Your Manitowoc Commercial Ice Maker Guide
Choosing the right Manitowoc ice machine for your business can be stressful. Whether it’s pinpointing how much ice you need daily, choosing an ice type, or checking your installation requirements, we can help. We’ve put together this guide to answer all your questions about Manitowoc ice makers.
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What Type of Manitowoc Ice Shapes Are There?
Manitowoc ice makers are known for their rhomboid cubes. These types of ice are solid, clear, and melt slowly. Manitowoc ice cubes are a great addition to any beverage, whether you’re serving soft drinks of high-end cocktails.

How Do I Size a Manitowoc Commercial Ice Maker?
You'll need to know exactly how much ice your business requires in a day. Our handy Ice Machine Estimator can help you estimate the right amount for your industry. Below you'll find the main criteria we use to size ice machines for businesses.
Daily Ice Usage
To size the right ice machine and ice bin for your business, you need to determine how much ice your business uses in a day. This includes ice for drinks, food prep, beer tubs, or food presentation. One thing to note is that ice machines take 24-hours to produce their maximum amount of ice. So a 600-lb ice machine will take 24 hours to produce 600 lbs of ice.
What Type of Manitowoc Ice Machine Condenser Do I Need?
The condenser helps to cool refrigerant and expel heat away from the ice machine to keep it cool. There are three types of condensers you'll find on Manitowoc ice makers.
Manitowoc Air Cooled Ice Machines
Air cooled ice machines use a fan to cool the condenser and push hot air away from the machine. The hot air is released into the surrounding environment, away from the machine. Keep in mind these types of models require plenty of space so hot air has room to move. This is the most cost-effective and common condenser system you'll find on commercial ice machines.
What Are the Installation Requirements for a Manitowoc Ice Machine?
To install a Manitowoc commercial ice maker, you need to provide the proper electrical, drainage, water, and space requirements they need to run. If you don’t have the proper connections, you may need to contact a professional, like a plumber or electrician, to install the appropriate water line or electrical outlet. We’ve provided a pre-installation checklist that details all the requirements commercial ice machines need to run.
Ice machines have four general installation needs
Drainage
As ice in your bin melts, the water left over needs to deposit somewhere. The most common place is a floor drain, but many countertop models use alternative drainage methods. Ice machines also need an air gap that meets state health regulations. Make sure to check your local health code for your city’s drainage requirements.
Electrical
Ice machines commonly use two voltage types, 115v (most common) and 220v (not as common). Most ice machines that produce below 800 lbs a day require 115v outlet, which you’ll find in most households. Many larger ice machines that produce over 800 lbs of ice a day need a 220v outlet. You may need an electrician to secure a 220v outlet if you don’t have one in your establishment.
Water
You can’t make ice without water, and ice machines require a certain flow rate to produce a solid batch of ice. Without the proper flow rate, you’ll end up with smaller cubes or less ice overall. Depending on the model ice machine you choose, you’ll likely require between 3-5 gallons of water a minute. If your waterline does not deliver the proper amount of water for your model, you’ll need to call a plumber to install the correct one.
Space
Air cooled ice machines expel hot air away out into the environment to keep cool. You need enough space for that air to escape and move away from the ice maker. When ice machines don’t have enough space for hot air to move away from the ice machine, it re-enters the unit and overheats the system. Hot air in your ice machine leads to lower ice production and expensive repairs down the line. Your ice machine needs at least 1 ft of space on all sides (including the ceiling) is suggested, but more is even better.


We’ve serviced over 10,000 ice machines across the country. No matter the challenge, we know exactly how to keep your ice machine running smoothly. Our pre-installation checklist shows you what you need to provide to install an ice machine in your business. If you have a challenging environment, give us a call and we'll help you find a solution.
How Much Does a Manitowoc Ice Machine Cost?
A Manitowoc commercial ice maker can run anywhere between $1,500 to $10,000. That does not include additional ice storage needs or installation. Once the ice machine is purchased, there are several additional costs associated with owning an ice machine as well:


Manitowoc Ice Maker Maintenance
Manitowoc suggests at least two preventive maintenance events a year. Preventive maintenance on an ice machine can cost as much as $300 for a visit. Preventive maintenance helps to optimize your ice machine for maximum efficiency and helps to identify potential problems. Skipping preventive maintenance visits results in your machine producing less ice or potential costly repairs.


Manitowoc Water Filters
Water filters help to eliminate sediment or minerals that cause ice machine damage. An ice machine water filter costs between $15-$100 dollars, depending on the brand. Water filters need replacing every few months or your ice machine could start to produce smaller, malformed ice cubes. Machines in challenging environments might require additional water filtration in addition to a standard sediment filter.


Manitowoc Ice Machine Breakdowns
The price of an ice machine repair ranges from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. Staying up to date on preventive maintenance and cleaning keeps repairs to a minimum. Here are some common ice machine repairs and the costs associated with them:
- Control Sensor Repair - $150
- Expansion Valve Repair - $600
- Compressor Repair - $1500
- Evaporator Repair - $2500
A broken ice machine means you’ll have to pay for backup ice. 500 lbs of ice will cost you over $100.
Our All-Inclusive Ice Machine Subscription is the Best Way to Get a Manitowoc Commercial Ice Maker
Here at Easy Ice, we specialize in keeping Manitowoc ice machines in peak condition, with preventive maintenance, cleaning, and any repairs they need. Best yet, we include it all in the already low, monthly price!
Preventive Maintenace
Ice machines require two preventive maintenance visits a year - and that's exactly what you get with our subscriptions. Preventive maintenance makes sure ice machines are always in their best condition.
Repairs
Even the best ice machines require occasional repair. If any of our Manitowoc models encounter a machine-related issue, we'll fix it for no additional charge. That includes parts and labor.
Breakdown Ice
Buying replacement ice during a repair is costly and a hassle. That's why we'll send you your daily ice supply while your machine is being repaired. If we can't get ice out to you, we'll credit your account for a days' worth of ice needs for as long as the ice machine is down.
Additional Resources


Manitowoc Ice Machine Production Guide
Temperature can affect your ice machine production rate. As water and air temperatures rise, ice production lowers.
View our Manitowoc Production Guide

Is it Smarter to Buy an Ice Machine or Rent One?
Buy or rent? Buying an ice machine comes with a lot of hidden costs, and our subscriptions help to control those costs.
Read More

Ice Maker Not Making Ice? Check Your Room Temperature.
Heat can affect the production of your ice machine. We show you how to keep your ice machine cool and efficient.
Learn More

Energy Efficient
Ice Makers
Energy Star ice makers use less electricity and water than standard ice machines – which saves you on utility costs.
Learn More About Energy Star Models