NOTE: This page contains Amazon.com affiliate links that compensate the owner of this site - but they do not impact the price you pay. Learn More.
Gourmet ice will make or break a straight shot of good whiskey.
The best gourmet ice does not melt quickly like ordinary ice cubes do, which helps your drink slowly take on water so you have time to enjoy the spirit as it should be enjoyed.
But how can you get gourmet ice in your own home?
This is where a gourmet ice maker like the Scotsman CU50GA comes in.
The CU50GA is one of the best under-counter ice makers for making clear/gourmet ice for drinks for you home bar, kitchen or a small commercial bar or restaurant
This ice maker can produce about 64 pounds of gourmet ice per day and can store 26 pounds of ice. Its 15-inch width makes it easy to place in the most compact locations.
The end result is crystal clear, elegantly-shaped ice that melts slow, ensuring the optimum quality of your drinks.
To ensure the taste of your ice is fresh, a water-quality sensor will recognize a hard water condition and a filter will remove any foul-smelling/tasting minerals.
The CU50GA is super-easy to use, too. It features a user-friendly control panel that clearly indicates when the unit is turned on and alerts if water is absent.
Another thing that verified owners love about this unit is its maintenance reminder setting, which saves trouble and money in the long run.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very easy to use.
- User-friendly control panel indicates water condition and alerts for system maintenance
- Elegant design fits in any space.
- Large capacity production
- Large storage bin
- Quality of ice is unbeatable
- Suitable for residential use, hotels, coffee shops, superstores, etc.
- Automated refill ensures a full bin of ice so that you always have gourmet ice on hand.
- Designed with built-in safety mechanisms including a water filter that purifies the tap water to get rid of any harmful chemicals.
Cons
- Can be a bit noisy
- Some owners find ice cubes too large.
Unique Features
A number of features make the Scotsman CU50GA ice maker stand out. These include:
Clear Underneath
The base of the unit is elevated above ground on four legs so that the floor surface is easy to clean underneath.
Large Capacity
The unit is capable of producing 64 pounds of ice every day and can store 26 pounds of ice. This comes in handy if you have a rush of guests or customers.
Modern Design
The design is clutter-free with a simple, clean user interface. It is available in stainless steel or a black color that fits well in almost every place.
The sleek control panel displays information regarding the power status and warns when the unit is out of the water to produce more ice.
Well-Built
The unit is made of stainless steel, which makes it easy-to-clean and less susceptible to damage from scratches or stains. This unit will easily last eight years.
Water Quality Sensor
The smart water quality sensor included with the unit helps to identify viruses or other contaminations. It then filters the water so it tastes clean, is odor-free and safe for consumption.
High Quality Ice
The ice produced by this unit is harder and denser than regular ice which makes it melt more slowly and suitable for drinks that need to be chilled but not diluted.
So it’s perfect for whiskey, scotch and other fine liquors.
Issues & Concerns
The Scotsman CU50GA is a great ice-making machine for both household and commercial use.
However, just like any electrical appliance, it has a few issues and concerns to be aware of. These include:
Cannot Be Used Outdoors
This ice machine is designed to only be used in interior spaces such as a lounge, bar, or kitchen. It can only be used outdoors in a controlled environment and under very limited conditions.
Ice Level Indicator
Sometimes the unit indicates low capacity when it has a clog in the drain or if there’s standing water. A solution to this is to clean the air-cooled condenser fins.
Energy Consumption
This unit utilizes more energy than most residential ice makers.
Which makes sense, because the capacity obviously targets commercial buyers and larger homes.
Care and Maintenance
Keeping an ice maker clean increases its longevity and ensures effective operation.
With regular daily use, this unit will easily last four to five years – but if you clean it as directed, it should last for a decade.
Maintaining the Scotsman CU50GA is not difficult. All you have to do is keep five things clean: the exterior, ice storage bin, condenser, ice-making system, and the bin.
Exterior
Wipe away stains as soon as they occur on the surface of the door or handle.
The best way to do this is to get lukewarm water and soap and soften the stain before getting rid of it. This will avoid any scratches on the surface.
Ice Storage Bin
Clean the ice storage bin using one ounce of bleach with two gallons of warm water. Then using a soft fabric, clean the inside of the ice storage bin and discard the solution in the drain.
Condenser
For this component, you’ll need to pay attention to the fins and tubes. To prevent them from clogging, remove the kick plate along with the service panel at the front.
Then use a vacuum to get rid of any dirt on the surface of the condenser. When done, fasten everything back with screws.
Ice Making System
Firstly, remove the scale and discard any ice. Then keep the “hold” option pressed until the green light fades out.
Once again, press the hold option along with the “clean-reset” and the “on/off” buttons until the light starts to blink.
Then pour 8 ounces of any ice machine scale remover into the reservoir and run the machine for half an hour.
After the time is up, press the “on/off” option, and the machine will start flushing out the solution. Then pour hot water into the reservoir to completely flush out the drain.
Bin Interior
Remove the top panel and pour a gallon of EPA-approved sanitizing solution on the ice-making plate, covering all surfaces.
Keep the Clean-Reset and On/Off buttons pressed until the time to clean blinks. After the washing is done, pour the leftover solution into the bin to clean the drain.
Storage
Firstly, turn off the water supply connected to the unit. Then drain the water reservoir by taking off the rubber cap.
It can be located under the reservoir. The inlet water valve then needs to have air blown through it till completely dry.
If you have converted your unit into a drain pump model, you should pour half a gallon of RV antifreeze into the ice storage bin drain.
The last step is to switch off the unit and unplug it from the source to be stored away for the season.
Warranty
This warranty for the Scotsman CU50GA is 72 months from the date of shipment. But make sure you register when the unit is installed, because if no installation date is submitted, then the length of the warranty is reduced to 15 months.
The motor compressor is covered for parts for five years.
This warranty can only be obtained in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
The warranty covers original defects in material or workmanship. Any alteration, misuse, or improper maintenance or installation will not be considered for any repairs.
Any defective part or service invoice has to be returned within 15 days to the local Scotsman distributor for the purpose of labor reimbursement.
Incidents of failure must be explained in great detail to identify the cause. A unit whose initial installation date has exceeded a period of five years will be excluded from this warranty.
Specifications
- Meant for indoor use only.
- Works best at between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Room temperature should never exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Includes a stainless-steel kick plate cover that must be attached if used outdoors
- 14.9″ x 22″ x 34.4″ inches
- Compatible with a KATB kit for added stability
- Drain kit required if a pump will be used
Where to Buy
The Scotsman CU50GA is available for sale in the finest home and commercial retail stores. You can also fine it on Amazon here.
