, as they can be mixed and matched with ice dispensers and bins of different sizes. They have this specific name because they only have ice-making functionality but the biggest difference is they are designed for big restaurants who need a lot of ice every day.
Ice machine heads can produce anywhere from 250 lbs. of ice to over 1,400 lbs. per day! Ice storage bins come in the same standard widths to easily fit the cuber heads. Cuber heads are typically available in 22”, 30” and 48” widths. You can also mount smaller cuber heads on larger bins or dispensers. This requires the use of an ice bin adapter kit, which serves to cover up any open space on top of the bin and allows the head to sit firmly.
What are the Different Types of Ice?
Cube Ice
Ice comes in a variety of different styles. Cube ice is the most standard type of ice used in commercial operations. Cube ice melts slowly and cools drinks quickly. Full cube, half cube, and regular-size cubes are available.
Note: they may also be referred to as “dice” instead of “cube,” depending on the manufacturer’s preference (both terms mean the same thing).
Full-size and regular-size cubes are perfect for soda or alcoholic drinks because of their slower melt time, which prevents beverages from getting watered down.
Half cubes are the most versatile type of ice. They can be used in drinks and slushies, and they’re also the preferred type of ice for bagged ice. Half-dice cubes have a lower production need, which saves money on energy costs.
Nugget Ice
Nugget ice is extremely popular—specifically for customers who like to chew their ice. Nugget ice, which is also known as pearl, cubelet, or chewblet ice, nugget ice, is soft enough to chew but hard enough to be dispensed. This makes it perfect for fountain drinks and blended drinks. Nugget ice melts more quickly than cube ice, so you can expect more ice refills from your customers.
Gourmet Ice
Also known as octagon or top-hat ice, gourmet ice is a large type of ice that’s ideal for higher-end drinks, such as any spirit served on the rocks.
Note: Read our guide on Types of Ice and How to Use Them
Self-Contained Ice Makers vs. Modular Ice Makers
Right about now you might be wondering: “What are the different types of commercial ice machine?” Well, first off, there are modular units, also known as undercounter ice machines. These machines serve as “all-in-one” units, combining the ice machine with the storage bin. Self-contained ice makers usually have a compact footprint and produce low volumes of ice, making them ideal for small bars, cafes, and breakrooms.
Alternatively, ice machine heads, as the name suggests, are just the head, and the bin is sold separately. However, Central offers head-bin kits that take the guesswork out of finding a compatible head and bin! If your establishment uses a lot of ice, a modular ice maker is your best bet because it produces greater volumes.
How Do Commercial Ice Machines Work Anyway?
Air Cooled
Air-cooled machines use fans that move air over the condenser to remove heat from the unit. They are the simplest to install and maintain, since all the components are contained within the unit.
One thing to consider when purchasing an air-cooled ice maker is clearance. The machine needs to have a minimum amount of space between it and your ceiling/walls in order for it to have the airflow required to run smoothly.
Water Cooled
Water-cooled condensers are more expensive to operate than air-cooled condensers. That’s because water consumption is much higher due to the water needed to continuously flow through the condenser and keep it cool.
However, a water-cooled machine works well if your space doesn’t allow for an air-cooled condenser. It’s also ideal in environments where there’s a lot of grease-laden air, or where the ambient temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Hotels use water-cooled condensers a lot because they tend to place their ice makers in hallway corners or closets where proper ventilation just isn’t possible.
Remote Cooled
Remote-cooled units have a lot of benefits. Rather than being contained within the ice maker, the remote condenser is located elsewhere, typically on the roof of the building. Refrigerant travels from the machine to the condensing unit to be cooled, and then it’s sent back to the ice machine. Having a remote unit eliminates most noise and heat from the area around the ice machine.
Note: You’ll likely need a qualified HVAC technician to install the unit and its remote components, which can cost more money.
How Much Ice Do Ice Machines Produce in a Day?
Ice machines are rated based on the amount of ice they can produce within a 24-hour period. You’ll need to consider several factors when determining how much ice your business needs.
Make sure to consider questions like these:
- How much ice do you use on your busiest day?
- How much growth do you anticipate your business doing over the next few years?
- Are you a convenience store or a hotel?
It’s better to overestimate your usage than underestimate it, so considering various scenarios is important.
Still need guidance? Our product consultants can work with you to help determine what size machine is best. From 400 to more than 1,400 pounds of ice production per day, Central has a variety of cube ice makers to suit any need.
Our Top Ice Machine Brands
Now that you’ve learned about an ice machine’s design, production capacity, and the type of ice it produces, you might be wondering about which brands you can trust. Central Restaurant Products carries an impressive selection of ice machines from some of the nation’s top brands, including the following:
- Manitowoc: manufacturing best-in-class, user-friendly ice machines for the foodservice industry since 1964
- Ice-O-Matic: known for their affordable lineup of flakers, cubers, and ice machines
- Hoshizaki: a global leader in beautifully designed, Energy Star qualified ice makers
- Scotsman: the world’s leading manufacturer of ice machines and accessories, with a vast catalog of options
In Conclusion
Ice machines heads are essential in any high-demand kitchen or service setting. That’s because convenience stores, hotels, schools, and supermarkets all require ice – for eating, cooling or display purposes. Understanding how much ice you need to produce, what type of ice you prefer, and what your space constraints are will allow you to make the right choice.
Like all commercial equipment, routine cleaning and maintenance is essential to keep it in safe, efficient, working order. Don’t forget to use clean water, a water filter, and sanitizers. Consulting your machine’s manual for specific part numbers will ensure you use the correct cleaning products.
Read our guide for more info: How to Clean an Ice Machine
We also carry a massive inventory of commercial ice machine accessories, including ice scoops, caddies, and more!
