Ice machines make a lot of different types of ice for all kinds of reasons. One of the more unique options is a flake ice machine. This type of ice has several uses, from keeping beverages cold at bars to helping doctors treat injured patients. But what exactly is a flake ice machine, and how do you know if it’s right for you?
Flake ice is similar to shaved snow in texture and size, and it’s often used for presentation settings like seafood and produce displays. It’s also a great choice for restaurants and food transport because it doesn’t bruise or damage delicate items. The soft consistency of flake ice makes it an excellent option for hospital ice makers and ice chip machines as well. It’s gentle on products and prevents bruising for patients.
When it comes to choosing a flake ice machine, you’ll need to know how much ice you’ll need and where you’ll be using it. You don’t want to buy a machine that produces too much ice and wastes money, but you also don’t want to purchase a machine that produces too little ice and won’t be enough for your needs.
Our top pick for a flake ice machine is the Manitowoc Ice MAKER BR-XT110V. This commercial-grade ice machine is impressive in its capacity, energy efficiency, and ease of use. Its sleek stainless steel design is low-profile, so it can easily fit under your counter or behind a bar. And it offers a fully lit-up LED control panel that keeps you informed of the status and any actions you need to take.
To make a flake of ice, the MAKER BR-XT110V sends water into its insulated bin and then freezes it in a layer. The process takes about 10 minutes to complete a batch, and the ice is ready for use after about an hour. It holds up to 40 pounds of ice each day, so it’s easy to keep up with your bar’s demand.
This ice machine also offers some nice features that you’ll find on other flake ice machines, including an app that allows you to set the time of day for when it starts making ice and shuts off automatically. This is handy if you’re planning to run it all the time for a constant supply of drink ice or if you need a large amount of ice for a party.
Another advantage of this machine is that it has a built-in drain, which makes cleanup a breeze. The ice is stored in an easy-to-clean bin that pulls out and sits on the base of the machine. It’s simple to remove and stow, so you can easily get the ice you need for your drinks or oyster bar. It also includes a water fill funnel and a scoop. The only downside of this ice maker is that it requires a water hookup and must be hardwired by a professional, but it’s still our favorite.
