Denver's
Ice-O-Matic is getting into the craft cocktail industry with its Grande Cube ice vending machines for restaurants and bars. The new machines create larger ice cubes to meet the desires of customers at venues that want higher-quality cocktails.
Ice-O-Matic will debut the new line of ice cube makers at The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers Show at the Anaheim Convention Center in California from Feb. 19 through Feb. 21.
"The Grande is our first venture into the large cube market. We are hoping for high demand," says Ice-O-Matic's Director of Marketing Scott DeShetler. "Our research tells us it is the preferable format in South America and Europe and is quickly gaining in popularity in North America with fine dining, cocktail lounges, and nightclubs."
The new machines produce ice cubes that are 1 1/4" wide, 1 1/8" deep and 7/8" tall. The machines can produce up to 875 pounds of ice a day. The U.S. version is Energy Star rated. Both versions are 30 inches wide.
While the company is making larger format ice cubes with the new machines, they're not intended to replace the handcrafted ice that is in use at some speakeasy-type bars and lounges now. "Our cube is very clear which is a function of the evaporator and the quality of water being frozen. It is not artisanal ice however, but rather a large cube for the masses," DeShetler says.
"When compared on a cost-per-pound of ice produced basis this machine is in line with the rest of the Ice-O-Matic line," DeShelter explains. "It is less costly than some of our competitors, Energy Star rated for efficient operation, and far more reliable and cost effective to run."
Contact Confluence Denver Innovation & Jobs News Editor Chris Meehan with tips and leads for future stories at chris@confluence-denver.com.
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