When choosing a suitable ice machine, an enterprise must consider whether to choose a water cooled vs air cooled ice machine, because there is an essential difference in the heat dissipation method of the two ice machines. The water cooled ice machine uses a continuous water flow to exchange heat to achieve the purpose of heat dissipation, while the air cooled ice machine uses a fan to use ambient air to dissipate heat. This means that the internal structures of the two ice machines are different and they are suitable for different use environments. This blog will analyze their advantages and disadvantages and the help that the air cooled vs water cooled ice machines can bring to your ice making business, hoping to guide you to make the most wise choice based on the actual situation.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Water Cooled Ice Machines
Water Cooled Flake Ice Machine Installation
The water cooled ice machine uses water to cool the condenser. Therefore, the water cooled ice machine will have a water circulation system inside to ensure continuous cooling of the condenser.
Compared with the air cooled ice machine, the water cooled ice machine has the following advantages:
- Wide range of applications, not affected by climate: Water cooled ice machine cool the ice maker through water flow, which means you can use this machine in any environment with water source without worrying about the impact of climate on the machine’s working efficiency.
- Low operating noise: Compared with air cooled ice makers, water cooled ice machine do not use fans, so their operation will be quieter
- More accurate temperature control: The water cooling system can more accurately control the temperature during the ice making process to ensure the quality and shape of the ice produced.
- Better heat dissipation effect: The water has a larger heat capacity. The water cooling system absorbs more heat through the water flow. Compared with the air cooling system, the heat dissipation effect is better, the cooling efficiency is better, and the power consumption is lower.
- Low maintenance cost: The main components of the water pump and the refrigeration unit are made of high quality corrosion resistant materials, which can be stable and operate for a long time, reducing the cost of maintenance.
Disadvantages Of Water Cooled Ice Machine
- Depends on water sources, high water consumption: Water cooled ice machine are very dependent on stable water sources. If the water source is unstable or the water quality is poor, sediment will accumulate, which may affect the normal operation of the equipment. And because both ice making and refrigeration processes require water, the water consumption is five times that of air cooled ice machines.
- Complex installation and operation: There are certain requirements for the site. The water cooling system needs to install water supply pipes and drainage systems, and a water reservoir needs to be installed to ensure that the discharged water can be reused. If this equipment is not equipped, it will cause additional costs and waste.
- Requirements for the installation site: The drainage of the water cooling system may have a certain impact on the environment. It is necessary to comply with local environmental protection laws. Before installation, you need to check the regulations in the area to ensure that your installation is legal and compliant
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Air Cooled Ice Machine
Air Cooled Ice Cube Machine
- Easy to install and operate: Most air cooled ice machine are integrated designs for easy movement and installation, and do not require additional water supply and drainage systems, and can adapt to various venues.
- Low water consumption: Cool air ice machine use air for heat dissipation, which means you do not need additional water for cooling, which can reduce the cost of use.
- Lower threshold for use and purchase: Cool air ice machine are more common than water cooled ice machine, and the initial price will be much lower than that of water cooled ice machines They can be used by individuals and families, and most water cooled ice machine are large industrial and commercial ice machines.
- Wide range of application: Applicable to various small and medium sized commercial environments, and cool air ice machine do not require water heat dissipation, which is more advantageous in environments with water shortage or unstable water sources.
Disadvantages
- Affected by ambient temperature: Air cooled ice machines are suitable for mild environments. If they are operated in places with high ambient temperatures or poor ventilation, the air temperature used to dissipate heat will be too high to achieve the desired heat dissipation effect, which may cause the ice maker to be inefficient or malfunction.
- High operating noise: Because the fan is used to cool down, there will be more fan rotation sound when the water cooled ice machine is running. Of course, the current home and commercial air cooled ice machines production technology has been improved, which can greatly reduce noise.
- Risk of contamination: The air flowing in some environments may carry dust or dirt and ignore the regular maintenance and cleaning of filters and vents, which may make the produced ice opaque or have odors.
- Impact on the operation of other equipment: Air cooled ice machines will increase the temperature of the surrounding environment in the studio, and other surrounding equipment may be affected by the normal operation due to the increase in ambient temperature.
Air Cooled Ice Machine Vs Water Comparison
- Good heat dissipation and rapid cooling
- Suitable for areas with harsh climate but sufficient water resources
- Suitable for large-scale industrial or commercial ice making
- Low threshold for purchase and use
- Reduce energy use and protect the environment
- Easy to install and maintain, suitable for various small and medium-sized commercial use
Conclusion
Ice machine water cooled vs air cooled have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two depends on the environment in your area and your specific needs. However, both require a ventilated environment when installing and the filter needs to be cleaned regularly. No matter which one you choose, you need to know that you need to consider not only the initial cost but also the long-term efficiency and cost of operation so as to extend the ice dispenser business invest! If you want to know more about commercial ice making machine, you can look for professional ice machine manufacturers Pecold, we will answer your questions and provide you with excellent ice making solutions.
