Under-counter First from Scotsman
Hubbard Ice Systems the UK distributor of worldwide brand leading Scotsman Ice Machines has launched the much-awaited AC 206 under-counter gourmet (supercube) ice-making machine. This groundbreaking machine follows over two years of research carried out with the UK's Foodservice Consultants Society International and the European Bar and Hospitality industry by Scotsman and Hubbard which unanimously identified that the greatest need was for a high volume, high efficiency ice maker that could be sited for maximum access with minimal physical and visual intrusion on the back bar workspace.
Scotsmans solution is the AC 206 range of ice machines, which with a maximum height of 860mm (including optional legs) is 160mm (6.25 inches) lower than the previous comparable Scotsman AC 175 machine. The new AC 206 also offers other specific features requested by the Bar & Hospitality industry including wheels at the rear of the machine to assist maneuverability, a 51% increase in production rates (max 130Kg/24 hr) and a 78% increase in storage capacity (max 50Kg) compared to the AC 175 and improved energy efficiency.
In line with Hubbards strategy of minimising the environmental impact of Scotsman machines the new AC 206 AS is significantly more energy efficient producing 51% more cubes than the outgoing ACM 175 model and with integral storage of 50Kg (an increase of 78%) the day to day running costs of the AC 206 offer the potential for significant savings with the benefit of a notably lower carbon footprint. The requirement for better quality, fresher ice in larger volumes at the point of sale has become more and more important with the continued success of the Magners effect, driving a premium market by encouraging consumers to serve Cider and Perry over ice.
Externally the new AC 206 follows the design cues of Scotsmans highly successful 6 series launched in 2006 the stainless steel and ABS shell has been crafted to create a visual statement that is simple in its presentation yet practical in its functionality. Perfectly radiused verticals offer a softness of form that speeds daily use. Sharp edges have been banished from the external shell and the subtlety of silhouette is enhanced by the use of 'soft-touch' plastics to please the senses and aid day-to-day practicalities like cleaning and maintenance.
The AC 206 incorporates standard 6 series features aimed at making life easy for users, engineers and installers including:-
- Radiused exterior corners for improved cleaning and visual aesthetics
- 'Hush-design' door closing mechanism to reduce ambient noise
- Unique, integral, front of machine, customisable Point-Of-Sale display
- Award winning front of machine illuminated On/Off switch and condenser filter maintenance warning signal
- Integrated storage bin bacteria control system featuring replaceable, time elapsed bactericidal vapour release pouches
- Integrated ice scoop and hygienic ice scoop holder
- Easy access, washable condenser filter
- Patented Limescale removal sump system
- Easy access water pump filter
- Optional, range-wide PWD, pumped waste system for remote siting of machines up to 20 metres distant or 1.5 metres below waste point
- The ACM 206 measures 1250mm wide x 620mm deep and 780mm high (with optional legs 860mm)
- The ACM 206 produces 130 Kg (6500 cubes) of ice in a 24 hour period at an ambient temperature of 10°C
- The ACM 206 integral insulated storage bin holds up to 50 Kg (2500) of ice cubes
- The ACM 206 utilises R 404 A refrigerant
Chris Davis, Commercial Director of Hubbard Ice Systems says: "The Hospitality and Foodservice Consulting Industries has been telling us that few ice machine manufacturers actually ask them what they want, so that's exactly what we did and the result is the machine of their dreams. Most importantly at Hubbard we are taking our environmental responsibilities extremely seriously, after all Scotsman is the World's leading brand amongst icemakers and that brings a level of accountability that we have assumed as the brand's distributors in the UK. More energy efficient, less installation costs, more convenient, bigger and better storage, this machine is likely to revolutionise the way the Hospitality Industry approaches its volume ice making requirements".
