From time to time, we offer scratch and dent Manitowoc ice machines. This means huge savings for restaurant owners in need of critical equipment that’s typically quite expensive (though, still a lot cheaper than buying bags of ice!). Manitowoc ice machines have a great reputation among those in the industry — they’re reliable, durable and have many features. They also come in a variety of models that produce different amounts of ice and different kinds of ice, like dice-size and half-dice size, for example.

Scratch and Dent Means Big Savings

Scratch and dent Manitowoc ice machines are not perfect, but they are still in good, working order. The reason they’re classified as scratch and dent is likely because they were damaged from freight. The damage is purely cosmetic, and it does not prevent the equipment from working properly. Because they are not perfect, these products are offered at a discounted price. It’s a great way for restaurant owners to save money on the equipment they need.

Manitowoc Ice Machines on Clearance

Currently, there’s one Manitowoc Ice Machine SD-0322A/115-1 left in our scratch and dent restaurant equipment inventory. (It’s also available new.) This air-cooled, self-contained ice machine produces 340 lbs of dice-size ice cubes in a 24-hour period and is easy to clean with very low operating costs. This is one of many Manitowoc ice machines named Best in Class by Food Service Equipment Supplies Magazine, and it’s also the recipient of a five-star rating from ShortOrder.

More Manitowoc Ice Machines at Low Prices

ShortOrder is the place to go if you’re looking to get Manitowoc ice machines at low prices. With our Low Price Guarantee, buyers get the assurance that they’re getting restaurant equipment for the lowest price out there. We also offer flexible freight terms. Besides Manitowoc ice machines, we have an impressive inventory of Vulcan ranges, Beverage-Air refrigerators, Hobart slicers and more. ShortOrder is dedicated to being the leading online restaurant equipment dealer.

There are a lot of different factors when deciding which of the ice machines is best for you. This Guide to Buying Ice Machines includes some helpful tips to ensure you make the best choice:

Ice machines are a critical component to the foodservice operator. They are expensive to buy, operate and maintain, but cheaper than buying ice by the bag!

Ice Machines: Sizing

The amount of ice used daily is rarely uniform. Consider the fact that you will use more ice in summer than winter and weekend usage is sure to be more than weekdays. Be sure you size your ice machine and bin to meet your peak usage needs.

Try not to base your decision solely on what your current ice machine does. Take into account the age and condition of your present equipment, as well as the surrounding air and water temperatures at your peak usage times. Production charts can be found on the spec sheets for each machine that will tell you 24-hour production under your particular conditions.

Ideally, your company is a growing one. Consider adding 20% to your current usage estimates to account for future business growth. Check out the sizing guide, to help guide you in your usage decision.

Ice Type

There are 3 types of ice: cubes, flakes and nuggets.

Cubers:

Cube machines usually come with two choices in size: Half Dice or Whole Dice. You can generally find the size of the cubes by looking on the spec sheet for the machine. These machines are the most popular, producing a hard cube that melts slowly and produces the best drink product.

Recommended for: Mixed Drinks, Carbonated Beverages, Ice Retailing, Salad Bars, Ice Dispensing

Flakers:

These machines produce small, hard bits of ice. They cool quickly and have a low production cost. Flakes mold to any shape and are great for salad bars, hospitals and limited specialty drinks.

Recommended for: Produce, Seafood, or Meat Displays, Blended Cocktails, Salad Bars, Hospitals

Nuggets:

Produces a softer, chewable texture ice that still provides a maximum cooling effect for drinks. In a dispenser, the ice will melt and stick together, so you need to be sure that the proper agitator kit is purchased.

Recommended for: Carbonated Beverages, Blended Beverages, Salad Bars, Produce Display, Hospitals.

Cooling Systems

Air-cooled machines are easy to install and cost less to purchase and operate. They are affected by air and incoming water temperature, and require more breathing room. The industry is turning to the more environmentally friendly, air cooled machine.

Water-cooled ice machines cost a bit more up front and are more difficult to install. While technically more efficient, are costly to operate due to high water costs, but because they put off less hot air, they will not raise the room temperature nor do they require as much breathing room. If space is an issue, you should consider the water-cooled machine, but make sure it does not violate any local water conservation laws.

Condenser

Remote systems are generally for larger ice machines, greater than 800 lbs per 24 hr. The condensing unit is usually mounted on the roof of the building to minimize the noise and heat put off. In general, the self contained unit is the way to go. It’s easier to install and is what you will find most places.

Operating Cost (major brands)

Manitowoc, Scotsman and Hoshizaki are leading popular manufacturers. The operating costs of electrical and water usage vary significantly between brands. Both Manitowoc and Scotsman ice machines utilize a system that efficiently minimizes water wasted and the cost to produce ice. The cost to operate a comparable Hoshizaki unit can be substantially higher than competing brands and is not recommended.

Reliability

Manitowoc and Scotsman ice machines are the most reliable in the market place. Available service reports rate both highly.

Ice Machines: Other Considerations

Dimensions: Before ordering, measure doors, hallways and installation space to be sure your new ice machine will fit – allowing for 5 to 8 inches of clearance above, behind and on both sides.

Connections: Electrical and water connections and the floor drain must be within 6 feet of the ice machine. Most machines are offered in a variety of voltages to meet your requirements, be sure you order the correct voltage. All connections must meet local, state and national codes.

Plumbing Requirements: Ice machines must be connected to a cold water supply and have separate drain lines for the machine and the bin.

Manitowoc ice machines are quality, dependable pieces of restaurant equipment. Outstanding in performance and value, many Manitowoc ice machines have received the Editor’s Choice rating here at ShortOrder.com.

Rating criteria for restaurant equipment is based on experience. Ratings are influenced by how well each item stacks up against the competition as well as how easy it is to do business with the manufacturer, perceived product placement in the industry, service network and service support, functionality and brand longevity. ShortOrder rates restaurant equipment like Manitowoc ice machines so that Buyer’s Alliance members can make better buying decisions.

There are quite a few different models of Manitowoc ice machines that are recipients of an Editor’s Choice rating. One such piece of restaurant equipment is the Manitowoc SD-0322A, an ice machine with a “hotel dispenser.” This Manitowoc ice machine not only has an Editor’s Choice rating, but it has a five-star rating.

The Manitowoc QM-45A is another Editor’s Choice rating recipient. This Manitowoc ice machine comes with adjustable legs and fills its built-in bin with dice-sized cubes at 95 pounds per 24 hours.

Yet another Editor’s Choice Manitowoc ice machine is the Manitowoc QY-0214A. This Manitowoc ice machine is easy to clean and very reliable. This model is designed for undercounter use and in a 24 hour period makes 155 to 215 pounds of half-dice shaped ice cubes.

Manitowoc Ice Machines at ShortOrder

You’ll find many more Manitowoc ice machines here at ShortOrder. With our Low Price Guarantee, you’ll also have the assurance that you’re getting Manitowoc ice machines for the best price possible. And don’t miss Scratch and Dent Manitowoc ice machines, new to ShortOrder.

Lavender-infused cocktails, Croatian truffles, flatbread, bite-size desserts — and now it seems the latest in trendy food is… ice. Believe it or not, ice is considered a food by many frozen-water connoisseurs. According to a recent article in the New York Times, some people are so into ice as a food that they purchase commercial ice machines for their homes.

Ice: The Latest in Trendy Food

Call them obsessed, call them “ice snobs” — either way, one thing is for sure: ice is the latest trendy food. And one thing pointed out in the New York Times article is that ice can actually improve the quality of a drink. Besides that, ice can complement the kind of drink it’s cooling, whether it’s cube ice in a mixed drink or fragmented ice for soda.

Commercial Ice Machines in the Home

So why buy a commercial ice machine for your own home? Well, there are a few reasons. One is that some believe ice made in home refrigerators winds up tasting like the smells inside the freezer. Another reason is that some complain home refrigerator-made ice does not cool drinks well and melts too fast. Worse, still, is large, crescent-shaped ice some refrigerators produce — it takes up too much room and typically hits you in the face as you sip. Having ice with a great texture and shape is something ice connoisseurs just have to have.

Buying a Commercial Ice Machine

If you’re serious about ice as a food, consider buying a commercial ice machine. ShortOrder carries Manitowoc ice machines, which are well-known for their quality and reliability. Manitowoc ice machines at ShortOrder can produce nugget ice, flake ice, half size cubes and more. Even if you don’t own a restaurant or bar, it doesn’t mean you can’t have your very own commercial ice machine.

Manitowoc fans will be happy to hear that a Manitowoc blog has launched at ShortOrder.com. Now, when you come to browse our restaurant and commercial kitchen equipment, you’ll be able to read the latest about Manitowoc products, including Manitowoc ice machines. Check out the Manitowoc blog is at manitowoc.shortorder.com.

Manitowoc and ShortOrder are Cookin’

Manitowoc and Short Order are cookin’ — take a look at the Manitowoc commercial kitchen equipment ShortOrder offers, and stay informed about the latest products and news at the Manitowoc blog. The recipient of many Editor’s Choice awards from ShortOrder, Manitowoc ice machines and other equipment are the industry standard for a reason. And ShortOrder is proud to carry Manitowoc restaurant equipment.

Manitowoc: A History of Success

Not only does Manitowoc make great commercial kitchen equipment, but they’re also a great company. Based in Wisconsin, Manitowoc started in 1964. The company is all about designing and manufacturing outstanding restaurant equipment. Customers have come to know and trust the Manitowoc name.

Knowing that customers would appreciate saving money on operating costs, Manitowoc takes care to make restaurant equipment that performs efficiently. Besides that, Manitowoc also keeps in mind while designing and manufacturing the importance of food safety. Every step of the way, Manitowoc is concerned about their customers.

Manitowoc Blog Features New Products, Other News

Manitowoc has a reputation for being one of the best in the restaurant industry, a name that people can trust. So it’s only fitting that ShortOrder has a blog dedicated to Manitowoc, where customers can stay informed about the company. Expect news regarding Manitowoc, including new Manitowoc products soon to be released. And another great way to stay informed about what’s going in the industry is to read ShortOrder’s restaurant equipment blog. ShortOrder is proud to provide helpful information, including the Manitowoc Blog, to restaurant owners and kitchen equipment buyers.

Beverage-Air Refrigerator Resource Launched

Beverage-Air refrigerator buyers will now be able to learn more about their refrigerators – and get some great information – just by stopping by ShortOrder.com. Beverage-Air products now have their own informative blog on the restaurant equipment website that will inform restaurant equipment buyers how to enjoy their Beverage-Air refrigerator and get the most out of it for years and years to come. The Beverage-Air refrigerator blog is at beverageair.shortorder.com.

Beverage-Air and ShortOrder Keep Cool Together

Beverage-Air and ShortOrder.com have had a long and wonderful relationship and the blog is a sign of ShortOrder’s commitment to this top restaurant refrigerator manufacturer. ShortOrder.com has been carrying the refrigerator manufacturer’s products for years and considers Beverage-Air to be one of the restaurant equipment buyer’s first choices for efficient, low-maintenance cold food storage.

Beverage-Air Means Quality

Beverage-Air, the largest supplier of commercial refrigeration, was founded in 1944 by Herman Buffington in the small town of Spartanburg, South Carolina. The headquarters still exists in Spartanburg and is where all the state-of-the-art designs created by Beverage-Air are researched and designed.

Beverage-Air is best known for its reach-in merchandiser coolers, freezers, refrigerators and self-contained beer dispensing units. However, Beverage-Air is quickly becoming the leader in pizza and food preparation units, school milk coolers, and deli and floral display units.

Beverage-Air’s vision is “to be the global preferred supplier of quality equipment to the foodservice, beverage and related industries by being pro-active and innovative employees who are measured by our customers’ satisfaction, our company’s reputation and profitability.”

Beverage-Air Refrigerator Blog Just Tip of Iceberg

ShortOrder is very excited to be adding the Beverage-Air refrigerator blog to the information that ShortOrder already provides to restaurant owners and their equipment buyers. From the Buyer’s Guides on everything from steamers to ice machines to the “What’s Cookin’?” newsletter and restaurant equipment blog that keeps you up-to-date on the restaurant industry, ShortOrder.com has got all your bases covered.

Manitowoc Earnings Break Records

The Manitowoc Company earlier this month reported record-breaking first quarter net sales and earnings per share. Manitowoc’s first quarter net sales reached $1.1 billion, a 44 percent increase from 2006’s fourth quarter. And 2007’s fourth quarter net earnings per diluted share ($0.76) more than doubled 2006’s fourth quarter net earnings per diluted share ($0.35). Manitowoc ice machines reported earnings per diluted share for 2007, at $2.64, represents a 100 percent increase from 2006.

Manitowoc President and CEO Glen E. Tellock expressed in a press release early this month his confidence that Manitowoc’s 2008 report will reflect 2007’s successes. Manitowoc’s Foodservice Group was a strong contributor to its 2007 fiscal record-breaking. Manitowoc Foodservice Group’s “new-product pipeline has helped drive improved top-line performance and increased operating leverage” in 2007, said Tellock.

Manitowoc Ice Machines Are a Good Buy in the Foodservice Industry

Even though the foodservice industry has recently undergone strains on capital spending, Manitowoc ice machines still remain a good buy. Due to the Manitowoc Company’s persistence with advanced energy-saving designs, Manitowoc ice machines save more energy for its customers than any of its competitors. These strengths have increased Manitowoc revenue and margins throughout all quarters in 2007.

Ice machines work all year

Even restaurant equipment buyers don’t usually think of shopping for ice machines in the heart of winter. But the fact is that a typical foodservice or culinary operation never stops leaning on its ice machines. Even in cold weather, customers need ice in their drinks and cooks need ice to cool ingredients and make specialty items like homemade ice cream and smoothies.

If your ice machine is clanking, whining, or worse yet, producing slimy ice, now is the time to shop for a new icemaker. Your ice machine may still be working every day, but it won’t be under the constant strain that a blistering summer brings. That makes it easier to replace or maintain.

Is your ice machine a slimer?

Ice machine slime is a common problem, but other than the visceral image that it evokes, not everybody knows what ice machine slime is all about. Still, restauranteurs should know ice machine slime and its causes — it’s a health hazard. Ice machine slime is a mold or fungus that prospers due to bacteria on moist ice machine surfaces that aren’t regularly cleaned. It starts out pinkish but can decorate your ice machine in a variety of disgusting colors. We’ll write more about ice machine slime later. A slimy, ailing ice machine may be a good candidate to be sold on the used restaurant equipment market and replaced with a better model.

If you’re in the market for a new ice machine, we have a few handy recommendations. First, check out our ice machines buying guide. Second, think about buying one of these brand name ice machines. Like many things in the kitchen, you get what you pay for.

Manitowoc ice machines

Units like the Manitowoc SY-0324A ice machine — a ShortOrder.com editor’s choice — are always popular with cooks and chefs no matter what the season. Known for their reliability, Manitowoc ice machines can put on the freeze, and this particular unit delivers with 325 pounds of half-dice sized cube style ice per 24 hours. Manitowoc ice machines are America’s #1 selling ice machine.

Hoshizaki ice machines

Another option is to buy a Hoshizaki ice machine. Sleek and visually impressive, icemakers like the Hoshizaki ice machine KM320-MAH are sure to tickle the eyes of your kitchen staff. However, our editors feel like Manitowoc and Scotsman ice machines may give you more value for your money.

Scotsman ice machines

Icemakers like the Scotsman ice machine C0522SA-32A tend to use less water and electricity than units like the Hoshizaki KM320 ice machine. Scotsman ice machines have a solid reputation, and the C0522SA ice machine is no exception. A head-only unit, this “Prodigy” cuber exceeds California energy efficiency regulations and uses clear indicator lights to show you when to perform maintenance, making it easy to catch ice machine slime before a customer does.

It’s winter time, but don’t forget about your ice machine. A little forward thinking now may save you some cold sweats when the summer rush hits your restaurant.

Manitowoc ice machines are as reliable as the seasons

Manitowoc ice machine weather has arrived. But it never left. As fall embraces us, bringing with it the chilly prospect of winter, we at Shortorder.com are still happy to have Manitowoc ice machines in our diverse selection of restaurant equipment. You see, the weather may be turning cooler, but diners and bar patrons still need ice in their drinks to give them the proper zing. Manitowoc ice machines are all-season restaurant equipment.

Manitowoc ice machines also are recognized for their all-season reliability. In fact, in November 2006, America’s #1 selling ice machine was again chosen as “Overall Best in Class” in the ice machines category by the readers of the restaurant equipment publication Foodservice Equipment & Supplies. This wasn’t the first time, either. Manitowoc ice machines have won this award for six years running. The award, chosen based on the votes of restaurant equipment buyers, dealers, and distributors, recognizes the excellence in quality, service, and support that are synonymous with the phrase “Manitowoc ice machine.”

For example, take the Manitowoc ice machine model SD-0452A. A Short Order editors choice, this stainless-steel-clad Manitowoc ice machine earns points for low operating costs, ease of maintenance, and superb reliability. The Manitowoc ice machine model SD-0452A just sits in your restaurant, bar, or kitchen, punching out 450 pounds of cube-style ice every day, rain or shine, and looking good doing it.

If you’re thinking of an ice machine for your establishment, take a peek at our ice machine buyer’s guide, a straightforward document that will help you narrow down your choices and make an ice machine buying decision that fits your needs. And don’t forget – every Manitowoc ice machine you buy at Shortorder.com comes with free onsite setup.

Ice machines are a critical component to the foodservice operator. They are expensive to buy, operate and maintain, but also a necessity. What do you need to know before diving in to this big purchase? Some considerations would be:

• type of ice machine
• operating costs
• reliability
• size
• water or air cooled
• remote or self contained refrigeration

All are important factors in your buying decision. Let’s see if we can make sense of a couple of these options.

There are two types of ice machines to choose from. Cubers are by far the most popular. A hard cube melts slowly and produces the best drink product. You can choose from full or half size cubes. Another option would be the flaker ice machine. It produces soft nuggets, or flakes, of ice. This is a great option for salad bars, hospitals and limited specialty drinks.

You’ll also want to consider operating costs before you make your purchase. Some of the the most popular brands are Manitowoc, Scotsman and Hoshizaki. The operating cost of electrical and water usage vary significantly between brands. Both Manitowoc and Scotsman utilize a system that efficiently minimizes water wasted and the cost of production. The operating cost of a comparable Hoshizaki unit can be substantially higher than competing brands. Do your research before you buy.

Reliability and size are also important factors. Available service reports rate both Manitowoc and Scotsman machines highly. Make sure you are getting a quality machine with a good warranty. Remember to buy a machine with adequate production and a bin large enough to hold your highest demand. Consider the environment your machine will be in as well. Manufacturers rate production at optimum conditions, and they will produce less ice in a warmer environment with warmer water. Buying ice because you under estimated your needs is very expensive!

There are usually two considerations for the machine cooling system. Water cooling systems are generally more expensive in daily operating costs. They are necessary for remote refrigeration where there is a great distance between the machine and the condenser. They can be worse for the environment because they produce more waste water and in general, the industry is turning to air cooled units. The one exception to that rule would be if your machine will be in an area with very little air circulation. The lack of circulation requires a water cooled unit. An air cooled unit produces less waste and has a lower daily operating cost and most ideal for self contained units.

Finally, consider if you need remote or self contained refrigeration. Remote systems are for generally larger machines over 800 lbs. In this case, the condensing unit is usually mounted on the roof of the building to minimize the noise and heat put off. Self contained units house the condensing unit inside the machine. They are easier to maintain and access in the case of repairs.

This is just a quick rundown of the many options available for the ice machine. I hope it helps get you started in the right direction picking the right product for you!