Ice machines have become an integral part of our everyday life. From bars and clubs to restaurants, ice is needed to keep drinks cold and provide a refreshing experience for customers. But how did ice machines become such a big part of our culture? Let’s take a look at the history of these indispensable pieces of equipment.
The Early Days of Ice Machines
Before the invention of electricity, ice was harvested from large lakes and rivers in the wintertime and stored in icehouses until it was needed. This method worked fine until refrigerators were invented, allowing people the convenience of storing food and beverages right in their homes. However, this was still not enough for businesses that needed to store large amounts of food and drink on a daily basis. That’s where commercial ice machines came into play.
The first commercial ice machines were invented in the late 19th century by Scottish engineer William Thomson, who developed an improved design for making large quantities of high-quality artificial ice quickly and cheaply using a process called “cryogenic freezing”. His design was adopted by many businesses around the world, including restaurants, bars, hotels, hospitals, mines, ships, and more.
The Emergence of Automatic Ice Machines
By the mid-20th century, automatic ice makers had become commonplace in many establishments around the world. These early machines utilized mechanical processes to produce large quantities of clean cubes or crushed ice as needed on demand. As technology progressed throughout the decades, so too did automatic icemakers—eventually leading us to today’s modern designs that are capable of producing up to 500 pounds or more per day!
Ice machines have come a long way since their invention over 100 years ago. They are now essential pieces of equipment for any establishment that needs to serve chilled drinks or store large amounts of food and beverage on hand at all times—from bars and clubs to restaurants and hotels alike. With so many different styles available today—including ones with built-in water filters—it’s easy to find an icemaker that fits your business’s needs perfectly! Whether you need small countertop models or larger industrial designs capable of producing hundreds of pounds per day, there is sure to be an option out there for you!