News From Manitowoc At NAFEM

Promotional material has started coming out about a Manitowoc announcement at NAFEM.  Posters and advertisements are smartly referring to the announcement as 'raising the bar' and creating a 'splash'.  So what's the rumor or what are some theories about the upcoming announcement at the food show?

I'm guessing a new product line of undercounter ice makers developed for Bars.  Taking this a step further, I'm guessing it may be a new machine that makes the octagon cube found in the SM50 ice machine.  People love that larger cube for making mixed drinks, but the SM50A ice maker just does not produce nor hold enough ice to take care of larger bar applications.

Raising the bar refers to a bar application and making a big splash refers to the larger cube.  Already Manitowoc has started reintroducing the 'regular' sized cube to their modular ice maker lines.  However, as of this posting, the only size cubes available in their undercounter ice machine line, from 130 to 270lb production per day is a half dice or dice cube.  There is room for a different style cube in a larger production machine, yet maintaining undercounter characteristics.

Another thing I'm looking forward to from Manitowoc at NAFEM this year is the ability to track information on Indigo ice makers.  We've been promised since launch the ability to use software to help diagnose the Indigo series cubers and even remotely monitor performance and service issues.  So far Manitowoc has only responded that they are working on it and they are currently still field testing.

NAFEM 2013 should be full of announcements from all the ice maker manufacturers and you can guarantee I'll be there to report on the news.

New Ice Maker Tips

Looking to purchase a new commercial ice machine?  Well, you've got your work cut out for you, because you have a lot of options.  The big 3 ice maker manufacturers will sell you on their own brands benefits, but I want to look at some factors to consider, no matter what brand you choose.

What do you need, not what you want.

Consider advice from the professionals, nothing beats local service and having a service company make a local recommendation.  You may pay a premium, but having a professional look at your specific application is a great way to make sure that the ice machine you spend your money on, will actually work for you.  Saving money up front by buying online may catch up to you when you need to purchase a replacement or lose out on warranty due to improper installation.

What kind of condenser?

Commercial ice machines come with 3 different flavors of condensers.  Each condenser comes with it's own benefits, but not all will work in any situation.  For example, air cooled ice machines put out a lot of heat, so if it doesn't have room to breathe, it will not produce the proper amount of ice and will not be working efficiently.  A water cooled ice machine is more reliable, but will absolutely destroy your water and sewage bill, unless you have it installed on a water loop.  A remote ice maker eliminates both concerns, but requires a higher level of expertise to install, because the condenser is moved outside of the cuber head install location.

Am I getting all my ice maker warranty?

Ice machine warranties can vary, depending on brand and model number.  However, the main manufacturers all share a common set of rules.  For starters, the warranty will start from the date your ice machine is installed, not the date the machine leaves the warehouse.  So it's important to fill out that Warranty Registration card that comes with your ice maker, to ensure you are getting the maximum amount of coverage.

Typically if no registration card is filed, the warranty on file at the factory is the date it shipped out.  However, because ice machines can set in inventory at dealers and distributors warehouses, it may be easy to rob yourself of months of warranty coverage.  Save your paper work and fill out those warranty registration cards.

So remember, no matter which manufacturer of ice machine you purchase, Hoshizaki, Scotsman, or Manitowoc, cover your bases and make sure you are purchasing what you need and not what you want.  Its better to have too much ice now, than not enough later.

Manitowoc Commercial Ice Maker NRA Booth

Below are a few pictures that I snapped at the 2012 National Restaurant Association show in Chicago.  Manitowoc had the largest commercial ice machine booth at the show, with Hoshizaki coming in second, then Scotsman, and finally Ice-O-Matic.  However, as far as straight ice machine lineups, Manitowoc had the largest by far, with Hoshizaki only showing off 2 of their makers.

Manitowoc Ice Maker Lineup At NRA

Manitowoc Booth @ 2012 NRA

Manitowoc Banner Lineup at 2012 NRA