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| Nugget Ice |
Consider this, nugget ice is a very wet ice and is produced much differently than conventional cubed ice. A wet ice is more difficult to produce and requires a special evaporator, to extrude the ice. This special evaporator is shaped like a spiral, forcing the water up through the evaporator, chilling it as it goes, and extruding it out enough to cut.
The ability to spiral ice requires a very strong motor and gear box assembly. The evaporator is often times under enormous strain, compounded by being dirty and lack of maintenance. It becomes problematic when the evaporator can no longer turn, eventually breaking some component within the ice machine. Often times the motor and gearbox will break down, leaking oils and grease into the ice.
Most nugget ice machines require complete break down and cleanings at least once a quarter. The cleanings are much more involved, compared to how to clean other ice machines. Most of the time a professional technician is required, which is costly. Failure to clean regularly will result in breakdowns. Compared to traditional cube ice machines, which would simply shut down until cleaned.
Replacement parts for nugget ice machines can cost twice as much as their cuber counter parts. A motor and gear box can easily reach $800 or more. Nugget machines also cost more up front, require higher maintenance costs, more expensive replacement parts, and actually come with shorter warranties.
- Higher up front cost.
- Higher maintenance costs.
- More expensive replacement parts.
- Shorter warranties.
Please keep this in mind when deciding to purchase a nugget ice machine. Unless you are in an industry that requires nugget ice, like the medical field, or as a luxury item, nugget ice may not be for you.
