Advice needed ASAP about ice machines....

[Bob&Stacy]

Hello everyone, we're in a pinch about ice machines for our coffee drinks, smoothies and shaved ice treats. We're a small cafe and we can get a good deal - $1600 for a new Scotsman 160lb per day unit or a used scotsman unit that only does 65lbs per day for $900. We are totally new to these frozen drinks and specialties but we anticipate a great response this summer especially. Any advice on if we should go the extra distance on the larger more $$$ is much needed. We plan on using commercial blenders for all our drinks.

Thanks in advance
Bob & Stacy

 

[La Crema Coffee]

NW JAVA/LACREMA

I run two espresso stands with ice from a 65 lb ice maker...it runs 24/7 though. BUt for almost 1/2 the price of a large one it works...Also it doubles as counter space. It's a Ice o matic.

Also I like vita mix for blending duty

E.g. http://www.vitamix.com/foodservice/prod ... _mp_on.asp

It's kinda costly but QUIETER!

Than the standard:
http://www.vitamix.com/foodservice/prod ... a_prep.asp

Both are good recomendations however QUIETER is always better.

 

[City Perk]

Regarding your Ice o Mattic ice machine, do you have to comply with any out of the ordinary Health Dept. requirements in order to use it at your bar?