Ice is essential in a cold drink. From sodas, colas and cocktails to a refreshing glass of sparkling water, no matter the type of cold drink you’re being served at a restaurant or bar, they all have one thing in common and that’s ice!
How does ice work?
Ice is used for a basic reason – to cool liquids down but if you use too much, it’ll water it down or dilute it. But to truly understand the importance of ice, first we need to know the science behind how ice actually chills drinks?
As we know, ice is colder than room temperature water and ice molecules move slowly together and don’t produce much heat. So when we put ice in a drink, the drink is warmer, has faster moving molecules and produces more heat, so the ice cube absorbs heat from the drink and cools it down.
This cooling effect takes place in stages, since the ice cube floats in the water it cools the top part of it first. As the top layer of water cools, its density increases, causing it to sink to the bottom. Then the lower layer which is less dense, floats to the top and is cooled by the ice.
Now that we’ve gone over the science of ice, we come to the types of ice. Contrary to what people generally think, not all ice is diced or cubed, they come in different forms, shapes and are made in specifically designed ice machines that give you the exact kind of ice you need for your drink or dessert.
Why use diced ice?
Now that we’ve gone over the science of ice, we come to the types of ice. Contrary to what people generally think, not all ice is diced or cubed, they come in different forms, shapes and are made in specifically designed ice machines that give you the exact kind of ice you need for your drink or dessert.
Diced Ice
Diced ice or cubed ice is probably the most common type of ice used in households. They come in two variants: full cubes and half cubes. Considered to be an all-rounder, these cubes are classic six-sided rectangular or square ice cubes – they come in dice (typically about 10g), half dice (6g). Dice cubes offer an excellent heat exchange contact surface, which chills beverages fast. The dice cube adapts very well to any size and shape of glass which comes in handy when cooling items in bulk and for packaging as well
Half cubes are great for blended drinks because they are smaller in size so there is less to break down and less wear on blenders. Whereas larger cubes or full dice take longer to melt and are perfect for drinks that need to be sipped slowly.
These ice cubes are produced in ice machines with a vertical evaporator which yield high quantities of ice in a cost – effective manner, saving water and power as well. These cubes are great for businesses who want ice cubes that can handle anything due to its versatility.
You can buy dice ice machines in smaller under counter models that are suitable for coffee shops, or for large scale establishments that serve mixed drinks, carbonated beverages that require ice dispensing, ice displays, ice retailing.
Here are some other types of ice that you may come across
Nugget Ice
Nugget ice cubes are a type of ice made from compressed ice flakes, they melt slowly and cool carbonated drinks without fizzing. Produced in sizes between 1 to 5gms. Due to their softer texture they are easy to chew without cracking any teeth!. These ice cubes are absorbent and take on the flavor of the drink they’re in.
Nugget ice forms a layer of ice in a drink that floats to the surface, separating the drink from the environment temperature avoiding oxidation. Easily dispensable, they blend quickly and easily and maximize the quantity of ice in a drink. They are perfect for beverage fountains, mixed cocktails, salad bars, produce displays, and treatments.
Flaked Ice
Flaked or crushed ice is in its most natural form, it is made at a temperature below zero degree celsius and it is moist because it contains about 25% of residual water content. Often seen in seafood or meat displays, used at salad bars, and is perfect for slushies and blended cocktails. This type of ice packs well and can be molded into any shape as needed. Also useful for ice packs for patient care in the healthcare industry.
Elanpro’s premium ice machines produce many types of ice for various applications. Whether you are looking for a new set- up, replacement or have any queries about our products, we’re always at your service.
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