When A Cube Is Not A Cube
The conventional ‘square’ cube of ice is the shape that mostly springs to mind when people think of ice in their drinks. But sometimes you need something different, and it’s to cater for these that Manitowoc also offers a ‘half-dice’ cube to their range of ice makers, now available in the UK from Winterhalter.
Half-dice is an ideal compromise, a versatile, all-rounder type of ice if you only have space for one machine. It’s ideal for spirits ‘on the rocks’, where there’s a small amount of liquor in the glass, it’s good with soft drinks, particularly in tall, narrow glasses where it gives a good-looking ‘pack-ice’ effect, it’s easier to scoop than full-size cubes, and it’s particularly suitable for use in blenders and mixers.
"If you just want ice cubes, the half dice shape is excellent for chilling drinks," says Brandon Park of Winterhalter, who heads the Manitowoc division. "But if you want ice blended into a smoothie, say, the shape and structure is easier for the blender to manage. It’s kinder to the blades."
This ‘blender-friendliness’ is proving one of the biggest attractions for half-dice machines, as the popularity of smoothies, frappuccinos and other blended drinks continues to rise.
The Manitowoc half-dice is effectively a regular ‘square’ (or ‘dice’) cube, cut in half. Looked at from one side it’s a square, from the other a rectangle, measuring 9 x 28 x 22mm (as opposed to the ‘dice’, which is 22 x 22 x 22mm).
Machines available with the half-dice option include the smaller Manitowoc Q range, with integral storage bins and designed for undercounter location. Production capacities for the Q range run from 67kg to 132kg of ice per day, with integral storage of up to 45kg at one time.
For larger sites there is the Manitowoc S range of modular icemakers. These are designed for use with separate storage bins, and have capacities of from 154kg up to 853kg per day. For all their high production rates, the Manitowoc S machines are also remarkably compact, the smallest unit being only 558mm (w) x 546mm (h) x 623mm (d) when mounted on the matching B-320 ice bin. S Series models are available for use with remote refrigeration systems.
Manitowoc has developed several exclusive technologies for the half-dice machines to give faster performance and better hygiene. For example, ‘air assist’ cuts harvesting time by half, and Manitowoc’s patented AuCS automatic cleaning system ensures greater internal hygiene than conventional machines.
Winterhalter supplies the ice machines with a comprehensive range of warranties and after-sales service support.
Manitowoc has a huge range of ice machines, 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