Anyone know of a pretty good brand of an ice maker? I'm looking to buy one, since It will save me money in the long run from buying bags of ice.

Like a commercial ice maker or just something to have around the house?

Like a commercial ice maker or just something to have around the house?

Yeah, sorry...I should have been more specific. I meant a commercial one.

They're not cheap. Hoshizaki IMO makes the best unit out there. 2nd would be Manitowoc, 3rd Scottsman. I would NOT recommend Ice O Matic. I don't know if it matters but different brands make different types of cubed ice and you can also get machines that make flaked/crushed ice. They are rated by "pounds" which means how many pounds of ice they will produce in a 24hr period. You'll also need a bin sized appropiately. You'll need to figure out your usage so you can buy the correct size unit. Any more ??? let me know I have been installing and repairing ice machines for 15 years.

I hate to say it, but the repairman for our machines at Hooters says that Manitowoc hit a glitch over the last few years with thier quality. That really hurts me because I am from Manitowoc and like to think that my hometown turns out a quality product. That being said, the machine at Downers Grove Hooters (a Manitowoc) has been in there for probably 8 years without too many problems. It would be nice to "buy American" if you could.

I have an under counter Architect Series Icemaker from KitchenAid in my home bar. It makes perfect, clear, small cube ice for drinks.

I've actually been thinking about an ice machine myself. I use quite a bit of ice. 365 days a year, I use at least 3 or 4 lbs a day, in my 1 gallon water jug. In the Winter, our fridge machine makes plenty for me. But I'm afraid that when it starts to get hot, the rest of the people in this house will start hammering on it, and I won't have enough. Not to mention, I'm liable to go through 2 gallons of ice water, and 6 to 8 lbs of ice, not including extra ice I might use on a fishing trip.

I wasn't really thinking commercial but rather, a good sized home unit ? I'm thinking, a machine that can make 8 to 10 lbs a day, with a 10 to 15 lb resovoir....

Slonezp ? Anybody ?

Fish

I've actually been thinking about an ice machine myself. I use quite a bit of ice. 365 days a year, I use at least 3 or 4 lbs a day, in my 1 gallon water jug. In the Winter, our fridge machine makes plenty for me. But I'm afraid that when it starts to get hot, the rest of the people in this house will start hammering on it, and I won't have enough. Not to mention, I'm liable to go through 2 gallons of ice water, and 6 to 8 lbs of ice, not including extra ice I might use on a fishing trip.

I wasn't really thinking commercial but rather, a good sized home unit ? I'm thinking, a machine that can make 8 to 10 lbs a day, with a 10 to 15 lb resovoir....

Slonezp ? Anybody ?

Fish

Fish Chris, Sorry, I don't know anything about "home" ice machines but I suggested to FL Sharpshooter another option is to purchase a chest freezer and some large plastic bags. You can make, bag , and store ice at your leisure. You'll also have frozen storage for fish or meat or whatever.

I hate to say it, but the repairman for our machines at Hooters says that Manitowoc hit a glitch over the last few years with thier quality. That really hurts me because I am from Manitowoc and like to think that my hometown turns out a quality product. That being said, the machine at Downers Grove Hooters (a Manitowoc) has been in there for probably 8 years without too many problems. It would be nice to "buy American" if you could.

Manitowoc makes a good unit. They are always trying to come up with more effecient was to make ice, Every few years they come out with a new model and as with most products the first year or two on the market all the glitches are found and need to be worked out.

Hoshizaki on the other hand sells essentialy the same machines today as they did 15 years ago. They've made minor upgrades but that's about it. Hoshizaki has found something that works and perfected it.

Don't worry about Manitowoc. They still build top of the line cranes and ships.

Manitowoc makes a good unit. They are always trying to come up with more effecient was to make ice, Every few years they come out with a new model and as with most products the first year or two on the market all the glitches are found and need to be worked out.

Hoshizaki on the other hand sells essentialy the same machines today as they did 15 years ago. They've made minor upgrades but that's about it. Hoshizaki has found something that works and perfected it.

Don't worry about Manitowoc. They still build top of the line cranes and ships.

Yeah baby, if you need something heavy lifted a few dozen stories in the air, look no further than my home town!! Actually, one of the guys who goes crappie fishing with my Dad is one of the lead engineers who developed the "self assembling" crane!!

Yeah baby, if you need something heavy lifted a few dozen stories in the air, look no further than my home town!! Actually, one of the guys who goes crappie fishing with my Dad is one of the lead engineers who developed the "self assembling" crane!!

hootersdoug, I sent you a PM. Did you get it?