Ready for that tall, refreshing cold glass of southern sweet tea but ending up with a lukewarm beverage instead? Ready to start that backyard barbecue but missing the magic of a cold one? What’s lacking to quench your thirst? Those amazing little cubes of water—known as ice!
What would we do without them? They take us to an elite level of cool for everyday refreshment. Most of us won’t even drink a glass of water without ice cubes in them. Whether you’re at a sporting event, restaurant or picnic, these little delicacies are waiting to make your day. We’ve become obsessed with those funny little shapes that bring us so much joy!
Whether you’re a cube fanatic, crushed ice lover, or nugget aficionado, these thirst-quenching water crystals have come a long way baby!
But how did we get here and where are we now?
A little cold history
For those of a certain age, the year 1933 brought an invention to homes everywhere. A state-of-the-art, flexible product called an ice cube tray! The first commercial automatic sized ice-machine was called the Tube-Ice Machine. In 1938, this automation set a new standard for ice making, helping to melt away those 50-pound blocks of ice previously delivered to homes and businesses.
What’s in style?
Finding the right ice maker for home or commercial use is important for efficiency and reliability. Nothing tries our patience more—an ice maker that takes forever to drop cubes or doesn’t work at all. Being impatient for ice, or running out of ice, can cause havoc when you are looking to get the party started! This is ice-cold frustration! No worries—you can be happy with so many types of ice at your fingertips that you’ll be ready to try them all. To be specific—nugget ice, gourmet ice, crescent ice, square cubes, full circle, half cube, and crushed ice.
How to be cool?
Looking cool or feeling cool are two different things, but if you’re wanting to chill and be cool, pick an ice maker that does both. There are so many to choose from that you may want more than one. Check out the great models for home or commercial use from Garner Appliance and Mattress. These are the brands you can trust from makers, including:
- GE Profile
- KitchenAid
- Whirlpool
- Electrolux
- Perlick (with ADA compliant models)
- Sub-Zero
- Jenn Air
- U-line
Why not go high-tech?
Twenty-first-century ice makers have moved beyond the freezer door bins. With advanced design, newer models and styles are hitting the market every day. There are more choices than ever for ice makers including undercounter models, portable style, countertop, and built-ins. Manufacturers continue to push the technology envelope including features like:
- Stainless steel models
- Fully flush models to blend in with surrounding cabinetry
- Clear Ice technology to keep beverages fresh and reduce foam in carbonated drinks.
- Storage for up to 30 lbs. of restaurant-style ice which can make 34 lbs. of ice in a 24-hr. period.
- Self-defrost models for low maintenance
- Programmable timers
- Built-in Bluetooth pairing
- Rapid production
Ice makers may be behind closed doors, but there are front and center in people’s lives for giving a soothing, simple pleasure. If you’re ready to take a plunge for cool and comfort, come talk to the pros at Garner Mattress and Appliance. We’ll help get the party started!