Nugget Ice Machines

The reason why nugget ice machines are essential to businesses is that the ice melts slowly. This prevents drinks from losing their flavor through dilution.

Many people like to chew the ice after finishing their drink and nugget ice is ideal as it becomes softer, more easily chewed.

Nugget ice also improves the appearance of the drink, making it more appealing to the consumer. Ice appearance is also important for grocery stores. Just take a look at how inviting the salad bars, meat sections and seafood areas look. It has a lot to do with the way the ice looks.

Nugget ice machines usually are made from stainless steel. Underneath the hood you'll find many innovations that contribute to energy savings, lower operational costs and reduced maintenance features.

There are two basic configurations for nugget ice machines on the market. The two configurations are modular and remote. Whichever one you decide on should be based on the production capacity needed by the business.

Modular ice machines work best in environments where the building temperature is stable. Modular units are self-contained, meaning the ice maker and the condenser unit is one. A separate bin for holding the ice needs to be purchased separately. Most modular units are rated at 1,000 pounds of ice production a day.

On the other hand, if you consume several thousand pounds of ice per day, a unit with a remote condenser is best. Remote condenser units can produce between 650 to 3,500 pounds per day. Most businesses in the food service industry, such as hospitals, hotels, restaurants or cafeterias should select the more cost effective nugget ice machine with a condenser unit. You should also consider the building temperature controls when selecting between condenser and modular models.

Nugget ice machines blow hot air out into the building, so controlling the temperature is an important consideration. This can have a direct effect on the machines performance. The warmer it gets in and around the machine, the less ice you'll be able to produce. This increased air flow can also impact personnel and customers. Also you'll need to consider the internal heat in the building and noise produced by the machine while operating.

There are nugget ice machines on the market that help prevent unforeseen maintenance problems when it comes to heat and temperature conditions.  They have monitoring systems that check gearbox loads, that when compromised shut down the ice-maker prior to damaging expensive replaceable parts.  Some machines also shield water sensors from destructive mineral build ups or variations in manufacturers’ specifications.  Drainage technology is another important feature available today to prevent rust accumulation and condensation issues that could cause water obstructions or vapor locks. 

Many machines employ technologies that even make the nugget ice more useable.  For example, compacting flake ice is harder and drier.  The benefits are slower melting nuggets, which translate into reduced maintenance time in restocking.  As mentioned, customers enjoying chewing ice once they’ve finished the drink, and with these slower melting nuggets they are very chewable, making them well-liked for soft drinks and dispensers. 

Here are some product features to consider when selecting your next nugget ice machine:

·         Monitoring systems that help eliminate expensive repairs

·         Safety features that report any manufacturing variation violations

·         Drainage systems that are isolated so they keep water away from key parts

·         Construction elements like stainless steel, rugged interior components  and load monitors

·         Continuous ice-making process so ice is always available without delays

·         Steady flow of ice so you can get it when you need it

·         Minimal moving parts subject to refrigeration

·         Bin options with silent door closing, internal scoop holder and sanitation features 

Nugget ice is a multipurpose, slow melting ice. It cools drinks rapidly without foaming, is ideal for therapeutic use, and allows for high liquid displacement.  This translates into higher profits for your business.