Choosing the Right Scotsman Ice Machine

When it comes to choosing an ice machine, the amount of options can be overwhelming - you have to decide what kind of ice you need, how much ice you think your establishment will go through, the storage capacity of the machine, and more. To help make the process a little simpler for you, we've broken down some of the major types of Scotsman ice machines, as well as the types of ice that are available.

Scotsman has an Ice Machine Sizing & Selector tool that can help narrow down your options as well. It takes into account your primary application, ice type, max available width, unit placement, and estimated ice usage.

Cubers

Cubes are the classic form of ice and are a solid choice for almost any establishment. They can cool mixed drinks, keep food cold in a salad bar, and handle just about anything else you need from ice. 

When you choose a Scotsman cuber, you will usually be able to choose from either a small cube or a medium cube. While both are versatile, the small cube will cool drinks down more quickly, while the medium cube will melt more slowly. The small cube is a better choice for restaurants and other establishments that want to save on drink costs, as small cubes can be packed more compactly in your glasses. The medium cube is better for mixed drinks and other situations where you don't want the drink watered down too quickly.

The Scotsman Prodigy cube-style undercounter with a 313 lb production capacity and 110 lb storage bin is a great choice for someone looking for a reliable cuber that's also energy-efficient. Prodigy ice machines use significantly less energy and water than other cube ice machines, exceeding federal energy efficiency regulations by up to 15%. They also come with an AutoAlert control panel that will let you know the operating status of the machine and when it's time to descale, sanitize, and more.

Like what you read but the production capacity isn't quite right? This isn't the only size of Prodigy ice machine available - explore other models.

Nuggets

Did you know? The Original Chewable Ice (otherwise known as nugget ice) was actually invented by Scotsman in the early 80s. 

Nugget ice is similar to small cubed ice in that it displaces more liquid than other forms of ice, lowering your drink syrup costs. And, as the name would suggest, it's chewable, which customers love!

The Scotsman Prodigy nugget-style ice maker puts innovative technology to good use to satisfy your ice needs. With features like AutoAlert indicator lights, a small operational footprint, and easy-access service from the front panel, Prodigy Plus nugget ice machines are the smart choice for today’s busy foodservice environments.

An antimicrobial guard protects the internal surfaces between cleanings, and the industry-exclusive QR code allows you to instantly connect to your device's service information and warranty history.

Flakers

Flake ice is great for when you need slow-melting ice - for produce displays or buffets, for example. Also, since flake ice can be formed easily, it is commonly used for display purposes like at fish markets and in butcher's cases. Fun fact: flake ice also forms easily around humans and is commonly used for "ice packs" and wraps in the fitness and rehabilitation industries.

Ice & Water Dispensers

Ice and water dispensers from Scotsman work well as both standalone units and as a supplement to a standard ice machine.