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Best Ice Machine Solutions for High-Volume Entertainment Venues

Best Ice Machine Solutions for High-Volume Entertainment Venues

The Coast Team on 11th Oct 2024

Introduction

In high-volume entertainment venues across Australia, having a reliable supply of ice is essential. Whether it's a music festival in Melbourne, a sporting event in Sydney, or a large corporate function in Brisbane, ice plays a crucial role in keeping drinks cold and guests satisfied. Running out of ice can quickly lead to customer dissatisfaction and lost revenue. That's why it's crucial to have the best ice machine solutions in place, tailored to the unique demands of the Australian market.

The Importance of Reliable Ice Machines in Australian High-Volume Venues

Reliable ice machines are the backbone of successful high-volume entertainment venues in Australia. A steady supply of ice ensures that drinks remain cold and refreshing throughout events, even during scorching summer days in Perth or humid nights in Darwin. This leads to happier guests and better reviews for your venue, boosting your reputation in the competitive Australian hospitality industry.

Investing in a dependable ice machine from Coast Distributors helps maintain the efficiency of your operations across the country. With a consistent supply of ice, bartenders and servers in bustling venues from Adelaide to Hobart can work faster, reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction. Faster service means more sales, boosting your revenue during peak hours, whether you're catering to tourists in the Gold Coast or locals in Canberra.

Types of Ice Machines Suitable for Large Australian Venues

Coast Distributors offers a range of ice machines perfect for high-volume venues across Australia. Let's explore some options:

Modular Ice Machines

For large Australian venues, Coast Distributors offers Ice-O-Matic modular ice makers that cater to different capacity needs. The Ice-O-Matic CIM1845 Modular Cube Ice Maker is an excellent choice. It can produce up to 776kg of ice per day under optimal conditions (21°C air & 10°C water temperature) or 606kg per day in warmer conditions (32°C air & 21°C water temperature).

For venues with slightly lower ice requirements and space restrictions, The Ice-O-Matic CIM1125 Slim Line Modular Cube Ice Maker stands out as a powerhouse, producing up to 425 kg of ice per day. This model is particularly noteworthy as it's the only 565mm wide ice machine capable of such high production, making it perfect for major stadiums or convention centre

These machines can be paired with various storage bins to customise capacity based on your venue's needs. For instance, the CIM1845A can be used with the ICB460, storing 460kg of ice, or the larger Grant CX800D, storing over 800kg of ice.

For large venues requiring ice transportation, Coast recommends the Follett ice transport system, such as the ITS1350. This system comes with two smart carts for efficient ice movement, eliminating the need for manual scooping and shovelling.

Both Ice-O-Matic models offer superior energy efficiency, being up to 20% more efficient than comparable models. They feature advanced sanitation features, including a BPA-free plastic food zone for easy cleaning and built-in Agion antimicrobial protection. The unique dual exhaust discharge allows for flexible installation options, suiting various venue layouts.

Undercounter Ice Machines

For bars or smaller areas within large venues, Coast Distributors offers the Ice-O-Matic ICEU225 self-contained cube ice maker. This undercounter model produces up to 96kg of ice per day and includes a storage bin with a 32kg capacity, making it an ideal choice for busy pubs in Melbourne or cocktail bars in Sydney.

The ICEU225 is constructed from sturdy, corrosion-proof 300 series stainless steel inside and out, ensuring durability in high-demand environments. It features a contoured slide-away door and a no-sag stainless steel top. One of its key advantages is that no side clearance is required, as air is drawn in and exhausted from the front, making it perfect for tight spaces in bars and restaurants.

For venues requiring a more specialised ice type, Coast Distributors also offers the Ice-O-Matic UCG series of self-contained gourmet ice makers. These models produce crystal clear conical ice, which melts slowly and is ideal for upscale bars and clubs. The UCG series includes models with production capacities ranging from 20.5kg up to 69kg of ice per day, with storage capacities from 8kg to 40kg.

Ice & Water Dispensers

Coast Distributors offers a range of ice and water dispensers. The Follett 7 Series Ice & Water Dispenser is available in multiple configurations, with models like the Follett E7CI114A producing up to 54.4kg of ice per day and storing 3.2kg of ice.

These dispensers offer both ice and water, making them versatile choices for various settings. Key features include a compact, sanitary, and efficient design, an attractive appearance with antimicrobial treatment, and the ability to dispense refreshing, consumer-preferred Chewblet ice.

For higher capacity needs, Coast Distributors also offers the Follett 7 & 15 Series Symphony Plus Ice & Water Dispensers. The Follett E12CI414A-S model, for instance, can produce up to 176kg of ice per day and store 5.4kg of ice. This series features a modular, single ice maker design using the state-of-the-art Maestro ice maker, offering energy and water efficiency that can save up to 30% on power and 100,000 liters of water per year.

Ice and water dispensers are particularly well-suited for self-serve areas. Their user-friendly design allows customers to easily access ice and water without staff assistance, enhancing convenience and reducing labor costs. These dispensers are ideal for hotel lobbies, cafeterias, healthcare facilities, and other high-traffic areas where quick and hygienic access to ice and water is essential. The self-serve nature of these dispensers also helps maintain social distancing and minimizes contact points, making them an excellent choice for modern, health-conscious environments.

Specialty Ice Machines

For venues requiring specific ice types, Coast Distributors offers several solutions:

1. Flake Ice Makers: The Ice-O-Matic MFI0805A Modular Flake Ice Maker produces granular flake ice, ideal for both preservation and presentation of perishable food items. It can produce up to 333kg of ice per day at optimal conditions, perfect for seafood displays, healthcare facilities, and food processing applications.

2. Chewblet Ice Makers: Follett Chewblet ice makers, such as the Maestro Self-Contained Ice Maker, produce up to 193kg of Micro Chewblet ice per day. This ice type is ideal for healthcare facilities, aged care facilities, hospitals, cafes, bars, restaurants, and fresh ice displays for fish, fruit, and vegetables.

3. Gourmet Ice Makers: For high-end bars and restaurants looking for a premium ice option, Coast Distributors offers Ice-O-Matic's UCG series of self-contained gourmet ice makers, which produce crystal clear, slow-melting ice.

All these ice machines from Coast Distributors come with comprehensive warranty coverage, typically 3 years on parts and labor, with some models offering 5 years on the compressor. This range of options ensures that high-volume entertainment venues across Australia can find the perfect ice solution to meet their specific needs, guaranteeing a reliable and efficient ice production for every event.

Key Features to Look for in High-Volume Ice Machines for Australian Venues

When choosing an ice machine for a high-volume venue in Australia, several key features should guide your decision:

Production Capacity: Consider machines like the Ice-O-Matic CIM1125 Slim Line Modular Cube Ice Maker, which can produce up to 425kg of ice per day, ensuring you never run short during peak times at large events.

Ice Type and Quality: Different events require different ice types. For cocktail bars, the Ice-O-Matic UCG series of self-contained gourmet ice makers produces crystal clear conical ice which melts slowly, perfect for crafted drinks.

Energy Efficiency: Look for energy-efficient models like the Ice-O-Matic CIM series, which are up to 20% more energy efficient than other models. These machines use less water and energy compared to traditional models, helping you save on utility bills and align with Australia's growing focus on sustainability.

Ease of Maintenance: Opt for machines with user-friendly designs. The Ice-O-Matic CIM series features smart LED lights that indicate machine status and when cleaning is required. They also have simple, one-touch controls for sanitization and descaling, and BPA-free snap-in, snap-out dishwasher-safe components.

Durability and Build Quality: Australian venues need machines that can withstand heavy use and varying climates. The Ice-O-Matic modular ice makers are constructed from sturdy materials, ensuring longevity. For example, the modular flake ice makers feature rugged stainless steel evaporators and augers, along with industrial-grade roller bearings and heavy-duty gearboxes that provide years of trouble-free service.

Additional features to consider include:

Sanitation: Many Ice-O-Matic models feature built-in Agion antimicrobial protection and BPA-free plastic food zones for easy cleaning and long-lasting sanitation.

Flexibility: The unique dual exhaust discharge on some Ice-O-Matic models allows for hot air to be expelled from both the side and top of the unit, increasing installation flexibility.

Warranty: Coast Distributors offers comprehensive warranty coverage on their ice machines. Most models come with a 3-year warranty on parts and labor, with some offering 5 years on the compressor.

By considering these features, you can choose an ice machine from Coast Distributors that best suits your high-volume venue's needs in Australia.

Conclusion

Investing in the right ice machine is crucial for the success of high-volume entertainment venues across Australia. Coast Distributors offers a wide range of ice machines suited to Australia's diverse climates and venue types, backed by nationwide support and service.

For expert advice on selecting the best ice machine for your Australian venue, or to explore Coast Distributors' range of high-quality ice machines, contact their sales team at sales@coastdistributors.com.au. With the right ice machine solution, you'll be well-equipped to keep your guests cool and your business thriving, no matter where you are in Australia.