Picture in your mind the perfect backyard barbecue. Meats grilling, salads tossing, and cocktails mixing, but the one question that inevitably comes up is, “Did you remember to grab some ice?” At SPECS Refrigeration, we’d like to remind you that commercial ice machines come in all shapes and sizes and that whether you’re looking to install an outdoor kitchen, or would like a new addition to your existing outdoor kitchen, an ice machine might be just the thing to keep the drinks flowing at your next backyard get-together.
When looking to purchase a commercial ice maker, the first thing you should think about is the shape of ice that will fit your application.
- Full Cube: This is your traditional ice cube. It’s also the most versatile shape, great for use in drinks or as bagged ice, among other applications.
- Half Cube: This is like the traditional full cube, but half the size. It’s most commonly used in settings where people get their ice from a dispenser, such as in fast-food restaurants.
- Nugget: Known to many as, “the Good Ice” or “Sonic Ice,” this easy-to-chew small cubelet is mainly used in soft or mixed drinks and due to its softer texture, can absorb the flavor of whatever drink it is included in.
- Flake: Generally, flake ice shape is used for more industrial purposes, such as food storage/display, but it can also be used to make snow cones or other desserts of similar consistency, an exciting addition to your social gatherings
- Gourmet: Also known as, “Top Hat Ice,” This ice is the kind you’d find in your glass at a top-notch restaurant or hotel. Gourmet ice, shaped a lot like a thimble or a top hat, cools drinks quickly, is soft enough to chew, and has a delightful, classy appearance in any glass.
If you are putting together an outdoor kitchen, there are several other things to consider when it comes to your ice maker. One thing you should keep in mind is drainage options. Ice makers of all kinds need a drainage option for excess water. There are two major types that will be a major consideration when choosing which ice machine to purchase. Gravity drains use the earth’s gravity to remove water from your ice maker. If the drain is pretty close to the machine and located on a decline, then a gravity drain may be a sufficient solution for you. Gravity drains must be lower than the drain outlet of the ice maker to ensure the proper flow of water.
They must also be no further than 12 inches from the ice maker. If these two conditions cannot be met, then a pump drain must be used. A condensate removal pump helps eliminate excess water from your undercounter ice maker. This pump is beneficial if the drain is far away from the machine or if the water must travel on an incline to reach the drain. Most undercounter ice makers are equipped with a pump option. External drain pumps can also be purchased. Pump drains are not necessary for most built-in ice makers, but they are preferred for many models.
When planning your outdoor kitchen, be sure to include your ice machine in the cold or wet zone, alongside similar appliances like refrigerators, wine chillers, or sinks that require a drain. This area also shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight — keeping your outdoor ice machine and similar appliances shaded will minimize temperature swings and ensure they don’t have to work overtime for the same amount of ice. Ice machines always require proper ventilation (both intake and exhaust) as set forth by the manufacturer. Front-venting models usually provide best results, though rear-venting appliances work just fine as long as you plan for adequate vent panels and plenty of space inside the kitchen island for air to circulate. Ice production is measured by an appliance’s output over 24 hours of continual use or “per day.” To figure out if a particular model meets your needs, ask yourself how much ice you’ll typically require versus how much you’d like to be able to produce in a given amount of time. A good way to think about production is 5 pounds of ice will net 10 drinks, assuming the drinks are 8 ounces each. Keep in mind that you can pair a high-producing model with a pull-out ice chest drawer or a companion ice bin to start preparing in advance for large gatherings.
SPECS is a licensed dealer for Manitowoc, Hoshizaki, and Scotsman so no matter what you are looking for, our ice machine experts can help you find the right machine that will become the star of your next backyard barbecue, keeping your guests happy and the drinks ice cold.
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