Modular Flake Ice Machines

Flake ice is unique in that when it melts, it can actually mold around the surface it is contacting. This makes it ideal for meat and seafood displays for grocery stores as well as therapeutic ice wraps for athletes or patients with swollen joints or other strains. If using the ice for food displays, the amount needed every day will depend on the size of the display. For ice therapy wraps, the bags are usually fill with anywhere from two to four pounds of ice, so this amount can be multiplied by the expected number of patients that will need ice to determine the necessary 24 hour yield. Flake ice is also used in cocktails and can be easily blended for other mixed drinks. When considering this type of ice for foodservice purposes, estimate using around one to two pounds of ice per person per day.

Modular machines can be either air or water cooled. Air cooled units will be used in most establishments, but it is important that the building have controlled temperature during the summer months, so yield and guest comfort does not suffer. Water cooled units are recommended only in areas with high humidity and where water shortages are not an issue. Since water is used to cool the condenser (as opposed to air), these machines waste a lot of water.