Air- vs. Water-Cooled Condensers

We are currently offering 23 different Hoshizaki commercial ice machines to serve you. We offer both air-cooled and water-cooled units, and this brief overview is provided to assist you in the choice between an air- and a water-cooled condenser.

	Pros	Cons
Air-Cooled	90% of ice-makers are air-cooled Easy to install and maintain	Increase ambient room temp Fan noise Require ventilation and maybe air conditioning
Water-Cooled	More efficient than air-cooled in high heat Useable in some challenging areas/climates Quiet and emit less heat	Water and sewer use increases cost vs. air-cooled Water leaks will ruin the machine

Air-cooled units account for roughly 90% of all installed commercial ice makers. They are easier to install and maintain but cannot operate effectively without sufficient ventilation nor in very hot climates without air conditioning (ambient room temperatures above 90 degrees F). You will maximize your ice production, save on energy costs and ensure ease of maintenance and service by locating your commercial ice machines in an open room (versus a utility closet) and allowing for at least 6 inches of clearance at the rear and sides, and 12 inches at the top of your ice maker for proper air flow and maintenance. Air-cooled machines also produce slightly more noise than a water-cooled unit because of the air-cooling fan.

Water-cooled units offer a great alternative and are more energy efficient than air-cooled machines. They are also quieter and do not raise the ambient room temperature. But water-cooled commercial ice makers are very expensive to operate in areas of high cost water and sewage. Local water conservation laws may even prohibit the use of water-cooled units. Average water-cooled units use 122 extra gallons of water to produce 100 pounds of ice. For the average 500 pound ice machine this equates to an extra 575 gallons of water per day. Subscriptions for water-cooled machines require a three-year contract.

Please contact us for assistance in evaluating the criteria necessary to select your new Hoshizaki commercial ice machines and bins. See the table above for highlights.