With its rounded ice cubes, a flake ice machine is ideal for restaurants and bars. It allows bar staff to mix drinks like mai tais and margaritas with ease, as they don’t need a blender. Flake ice is also ideal for seafood dishes, as it can be easily molded into eye-catching shellfish and raw fish selections. It is also used in food storage and preservation, as it cools products faster than other ice types with a large surface area and reduces product damage.
The most common flake ice machines feature stainless steel blades and cabinets for durability. They can be countertop or freestanding, depending on the space available, and they connect to an existing water line for ease of installation. Some models have a drain pump, making cleaning and maintenance easy, while others have an internal storage bin to keep the ice fresh.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a flake ice machine, such as the amount of ice you need and your preferred type of ice. For example, you may want to choose a unit that makes multiple ice types, including nugget ice, crescent ice, and flaked ice. Another consideration is how much energy you want the unit to use. You can find units that use less energy than other ice makers, helping to save on utility bills.
Most of the best flake ice machines are made for long-lasting durability, to help you get the most out of your investment. They have sturdy exteriors that can stand up to high volumes of traffic and wear, while their interiors are wired with heavy-duty components that prevent breakdowns and make repairs a snap. Many of these units also feature built-in water filters, which can further reduce the amount of contaminants in your ice.
Some ice machines can produce up to 99 lbs. of ice in 24 hours, which is perfect for larger families and gatherings. However, smaller flake ice machines are still popular for home use and can meet the needs of most households. They also use less energy than other ice machines, so they can be used more often without running up your energy costs.
A flake ice machine is an excellent addition to your kitchen, as it can make a variety of different types of ice for different uses. Its rounded shape allows it to be molded into eye-catching selections for seafood dishes and cocktails, while its texture is perfect for food storage and preservation. You can even use a flake ice machine to cool delicate foods like fruits and vegetables, as it provides better cooling than other ice types. Its larger surface area and soft texture means that it won’t damage or bruise your produce, unlike other ice types that can leave jagged edges. The softer ice also helps protect frozen products inside plastic bags, preventing them from ripping and leaking as they freeze. You can even use a flake machine to freeze medical samples for transport, as it has a lower mineral and air content than other ice types.