Choosing the best nugget ice maker for your money is an important decision.  By adding a nugget ice maker to your restaurant you will improve your customer’s experience and deliver them a more refreshing beverage.  Purchasing an ice maker can be a considerable investment so you want to make sure the one you buy is of the highest caliber.  You don’t want to have to reinvest in a new unit a couple month later and a faulty ice maker can raise your electric bill significantly.  It can also cause leaks and water damage to occur.  To avoid this situation you simply need to purchase an ice maker from a reputable brand.  These ice makers have proven themselves to be the best in terms of quality and reliability.

Scotsman SCN60PA-1SS Brilliance Nugget Ice Machine Door Finish: Stainless Steel, Drain Type: Pump

The Scotsman SCN60PA-1SS features a durable stainless steel frame that is designed to match your stainless steel appliances perfectly. This is professional grade ice maker that is capable of creating 80-pounds of ice per day. This high production makes this unit perfect for use in restaurant and other commercial settings. Nugget ice is known for its desireable ice design. Nugget ice makers create soft chewable pieces of ice that are designed to absorb the flavor of your beverage. An automatic interior light helps you to see inside of this unit when the door is open and the door is designed to be self-closing, so you never have to worry about out of the park electric bills. This unit’s dimensions are 22.8 x 14.9 x 33.4″ making it the ideal size for smaller spaces. The total weight of this unit is 129 pounds. An 115-volt compressor keeps your ice cold while making fresh nuggets for your beverages. The freestanding configuration of this unit allows you to place it almost anywhere.

Only the finest materials were used in the construction of the unit and the craftsmanship adds to the overall durability of this device. The intuitive layout makes it easier than ever to provide your customers and guests with a cool beverage to sip on. The performance of this ice maker is exceptional and the compressor runs very smoothly. This unit is not loud when operated and it can hold 25-pounds of ice for weeks without melting. This unit has a drainage pump that allows you to use any drain you prefer. If you decide to use a drain that is lower than the ice box drain you can save yourself the installation of the pump as it will drain via gravity. You can use this unit in an outdoor setting as well. It has been approved for use outdoors and it is designed to withstand the elements.

Scotsman SCN60GA-1SU Brilliance Series 15″ Undercounter Ice Maker 26 lbs Storage Capacity 80 lbs Production Capacity Reversible Door Nugget Ice Cubes: Requires Custom Panel

The Scotsman SCN60GA-1SU Brilliance Series features a user-friendly control panel that gives you access to everything you need to make the perfect ice nuggets every time. Ice nuggets are the preferred form of ice cube because they stay softer and absorb the flavor of your beverage more effectively. This style of ice cube can give your beverages a unique appeal that is sure to keep your customers and guest pleased. This unit stands 15″ tall making it the ideal choice for an under counter ice machine. The door is reversible so you can mount this ice machine perfectly to sift your needs. This ice machine has been approved for use outdoors, so it a smart choice for a patio because it can withstand the elements. This unit is constructed of rugged stainless steel. This modern design adds to the overall aesthetics of this device and a self-closing door keeps your ice cold and your electric bill down. The handle is made from tubular steel and it gives this ice maker a very sleek look.

Inside of this unit is a LED lighting system designed to give you an excellent view when scooping out your ice nuggets. A gravity drain system is used to remove any unused and melted ice cubes. This is helpful because it guarantees your ice nuggets are always made from fresh water. This unit can create over 80-pounds of fresh ice a day, this is enough to handle large crowds. The ice storage bin is able to hold 26-pounds of ice for weeks. Your nuggets stay softer because they are kept at the perfect temperature. This unit has a total weight of 129-pounds so it is not very portable. The total dimensions of this ice maker are 22.8 x 14.9 x 33.9″.

Ice-O-Matic Undercounter Self-Contained Commercial Ice Maker – 85 lb Capacity

The Ice-O-Matic Undercounter Self-Contained Commercial Ice Maker features an air cooled ice bin that is designed to deliver the perfect ice cube every time. This is a professional ice maker that delivers unmatched results. This ice maker is designed to fit perfectly under your counter, the total dimensions of this unit are 18 x 28 x 41″. The compact design is perfectly suited for commercial applications. Every inch matters in your kitchen and this unit is designed with your convenience in mind. The modern styling of this ice maker makes it a great compliment to any kitchen’s décor. This unit is designed to be rugged and can be installed outdoors. A pump is included to give you more options when considering where to send your drainage line. This unit has a very minimalistic style.

The handle of this unit is molded into the door. This gives this unit a unique appearance that is sure to match your restaurant décor perfectly. The compressor of this unit is designed to run for extended periods without producing a lot of heat or noise. This is a commercial grade ice maker that is perfect to keep all of your customers properly hydrated. All Ice-O-Matic ice makers are made in the USA and it shows in the extreme durability this unit brings to your kitchen. You will never run out of ice thanks to the 85-pound capacity this unit can hold. Restaurants around the world have used this model for years and in many areas, this unit is considered the industry standard.

Scotsman SCN60GA-1SS Brilliance Series 15″ Undercounter Ice Maker 26 lbs Storage Capacity 80 lbs Production Capacity Field Reversible Door Nugget Ice Cubes: Stainless Steel

The Scotsman SCN60GA-1SS Brilliance Series 15″ Undercounter Ice Maker incorporates a stainless steel design that gives this unit it’s unique appeal. This compact ice maker stands 15″ tall making it the ideal device for undercounter applications. The professional design of this unit makes it well suited for commercial use. The device has the ability to create 80-pounds of ice per day, more than enough for a large crowd or a steady stream of customers. The ice storage bin can hold up to 26-pounds of ice at a time. The temperature is perfectly regulated to deliver ice nuggets that are more manageable than traditional ice cubes. Ice nuggets have some distinct advantages over their cubed counterparts. Nuggets are much softer than cubes. They can be easily chewed and they are designed to absorb the flavor of your beverage more effectively. Adding nugget ice cubes to your restaurant is an excellent way to increase your customer’s overall experience.

The door for this unit can be mounted either way, so you get added flexibility when deciding where to put this unit. The total weight of this ice maker is 129-pounds and the dimensions are 22.8 x 14.9 x 33.9″. You will need an under counter drain to properly install this unit. When it comes to quality, this unit passes all the tests. Only the finest materials were used in the construction of this ice maker and the manufacturer stands behind the quality with a 10-year warranty. The ice scoop that is included is durable and it can be hung from the inside wall so you don’t need to search for it when you need it.

The Best Nugget Ice Makers for The Money – How an Ice Maker Works

Depending on the style of ice maker you purchase, you may have a couple different types of ice making systems in place. To fully comprehend how your ice maker works you need to understand the different types of ice and what each type is best suited for. Not all ice is made the same and what may work perfectly for one drink may be a total disaster for the next. These are the most popular styles of ice found in restaurants today.

Types of Ice

Cube Ice
This is your traditional ice cube. It can be produced in a myriad of different sizes to fit your needs and it is well suited for applications where you want to reduce your total ice usage. This is a slow melting ice cube that is made by freezing water in a tray and then lifting the cubes out. Cubed ice can be a great way to keep every cool and your beverages more refreshing. This is also the most affordable type of ice making system and this style of ice maker is going to be much more affordable than the following types.

Nugget Ice
This style of ice is widely considered the best for a number of key reasons. Nugget ice cubes are chewable and as a result of this, they are widely used in the healthcare industry. This style of ice cube is made by freezing ice in a tube. As the ice freezes, it is forced through the cube in small manageable nuggets. Nugget ice is perfect for use in smoothies or other blended applications as well as your traditional beverage on the rocks scenarios. Nuggets are softer on the outside layers, allowing them to absorb more of your beverages flavors. If you are looking for a professional ice maker that is guaranteed to impress your clientele, this is the style of ice maker you need.

Flake Ice
This style of ice consists of small flakes that are soft and moldable. This style of ice is very common to see used in display cases to keep items such as fish and meat cold. You can also use flaked ice to keep salad bar items fresh longer. This type of ice is well suited for use in mixed drinks such as margaritas. The soft moldable nature of this ice allows it to absorb the flavor of any liquid it is placed in rapidly. Flaked ice is chewable, so it can also be used in health care scenarios. This style of ice maker is more expensive than a traditional cube maker and is well suited for a number of professional applications.

Types of Ice Makers

Now that you understand the different types of ice makers you are ready to consider the configuration you desire. You need to consider exactly where you plan to place your ice machine. These are the most popular configurations of ice makers found on the market today.

Undercounter
This style of ice maker is characterized by its short size and compact features. This configuration is well suited for placement under your counter or bar and can produce a large amount of ice and store it for weeks. The majority of these ice machines require an under the counter drain because they utilize some form of gravity drainage system.

Countertop
This is by far the most popular style of ice maker found in commercial use today. This unit is designed to be placed on a counter and in most scenarios; it is equipped to dispense water as well. This style of ice machine is great for small commercial use and it allows you to have your customers self-serve their beverages if you desire. Countertop ice machines usually dispense nugget style ice, adding to the overall value of this style of ice maker.

Types of Ice Machine Compressors

There are three main types of ice machine compressors. Each of these compressor styles have its own characteristics and you need to consider the differences between the 3 to get the ice machine that is best suited for your particular needs.

Air Cooled
This type of compressor is by far the most energy efficient of the 3, many are rated Energy Star Compliant so you are guaranteed to keep your electric bill low. Air cooled machines do not require additional water costs and as a result of this, this style of compressor is considered the most cost-effective solution. You do need to place this style of ice maker with at least 6″ of clearance around the vents so it can get the proper circulation needed to function correctly.

Water Cooled
If you plan to have your ice machine next to your fryer or anything that will contaminate the air you are going to need to go with a water cooled compressor. You don’t want to have the grease from your fryer contaminate your ice cubes. Water-cooled ice machines are ideal for scenarios where you may not have great air circulation as well. The downside of water cooled ice machines is an increase in the water usage. This can equate to higher operating costs so unless you have issues with your air and air cooled ice machine is going to save you some money.

Remote Cooled
This is by far the most expensive type of ice machine compressor. It requires you to install the compressor outdoors, usually on your roof. Then you must run lines to your ice machine from the condenser. This style of ice maker is much quieter than the other types and if you are need of some serious ice making requirements, this style of unit is designed to handle that scenario perfectly.

Nugget Ice Machines – Bin Size Matters
Choosing the right size bin for your needs is an important part of the ice maker purchasing process. If you choose a bin that is to large you are going to end up with wasted ice and higher water and electric bills. If your ice bin is too small, you are going to run into problems such as running out of ice or constantly having to wait for your machine to produce more ice. All of this can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your compressor, which can eventually lead to a premature burnout. If you are like most businesses, there are time frames in which your business is in peak hours and therefore will require more ice than compared to your regular work hours. To compensate for this scenario many business owners will purchase a large bin with a medium sized ice maker. Many of the newest style ice makers have large bins that can hold over 24-pounds of ice.

Nugget Ice Makers – Water Filtration
Using a water filtration system in conjunction with your ice maker can help to prolong the overall life of your unit by reducing the amount of mineral deposits that form in your machines. Filtered water will produce better tasting beverages as well as reduce your ice machines energy consumption and in most scenarios, poor quality water feeds will void your warranty. Purchasing an ice machine is a big investment and it just makes sense to do everything in your power to ensure it can operate properly.

Nugget Ice Makers – Final Thoughts
Savvy restaurant owners know the importance of delivering unmatched quality to each of their clients. If you want to improve your clientele’s experience one of the best ways to do this is to improve your beverage making capabilities. Nothing can compete with the refreshing and regenerating power of a cool beverage complemented with soft chewable ice nuggets. Ice makers have changed considerably over the last decade with the biggest advancements coming in the form new energy efficient models. Now that you have a full understanding of what makes one ice maker better suited for your needs than another, you a ready to make your choice. Wise business owners will tell you the importance of saving on your monthly bills and going with an energy efficient ice maker can be a great way to not only please your budget but your clientele as well. Sticking to reputable brands is the best way to guarantee you get the results you desire.