Manitowoc Undercounter Ice Machine
Manitowoc's undercounter ice machines are available in several different sizes so you can find one to fit virtually anywhere you provide ice. The undercounter ice machine can be installed beneath a bar to support making cocktails, or at a server station to streamline your beverage service. Manitowoc's undercounter ice makers come equipped with innovative features like a slide-out bin and a delay function to simplify operation. More
Common Questions About Manitowoc Undercounter Ice Machines
What benefits do Manitowoc undercounter ice machines have?
Manitowoc undercounter ice makers are beneficial to almost any business that needs ice – they slide under counters to conserve space and ensure convenient access to ice. Basic features of Manitowoc units include durable, stainless steel construction, low-profile design, and a slide-up door. Manitowoc undercounter ice makers conserve labor and energy, and are equipped with features that simplify operation. These units provide a steady supply of ice to benefit any foodservice or hospitality business. They also include myriad ice production rates, ranging from 53 to 398 pounds in 24 hours. Bins store the ice and some bins feature lighting for superior visibility.
What features does the Manitowoc NEO® ice machine have?
The Manitowoc NEO ice machine is designed to fit under a counter so it can provide convenient access to an ice supply. It has features that save energy and labor, such as a delay function to pause production and a removable air filter on its front. Several parts have AlphaSan® antimicrobial agents molded in to reduce the speed of bacteria growth between cleanings. Indicator lights alert the user when service is needed and when the bin is full, while the water trough, distribution tube, and damper door all can be removed to simplify cleaning. The condenser can be either air-cooled or water-cooled, and it is self-contained for swift maintenance.
What types of ice do Manitowoc undercounter ice machines produce?
Manitowoc undercounter ice machines can produce various ice types, including flake, full cube, half cube, and nugget. Flake ice is ideal for salad bars, chilling seafood, or making frozen beverages; however, it is not typically served in drinks unless in a healthcare setting, where it can be consumed safely without choking risks. Full-cube ice melts slower due to its larger size, so it is perfect for keeping a drink cool without watering it down. Yet, full-cube ice does not cool beverages as fast as smaller ice cubes. Half-cube ice melts faster, has a higher drink displacement, and is better for blending than full cubes. Nugget ice – also called Sonic ice – is small for dispensing, meaning it is ideal for blending frozen beverages such as frozen cocktails and smoothies. This type of ice is popular because it is chewable and absorbs the flavor of drinks. Top hat cubes, or gourmet ice cubes, have a unique shape and are slow to melt. This type of ice is intended for serving high-end liquors and craft cocktails.
Do I need an air-cooled or water-cooled compressor?
Manitowoc undercounter ice machines are equipped with hermetically-sealed Tecumseh compressors, which can be either air or water cooled. The type of compressor you need will depend on the utilities you can provide and the type of environment you install your Manitowoc undercounter ice maker in.
Air-cooled units operate similarly to refrigerators, cooling refrigerant by drawing cold air over the compressor. These units are easy to install and cost-effective to run, but their downside is they can increase ambient heat significantly in their environment – an issue for hot kitchens.
Water-cooled units cool their refrigerant by running a constant supply of water over the compressor. These units are more costly to run and install because they must be plumbed twice and, unless you have a central cooling tower or other apparatus to connect to, you will be paying high utility bills. Therefore, water-cooled units are a better fit for larger establishments that have a cooling tower to connect multiple ice machines to.