I'm often asked what the difference is between a self contained and modular ice maker. A modular ice maker is an ice machine that has 2 basic parts, the ice machine head and the ice storage bin. Now, the ice machine could be either water, air, or remote cooled, but if it's seperate from the bin, then it's considered modular.
Another common ice machine would be one that's described as self-contained. This means that the ice maker and storage bin are physically one piece. If the ice machine were to fail, you'd have to replace the ice maker and bin. Although typically less expensive up front, it could cost more to replace in the future in the event of failure, because in a modular unit you'd only have to replace the top(ice maker head) part.
Modular ice makers will also provide the ability for more storage. In addition, as demand for ice increases, larger bin capacities could be purchased to place under the ice making head. In some cases this can save the owner money, since only one component of the ice making unit would need to be replaced at one time.
