Manitowoc Ice Machines
Manitowoc ice machines are some of the most reliable, efficient, and durable models on the market. With their state-of-the-art Manitowoc Indigo line, along with undercounter and head only options, Manitowoc commercial ice makers will fit in any establishment. More
Common Questions About Manitowoc Ice Machines
Why choose Manitowoc Ice?
Manitowoc ice makers are some of the most trusted pieces of ice making equipment on the market, and the range of ice makers and ice styles are sure to meet and exceed your establishment's needs. Manitowoc's Indigo series has a number of features that make them a top choice for anyone adding an ice machine, as DuraTech™ coating prevents smudging, while programmable production ensures an appropriate supply of ice and energy efficiency. Manitowoc produces ice machines that can make full-cube ice, half-cube ice, nugget ice, flake ice, and extra-large, or gourmet, ice. Indigo NXT™ pieces use acoustical ice-sensing probes to ensure ice produced is always the correct thickness, while AlphaSan® antimicrobial components reduce bacterial growth and improve overall sanitation. Manitowoc also offers a significant warranty on all new ice machines as proof of confidence in the machines. Once you've got a Manitowoc commercial ice maker installed in your establishment, you can relax and enjoy fresh, clean ice without worrying about the reliability of your machine.
Which Manitowoc ice type is best for your needs?
Manitowoc ice machines can be purchased in a variety of configurations to ensure each customer gets the type of ice that works best for them. Starting at the largest, there are machines that produce gourmet, or extra-large, ice, though these machines aren't common because gourmet ice is useful only in specific applications – namely the serving of cocktails and other types of alcohol. These large cubes don't melt as quickly, which prevents them from watering down the drink, and also displace larger volumes of liquid, meaning you end up using less of the expensive liquor. Full-cube and half-cube ice are more common, with half-cube (or half-dice, in Manitowoc lingo) being the most popular. These work well to cool off a soda or glass of water, as they provide a balance of quick cooling and melt time. If you plan on serving crushed ice, most crushers work best with half-cube ice. Flake and nugget ice are outliers. Many customers love nugget ice because it's easier to chew and takes on the flavor of the beverage. Flake ice works best in medical settings, as the tiny pieces dissolve quickly and are unlikely to present a choking hazard to patients with difficulty swallowing. Flake is also used in display applications because it makes a neat bed for produce or fish that needs to be kept chilled while on display. Flake and nugget ice machines typically have a lower warranty because the machines have more moving parts and can't be made with the same high level of durability as the full-cube and half-cube machines.
Which type of compressor do I need?
The next big decision to make when choosing a Manitowoc ice machine is which type of compressor you need. The most common type is an air-cooled compressor, which takes heat from the internal compartment and transfers it into the air around the machine. Air-cooled compressors require an intake and exhaust port, which means they can't be placed in a cramped corner. These machines need room to breathe, or they won't be able to chill the water down far enough to make ice. Air-cooled machines vent their heat into the room around them, which means they'll make the area warmer and generate noise throughout the process.
These problems are solved, at cost, through remote compressors. Remote compressors are connected to the ice machine via a series of tubes and wires, and the refrigerant can be cooled at the compressor's location, which will be far away from the ice machine itself. However, remote compressors don't come with the ice machine and must be purchased separately, while installation is more complicated and thus more costly. You also need an appropriate place to install a remote compressor, usually within a hundred feet of the ice machine. These facets make remote compressors more expensive than air compressors, but if you can afford it, the benefits are substantial.
Water-cooled machines are best for institutions that operate on a self-sustained water system. Casinos in Las Vegas frequently use water-cooled machines, but outside of such unique circumstances, water-cooled units are usually going to cost a lot more in utilities than comparable air-cooled units. Unless you have good reason to get water-cooled, go for an air-cooled or remote compressor machine.