With summer just around the corner, refrigeration gear is a hot trend and ice makers are going to be your summertime go-to. Whether you are looking for a commercial ice maker or want to add an ice machine to your home, there are many things to consider, but the first thing you need to know is a general category of ice machines, and then you can choose a good brand of machine based on that model, which is of course an afterthought.

After researching the types of ice machines that exist on the market, we can roughly divide them into 6 categories, while discussing and analyzing the features that each type of machine has, in order to make it easier for you to know exactly which one you want.

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What should you consider when choosing an ice maker?

Types of Ice maker Condensing Units

6 kinds of ice makers you should know

1.Modular ice makers

2.Undercounter ice makers

3.Countertop ice makers

4.freestanding ice makers

5.Stackable ice makers

6.Ice makers with ice dispenser

Conclusion

What should you consider when choosing an ice maker?

When shopping for an ice maker, there are six factors you should consider to ensure you get the right one.

Ice production - You should consider your ice machine type based on your daily ice production needs, which vary from one type of ice maker to another.

Storage capacity - If you need to make a large amount of ice each day, it is best to choose a machine with a large storage capacity to ensure that the ice you make does not melt before you use it.

Installation - When you want to buy an ice machine, you need to consider whether it will be easy to install, or if the manufacturer will provide installation at your home.

Drainage options - Undercounter and freestanding ice makers require a drain for them, while countertop do not. You have to consider when you buy one.

Water filter - The filter removes impurities from the water before making ice to improve the taste and smell of the water and make the ice clear. Some models of ice machines have built-in filters, while other models sell filters separately. Combined with regular cleaning, filters can help keep your ice cubes crisp and clear.

Compressor - You can choose a more powerful compressor, if conditions allow. A more powerful compressor makes ice faster and you can get ice faster.

Style and Design - If you have a requirement for the style of your ice maker, you can choose the one that matches the tone of your work scenario.

Types of Ice maker Condensing Units

Another important factor to consider when selecting an ice machine is to have a good condensing system,which can automatically cool your equipment when the machine overheats.

The following describes 3 types of condensing units：

• Air-cooled - The most common type used in commercial ice machines, air-cooled condensers are used to cool the equipment through a fan and the circulation of air. If you choose this type of condenser, you must make sure that there is some intervals between the machine and the surrounding objects, so that it can operate properly.

• Water-cooled - Cooling equipment by water, this type of cooling requires a constant flow of water to ensure it functions properly. It is ideal for commercial kitchens and businesses where the space required for an air-cooled condenser is not available.

• Remote-cooled - If you cannot have an air-cooled or water-cooled condenser ice maker, then a third option is to choose a remotely cooled unit. This type of unit has the condenser installed in a space separate from the ice maker, which can effectively reduce the noise and operating heat of the machine and is much quieter than other types. However, their maintenance costs are usually high, and if you can provide these, then this type of condenser ice machine is also a suitable option for you.

6 types of ice maker you should know

This is the most common type of ice maker and comes in a variety of sizes. It can produce large quantities of ice in a single day, making it a popular choice for restaurants, hotels, hospitals and large commercial establishments.

Modular ice makers are a heavy-duty machines that can produce up to 1,000 pounds of ice per day. However, these machines are for production only and do not have ice storage, so you will need to purchase a separate ice bin for better ice storage.

With versatility, you can easily pair it with individual dispensers and ice bins depending on the amount of ice you need to store and the type of ice.

The modular ice maker can be used with either air-cooled condensers or water-cooled condensers. If you choose air-cooled, you will use less water and energy compared to other systems.

Pros of modular ice machines

High ice production capacity

Can be assembled with different accessories as needed

Suitable for large scale operations

Cons of modular ice machines

Large size

Cumbersome to assemble for novices

Not suitable for small-scale businesses

Best for: restaurant, fast food chains, hotels, movie theaters, schools, fine dining, etc

Undercounter ice makers are floor-mounted and placed on the ground for environments where counter space is lacking. Many undercounter ice machines on the market are folio style, flush with their surroundings, and can be built into kitchen cabinets. Most ice machines offer an insulated storage bin that can hold 20 to 60 pounds of ice.

These are a good choice for people or scenarios that require a low-level machine. Especially in bars, where bartenders need this machine that can get ice quickly and don't take up counter space, commercial undercounter ice makers can work non-stop and produce a high volume of ice to meet the ice needs of bartenders, beverage makers and other industry professionals.

The front-in/front-out airflow keeps the machine cool, so there is no obstruction to cooling and ventilation, even when placed under a counter or between cabinets.

Pros of undercounter ice makers

High ice production capacity

Designed to be flush with the surroundings

Most offer insulated ice storage

Cons of undercounter ice makers

Requires water line connection for installation.

May reduce kitchen cabinet space

Less convenient to access ice

Best for: home kitchens, bars, coffee shops, beverage stores, small restaurants, etc

Both countertop ice machines and portable ice machines are a type of ice machine suitable for home use, and both are a good choice for small amounts of ice making needs in the home.

Ice machines can work 24 hours a day, which makes it possible for you to make and drink fresh frozen drinks at home at any time of the day, without worrying about food safety, and also DIY drinks, which is convenient and practical, and also allows you to save money on ice, making it a very good choice for you.

The countertop ice maker has a visual window so you can observe the ice making process if you need to. Designed to be compact and portable, it takes up less counter space, making it easy to store and carry. For places with little space, this ice maker can also meet your summer needs.

The countertop ice maker has less power than other types of ice makers, so it saves on operating costs and energy consumption. The operation of a countertop ice maker is also relatively simple, just plug in the unit, fill the tank with clean filtered water, turn on the power button and let it work for a few minutes to get a cool ice cube.

Pros of a countertop ice machine:

Easy to get ice

Lightweight and portable, easy to store and carry

No water connections required for installation

Cons of countertop ice machines:

Low ice production capacity

Small ice storage space

No insulation function, ice production needs to be stored in a refrigerator

Best for: homes, offices, break rooms, hotels, etc

Freestanding ice makers and built-in ice makers are similar in size and shape to undercounter ice makers, and both can produce the same amount of ice. The freestanding ice maker is not just for installation in the kitchen, mount this ice maker on a drain or use the drain pump attachment you can install it almost anywhere you can fit it.

The ice maker has a self-cleaning mode, when you clean the inside you just need to press the self-cleaning button to start cleaning, even if you want to clean once a day, you won't mind the hassle, it's easy and convenient to operate. Getting clean, clear, unadulterated ice is effortless.

It can work 24 hours a day and will automatically stop making ice when the ice bin is full. Most offer insulated ice storage bins, which can effectively prevent cool air from escaping, reduce power consumption and greatly promote cold retention. The inner layer is food-grade plastic, which can ensure food safety.

With the control panel, you can control the ice making time, adjust the ice thickness, and set the automatic cleaning cycle, etc. The intelligent panel makes ice making easier and more convenient. LED lighting is used inside to meet your lighting needs when taking ice.

 If you want purchase this ice machine, Our LEEVOT products are right for you.

Pros of freestanding ice maker

Placement is not fixed and can be moved

Most offer insulated ice storage

High ice production capacity

Cons of freestanding ice machines

Requires water line connection, limited installation options

Not suitable for locations with little floor space

Best for: milk tea stores, coffee shops, supermarkets, restaurants, etc

Stackable ice makers are part of the modular ice machine family, but are designed to produce large amounts of ice in a smaller space.

In other words, if you don't have a lot of space for a huge modular ice maker, you can choose this type, which consists of several stackable units placed on top of each other to form a new ice maker, so that there is no damage to the individual unit components nor does it interfere with ice production.

This type of ice maker is ideal for new food and beverage companies that do not yet know how much ice to produce per day. They can start with one unit and then stack more units as needed until they can determine how much ice they must produce each day.

This ice machine must allow enough space for each part of the unit so that air can flow freely around the machine to prevent heat trapping and damage to the equipment. In addition, cleaning this machine was difficult as the top unit had to be lifted to reach the bottom.

Pros of stackable ice makers

High ice production capacity

Can be assembled with other units

Space saving

Cons of stackable ice makers

Difficult to clean after assembly

Space must be left for air circulation

Best for: food companies, beverage companies, etc

This type of ice maker is available in two models, one is freestanding and the other is countertop type. The one with ice dispenser is more convenient for you to use. After the ice making is done, when you want to use the ice, you just need to press the ice dispenser button and the ice will be dispensed automatically, so you don't have to fetch the ice by yourself.

Both models have their own previous features, so I won't go into too much detail here.

Pros of ice dispensers

Easy ice pickup

Two models to choose from

Cons of ice dispensers

Has the disadvantages of both freestanding and countertop models

Best for: canteens, fast food restaurants, restaurants, hospitals, etc

Conclusion

There are many types of ice machines available on the market, and if you want to determine the type of ice machine you want to purchase, you can narrow down your choices by first determining the size of your business and the amount of ice you need each day.

If you have a small business with limited space and low ice needs, a stackable, undercounter or countertop ice machine is a good choice. If you run a large business, then a modular ice machine is better for you.