Serving superior summer drinks takes a commitment from the bar or restaurant - staff need to be trained on how to serve these drinks and to have access to large quantities of fresh, sparkling ice to keep the glasses topped up. Investing in a reliable, quality ice machine not only ensures a constant supply of ice but also that the ice is pure, clean and produced hygienically.

In the UK Winterhalter distributes Manitowoc ice makers. These American machines are highly reliable and energy efficient. The S1800 cube ice machines are especially suitable for venues that require high quantities of ice for drinks. The S1800 series produce up to a staggering 853kg of ice daily and can be fitted with a huge 642kg capacity storage bin if desired.

The S1800 machines are extremely energy efficient and quiet in operation. Energy saving measures include matching the compressor to work in tandem with the evaporator and using a patented air assist ice removal technology to cut the time required to harvest the ice. The base and cabinet are constructed from foam-filled injection-moulded plastic to dampen any noise generated from inside the machine.
To maximise ice production and minimise downtime the S1800 ice makers are extremely easy to service. Hinged front doors allow quick, easy access and there is a no-tools removal system for the main components. An automatic cleaning programme which operates at the touch of a button means the machine is always kept clean, hygienic and running at maximum efficiency.

The S1800 machines can produce dice and half dice ice cubes depending on the model. The dice ice cube melts very slowly, and gives superb chilling power to a drink. It can also be used for bulk ice use, such as in ice buckets or for filling beer bottle dumps. But for many drinks ‘on the rocks’, the favourite is the half-dice ice, as this thinner cube fills smaller glasses more easily. Half-dice ice is also easy to blend down and kinder to blender blades, making it great for cocktails and smoothies.

For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000 or email info@winterhalter.co.uk

Winterhalter is the UK distributor of Manitowoc ice machines. From the land of the ice-filled drink - America - Manitowoc machines are designed to be quiet and efficient in operation whilst delivering copious quantities of crystal clear ice cubes. For high volume production in front of house settings Winterhalter recommends Manitowoc’s new S-Series 1470C air-cooled remote ice machine.

The 1470C is 75 per cent quieter than standard machines, due to the compressor and the condenser fan motor being housed in a remote condensing unit located away from the ice machine head section. The 1470C is also extremely energy efficient. Designed to meet stringent new US energy regulations it should prove popular in the UK where energy prices are going up at an alarming pace.

All the popular features of existing S-Series machines have been integrated into the 1470C. The QuietQube system uses Manitowoc’s cool vapour defrost technology and also improves reliability and extends the life of the compressor. Patented automatic cleaning and sanitising technology carries out routine cleaning tasks and simplifies maintenance promoting excellent hygiene practice.

At only 76.2cm wide by 63.5cm high and with a daily ice production of up to 635kg, the 1470C model doesn’t take up much space but keeps up with demand. In situations where extremely large quantities of ice are needed two machines can be used side by side, emptying into a high capacity storage bin. The 1470C has a stylish stainless steel exterior to suit most front of house environments.

Winterhalter says that there are four S’s with the S-Series: Sanitation - simple to clean; Savings - perfect balance of power and efficiency; Sound - whisper-quiet; and Serviceability - easy access minimises downtime. Other QuiteQube models in the S-Series include the S600C, S850C, S1000C and S1200C.

For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, see www.winterhalter.co.uk or email info@winterhalter.co.uk

Many venues say they simply don’t have the room for an ice dispenser and make do with an ice bucket. This can raise serious hygiene issues such as contamination of the ice by hand contact and bacterial build-up as the ice in the bucket is not stored at low enough temperatures.

Manitowoc has introduced a narrow ice dispenser, the SPA160, that at only 559mm wide gives smaller venues such as bars, restaurants, fast food outlets and hotel lobbies the option to offer self-serve ice facilities.

Designed to fit onto any of Manitowoc’s compact ice machines such as the S-Series 422, the SPA160 dispenser measures 559mm wide x 762mm deep x 1918m high.  It has a 54kg capacity storage bin and is constructed of durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel with a stylish, gently rounded front.

To ensure quick and easy use a patented “Push for Ice” rocking chute dispense mechanism with quick on/off activation reduces ice spillage while an efficient built-in agitator means the machine does not clog up while dispensing. The dispenser door is easy to remove for service access.

Manitowoc’s AuCS (Automatic Cleaning System) can be purchased as an option and installed on site. Winterhalter distributes the dispenser in the UK with a full one year warranty.

Manitowoc’s wide range of ice machines is distributed in the UK by Winterhalter .  They include the EC Series of spray-production machines, which make premium quality octagonal cubes; the S Series of modular machines with separate storage bins for high volume production; the Q Series of compact and under-counter machines with integral bins, and specialist products such as ice flaker machines. 
For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, see www.winterhalter.co.uk or email info@winterhalter.co.uk

Ice is defined as a food and therefore must be made, stored and handled so that it is not contaminated. This is a requirement of the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 . Past surveys of ice used in drinks have shown the presence of high levels of bacteria and it is up to businesses to sharpen up their practices when it comes to the handling and storage of ice.

So what are the main areas of concern?

• Bacteria coming into contact with the ice via contaminated scoops or hands
• Physical contaminants including dust, dirt, people, pests, raw food
• Chemical contamination including mis-used cleaning and maintenance chemicals
• Irregular cleaning and maintenance allowing the build up of bacteria

Manitowoc ’s ice machines are designed to address all these major areas of concern in ice hygiene. To simplify routine cleaning and maintenance tasks Manitowoc ice machines have a built-in, exclusive, patented technology that automatically descales and sanitises the water distribution systems. The AuCS system is compatible for all models in Manitowoc’s popular S-Series of modular icemakers.

With AuCS, the user simply chooses the cleaning frequency (normally once every two weeks) and, the unit does the rest, dispensing either sanitiser or descaler to thoroughly clean the system. S-model ice machines also have AlphaSan moulded into select plastic components to further reduce bacterial build-up and simplify cleaning.

The modular ice storage bins have an internal scoop holder that holds the scoop above the ice line, promoting easy access and better sanitation. A patented hinge design holds the door open during use. After use the lid is closed to protect the ice from physical contamination. The bins have internal ’soft’ rounded corners to prevent the build-up of dirt and bacteria.

As a further precaution Manitowoc offers the following advice on handling ice:

• Never scoop ice by hand. Always use the scoop supplied with the machine.
• Do not use drinks glasses as scoops in case of breakage and contamination.
• Do not store bottles or other foodstuffs in the ice machine.
  Ice should be thrown away once it starts to melt.

Manitowoc has a huge range of ice machines; they are distributed in the UK by Winterhalter.  They include the EC Series of spray-production machines, which make premium quality octagonal cubes; the S Series of modular machines with separate storage bins for high volume production; the Q Series of compact and under-counter machines with integral bins, and specialist products such as ice flaker machines.  Accessories include modular storage bins; ice dispensers; a range of dedicated water filters; and Manitowoc’s patented AuCS automatic cleaning system.

For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, see www.winterhalter.co.uk or email info@winterhalter.co.uk

Boost Juice Bars is a remarkable concept born ‘down under’ in 2000, when Janine Allis (wife, mother of three and occasional superwoman!) had struggled to find healthier alternatives to fast food for her growing family. Upon realising this gap in the market, the Boost Juice bar concept was born, and today, a delicious range of fresh fruit juices and smoothies - that contain absolutely no preservatives, artificial flavours or colours and are at least 98% fat free - are offered.

In Australia the company is a phenomenon, the fastest-growing catering business ever, and has been transforming people’s attitudes to both fast food and nutrition. Already with over 190 stores worldwide, the company has opened bars in Oxford, Manchester and Nottingham, and announced plans for a further 5 in the UK by Christmas 2007. 

With such a broad drinks menu born in the heat of Australia, it’s no surprise that ice is at the heart of their drinks service. But even in chillier UK, Boost’s Retail Director Dawn O’Sullivan says that ice is at the core of their business.

“Obviously the fresh ingredients are what we are all about”, she says. ”But we rely on ice for most of our drinks - we couldn’t operate without it.   It’s not simply the chilling factor, but the dilution of the drinks, the way ice can make a drink taste greater than the sum of its ingredients - a host of factors”.

When it came to recipe development, Boost settled on the half-cube as the ideal type of ice. ”When we looked at the many manufacturers and machines available, we felt that Manitowoc half-cube machines offered the best option”, adds Dawn O’Sullivan. ”They had the best balance of ice quality, reliability, are economical to run and easy to clean. And they proved very quiet in operation, which was an important feature because they need to be close to the bar and the customers.

But crucially, she says, the half-cubes of ice produced the optimum quality of drink, and didn’t damage the blender blades. 

Brandon Park of Winterhalter , who distribute Manitowoc icemakers in the UK, points out that the ‘half cube’ shape is convenient for a variety of uses. ”If you want ice in a smoothie, frappe or other chilled blended drink, the shape and structure is gentler for the blender to manage,” he argues. ”It’s the ice that breaks, not the blender blade.

“But at the same time, it’s still a large-enough shape to be useful and practical in standard soft drinks, including where people don’t want to use straws.”

The half cube is a regular square (or ‘dice’) cube, cut in half. From one side it’s a square, from the other a rectangle. Each ‘half cube’ measures 9 x 28 x 28mm, as opposed to the conventional cube, which is 22 x 22 x 22mm. 

The half-cube option is available in many of Manitowoc’s models. In the UK, Boost Juice Bars are employing the S500 modular system, mounted on a B-570 ice storage bin. This system can produce up to 245kg of ice per day, and is specifically designed for hygienic food use, with easy-clean curved anti-microbial interiors and a patented sanitising system. Despite its high production rates it is remarkably compact and quiet.

Manitowoc uses the latest icemaker technologies to deliver best performance and hygiene, such as self-cleaning systems and ‘air assist’, which cuts harvesting time by 50%. The ice they make is pure, solid and crystal clear. Winterhalter supplies the ice machines with a comprehensive range of warranties and after-sales service support. Models are WRAS-approved for connection to the UK mains supply. 

Manitowoc has a huge range of ice machines.  They include the EC Series of spray-production machines, which make premium quality octagonal cubes; the S Series of modular machines with separate storage bins for high volume production; the Q Series of compact and under-counter machines with integral bins, and specialist products such as ice flaker machines.  Accessories include modular storage bins; ice dispensers; a range of dedicated water filters; and Manitowoc’s patented AuCS automatic cleaning system. 

About Boost Juice

The Boost Juice Australian retail phenomenon has opened an average of 34 stores a year since its inception in 2000, and has an annual group turnover in excess of $AUD100 million. The UK is the fifth international market the brand has entered after Chile, Kuwait, Singapore and Indonesia. Boost Juice Founder and CEO Janine Allis developed the concept of offering quick, affordable, healthy and natural snacks in her Melbourne garage to keep her three young sons energised. Today, all freshly squeezed and blended fruit juices and smoothies contain no preservatives, artificial flavours or colours and are at least 98% fat free. The company prides itself on the promotion of a healthy and active lifestyle mixed with an uncompromising addiction to fun.

For further information about Boost visit www.boostjuicebars.co.uk or contact Georgina on 0207 430 0530 or at georgina@clownfish.co.uk

Winterhalter has introduced two new Manitowoc ice machines onto the UK market - the SN12 and SN20 table top ice dispensers. Both are extremely compact but are capable of producing up to 148kg of ‘Softcube’ nugget ice in 24 hours and are proving very popular in fast food locations and hotel lobbies.

This 8mm x 8mm x 12mm nugget ice has a soft ‘chewable’ texture. It is especially suitable for soft drinks such as smoothies and slushies but is equally at home in exotic cocktails. Nugget ice chills a drink very quickly without melting too fast and has good glass filling properties adding ‘bulk’ to a drink.

The SN series ice machines deliver the ice automatically into a glass from a hands-free dispenser. Simply place the glass or beaker under the chute and activate either by lever or ‘touch-less’ sensor. There are three dispense settings as standard: ice only, water only, or ice and water.  The illuminated dispense chute has a clearance height of just under 27cm for jumbo beakers or even small ice buckets.

Designed for table top operation both models have a durable, stylish stainless steel finish, a fully insulated storage bin and a small footprint of only 610mm x 413mm. A large drain pan with positioning guide catches any spillage and air vents at the top and sides minimise customer contact with warm air discharge from the refrigeration system.

Manitowoc’s patented cleaning technology manages the cleaning process automatically from start to finish at the flick of a switch. The vertical Ziegra evaporator has vertical grooves to assist ice movement and maximise production and for flush mounting the water and drain connections are in the back or bottom of the unit.

Manitowoc has a huge range of ice machines.  They include the EC Series of spray-production machines, which make premium quality octagonal cubes; the S Series of modular machines with separate storage bins for high volume production; the Q Series of compact and under-counter machines with integral bins, and specialist products such as ice flaker machines.  Accessories include modular storage bins; ice dispensers; a range of dedicated water filters; and Manitowoc’s patented AuCS automatic cleaning system.

For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, see www.winterhalter.co.uk or email info@winterhalter.co.uk

In the busy run up to Christmas there is simply no leeway for downtime in the hospitality industry. Staff are pushed to their limits and machines need to work at maximum capacity throughout. Manitowoc’s ice machines, available in the UK through Winterhalter, have been designed for dependable operation 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year - and that includes Christmas.

Some things that can get overlooked, especially at Christmas, are routine cleaning and maintenance tasks. To simplify this and free up staff for other duties, Manitowoc ice machines have a built-in, exclusive, patented technology that automatically descales and sanitises the water distribution systems. The AuCS system is compatible for all models in Manitowoc’s popular S-Series of modular icemakers.

With AuCS, the user simply chooses the cleaning frequency (normally once every two weeks) and, the unit does the rest, dispensing either sanitiser or descaler to thoroughly clean the system.  S-model ice machines also have AlphaSan moulded into select plastic components to further reduce bacterial build-up and simplify cleaning.

At Christmas time these S Series modular ice makers really keep up with demand. The largest in the range, the S1800, has a huge output of 853kg over 24 hours. The size of bin can be chosen to suit the space and storage requirements of specific sites. A vertical evaporator produces exceptionally hard, long-lasting dice and half dice cubes of ice.

Winterhalter also distributes Manitowoc’s Q range of compact, under-counter ice machines, ideal as back up for larger machines or for small-volume ice production at coffee shops, stadium boxes, refreshment break areas or wherever space is limited. They are also very quiet in operation making them especially useful in front of house situations.

Ice machine specialist Manitowoc has machines producing five types of ice, and says that each one has its specific uses.  You are unlikely to have a business needing all of them, but almost every food & drink business can benefit from more than one type.  We traditionally call big chunks of ice ‘cubes’, but rarely is ice machine ice truly a square ‘cube’.

DICE
Manitowoc’s most popular ice is the Dice.  It’s the all-purpose standard cube - hard and clear with a not-quite-square shape, slightly narrower at one end than another, and filling glasses very well.

The Dice cube not only freezes well but ejects easily from the machine, melts very slowly, and gives superb chilling power to a drink.  It can also be used for bulk ice use, such as in ice buckets with water, for filling beer bottle dumps or cooling down any liquids fast (such as in the kitchen).

Even if a dice machine isn’t your main machine for drinks, it’s a handy all-round backup ice machine that can be used for a variety of large-scale uses.

HALF-DICE
For many drinks ‘on the rocks’, the favourite is the Half-Dice.  This thinner cube fills smaller glasses more easily, and can give a spectacular ‘pack ice’ effect, minimising the amount of liquid needed in a tall glass.

Half-dice ice is easy to blend down and kind to blender blades, making it great for cocktail bars and food preparation.

OCTAGONAL
Manitowoc’s ‘Octagonal’ ice is an impressive cube for an upmarket presentation:  Large in size, round, bright, clear and many-faceted in the glass, it lends a drink a special, subtle glamour.

It’s particular impressive in a large ‘rocks’-style drink, and the Octagonal’s slow melt rate means it’s a good ice for drinks to linger over.  The facets and cylinder shape means that cubes are less likely to stick together in the glass than more traditional shapes of cube.

NUGGET ICE
Nugget ice is the ice with a soft texture called ‘SoftQube’ that can be delivered automatically into a glass from a hands-free dispenser.  It’s designed for drinks that will be consumed fast, and is especially popular in fast food locations - particularly for unskilled staff or self-service.

Nugget ice chills a drink very quickly without melting too fast.  Its appealing texture means that even when the drink is drunk, the ice remains attractive, interesting, flavourful and ‘chewable’ in the cup.

FLAKE
For food display, and ‘frozen’ drinks, Manitowoc’s flake ice is the right choice.  Featuring very small, soft ice pieces with a 65% ice-to-water ratio, it’s the ideal ice for food display such as seafood or salad counters.  In cocktails it mixes well and quickly in drinks or blenders.

Manitowoc ice machines are amongst the very best on the market, using the latest USA manufacturing technology to set benchmarks in reliability, hygiene and ease of use.  The brand is distributed in the UK by Winterhalter and backed by the company’s service network and a comprehensive range of warranties.  Models are WRAS-approved for connection to the UK mains supply.

Manitowoc has a huge range of ice machines.  They include the EC Series of spray-production machines, which make premium quality octagonal cubes; the S Series of modular machines with separate storage bins for high volume production; the Q Series of compact and under-counter machines with integral bins, and specialist products such as ice flaker machines.  Accessories include modular storage bins; ice dispensers; a range of dedicated water filters; and Manitowoc’s patented AuCS automatic cleaning system.

For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, see www.winterhalter.co.uk or email info@winterhalter.co.uk

The octagonal ice cubes produced by Manitowoc’s EC Series ice makers are absolutely perfect for putting into cooled highball glasses for long summer cocktails such as the Mojita. The cubes are pure, solid and sparkling clear lumps of ice that can be made in two sizes, either a standard 33 x 34mm cube or an impressive grande 38 x40mm cube for larger glasses. Their purity makes them extremely long lasting to maximise the cooling effect and limit dilution to the drink.

The EC machines use up-to-the-minute American spray style ice-production technology. The highly efficient, horizontal evaporator has continuous water circulation to give a good yield of high quality individual ice cubes that are free of sediment.

Designed for under the counter installation, the EC machines have air intake and cooling from the front. There is good access to the high density foam insulated ice bin via a sturdy up and over lid. Outputs range from 18kg per 24 hours for the smallest model, the EC18, to 80 per 24 hours for the largest EC80 model.

As there is always a high demand for iced drinks in the summer it is essential to have an ice maker that is easy to run and doesn’t require complicated cleaning routines. All Manitowoc ice makers are designed to reduce labour costs and promote hygiene. At the flick of a switch the machine goes into a cleaning cycle which only takes 30 minutes. As an added incentive to keep the machine spotless, no special tools are required to remove the water curtain, ice chute and spray arms.

There’s a huge choice of Manitowoc ice machines, all available in the UK through Winterhalter. As well as the EC Series of spray-production machines, there are Manitowoc’s vertical evaporator machines, such as the Q Series, which produce dice (square) cubes in high volumes. All are backed by Winterhalter’s market-leading service support.

List prices for the EC Range are from £695.

For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, see www.winterhalter.co.uk, or email info@winterhalter.co.uk.
NOTE TO EDITORS:

How to make a perfect Mojita:
Take a few mint leaves and a teaspoon of sugar and drop into the bottom of a cooled highball glass. Mash the mint and sugar together to release the flavour.
Fill a cooled highball glass with Manitowoc octagonal ice cubes.
Pour over two parts white rum to one part freshly squeezed lime juice.
Top up with soda water.
Stir carefully with a swizzle stick (some say the key to the ultimate Mojita is all in the stirring hand) and serve garnished with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime.

However warm it gets this summer, one thing’s for sure: bars, restaurants and fast food outlets are going to need more ice than ever.  The UK’s consumption of ice is still increasing and anyone serving drinks needs a reliable ice supply and a reliable after-sales service support.  So bigger ice machines with faster ice production make sense.

The only problem is that bigger icemakers also tend to make more noise - not only when the ice is ‘harvested’, but also with a constant background note from the condenser and compressor.  And the more ‘upmarket’ and profitable the location, and the larger the production rates, the more you notice this background noise.

A remote refrigeration system - where the condenser and compressor are housed away from the main icemaking section is one answer.  But older designs can be inefficient in operation.

The latest QuietQube icemaker from Manitowoc addresses these questions.  The QuietQube S850C offers a choice of cube size, either dice or half-dice, and makes up to 350kg (770lbs) of ice per day, which is more than enough for most busy hotels, bars and pubs, and will suit many fast food outlets and restaurants.  Considering the large output it’s also very compact, measuring just 622mm deep by 673mm high and 762mm wide.  A modular icemaker, the S850C requires a separate ice storage bin, such as the Manitowoc B-570.

And the S850C is very quiet indeed. Thanks to the patented Manitowoc CVD (Cool Vapour Defrost) system - which uses cool gas rather than hot vapour to harvest the ice - it’s able to operate with an ambient continuous noise level of only 48.5dBA - typically 75% quieter than other remote refrigeration system icemakers - while at the same time working more coolly and more efficiently.

Furthermore, Manitowoc have lowered the noise level further by careful design of the interior cabinet.  During harvest the ice is carefully distributed around the cabinet to minimise cascading, while the design of the door bins reduces movement of the ice during opening and closing operations.

This all makes the QuietQube machines exceptionally quiet in operation but also more efficient, delivering high ice production capacity.  The technology is extremely reliable, and the models are extremely easy to service.

The S850C has a list price of £4,404 plus VAT and is available from Winterhalter dealers nationwide.  Winterhalter UK distributes and backs the machines with a comprehensive warranty and offers an unrivalled after-sales service support package.

For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, see www.winterhalter.co.uk, or email info@winterhalter.co.uk.