Upgraded Easy-FIT Range
Recently launched in the UK from Hubbard Ice Systems is the upgraded Easy-FIT range of subercube ice-making machines from the world leading Scotsman brand. A mark of Scotsman's groundbreaking design, the machines are unique as the only ice-making machines in the UK to feature a built-in electronic pump for water discharge.
The Easy-FIT range is so called as the machines can be installed in minutes and connect to standard drains so they will fit almost anywhere.
Of particular advantage to many restaurant and bar owners is the fact that, due to their built-in pump, the Easy-FIT machines can be situated in a serving or preparation area up to 1.5m above or 20m distant from drains needed to discharge waste. This means that they can be placed in the most convenient position irrespective of where drains may be situated, negating the need for costly additional plumbing.
With the huge growth in the cold drinks market over recent years, there has also grown a need for larger, more productive ice-making machines. Models in the Easy-FIT range lead the trend with production capacities varying from 24kg/24hr for the EC46 up to 145kg/24hr for the EC226. 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. Recently other drinks manufacturers have tried to echo the success of the Magners effect, with, for example, beer companies producing lagers that are best served over ice.
The Scotsman Supercube ice cubes produced by the Easy-FIT machines are the most popular type of ice cubes used for restaurants, pubs and clubs. Made in the famous Scotsman thimble shape, their clarity makes them the perfect choice for drinks presentation; whilst their purity and hardness ensure that they are slow melt. Their unique shape means that these cubes are less prone to sticking together in the ice bucket as well as being easier to handle than the more traditional square cube. Furthermore, the shape of the cubes helps to prevent 'splashback when the cube is placed in the drink or when carbonated drinks are added, making them ideal for busy bars. In fact, Scotsman supercubes are chosen by the Diageo ESP (Every Serve Perfect) Team for the perfect presentation of their premium brands, maximising sales through repeat purchase.
Scotsman ice-making machines are remarkably energy efficient. The day-to-day running costs of the machines offer the potential for significant savings with the benefit of a notably lower carbon footprint. The Easy-FIT range of Scotsman machines is particularly energy efficient, producing more ice from less energy. This is due to the fact the machines have large storage capacities and so fewer ice-making cycles are needed throughout the day - the storage capacity of the EC226, the largest model in the range, is an impressive 70kg. This means that many operators may find it beneficial to downsize to a lower production threshold whilst increasing storage with an Easy-FIT machine.
The Scotsman Easy-FIT range of machines mirrors the ACM 6 Series, introduced last year, in terms of dimensions and technical specification. The two ranges are manufactured using Grade 304 stainless steel and all machines work on 230v, 50w single phase. Each machine has been redesigned from the ground up with a host of additional features aimed at making life easy for users, engineers and installers.
Chris Davis, Commercial Director of Hubbard Ice Systems, says: "The market is moving on. Space within high profile hospitality locations is becoming more expensive so ice machines have to fit into tighter and tighter spaces and have to be more productive. These new machines not only deliver on size, but they deliver on performance as well. With increased integral storage of up to 71% on the models they are replacing these machines are the 'must-have' ice machines for the new generation of hospitality outlets"
