Ice machines are more and more widely used. With time, they are upgraded and added more features to support people’s lives and work. Currently, there are many types of ice machines on the market. However, you will still find it strange for ice machines to make crushed ice. Is there such a machine? How does it work? And what other options do you have?
Do ice machines make crushed ice?
The ice machine has a crushed ice function, and it’s called a flake ice machine. Flake ice machine is a relatively new tool on the market today, but it brings many benefits to users. A flake ice maker has the same operating principle as a regular ice machine but with the added function of breaking ice to create crushed ice.
The crushed ice machine is handy if you usually use shaved ice rather than ice cubes. Especially, crushed ice is suitable for drinks such as cocktails, smoothies, crushed ice, etc. When all operating cycles are completed, some machines will automatically turn off, waiting for the next batch of ice; some need the user to do actual work to shut down the operation.
How does the crushed ice maker work?
- Just open the switch and power on the ice maker. The operating signal is sent to the water valve at the back of the ice maker. The current moves the electromagnet in this position, causing the water valve to open
- Water runs from the water valve into the stone mold and fills the stone mold. Usually, the time for water to fill the ice mold is relatively short, about 5-7 seconds.
- After filling the mold with water, the chiller in the ice maker starts working. A thermostat is built into the ice maker to monitor and manage the water temperature level in the ice mold. When the temperature is at the right level, the thermostat will signal and no longer reduce the temperature in the ice mold.
- At this time, a switch is turned on that heats the coils below the ice maker to warm the ice mold, making it easier for the ice to fall out of the mold.
- The ice is ready, and the device is activated. The rotating device results in a plastic shaft that continuously pushes the ice out of the mold and into the ice compartment inside the ice maker.
- After that, the ice grinding function will work. By running the motors and internal tilting system, the ice maker will crush the ice produced in the above steps and transfer the crushed ice to the storage on the ice maker.
At this point, you can easily take out the crushed ice to use.
Flake ice machines vs regular ice makers
The flake ice maker is the same as a regular ice maker. However, they can crush the ice after making and create a crushed stone product. Another part is added to the ice machine, which is the stone mill. The gear rotates after crushing the rock, causing the shaft to push the stone out of the mold and into the stone crusher. The ice crushing unit in the ice machine is used for crushing ice and transferring it to the storage bin.
In terms of size, the crushed ice machine is often more prominent than the regular ice machine. Based on the size of the ice material, people divide flake ice machines into many types: fine ice machines and crushed ice machines with sizes from 1 – 2 cm. However, the ice after production will have many different shapes that are not uniform with the ice machine.
In terms of style, flake ice makers come in different varieties. However, it will still ensure the same parts: water valve, ice mold, cooling system, ice ejector system, ice mill, and ice container. You can find these parts on any ice maker.
Further reading: The 10 Best Portable Ice Makers for Home Use
When do you need to buy crushed ice machines?
Crushed ice can cool your drink quickly and is used in various beverages. Due to the increased contact area with liquid and air, shaved ice melts much more rapidly than ice cubes. This is an advantage as well as a disadvantage.
People often use crushed ice to make cocktails because the blend between it and alcohol creates a charming drink flavor. Usually, cocktails with crushed ice are more enjoyable and smooth than ice cubes.
Flake ice machines are commonly used in snow ice businesses. The ice machine creates the crushed ice with its compact size and shape, so users do not have to buy an additional ice grinder when using the ice machine. In addition, flake ice makers also create pebbles and nuggets. The produced ice still ensures the porosity and melting speed of the ice, so it is popular in fast food restaurants.
See “How to Make Crushed Ice for Cocktails”:
Suggested flake ice makers
VBENLEM 110V
VBENLEM 110V Flake Ice Maker is a type of ice maker that allows the production of quite a large amount of crushed ice. You can use it at home if there is a need to use crushed ice regularly. This type of ice machine is durable because it is made of stainless steel. Moreover, the eye-catching design makes it possible to place it in any corner of your house. However, do not forget that the crushed ice machine needs to be connected to water and electricity.
What makes the VBENLEM 110V so loved by many is its energy-saving capabilities. Compared to many other types of ice machines on the market, the price of VBENLEM 110V is quite affordable and offers many conveniences and ease of use. The machine’s controller is installed with an LED indicator system to help you quickly know its operating status. In addition, you also get a free lid and spoon to get ice when you buy VBENLEM 110V.
SZB-20
The price of the SZB-20 is relatively high, but it is worth it for the quality. SZB-20 is a large benchtop ice maker that can produce over 66lbs of crushed ice per day. When choosing where to place the SZB-20, you need to pay attention to the water and power supply.
The housing of the SZB-20 is high-quality stainless steel that gives the device absolute durability with a luxurious look to the device. This flake ice maker has a very convenient LED indicator system. In particular, the SZB-20 is also equipped with a self-cleaning function to clean the dirt accumulated in the machine; the cleaning process only takes about 1 minute. In addition, the automatic shutdown feature to protect the device when experiencing power problems or high heat levels is also a highlight of the SZB-20.
Cuisinart SCM-10P1
The Cuisinart snow cone maker has a professional blade mechanism and motor with a safety interlock feature that makes real shaved ice for snow cones, shaved ice’, frozen lemonade or adult drinks. It is very easy to use.
It is equipped with a pull-out serving tray with interlock safety feature with two collapsible conical compartments for easy storage.
The machine is fast, makes enough ice for 4-5 cones in less than a minute – comes with 4 reusable plastic cones and 12 paper cones. This product does not contain BPA.
The motor is warranted for 5 years. You should carefully review the user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding the warranty policy.
Seeutek 2 in 1 Ice Maker Machine
The multi-function desktop ice maker can make ice and shaved ice to meet your needs. With a simple control panel that’s easy to understand and operate, users can get started with one key.
It is equipped with two methods to add water, manually and automatically. Water can be poured directly into the reservoir or connected via a hose (water filter included). Through the top transparent lid, you can observe the ice making process.
You can completely know the operating status of the ice machine through the intelligent and automatic control panel. The machine works very efficiently and simply, after you add water or take ice out, the machine will automatically make ice.
This ice maker is made of stainless steels with cyclopentane foam inside to keep the temperature low and the ice cubes from melting.
The machine is suitable for home, restaurant, office, bar, party and more, especially when the weather is hot and requires a lot of ice.
Frigidaire EFIC245-SS
The device is designed to be very user-friendly. It’s made of stainless steel, which looks great on the countertop. Perfect machine for office, home kitchen, dormitory,… With the touch of a button, you can enjoy chewable nugget-style shaved ice just like from your favorite restaurant.
You can conveniently double up as a water dispenser, just push the button on the back of the purifier for fresh, cold water. A water connection is available so you can have a constant flow to your ice maker.
GE Profile Opal
You should descale your Opal once a month or more often if you live in an area with hard water to keep your nugget tasting fresh and your machinery running smoothly. It is helpful if you see the product manual for more details on how to care for your Opal ice machine.
OPAL ice maker offers nugget that can be chewed, crushed, appetizing, ready quickly and with the same flavor, unlike traditional hard ice. Refreshing nugget ice is made from compressed shaved ice and is perfect for cocktails, soft drinks and other drinks.
The machine is creatively designed to avoid clumping and leakage. You’ll always have fresh ice on hand thanks to the intelligent, automatic ice maker that can refill when your ice is running low.
You can easily move your ice maker when needed. No water connection required, just plug it into any grounded 120v power outlet (standard) and fill the tank with water. When the ice melts, the water returns to the reservoir, where it will simply revert to more ice.
Alternatives to crushed ice machines
ZENY ice shaver
Zeny ice shaver is a device that can serve different needs with high efficiency. This device is not only suitable for home use to prepare and taste drinks and beverages at any time manually, but also ideal for producing frozen or handmade drinks for commercial use, such as a fast-food outlet, school canteen, coffee shop, club, snack bar, restaurant, carnival, party,…
VIVOHOME electric ice shaver
YVIVOHOME electric ice shaver brings high efficiency to users. The machine has the ability to shave ice 143 lbs of ice every hour. With its powerful motor and sharp blade, it creates you soft, fluffy and smooth ice. The higher mill body and elbow give the machine a better aesthetic. It’s built with food grade corrosion resistant stainless-steel hopper and blades for food safety.
The machine operates stably and quietly because of its heavy-duty molded hard base. When using this machine, you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and comfortable experience as it works with less noise and vibration.
Ninja BL610 professional countertop blender
The Ninja BL610 blender has ultra-fast ice-making technology to make drinks or frozen foods in a very short time. It comes with a powerful 1000-watt motor, which sets it apart from other similarly priced blenders.
The Ninja Blender boasts a large, 72-ounce professional blender. The Ninja Professional Blender is BPA-free, which is always a nice touch even as it’s the industry standard these days, and the desktop blender also comes with a one-year warranty. It’s dishwasher safe, and you can always purchase one of the many replacements available.
In term of ice crushing, it can blast ice into snow in seconds and blend your favorite ingredients into delicious resort-style frozen drinks.
Reference:
Crushed Ice Makers For Cool Drinks In The Hot Summer, foodfornet.com, Retrieved on 25 July 2022
How Icemakers Work, home.howstuffworks.com, Retrieved on 25 July 2022
