Manitowoc ice makers are known for their rhomboid cubes—this is due to the way their evaporator plates are designed. These types of ice are solid, clear, and melt slowly. That's not all that this brand is good for, though. There are Manitowoc nugget ice machines, half-dice makers, and more. Manitowoc ice cubes are a great addition to any beverage, whether you’re serving soft drinks of high-end cocktails. Popular options include:

• Half-Dice Ice: Half-dice ice is excellent for all business types. These cubes are small and narrow so that more cubes can fit into glassware. They cools drinks fast and displace liquid, so drinks appear fuller and more appealing to customers.
• Dice Ice: Dice ice ice is excellent for all business types. These cubes are small and narrow so that more cubes can fit into glassware. They cools drinks fast and displace liquid, so drinks appear fuller and more appealing to customers.
• Regular Ice: The largest ice cube Manitowoc offers. Regular Manitowoc cubes are longer than Dice ice cubes and more rectangular. They're a good choice for cocktails and high-end spirits, which require a cube that melts slowly.
• Nugget Ice: Although it doesn't make up as much of their inventory as other cube types, Manitowoc makes several nugget ice machines, which are in high-demand for the restaurant industry.

You'll need to know exactly how much ice your business requires in a day. Our handy Ice Machine Estimator can help you estimate the right amount for your industry. Below you'll find the main criteria we use to size ice machines for businesses.

• Daily Ice Usage: Sizing your ice maker and bin are a must to keep up with demand. Keep in mind that production is rated based on 24-hour output—so a 600-lb. model will produce 600 lbs. of ice in a full day.
• Peak Days: Most companies have variable needs for ice production. In most cases, you should use an ice machine that can meet your needs on your busiest days to avoid running out at a critical moment.
• Bin Capacity: The bin determines your maximum built-in storage capacity. Using a large bin means that you can produce and store ice in advance, making it easier to stay ahead of demand. Aim for a bin with 20% more capacity than what you need on peak days.

The condenser helps to cool refrigerant and expel heat away from the ice machine to keep it cool. There are three types of condensers you'll find on Manitowoc ice makers—air cooled, water cooled, and remote cooled. Here's how to choose the right category for your business:

• Air-Cooled Ice Machines: Air-cooled ice machines are the most common, cost-effective choice. However, they need plenty of space to properly circulate hot air.
• Manitowoc Water-Cooled Ice Machines: Water-cooled systems run cool water over your ice machine's condenser coils. This saves on space compared to an air-cooled unit, but is more expensive and may clash with your cities' regulations.
• Manitowoc Remote Condenser Ice Makers: Remote systems separate the heat-producing components away from the unit. This is often more convenient than traditional air-cooling, but is more expensive.

Before you install a new ice maker, there are key installation requirements to have in mind. We’ve provided a pre-installation checklist that details the four general installation requirements for an ice maker — drainage, electrical, water, and space.

• Drainage: Your ice bin needs to be able to drain somewhere. While there are many valid drainage methods, different cities have different health requirements that will dictate the best option.
• Electrical: An ice maker below 800 lbs. generally uses 115v electricity, while a larger ice maker will require a 220v outlet. Make sure you have the right outlet for your ice maker, or get in touch with an electrician to install one.
• Water: Different ice makers require anywhere from 3-5 gallons of water per minute. Before you install your ice maker, make sure your infrastructure can keep up with your needs.
• Space: Air cooled ice makers stay cool by expelling hot air into the environment and need at least 1 ft. of space on all sides to aid ventilation. That includes ceiling space, as an ice maker that goes under counters should still have plenty of room to breathe.

The up-front cost of a Manitowoc commercial ice maker is anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000, but that doesn't cover the full cost of operation and maintenance.

• Ice Maker Maintenance: Manitowoc manuals recommend two annual preventative maintenance events as the ideal number after your purchase. Preventive maintenance on an ice machine can cost as much as $300 for a visit.
• Water Filters: Filters help to eliminate sediment or minerals that damage your ice maker. An ice machine water filter costs between $15-$100 dollars, and you'll need to replace the filter every few months.
• Ice Machine Breakdowns: Ice machine repair costs usually stem from neglecting maintenance, and the cost ranges from a few hundred dollars to over $2,000. Common repairs and their average costs include:
  • Control Sensor Repair: $150
  • Expansion Valve Repair: $600
  • Compressor Repair: $1500
  • Evaporator Repair: $2500
  • Backup Ice: $100 per 500 lbs. of ice

To make matters worse, a broken ice maker means you’ll have to pay for backup ice. 500 lbs. of ice will cost you over $100, not to mention the business ramifications of being short on ice.