Icetro America Stands Against the Competition
If you’re looking to compare commercial ice machines, the market is dominated by industry giants like Manitowoc, Hoshizaki, Ice-O-Matic, and Scotsman. However, Icetro America has emerged as a power-contender, offering superior design, durability, and value. But what really sets Icetro apart from the competition? Ventana Distributing compared commercial ice machines in a side-by-side review of their manufacturer features*—this way you clearly know what you’re getting for your money. *Please note, any data provided in this article is based on field observation and user-feedback, as well as online research available as of April 1, 2025. This article along with its comparisons and conclusions are the opinion of Ventana Distributing, a distributor of Icetro America products. Key Differentiators: Competitive Features The question of “Why choose Icetro?” is easily answered when reviewing this chart with all the features that matter to owners and operators. Icetro excels in the important areas of daily operation and ongoing practical maintenance where the competition falls short. Let’s look more closely at these features and what Icetro ice machines provide. Superior Design & Ease of Maintenance One of the primary concerns for businesses that rely on ice machines is ease of cleaning and maintenance. Unlike some competitors that require complex disassembly and specialized tools, or have inaccessible areas that breed bacteria and mold, Icetro ice machines are designed for quick and effortless cleaning and maintenance: Auto-Cleaning Feature: With the simple press of a button, Icetro machines initiate a full cleaning cycle, making routine maintenance hassle-free. Front-Access Cleaning & Service: Unlike other machines with an evaporator design, which requires cumbersome tools and brushes to clean, Icetro components are easily accessible for quick maintenance. Durable ABS Antimicrobial Interior: Quality ABS antimicrobial interior components, reduces slime buildup and enhances hygiene, keeping the ice machine cleaner for longer. Tool-Free Removal of Water Sump & Distributor Tube: Easy access to all parts of the machine that require cleaning and maintenance saves time and lowers service costs. Heavy-Duty Build & Longevity Icetro ice machines are engineered with longevity in mind. Here’s how the construction compares to the competition: 304 Stainless Steel Exterior: Unlike some competitors whose machines have painted side panels (you read that correctly), Icetro uses high-quality stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance. Reinforced Components: Heavy-duty water curtain, pins, and hangers ensure long-term reliability. Non-Corrosive Base & Platform: Icetro machines are built to withstand tough commercial environments with their non-corrosive bases and platforms. Cost Savings & Competitive Pricing Investing in an ice machine is a long-term decision, and Icetro ensures that businesses get the best value for their money: Lower List Prices: Most Icetro machines cost less according to current published list prices. For example, a 350lb Icetro cuber (model IM-0350-AC/AH) is listed for 18% less than comparable machines offered by Hoshizaki and Manitowoc and 25% less than Scotsman. Some models see a differential of more than 30%! Free Freight on Multiple Units: Further reducing operational costs for distributors and business owners, Icetro offers free freight on orders of five ice machines or more (threshold for purchase must reach or exceed $20K). Free Initial Filter: Ventana Distributing is so confident in Icetro ice machines, they are currently offering a free initial filter with all machine purchases (valid through June 30, 2025). This is a $350-$550 immediate savings with a long-term benefit, as machines maintained with Icetro’s preferred filter are also eligible for an extension on the unit’s warranty. (Reading this after June 30, 2025? Contact Ventana Distributing for current promotional offerings.) Reliability & Customer Support A machine is only as good as the support behind it. Icetro America prioritizes customer satisfaction by providing: Excellent Warranty Coverage: Peace of mind is possible with warranty terms exceeding those of some competitors and an option for an extended warranty with recommended maintenance. Dedicated Technician Support Line: The dedicated technician support line offers fast and reliable assistance for troubleshooting and maintenance. Fair Compensation for Contractors: Unlike some brands that receive frequent complaints about warranty support due to a delay in technician compensation, Icetro ensures fair compensation for service providers, resulting in better customer service. After reviewing overall design, materials, ease of maintenance, longevity, sanitization, cost savings and customer support, Icetro simply offers a superior ice machine for better value. How Icetro Stacks Up Against Each Competitor You might already have a preferred ice machine manufacturer—one you’ve used for years. But if you’re honest, you know there are issues that cause your team frustration. We compared other commercial ice machine manufacturers head-to-head against Icetro. You may be shocked at where legacy brands fall short and how Icetro stacks. Icetro vs. Hoshizaki Hoshizaki’s newer evaporator design has faced reliability issues in the field and increased cleaning costs. Icetro addresses these concerns with: Simple Cleaning & Maintenance: No need for long brushes or difficult-to-access components Adjustable Water Flush Time: Ideal for areas with hard water, reducing scale buildup Better Price-to-Performance Ratio: Lower operational costs with similar or superior ice production Icetro vs. Ice-O-Matic & Scotsman Both Ice-O-Matic and Scotsman utilize a grid cell design with a push probe to harvest ice, which can lead to 1) plating & solder joint failures due to added pressure on the evaporator surface, 2) higher evaporator failure rates resulting in increased downtime and repair costs, and 3) a reputation for poor quality & warranty issues. Icetro addresses these concerns with: Reliable Evaporator Technology: Minimizing mechanical failure risks Strong Warranty & Service Network: Ensuring better customer satisfaction Competitive Pricing: Delivering better cost savings per unit Icetro vs. Manitowoc Manitowoc machines have elicited user-concerns due to hot gas issues and durability, with no standard cleaning AND sanitization function the machines often require a lot of time and effort to fully manually, and their pricing isn’t as good as it first looks. Icetro addresses these concerns with: Enhanced Durability: Icetro uses high-quality stainless-steel exteriors and reinforced internal components using a robust supply chain network to ensure longer-lasting high performance Easy Cleaning & Maintenance: Auto-cleaning function also sanitizes and front-access design streamlines maintenance Pricing &
Why Choose an Icetro Ice Machine
Icetro: The Ideal Ice Machine For businesses that depend on a steady supply of ice, choosing the right ice machine is a crucial decision. Ventana Distributing chose to carry Icetro America ice machines because they consistently deliver a reliable supply of quality ice and have established themselves as a leader in the industry, delivering cutting-edge design, superior performance, and long-term reliability, all at a stellar price! Here are some of the reasons you should consider Icetro ice machines for your next installation. Unparalleled Ice Quality Ice is more than just frozen water; in many industries, it plays a crucial role in customer satisfaction and product preservation. Icetro ice machines are engineered to produce high-quality ice with optimal clarity and density. Whether a business requires cubed ice, nugget ice, or flake ice, Icetro offers models that deliver uniform, high-quality results every time. This consistency is particularly beneficial for food service establishments, where ice clarity and shape can influence the presentation of beverages and dishes. Easy to Keep Clean Icetro prioritizes hygiene in ice production. It is critical that ice machines remain clean for obvious reasons. Sanitation is often a shortcoming for many machines on the market. This is where Icetro excels and provides peace of mind. Inside, components such as the water curtain, pump, water trough, and float switch are removable by hand—no tools required. This simplifies routine cleaning and reduces downtime. Additionally, the use of ABS antimicrobial plastic parts ensures a non-corrosive base to maximize cleanliness. Icetro ice machines are equipped with a user-friendly electrostatic air filter, which is magnetically attached for quick removal and easy cleaning. This feature helps maintain optimal airflow and efficiency while reducing energy consumption. An automatic cleaning cycle, activated by a simple switch, further enhances the ease of maintenance, ensuring that ice production remains uninterrupted and hygienic. Performance Icetro ice machines are designed to minimize downtime and deliver maximum production in all conditions. The machines are built to withstand high-demand environments, ensuring a consistent supply of ice even in peak usage periods. Advanced cooling technology optimizes efficiency, preventing overheating and maintaining optimal ice production rates. Additionally, these machines show excellent energy efficiency and noise reduction as part of their performance differentiators. The unique three-way ventilation system that exhausts air from the sides and top panels, airflow is optimized to maintain consistent cooling while minimizing operational noise. This feature makes Icetro machines ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept at a minimum. Whether in a busy restaurant, hotel, or healthcare facility, Icetro machines provide reliable and high-performance operation. Easy to Maintain And while consistent performance is critical, so is the ease of necessary maintenance to ensure it. Icetro machines are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that regular operations, cleaning, and maintenance are seamless so that daily performance remains unhindered. The intuitive diagnostic panel provides real-time operating status and basic controls, making it easy to monitor and manage the machine’s performance. A hinged front panel allows for quick and effortless access for cleaning and inspection. When deeper maintenance is required, both the front and side panels can be easily removed, ensuring complete access to internal components. Durable & Dependable To be a workhorse ice machine, durability in design is essential. Stainless steel exterior panels provide longevity while maintaining a sleek and professional appearance. The ABS antimicrobial plastic is made of thick, high-strength components intended for endurance. Putting their commitment to precision manufacturing to the test, each unit undergoes rigorous quality control, completing three full cycles at the factory in South Korea before being shipped. This ensures that every machine meets the highest standards of quality, serviceability, and performance to minimize downtime while maximizing ice production. Icetro ice machines stand out for their advanced features that enhance efficiency and longevity. Adjustable water flush settings accommodate hard water conditions, minimizing scale buildup and extending the time between cleanings. A magnetic switch automatically halts ice production when the bin is full, preventing unnecessary strain on the machine. Additionally, its proprietary IcePro Citryne filter solution further extends the lifespan of the unit, adding an extra year of warranty coverage when used correctly. Exceptional Customer Support and Warranty Coverage Beyond superior engineering, Icetro America takes pride in providing outstanding customer support. The company offers a comprehensive warranty program, ensuring that customers receive assistance when needed. From troubleshooting support to replacement parts availability, Icetro prioritizes customer satisfaction at every step. Icetro also maintains a network of trained technicians and service providers, ensuring that businesses receive prompt and professional support whenever an issue arises. Unlike some manufacturers that rely on limited service networks, Icetro commitment to fair compensation for contractors means that businesses can expect high-quality service without excessive delays. Cost-Effective Icetro ice machines provide exceptional performance while maintaining affordability. Their pricing structure allows businesses to acquire high-quality equipment without excessive costs. And reliability and cost-effectiveness go hand in hand with Icetro. The long-term cost of owning any ice machine extends beyond the initial purchase price, encompassing operational efficiency, cleaning and sanitation, filtration, and maintenance. Icetro machines are designed to minimize these expenses by incorporating innovative features that reduce the need for frequent servicing and repairs. The heavy-duty water curtain, reinforced pins, and durable hangers ensure continued performance, even in high-demand environments. Icetro is the economical choice for businesses looking to maximize value without sacrificing quality. A Legacy of Excellence in Ice Machine Manufacturing Icetro has been a trusted name in ice-making technology for decades. Now, as a Middleby Company, it further underscores its dedication to quality and innovation. As part of a globally recognized brand in the food service equipment industry, Icetro upholds its tradition of excellence by delivering state-of-the-art ice-making solutions that prioritize performance, reliability, and ease of use. The brand continues to evolve to meet the needs of modern businesses. For businesses seeking an ice machine that delivers exceptional value, longevity, and hassle-free operation, Icetro remains the clear choice. With its superior construction, thoughtful design, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Icetro ice machines set the
Filter the Fuss: Limited Time Free Filter Offer
Buy the Ice Machine, Get the Filter for Free Now, is the perfect time to discover the amazing value of Icetro Ice Machines. Ventana Distributing is offering the first filter free when you buy any ice machine through June 30th. And there is no limit! Buy 10 cubers and get all 10 complimentary filters. Save you and your customers money in more ways than one with these work-horse ice machines. How Can I Get My Free Filters? This promotion is open to all eligible purchasers. To receive your free filter with any ice machine purchase, simply complete the form at the bottom of this page (required) and purchase an Icetro America Ice Machine from Ventana Distributing by June 30, 2025. Corresponding filters to each Icetro ice machine purchased between April 21 – June 30, 2025 will automatically be supplied at no additional cost to purchasers who have also completed the form at the bottom of this page. Which Filter Will I Receive? Icetro America utilizes IcePro water treatment systems in providing pre-filtration to all systems as well as controlling scales with a patent blend called Citryne. The IcePro series is a complete system without the need to add additional pre-filtration or scale control. The filter you are provided will be the appropriately sized model to fit the ice machine ordered. The value of the filter varies based on its size in correlation to the ice machine—typically $300.00 – $500.00. Consistent use of Icetro’s preferred filters ALSO adds an additional year to the machine’s warranty and provides protection against scale build-up. Complete This Form to be Eligible for Your Free Ice Machine Filter(s)
Ventana Distributing Expands Product Line to Include Icetro America Ice Machines
A Partnership to Bring Quality & Affordable Ice Machines to Arizona FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 14, 2025, PHOENIX – Ventana Distributing, a regional supplier of commercial foodservice equipment, has announced a new distribution partnership with Icetro America, a Middleby brand, to bring reliable, cost-effective and hygienic ice machines to Arizona. Icetro America manufactures durable and efficient ice machines designed for a wide range of commercial environments, including restaurants, hotels and healthcare facilities. The company is recognized in the industry for combining dependable performance with accessible pricing. “We’re excited to now offer Icetro’s impressive lineup of ice machines to our customers,” said Paul Hodges, president and managing partner of Ventana Distributing. “We’re once again empowering them with smart solutions that help them serve cleaner, operate more efficiently and spend less.” Effective immediately, Ventana will offer Icetro’s ice machines and bins — including cube, nugget and flake models — across its distribution territory. For product inquiries or ordering information, contact Ventana Distributing at [email protected]. About Ventana Distributing Ventana Distributing is a Phoenix-based distributor of commercial foodservice equipment, serving dealers, suppliers and technicians throughout the Southwestern United States. The company is known for its knowledgeable support and reliable inventory across a curated portfolio of equipment manufacturers. https://www.ventanadistributing.com About Icetro America Icetro America has been a global manufacturer of commercial foodservice equipment since its founding in 1981. The company is known for its ice cube machines, soft serve ice cream machines, slush machines and ice/water dispensers. https://icetroamerica.com Media Contact Matt Carosi Director of Business Development 602-268-3386 [email protected] https://www.ventanadistributing.com ###