Ice maker. Device types

An ice maker is an electric device for making ice. Devices are installed in catering establishments, bars, supermarkets, and industrial enterprises.

19:38 22 December 2022

An ice maker is an electric device for making ice. Devices are installed in catering establishments, bars, supermarkets, and industrial enterprises. Ice made with it is used for making cocktails, for products and for their quick cooling. This unit is available from BF Tech in various models with different capacities. Automatic operation eliminates the need for constant supervision, giving you access to an infinite amount of ice. The device must have time to freeze water and, with the help of ice band saws, give the ice the shape you need.

How does an ice maker work?

Many ice machine models are available from BF Tech; they all work on the same principle. Inside the device is an evaporator, similar to what is used in a traditional refrigerator, which is found in every kitchen. A high-pressure pump directs water under pressure to the surface of the evaporator, freezing the liquid and forming ice. Then the hot steam is produced into the ice through special technical openings, resulting in the ice melting and falling out of the evaporator. All parts are sent to unique bunkers, where they maintain a low temperature. The device has a timer that activates the water pump and evaporator. There are also sensors to control the filling of the hopper. Because of its presence, pulling out the ice cubes will cause the ice maker to restart the cycle when the number of ice cubes is low until the container is refilled. For this reason, the device works entirely automatically; you do not need to worry about checking each cycle.

Types of ice generators by capacity

According to performance, ice generators are divided into household and commercial ones. Domestic models include appliances used in restaurants and bars. The capacity of this device is at most 100 kilograms of ice per day. Industrial models used in food factories can produce large amounts of ice. This quantity is required for cooling various products. It is mainly used to store fish on open shelves without being put in the refrigerator. The ice maker is the most popular home model. It is actively used to prepare cocktails in bars. The standard weight of an ice cube is from 13 to 33 grams. This allows you to cool your drink quickly, but at the same time, makes it easier to dissolve. Ice in the shape of a pyramid weighs 5-7 grams. It quickly melts and cools the drink but dilutes the taste. This type of ice maker is usually used in fast food establishments, where drinks are served in opaque glasses, so aesthetics are not so important. Granulated ice weighs 5 to 10 grams. It dissolves quickly and mixes easily with your drink. The peculiarity of this form is that it becomes standard upon melting. The ice maker can only make one type of ice cube. You cannot change its settings.

Types of ice generators according to the water supply system

For the ice maker to work, it must be provided with clean drinking water. The primary type of ice maker is connected to a typical piping system. Their design has a special valve that allows water to enter the device by opening the faucet. Automatic washing machines work according to this principle. Water is supplied from the water supply, so the device does not require human intervention. The central unit must be connected to the water supply. They are usually self-cleaning. If you activate this option, the device will remove ice accumulated on various parts inside. Ice makers have a particular container that must be filled with water manually. This device is used where there is no access to tap water or where it is contaminated. This unit will stop making ice when the tank runs out of water, so regular attendance is required. Some devices warn with a sound or light signal that the liquid is running out. This allows you to focus on the problem rather than dealing with the lack of ice when needed. The ice maker can be placed on the floor or a table, depending on the design. Ground equipment is very efficient. You can connect a separate water tank. This increases productivity by increasing capacity. Usually, these models are stationary. They are connected to a water source and cannot be moved. Tabletop ice maker - a small capacity model for home use. Some devices are built into bar counters. Such devices can be connected to the water supply or equipped with a special tank for manually filling them with water. 

For professional use, you need a particular device called an ice maker. It produces large volumes of ice of the desired shape. The food industry, shops, cafes, supermarkets, and hypermarkets actively use this device. This is a refrigerator with a closed structure. There are water moulds, food containers, storage containers, compressors, motors and vaporizers. The purpose of the ice maker is to make ice. This is an electrical device that is also used to store semi-finished products. This device produces ice for food products such as cooling desserts, drinks or food. The model range presented at BF Tech offers various widgets for industrial and home use. Making ice is based on an evaporator, similar to freezers and refrigerators. Under pressure, the water turns into ice. To prevent freezing, use heated steam. The resulting waste enters a bunker for further storage. After reviewing each step and repeating the process, the container is checked for filling. Considering whether there is ice inside, the situation can be controlled automatically. Alternative techniques can also be used - partial freezing and pressing with additional freezing.

Where are ice makers used?

The ice generator is selected individually, taking into account the presence of other functions, its dimensions, the performance of the device, and its technical characteristics. Machines are often purchased for use in commercial aspects and industries. Buying the smaller model gives you a capacity of up to 18 kilograms of ice per day. Such equipment is suitable for bars, cafes or restaurants, and the food industry needs larger volumes. Such a device takes up more space and produces more than 100 kilograms of ice in 24 hours. There are also models with different ice shapes; classic cubes are needed for drinks, and flake ice is used for showcases and cold storage of products.

The form can be used for pre-freezing vegetables and preparing dough products. Ice generators are considered a relatively common type of refrigeration equipment. Its essential functions are the total production of various kinds of ice; as you know, ice is widely used in catering, supermarkets, etc. The principle of operation of these devices is as follows. Pre-purified water enters the pump, which is an integral part of the installation, and then the moisture is evenly distributed in the evaporator. Due to the low temperatures, the sprayed water freezes and subsequently forms ice in a particular form. Ready ice is dumped into a special container, the design of which ensures reliable insulation and maintains the temperature regime. In some models, the device freezes ice when the container is empty. Therefore, the installation is equipped with automation. Thus, the ice maker goes into standby mode when the hopper is filled with ice, ensuring continuous ice production. Modern ice generators have a distinctive feature. One of these features is an excellent water purification system that allows ice to retain its original state (structure, shape) for a long time without creating unpleasant odours. The ice maker is equipped with an electric drive. As a connection to the water supply, it is possible to connect to central and individual engineering communications. Filters used in such devices help increase wear resistance, increase productivity and purify water from various impurities. The technical characteristics and capabilities of the ice generator determine its use in the food industry and trade. Of course, the main factors considered when choosing a suitable installation are design features (size, type of capacitor, availability of internal/modular storage, etc.) and performance. The small device can produce up to 18 kilograms of ice in one cycle. Such equipment is in demand in cafes and restaurants. In the food industry, preference is given to large devices with tenfold productivity.