EC226/277 Solid Gourmet cube – 145Kgs/24Hrs

Scotsman EC226 Ice Machine Detailed Summary (South Africa)

Key Specifications

• Ice Production: Up to 145 kg (320 lbs) of ice per 24 hours, equivalent to approximately 7,250 medium gourmet cubes (20g each), calculated at 10°C ambient and 10°C water temperature. Some sources note up to 152–170 kg/24 hours for modular versions.
• Storage Capacity: 70 kg (154 lbs) internal bin capacity, suitable for high-demand settings.
• Cube Type: Gourmet supercubes, individual, transparent, crystal-clear, thimble-shaped, weighing 20g each (medium cube standard, small, large, or extra-large cubes on request).
• Dimensions:
  • Without legs: 1078 mm (W) x 715–719 mm (D) x 1004–1006 mm (H)
  • With optional legs: 1078 mm (W) x 715–719 mm (D) x 1120–1130 mm (H)
• Weight: Approximately 85–95 kg, depending on configuration.
• Power Requirements: 230 V, 50 Hz, single phase, 760–800 W, 16 A fuse, with power consumption of ~24.2 kWh/24 hours.
• Refrigerant: R-134a (CFC-free) or R-290 (propane) in EcoX models, with a low global warming potential (GWP) of 3, compliant with F-Gas regulations.
• Condensing System: Available in air-cooled or water-cooled versions (air-cooled model features front panel in-and-out airflow for built-in installations).
• Water Requirements:
  • Minimum water temperature: 5°C
  • Maximum water temperature: 38°C
  • Minimum water pressure: 1 bar (14 psi)
  • Maximum water pressure: 5 bar (70 psi)
• Drainage: Equipped with a Progressive Water Discharge (PWD) system, which pumps excess water up to 15 meters away and 1.7 meters high, addressing drainage challenges. Includes a non-return valve to prevent drain water back-flush, enhancing hygiene.

Key Features

1. Gourmet Ice Cubes:
   • Produces crystal-clear, slow-melting, 20g gourmet supercubes (thimble-shaped) that enhance drink presentation and maintain chill longer, ideal for premium venues like hotels, fine dining, and bars.
   • Made by spraying water upward into an inverted mold, ensuring impurities fall away, leaving pure water for hard, clear cubes that resist sticking together in the bin or ice buckets.
   • Medium cubes standard, with small, large, or extra-large cubes available on request.
2. Design and Build:
   • Stainless Steel Exterior: Grade 304 stainless steel, durable, resistant to wet conditions, and hygienic, ensuring longevity and a professional appearance.
   • Compact and Flexible Installation: Front-panel airflow (air-cooled models) allows for built-in or under-counter installation, with removable legs for low-profile designs. Easy-Fit design suits tight spaces like bar counters without losing efficiency.
   • Ergonomic Ice Access: Features a sliding, disappearing door with a full-length handle for quick, one-touch access, improving efficiency for bar staff.
3. Maintenance and Hygiene:
   • Front-Access Condenser Air Filter: Removable and washable, simplifying maintenance and extending machine life with a 2-minute cleaning process.
   • Routine Maintenance Alarm: A front-panel blinking light indicates when cleaning is needed.
   • AgION Antimicrobial Protection: Embedded in molded plastic parts to resist microbial growth and odors, enhancing hygiene.
   • XSafe Sanitation System: Integrated 24/7 natural sanitation to keep the machine clean and safe, offering protection against bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19.
   • Vapor-Based Microbial Control: A pouch in the storage bin ensures ice safety.
   • Scale Accumulation Prevention: Traps limescale in one place, minimizing maintenance issues and ensuring clean ice.
4. Ease of Use:
   • Electronic or Advanced Diagnostics Controls: Ensures consistent production despite air and water temperature fluctuations, with user-friendly operation.
   • Front-Mounted ON/OFF Switch: Easily accessible for quick operation.
   • Automatic Production: Sensors monitor ice levels in the bin, halting production to prevent overflow and resuming when ice is removed, saving water and electricity.
   • Scoop Holder: Located inside the bin for hygiene.
   • Disconnectable Spray Bar: Simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
5. Progressive Water Discharge (PWD):
   • Built-in drain pump allows flexible placement by pumping excess water up to 15 meters away, solving drainage height and distance issues.

Applications

• Ideal for cafes, coffee shops, kiosks, restaurants, bars, hotels, and nightclubs where high-quality ice enhances drink presentation and customer experience.
• Gourmet supercubes are perfect for premium, mixed, or carbonated drinks, fresh seafood displays, and ice retail, creating a premium cooling effect and appealing condensation on bottles and cans.
• WRAS-approved for compliance with water safety standards.

Operational Considerations

• Environmental Conditions: Operates effectively in ambient temperatures from 10°C to 43°C and water temperatures from 5°C to 38°C.
• Installation Requirements: Requires a permanent water supply and drainage. The PWD system enhances placement flexibility.
• Legs: Optional accessory, not included, increasing height to 1120–1130 mm when added.
• EcoX Initiative: Some EC226 models use R-290 refrigerant, making them environmentally friendly and compliant with F-Gas regulations.

Reliability and Warranty

• Warranty: Includes a 12-month warranty on parts and workmanship from the date of installation
• Brand Reputation: Scotsman is a global leader in ice machine manufacturing, with a presence in over 100 countries and over a million machines in operation worldwide.

Summary

The Scotsman EC226 is a high-capacity, self-contained ice machine tailored for large hospitality businesses needing premium gourmet ice cubes. Its 145 kg/day production, 70 kg storage, and features like the PWD system, XSafe sanitation, AgION antimicrobial protection, and easy maintenance make it a strong choice for bars, restaurants, and hotels. However, some user feedback highlights reliability concerns, emphasizing the need for proper maintenance and service support. Its durable stainless steel build, ergonomic design, and flexible installation options make it ideal for enhancing drink presentation, though buyers should weigh potential repair costs against its benefits.