Ice is often used in many commercial businesses, including restaurants and shopping malls. So, getting a machine that can provide a steady supply of these cooled cubes can be a great idea. However, there are a lot of models out there and each of them has their own pros and cons.
Selecting between air and water-cooled models will require in-depth research about their features. The type that you’re going to use will often depend on your needs and whether installing that machine is possible.
You need to understand your needs and the space of your establishment before delving into getting a high-capacity ice machine.
Users who prioritize the energy-efficiency factor in their appliances may often want to get the air-cooled types. This model reduces the temperature of the ice-making plate quickly, without the need for water, so you can save resources.
You can click here to learn more about the differences and see their requirements upon installation.
Water-cooled ones require less electricity, and they tend to have quieter operations because there’s no need to use fans. It does not depend on the ambient temperature of the room. So, it is not going to heat up quickly inside a kitchen that’s located in a humid area.
They can transfer the heat away, which makes them great in a location that has restricted airflow. However, this needs a water line for the cooling mechanism to work. So, it requires a significant amount of water, which can increase your operating expenses.
Moreover, knowing the basics of air-cooled vs. water-cooled machines is going to help you make wiser decisions. Consider other factors like the available space in your area and invest in a machine that can deliver consistent results for your needs.
Air-Cooled Vs. Water-Cooled Machines Performance Output
You need to know if you’re earning by comparing the amount of ice produced and the machines’ operating costs.
The air-cooled ones are able to dissipate the heat fast, so expect that they’re going to consume fewer resources. However, you should know that it can be affected by higher ambient temperatures. They’re going to be effective in producing the right ice cube output without spending too much.
On the other hand, the water-cooled ones will need a dedicated pipeline to cool their refrigeration system.
It’s going to work well in a confined space that is usually hot, such as a fast-food kitchen. But expect it to have a more consistent production that will enable many businesses to meet their requirements.
What to Know with Regard to Their Installation?
The air-cooled ones need a lot of space with more airflow to expel warm air from the back. There should be enough clearance at the sides as well, and you need to keep it away from stoves and other heat-producing appliances to prevent overheating.
The electrical outlets should also be compatible with the amperage requirements of the unit, and you need to clean the condenser coils regularly.
On the other hand, the water-cooled types will need a drainage connection where the warm water goes. There should be enough pressure, and the surrounding water temperature should be just right.
It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding them and make sure to include the storage bins when cleaning them.
Air-Cooled Vs. Water-Cooled Machines Maintenance and Longevity
Regular cleaning is important to continue the operation of the machines. Service calls might often be required for machines that have a lot of grease.
The air-cooled ones will need washing in their air filters to remove dust, and cleaning will also make sure that you’ll continue to produce crystal-like ice blocks. See post about the process of making ice in this URL: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/process-of-making-ice-in-the-east-i/
For the water-cooled ones, you just need to monitor the water lines and make sure that there are no leaks. They require less maintenance, but you need to descale them if you have hard water in your area.
They often experience less wear and don’t overheat, but you might still want to call the experts for more information.
What About their Environmental Impact?
There are restaurants that are often more focused on sustainability, so they choose the air-cooled types. They’re eco-friendly because there’s no need for additional continuous water usage, and they’re great when the conservation of resources is a priority.
On the other hand, the other water-cooled machines can dramatically increase one’s utility bills in a commercial setting. It has a larger environmental footprint, and some cities restrict their use because they can consume gallons of water in just a single day.
In the debate of which type of ice machine is more eco-friendly, the air-cooled models are having the upper hand. As they need very limited resources and their impact on the environment is quite minimal. So, they are a great choice for eco-friendly practices.
Contrastingly, the water-cooled ice machines need flowing water to cool down the heating and produce ice cubes. So, it consumes a huge amount of non-renewable resources and contributes to the depletion of the environment.
Additionally, the water-cooled machines consume more electricity than the air-cooled machines. However, you can take proper steps and measures to curb the over electricity consumption and save excess energy.
What are the Cost Considerations?
Prices can vary, but you still need to take into account the utility expenses of the ice maker unit that you’re going to choose.
Always, select the ones that can provide you with enough ice to cater to your customers if you’re running a bar or you should have enough ice for seafood if you have a restaurant. See if the temperatures in your area are ideal when it comes to installing air-cooled machines.
When you’re looking for a more consistent performance because you’re serving thousands of people at a time, you might want to check the water-cooled ones before committing to a specific model. You can also consult the experts to see which ones are right for you.
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