Water Cooled Machines

Why Choose Water-Cooled Ice Makers?

The difference between the two types of cooling is that water-cooled ice machines use water to cool the condenser. On the other hand, air-cooled models rely on fans pushing ambient air to release heat. Water cooling has several advantages, including a few you wouldn't expect.

Resilience to Hot Temperatures

Water absorbs much more heat than air, so it's much more efficient as a coolant. Any air-cooled product type is at the mercy of the ambient temperature, and high heat can cause declining production and mechanical problems. If your business operates in hot summers, water-cooled ice machines can help you produce ice to order where an air-cooled model might overheat.

Energy Efficiency and Performance

Water-cooled ice machines are often more energy-efficient than their air-cooled counterparts, particularly in hot climates. These machines can maintain the constant supply of ice needed by businesses like restaurants, bars, and healthcare facilities. Many models have the ENERGY STAR certification, with optimized energy use and potentially lower utility costs.

Quiet Operation and Space-Saving Design

One benefit of water-cooled ice makers is that they're quieter. Cooling fans in air-cooled ice makers can be Since these machines do not rely on fans for cooling, they produce less noise. This is an important bonus for making them ideal for customer-facing areas or spaces where noise reduction is important, such as a hotel. Additionally, because ventilation is less of a concern, water-cooled ice makers are often more compact, fitting easily into tight kitchen spaces or under counters.

When Water Cooling Isn't the Right Choice

For all of the advantages of water cooling types, they're not always the right choice. If the local price of water is high, then it might end up increasing your utility costs rather than saving you money. Municipalities with strained water supplies may also ban water-cooled ice machines for commercial use, unless they are used in a building that has a water tower, such as a hotel or apartment building. In this case, you'll typically need to find a different solution to noise and ambient heat.

Different Types of Water-Cooled Ice Machines

At Easy Ice, we offer a variety of water-cooled ice machines from leading brands such as Hoshizaki, Manitowoc, and Scotsman. Each brand offers premium quality and a range of ice types, such as nugget and crescent ice.

Water-Cooled Nugget Ice Machines

Nugget ice machines produce soft, chewable ice suitable for healthcare and casual dining. The nugget ice is easy to chew and absorbs flavors well, making it ideal for those with sensitive teeth or customers who enjoy soft drinks.

Water-Cooled Dice Ice Machines

Dice ice machines produce clear, hard ice cubes that are versatile and suitable for various applications. Manitowoc's water-cooled dice ice makers are a great choice for businesses that need ice for mixed drinks, soft drinks, or ice dispensers.

Water-Cooled Undercounter Ice Machines

Undercounter ice machines produce soft, chewable ice suitable for healthcare and casual dining. The nugget ice is easy to chew and absorbs flavors well, making it ideal for those with sensitive teeth or customers who enjoy soft drinks.

Water-Cooled Half Dice Ice Machines

Half-dice ice machines produce smaller cubes that rapidly cool beverages. As such, they're a favorite in fast-paced restaurant environments where customers expect quick cooling. Manitowoc's water-cooled half-dice ice makers are designed for efficiency and durability, ensuring a reliable supply of ice throughout the day.

Water-Cooled Stackable Ice Machines

You can use stackable ice machines to increase ice production while economizing on floor space by stacking multiple units. Stackable units offer great output and convenience for businesses with limited kitchen space or inconsistent demand for ice.

Water Cooled Icemakers from Easy Ice

Choosing the right ice maker can be overwhelming, but Easy Ice makes it simple. With our one-cost ice subscriptions, we handle everything from selecting the best water-cooled ice machine for your needs to installation, maintenance, and emergency repairs. When you log a request, we'll take steps to resolve your ice emergency with haste.

Take a look at our options to find the right model for you, or reach out today for help making ice easy.

FAQs

How does a water-cooled ice machine work?

A water-cooled ice machine uses water to cool the condenser, which enables efficient ice production even in hot conditions. The water absorbs heat from the condenser and drains away, providing faster cooling than air-cooled ice makers.

What's better, an air-cooled or water-cooled ice machine?

The best choice depends on your business needs. Water-cooled machines are quieter and perform better in hot environments, while air-cooled models are more cost-effective and require less water.

How much water does a water-cooled ice maker use?

A water-cooled ice maker can use up to 100 gallons per 100 lbs. of ice produced. However, this can vary depending on the machine's efficiency and the local water temperatures.

What is the disadvantage of using a water-cooled condenser for an ice machine?

The main disadvantage of water-cooled condensers is their high water usage, which can lead to increased costs and water waste. This can be a concern in areas with water restrictions or high water prices.