Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Can You Change The Ice Cube Size?

No.  Unfortunately most modern commercial ice makers do not allow for a change in ice cube size through any kind of setting.  The ice machine purchased will come making a specific sized and stylized cube.  While there are cube size differences, there is no easy way to convert the ice maker to another.

The ice cube size is determined by the evaporator on the ice maker.  The evaporator is the plating where the ice actually forms and is then harvested.  There are many different ice types, but typical cubes are all made the same way, by freezing cascading water over an evaporator.

Therefore to change the ice cube size you must change out the evaporator, which is not a cost effective method, nor is it even always possible.  If you are in need of a different size ice cube, simply purchase another ice machine.

When purchasing a new ice machine, consider the size and style of ice that you will need.  Modern commercial ice makers are capable of producing a wide range of ice types, from wet and soft pellets, to hard and large squares.  Choose wisely, because the ice size you choose, will be all that maker is capable of producing.

Manitowoc Ice Types

Friday, October 7, 2011

Before You Buy A Dump Valve

Before you buy a dump valve for a Manitowoc ice machine, make sure to verify the voltage.  While model numbers are 99% effective at giving you the information you need to find out the voltage, some machines can be special ordered in non common voltages.

Did you know that you can order a 300lb Manitowoc cuber in 208-230v?  It would be very rare, but these machines do exist, so it never hurts to check your voltage before ordering.  This same rule would apply to components like water pumps and inlet valves.