Scotsman - Commercial Ice Machine

Many know that with a Scotsman ice machine you get an affordable, reliable ice maker that will last you a long time. Scotsman is the largest manufacturer of ice machines in the world, boasting a diverse selection of ice dispensers and bins. Whether you’re looking for a Scotsman nugget ice machine, superflake or gourmet ice size, Scotsman has the perfect ice machine combination for you. In addition to its durability, many Scotsman ice makers are outfitted with AquaArmor™ to keep your machine cleaner for that much longer.

Ice Machine Buying Considerations

Before purchasing your new Scotsman ice machine first consider what type of ice you need and how much of it. By far the most popular is the Scotsman cuber ice machine. The cube is great for mixed drinks, ice displays, and much more, making it a versatile machine for many restaurant concepts. Next in popularity is the nugget, branded as The Original Chewable Ice®. The small, soft shape of nugget ice (also known as pellet ice) is ideal for smoothies, blended cocktails, fountain beverages and more.

After determining what kind of ice you need, consider how much of it is required for service. A good rule of thumb for restaurants is to plan for about 1.8 pounds of ice per person. From there, consider other ice needs you’ll require for front and back of house operations. Many operators fail to appropriately predict their ice needs in the warmer months, when demand for cold beverages and mixed drinks are higher. Unfortunately you can never increase an ice machines capacity after the fact, so sizing appropriately now is key. Last but not least, don’t think that sizing up and having leftover ice in the Once you consider your quantity needs, next up is your bin is a good thing—this wasted ice will slowly melt in your bin, contributing to bacteria and mold growth (yuck).

Ice Machine Cleaning

Keeping your ice machine regularly cleaned and maintained is the secret to a long and happy life. Scotsman makes a great scale remover that helps remove the presence of slime, scale or mold from the inner workings of your equipment. Over time, this buildup will naturally occur on the evaporator plates of your machine, which impedes heat transfer and could result in costly repairs. Also consider investing in a few water filters to improve the quality of the water feeding into your machine. Water contains several minerals which could build up in the tubing and around the heating elements of your machine. A water filter not only protects your ice machine from these contaminants, but your ice will look clear, smell better and taste great.