Best 5 Air-Cooled Ice Machines For Sale In 2022 Reviews

Have you been hearing a lot about the air-cooled ice machines?

If you are still not familiar or don’t even know what they are, don’t skip this article!

In the article, we introduce you to the air-cooled ice machine, its main benefits, features, and characteristics. You can also read five reviews on the top models we have found on the market. So let’s start!

air-cooled-ice-machine

Things To Know About Air-Cooled Ice Makers

What Is Air-Cooled Ice Machine?

Air-cooled ice machines are the types of ice maker machines that use air for the transfer of the heat out of the machine. It comes with the internal fans and vents which allow for the air to circulate inside of the machine. When air flows through the condenser coils it will remove the internal heat which is then let out through the vents on the sides or rear of this ice maker.

Difference Between Air-Cooled And Water-Cooled Ice Machines

The main difference between the water-cooled and the air-cooled ice maker machines is that the water-cooled use humid air stream to remove the excess heat from the ice maker. The air-cooled will use the airflow for the same thing. Normally water-cooled ice makers are way cheaper and a lot more efficient, but they do require high water consumption.

Where To Purchase Air Cooled Machine?

The air-cooled machines are not as often found on the market, so we recommend looking for one online. Amazon is our favorite website as well as one of the largest online retailers which offer a few different air-cooled ice maker models. We tried to make the whole shopping experience easier for you so we only reviewed models you can currently find on the Amazon website.

Best 5 Air-Cooled Ice Machine Reviews

Best Undercounter Air-Cooled Ice Machine

Manitowoc RNS0244A-161 Air Cooled Undercounter Nugget Ice Machine

Best Nugget Ratio

The first cool air ice machine we are going to review in this article is by the brand Manitowoc. We are reviewing their RNS0244A-161 air-cooled under counter ice machine that is one of the best from that category on the market. It offers you the best nugget ratio for maximum cooling and minimum drink dilution. It is an ideal device to have for you carbonated beverages, blended smoothies, and healthcare.

Manitowoc RNS0244A-161 Air Cooled Undercounter Nugget Ice Machine

Capacity And Storage

With this ice maker, you can get about 187 pounds of ice per day which is not enough for an entire restaurant or a bar but is for your party or a family gathering. It also comes with a bin that can hold about 40 pounds of ice for you. It requires 120 V of power and makes nuggets in the range from 3⁄8″ to 1⁄2″.

Construction And Materials Used

This Manitowoc air-cooled ice machine comes with the stainless steel cabinet which is very heavy duty and also resistant to corrosion. You will also get the easy access door that can slide up and put of the way. The overall dimensions of this ice maker are 1911⁄16″Wx26″ Dx331⁄8″H and it also comes with the 6” adjustable legs.

Specifications:

  • Makes 187 pounds of ice per day
  • stainless steel cabinet
  • easy access door
  • 40 pounds of the ice storage
  • requires 120 V of power

Best Half Cube Air-Cooled Ice Maker

Ice-O-Matic ICE0320HA Air Cooled Half Cube Ice Machine

Great For Commercial Use

The second air-cooled ice machine for sale on our list is going to be by the brand Ice-O-Matic. We are talking about their ICE0320HA air-cooled ice machine model that is great for commercial use in restaurants, bars, or anywhere where you need to serve about 180 to 280 people in a day. The amount of ice produced with this ice maker is 349 pounds each day.

Dimensions And Design

This ice maker comes with the frame that is 22 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 23 inches high. It also doesn’t include an air filter which makes the maintenance even easier for you. Since it was constructed with stainless steel you will get a quick clean up and long-lasting durability.  The stainless steel finish fits into many different kinds of decors.

Ice-O-Matic ICE0320HA Air Cooled Half Cube Ice Machine

Safety Features

When you take a look under the hood of this air-cooled ice machine you will notice the antimicrobial technology that keeps bacteria at bay. That will prevent your ice from smelling or tasting funky. There is also the nickel plating on the evaporator which is water damage resistant. Due to the harvest assist the ice-making process is accelerated and the energy is conserved.

Warranty Included

Another great benefit of this ice maker model is one of the longest warranty’s you will get. It will last you for up to 7 years, in case you have any problems with your device. You can also always contact the customer service to get all of the needed answers.

Specifications:

  • 7 years of warranty
  • Make 349 pounds of ice each day
  • stainless steel construction
  • antimicrobial technology included

Best Nugget Air-Cooled Ice Maker

Scotsman UN0815A-1 15-Inch Air-Cooled Nugget Undercounter Ice Maker Machine

Space-Saving Design

The Scotsman air-cooled ice machine is another air-cooled ice maker that we want to share with you. More precisely we are talking about the UN0815A-1 model. It is only 15 inches wide so it has a very space-saving design and can be placed in the tightest locations. There is also no side clearance required for flexible placement.

Ease Of Use

Another benefit of this model is that the unit has a specific QR code for quick access to service manuals, cleaning guides, and warranty history. You will also get the ergonomic slide back door which will allow you to easily access the ice which I sin the bin. With this ice maker, you will also get the power cord, NEMA 5-15P plug, ice scoop, and adjustable legs.

Scotsman UN0815A-1 15-Inch Air-Cooled Nugget Undercounter Ice Maker Machine

Longevity And Reliability

With this model, you will also get the sealed, maintenance-free bearings for reduced preventative maintenance and many years of performance. There is also a stainless steel evaporator and auger included for maximum performance. The front panel is made with the rust-free corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy which also provides you with longevity and durability for many years.

High Levels Of Production

With this Scotsman air-cooled ice machine, you can get up to 70 pounds of ice per day. It also stores about 36 pounds of ice. It comes with the Energy Star certificate and is proudly made in the USA. It also meets the US Safe Drinking Act, so you know you are getting a high-quality product.

Specifications:

  • get up to 70 pounds of ice per day
  • proudly made in the USA
  • 36 pounds of the ice storage
  • stainless steel evaporator
  • space-saving design

Best Air-Cooled Ice Machine For Sale

Hoshizaki KM-520MAJ Air-Cooled Ice Machine Maker

Stainless Steel Construction

The next air-cooled ice machine for sale we thought was worth reviewing is by the brand Hoshizaki. It is their KM-520MAJ model which comes with the overall dimensions of 22″ W x 27-3/8″ D x 28″ H. It is made out of stainless steel which means you will get not only durability but also longevity.

Hoshizaki KM-520MAJ Air-Cooled Ice Machine Maker

Production Capacity

With this air-cooled ice machine, you can get up to 556 pounds of ice in only 24 hours. That means it is ideal for commercial use, such as bars, restaurants, big events, parties, etc. It comes with two units side by side which then allows you to have 2x ice production. You will get the air-cooled, self-contained condenser that helps to produce crescent-shaped ice cubes.

Other Characteristics

This ice maker also comes with a few certificates. It has the NSF, UL, and the Energy Star certificate. That means you can be sure you are investing in a good quality product. It is proudly made in the USA.

Specifications:

  • get up to 556 pounds of ice per day
  • made out of stainless steel
  • two units side by side
  • comes with a few certificates

Best Cube Style Air-Cooled Ice Maker

Atosa YR800-AP-261 Air-Cooled Ice Machine

Manufacturer’s Warranty

The last air-cooled ice machine we are going to review in today’s article is going to be by the brand Atosa. It is their YR800-AP-261 air-cooled machine which comes with the 2-year warranty on the parts and labor as well as the 5-year warranty on the compressor. In case of any other concerns or questions regarding this model, you can always contact the customer service.

Atosa YR800-AP-261 Air-Cooled Ice Machine

Storage And Production

With this ice maker, you can get up to 810 pounds of ice per day. You also get optional storage of 395 pounds. That means you can use this ice maker in environments where you need a lot of ice in a short period such as in restaurants or bars for example.

How Is It Constructed?

This ice maker is made with the stainless steel exterior which makes it very durable and long-lasting. It comes with an air-cooled self-contained compressor. You will also get the removable air filter and the power switch accessible without panel removal. Thanks to the slide indoor design and comes with the  R404a Refrigerant and the ice scooper included.

Specifications:

  • stainless steel exterior
  • air-cooled self-contained compressor
  • 5-year warranty on the compressor
  • optional storage of 395 pounds
  • get up to 810 pounds of ice per day

Conclusion: What Is The Best Air-Cooled Ice Machine?

There are two of the best air-cooled ice machines, out of the five we just reviewed for you in this article. They are the Atosa YR800-AP-261 Air-Cooled Ice Machine and the Hoshizaki KM-520MAJ Air-Cooled Ice Machine. The Atosa model can make up to 810 pounds of ice per day and also store 395 pounds of ice at the same time. It comes with the air-cooled self-contained compressor and the stainless steel which ensures the durability and longevity of this ice maker. The Hoshizaki model comes with the 556 pounds of ice production capacity. Each has two units side by side which allows for accelerated ice production.

Read more about some of our favorite commercial ice maker models in another one of the articles we have all on that topic. If you are interested in nugget ice makers, check out the link and find out what are our top five models. If you want a general overview of some of the most popular ice maker categories, check out the full article we have for you!