All bars and nightclubs need a reliable ice supply for the convenience of their patrons. It is needed for almost all drinks, including those with spirits and plain soft drinks. The type also makes a difference, so you need to determine which shape or shapes you might want. Believe it or not, it can make or break your business.
Having a machine that makes it is an important part of your bar or nightclub. There are many types that you can get. You want one large enough to keep up, yet small enough to clean and keep clean. One that can produce many shapes would be good, too.
When you look for a machine for your business, you want to look for a reputable business. One place that is reputable is Ice Maker Depot, they have been around for a while and can find you the right machine for your business. You want someone who has been around for at least a few years so that they can answer your questions.
This article will give you some ideas about how to choose a machine for your business. It will help you to find just the right ice for your bar or nightclub. You can also do more research to find the information that you need.
A Little History
This was a luxury meant only for the very rich for many centuries. It took time and effort to get ice from the mountains to the valleys where people lived. It was mostly royalty that received it from the Alps. Although it melted along the way, there was still enough to make royalty happy.
As time went on, and people moved to the United States, it came from the lakes around New England. Fredric Tudor, locally known as the Ice King, learned that better packaging of it kept much of it from melting: https://investoramnesia.com/2024/02/28/breaking-the-ice/. He used sawdust and other materials to insulate it as he came back from the lakes. Once he did this, his business really took off.
Europeans and Americans began to enjoy the taste of it in their drinks, and preferred chilled drinks to warm ones. Nowadays, the most exquisite drinks require it to make them taste best. It seems that we can’t live without it and need it in all types of drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The right type can improve the taste of all drinks.
Types of Ice
There are four main types of ice that are used in cocktails and other drinks. Each type is popular depending on the drink they are used for. The four types are cubes, shaved, cracked, or block. A popular mixologist, Jerry Thomas from the nineteenth century, said that if the principal ingredient in the drink is spirits, shaved ice should be used. If you use eggs, milk, vermouth, wine, seltzer and other minerals, you should use cubes.
Ice Cubes
This is the best for a multitude of uses, including soda, juices, and other drinks “on the rocks.” Cubes are good because they take a lot longer to dilute, making them last longer in drinks. You can use larger cubes if you want them to melt even slower.
Shaved Ice
Shaved is usually used for sodas, slushes, and cold coffees. It is a finely crushed ice that can be used in drinks such as frozen margaritas and other frozen drinks. Many people like shaved because it melts easily and can be mixed easily with many drinks.
Cracked
Cracked ice is the type that is available at convenience stores in large bags. It is not blender friendly, so it is used as is in drinks. This type is best used for margaritas that aren’t frozen, daiquiris, and other drinks that are similar.
Ball
This type of ice is popular among Japanese mixologists. They have even carved these ice balls into different shapes according to what drinkers want. They are best used for drinks “on the rocks” such as whisky or scotch.
Types of Machines
There are a variety of types of machines that can help you in your bar or nightclub. One of the most popular is the under the counter machine – especially for those with limited space. They are usually under forty-one inches in height and can fit under the counter or under other fixtures. These are best for bartenders who do not have barbacks to help them out.
Air cooled machines use a fan to keep the machine cool and to extract the warm air. They need a lot of space to allow the fan to work and dispel the warm air. If they don’t have the space, the warm air will just re-enter the machine and melt the ice. They are the most common because they are cost-effective.
Water cooled machines are ones that use water to cool the condenser. The water takes up the warm air and sends it down the drain. They don’t require as much space because they don’t use the air to cool it. Not all cities allow these, so check your regulations in your city.
Remote condenser units have the condenser in another room so that you don’t hear it. If you have a quiet environment, this is probably the best for you. It probably won’t matter too much in a busy bar or nightclub.
What Do You Need to Install One
Before you decide to buy a system, you need to make sure that you have everything that you need to install. There are a few things that you need to make sure that is ready, as well. Do these things before you consider which type of system you want.
You need to make sure that you have proper drainage for one. Most commercial kitchens already have a drainage system, so you probably have it in your bar or nightclub already. If you have a countertop icemaker, you might need an alternative method to drain it. You also need an air gap between the bin drain and the place where you decide to flush the water.
You will also need to have an electrical service hooked up to the system. These machines usually run on 115v or 220v. Learn more about that here. If they produce than eight hundred pounds, it usually needs 115v. If they produce more than eight hundred pounds, the 220v is needed.
Of course, you will also need water to make the ice. You need about three to five gallons per hour, so you need a good water source. It’s a good idea to call in a plumber to make sure that your water line can handle this load and to make sure that you have the right water source.
You also need plenty of space for one of these machines. They work best if you have temperatures about seventy degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t give a way for the heat to be removed, it will heat up the bar, and the production will be lower. Make sure that you have plenty of space.
Conclusion
There are many types of ice machines and many types of ice that they can produce. You want to make sure that you have the proper ones for your business. The right ice can make or break a drink for you.