A Guide to Manitowoc's CrystalCraft™ Premier Ice Machine
The Manitowoc Ice CrystalCraft Premier undercounter ice machine creates 11⁄2-inch clear cubes, a classic and versatile choice for any bar. These cubes are three times larger than the brand's standard CrystalCraft ice cubes. These large-format cubes not only look great, but they dilute drinks far slower than regular-sized cubes, preserving the flavors of cocktails longer.
Why Choose Manitowoc's CrystalCraft Premier Cube?
Ice plays several important roles in a mixed drink: it chills the drink, dilutes the harsh bite of alcohol, and plays a large role in the drink's visual appeal. As interest in craft cocktails has surged around the world, so has interest in the type of ice used in such drinks. Treating ice as an afterthought by using small, quickly melting cubes can ruin an otherwise excellent cocktail.
Crystal-clear, large-format cubes – like those made by the CrystalCraft Premier – don't just look nice in a cocktail. Their density and high ice-to-water ratio makes them melt slower, enabling patrons to savor their drinks and appreciate the skill that went into making them. These large cubes and their effects on drinks transform the traditional imbibing process into a luxurious experience, enabling bar owners to price their cocktails accordingly for enhanced profitability.
Features & Specs of the CrystalCraft Premier Ice Maker
The CrystalCraft Premier ice maker features a compact design and several automated features that make operation and maintenance predominately hands-off:
- The machine can produce as much as 41 pounds of ice (over 300 cubes) in 24 hours and can hold up to 25 pounds, making it ideal for low-volume establishments, such as small craft cocktail lounges.
- Measuring 143⁄4 inches wide, 22 3⁄4 inches deep, and 331⁄2 inches tall, it can stand on its own or fit neatly under the counter, and it does not require side or vent clearances thanks to the airflow system built into the unit's front.
- The unit uses air-cooled compressors to cool its components and retains temperatures with foamed-in insulation.
- The LED-lighted bin gives a clear view of the ice storage, while built-in tong holds in the door ensure that users can always grab the ice they need in a safe and sanitary way.
- The front-access control panel features an easy-to-use membrane touch pad that enables users to set cleaning cycles and delay periods.
Bartenders want to focus on their customers and their craft, not on maintaining complicated machinery. The CrystalCraft Premier enables them to do exactly that, featuring an automatic mode that keeps the bin full as well as automated cleaning and sanitizing functions. The integrated water filtration system simplifies maintenance and the easy-to-read warning lights on the panel indicate when the filter requires replacement or when service is required, taking the guesswork out of operations. The machine also features a delay-start function, which saves energy and resources by setting periods during which the unit will not run.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing the CrystalCraft Premier ice machine is a relatively straightforward process outlined in Manitowoc's user guide. There are a few prerequisites that must be met: the ice machine must be located at an open site/gravity drain (or the user purchases an optional drain pump), have a grounded power supply on a dedicated electrical circuit, a cold water supply line, and be positioned in a way that allows for cleaning and service. If these are satisfactory, installation consists of making sure the unit is level by adjusting the leg levelers, attaching the drain hose or drain pump, connecting the cold water line, and plugging it in. Before operating, the machine should be cleaned and sanitized according to the manual's cleaning procedure. The process is outlined step-by-step in Manitowoc's user guide and features a checklist to ensure that the unit has been installed correctly, and should not require professional installation.
Manitowoc recommends an In Place Cleaning/Sanitizing procedure every 6 months via the control panel, which is an automated process in which the machine cleans itself. A deeper Cleaning/Sanitizing procedure, in which the machine is taken apart and manually cleaned by the user, is recommended every 12 months for efficient operation. The CrystalCraft Premier is designed to be user-friendly, but the company recommends you call your local Manitowoc service representative to perform the maintenance procedures if you do not understand the procedures or safety precautions that must be followed. Manitowoc goes into more depth on maintenance in its user guide, and you can also consult KaTom's ice machine cleaning and maintenance guide for more information.
Gourmet Ice Cube Machines: A Solid Investment for Cocktail Bars
The CrystalCraft Premier may be a worthwhile investment for low-volume cocktail lounges that want to elevate the overall customer experience into something luxurious. Slow-melting, large-format ice cubes have become a necessity in the craft cocktail industry, and the CrystalCraft Premier ice maker delivers a unique cube with a design that prioritizes ease of use and maintenance for operators.
