Look, No Legs!
Scotsman Easy-Fit: Hubbard's go-anywhere ice machine will run and run. The Scotsman Easy-Fit is an ice machine design with a difference, and is set to change forever the way ice machines are sited and installed. For one thing, it doesn't need legs! That might sound like a small point, but it's a major factor to end users and bar designers, since Easy-Fit is the first commercial self-contained ice machine that is guaranteed to fit under a standard height counter or bar. It is also much more flexible than traditional ice machines in terms of where it can be positioned, as it's the first ice machine that doesn't need to be sited higher than the drains outlet.
The prototype of the Easy-Fit caused a major stir when it was previewed at Shows earlier this year. Now that prototype has been turned into production models and Hubbard Ice Systems has launched three versions, all available in the UK through the company's approved network of dealers.
The smallest machine, the EC45 Easy-Fit, offers production rates of up to 24kg (1200 Supercubes) per day, the EC55 up to 31kg (1550 cubes) and the EC85 up to 39kg (1950 cubes). They produce the famous Scotsman SuperCubes: clear, long-lasting cubes of ice that enhance the appearance of drinks and chill more efficiently, because of their purity. All three have integral storage bins, the latest electronic controls for maximum efficiency and reliability, are manufactured in 304 grade stainless steel and come in a choice of air or water-cooled versions.
In the next few months Hubbard will be extending the range with the introduction of models with higher production capacities. The essential ingredient of this radical design is the PWD integral wastewater pump. This means the machine no longer relies on gravity to drain wastewater. The PWD System allows the drain water to be pumped up to a height of 1.5 meters or, alternatively, over a distance of up to 20 metres. (The greater the distance the less high you can pump; for instance, a 10 metre run will reduce the 'pump' height to approx 0.5 of a meter). This in turn gives designers and end-users massively enhanced flexibility in siting the icemaker.
Since the machine can be lower than the drains, it no longer needs legs and so it can be easily fitted under counters in back bars, restaurants and kitchens. "This is a real break through for bar designers," says Chris Davis of Hubbard Ice Systems, "Even so, we've been stunned by the positive feedback from our customers, who are delighted that Scotsman have come up with a solution to a very old problem. We expect Easy-Fit to be our biggest-ever selling range of self contained Supercube ice makers."
Prices for the Easy-Fit range will be slightly higher than for the Scotsman ACM range, to cover the cost of the PWD system. However, as Chris Davis points out, the actual cost of buying and installing the machine will be lower than before, as there will be no need for external condensate pumps, stands or expensive drain alterations "When the benefit of the added flexibility of siting is factored in, the potential savings are very significant," he says.
The extra cost of an Easy-Fit is around £100 (compared to the list price of a standard ACM unit), but users should save up to £150 on installation costs alone. List price for the EC45 Easy-Fit is £850.
Scotsman machines are WRC-approved and carry the CE mark. All models are designed to be reliable, durable and efficient, and include a comprehensive pre- and after-sales support package, including two years warranty.
