Manitowoc Ice Machines, Bins, and Dispensers

Common Questions About Manitowoc Ice Machines

What types of ice do Manitowoc ice makers produce?

Regular cube ice from Manitowoc is perfect for bagging, dispensing, and serving both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Dice ice from Manitowoc is a bit smaller than regular cube ice, but it is also categorized as a full cube and is typically used for the same applications.

Often referred to as half-cube ice, half-dice ice is diverse. It is commonly used in mixed drinks, frozen cocktails, soft drinks, and bagging and dispensing applications.

Because nugget ice is soft and chewable, customers often prefer it to other types. Its 85 percent ice-to-water ratio produces its unique texture while ensuring it effectively cools drinks. Nugget ice from Manitowoc Ice usually consists of small pieces that range from ³⁄₈ to ¹⁄₂ inches long. These ice makers are usually paired with fountain or specialty soft drinks and blended cocktails.

Flake ice is almost always used for display; you'll often see it cooling produce, meat, seafood, and food on buffets. However, it is also used in healthcare facilities since it is less likely to cause choking.

Popular in upscale restaurants, bars, and banquet halls, gourmet ice has a unique shape that looks great in hi-ball glasses. It melts slowly, so it won't quickly dilute drinks.

What makes Indigo NXT™ machines from Manitowoc Ice easy to operate?

Many commercial ice makers communicate their status and maintenance requirements through cryptic flashing lights. To reduce confusion and make your ice machine easier to use, Manitowoc Ice's Indigo NXT models have an interface with an EasyTouch digital display that uses icons and words to convey information to operators.

On the display, operators can access the Manitowoc ice maker's status, which is displayed in the center of the screen. This status is communicated in four phrases: machine off, program mode, making ice, or bin full. Two separate icons inform the operators of system issues and maintenance needs through alerts and messages. The display also shares ice machine information like the serial number, model number, and installation date.

The ice machine is constantly monitored by internal diagnostics and notifies the operator of issues. If your Indigo ice maker from Manitowoc Ice requires servicing, you can use the telephone icon to locate a service company. The touchscreen can be turned off and locked to prevent tampering and accidental changes. An icon in the corner of the screen verifies that the settings are locked.

What are some popular Manitowoc ice machine parts to add to my unit?

If you buy a Manitowoc ice maker and bin separately, you have more ability to customize the units to fit your operation. You can pair a large bin with a smaller ice machine head if you don't use ice often. For busy operations, a smaller bin for a large ice maker may be better. When buying these units separately, you will typically need an adapter plate to sit between the them and keep the equipment functioning efficiently.

Water filter cartridges are a common replacement part for existing units. Water filters reduce the concentration of dissolved minerals that slip into the Manitowoc ice maker. These minerals - generally found in every water supply, especially in areas with hard water - are harmless to most people but cause damage in the ice machine. Using a water filter also makes the ice clearer and improves its taste.