Remote-Cooled Ice Makers

A remote-cooled ice machine is paired with a compressor unit located outside the facility and connected to the ice maker via lines that run refrigerant between the two. They have lower purchase costs, but those are offset by the purchase and installation of the compressor.

Crescent Cube

Extra Large Cube

Flake

Full Cube

Half Cube

Nugget

Remote-cooled Ice Machines Details

Since remote-cooled ice machines are significantly less common than air-cooled units, it's important to educate yourself on these units before purchasing. First, while many of these units are hundreds of dollars cheaper than comparable air-cooled models, that price does not include the compressor unit, which must be purchased and installed separately. That installation can get costly, as it requires running refrigerant lines from the unit to the compressor, plus a suitable mounting pad on the exterior of the building.

As the name suggests, remote-cooled ice makers have most of their refrigeration systems—the condenser and compressor—in a separate unit; the evaporator is the only major component contained in the machine. Overall, these function similarly to air-cooled models, with the exterior compressor taking in air around it to cool refrigerant running through the condenser, then sending it back to the evaporator.

These models are ideal for specific settings, such as guest areas where the noise and heat of ice production is unwelcome and small spaces where air circulation is limited. When considering one, it is important to think about if you can run the necessary refrigerant lines and how difficult that may be. Whether because you operate out of a historic building that can't be easily altered or access to a suitable mounting position is too far away, costs and other limitations can make these a no-go.