Choosing the Right Ice Machine – Modular vs Self Contained

Jan 22nd 2013

Choosing the right ice machine can save you a lot of time and money. Having a machine too small may be require another machine in the future. If the machine is too large, your energy and water costs may be higher than needed. This is one in a series of four articles Globe has put together to assist in your ice machine purchasing decision.

Self Contained Ice Machines

Self-contained, undercounter ice machines are generally used for smaller applications and as the name suggests- fit under counters. These units are self contained machines, meaning that the ice machine and bin are all integrated, so all the operator needs to do is plumb in a water line and plug in the machine. These machines are most likely found at bar with low traffic or a very small restaurant. Undercounter ice machines generally can produce anywhere from 80 lbs. – 750 lbs. per day (assuming non-extreme ambient temperatures).

Advantages of Self Contained Undercounter Ice Machines

Compact Design
Can fit in tight spaces
Plug and play design

Disadvantages of Self Contained Undercounter Ice Machines

Capacity can not expand over time
Limited storage capacity

Modular Ice Machines

Modular machines come in two pieces, the actual ice machine, and the ice machine bin that stores the ice.

The ice machine itself comes in various production capacities depending on what the needs are of the application. The smallest production machine makes roughly 250 lb./ day up to machines that produce over a ton of ice in a day. See our article on How to Size a Ice Machine for proper sizing.

Ice machine bins come anywhere from a 240 lb.to a 2,000 lb. capacity. Depending on the type of use, and size of the ice maker would determine the bin that is paired with it. The operator needs to be aware of the maximum amount of ice that they would need in a day, and size the bin correctly.

Advantages of Modular Ice Machines

Can swap out bins and bases
Large ice production range for various applications
Can be used with ice dispensers

Disadvantages of Modular Ice Machines

Require more space than a self contained ice machine
May need special electrical hookups