The Smart Choice for Ice Machine Retrofits
When a customer needs to replace an ageing ice machine, dealers and technicians know the challenge: finding a reliable, compatible system that installs easily, performs consistently, and won’t cause unnecessary downtime. That’s where Icetro America ice machines, distributed by Ventana Distributing, make a real difference. Icetro provides a retrofit-ready solution that helps foodservice professionals deliver more value to their customers, offering a product line engineered for flexibility, durability, and long-term cost efficiency. Whether you’re upgrading a restaurant, hotel, healthcare facility, or institutional kitchen, Icetro’s design advantages simplify your work while giving operators superior performance and reliability. Benefits for Dealers, Technicians & Customers Icetro retrofits make financial and operational sense—both for your business and your customers’. Dealers can position Icetro as a premium alternative that meets or exceeds the performance of major brands, often at a lower cost. Technicians benefit from machines designed for easy installation, quick service access, and straightforward maintenance. Depending on your customers’ needs, Icetro America can help them: Save Money: Achieve the same ice production capacity for 5–30% less than comparable brands Generate More Output: Upgrade to higher production volume without changing the installation footprint For you, that means faster installations and a more satisfied customer base, all while protecting your margins. Adaptable for Most Configurations Icetro machines are designed with retrofit flexibility in mind. 3-way ventilation is a standard feature on all units, which allows the ice machines to operate with maximum efficiency and minimal noise, while also giving the owner superior location flexibility. Many models match the standard footprint and electrical requirements used by other major brands, allowing direct “drop-in” replacement and hookups. For companies wanting to keep their existing bins, many Icetro ice machines models are 24” deep, aligning perfectly with the existing dimensions as most Manitowoc, Scotsman, and Ice-O-Matic machines. When existing bin dimensions don’t align perfectly, Icetro offers a full range of bin adapters to make retrofitting simple and professional. These adapter options can eliminate the need for custom fabrication or costly bin replacements, giving dealers and technicians the flexibility to retrofit additional setups confidently. You will find that when customers need a new ice machine, especially those with multi-locations, Icetro provides versatility, while allowing for standardized installs and less downtime, making it the ideal option. It also yields faster turnarounds, fewer complications, and higher efficiency for nearly every job. Built for Technicians: Smart Design, Easy Service Icetro’s engineering is service-first. Every machine includes: Front-access service panels Tool-free component removal Auto-cleaning and sanitizing cycle For technicians, that translates to shorter maintenance visits, easier cleaning, and fewer callbacks. For dealers, it means offering a product that stays reliable in the field—protecting both your reputation and your service contracts. The antimicrobial ABS interior and accessible water system reduce buildup and keep the ice path cleaner longer, meaning your customers see fewer hygiene issues while you see fewer emergency calls. Heavy-Duty Construction That Holds Up A quality retrofit shouldn’t repeat the issues of the old machine. Icetro’s durable 304 stainless steel exterior, reinforced water curtain and pins, and non-corrosive base, along with the easy cleaning and sanitization features, stand up to years of commercial use. This translates to less corrosion-related maintenance, fewer warranty claims, and greater customer satisfaction. The difference in build quality, especially compared to painted panels and lightweight interiors found in value-brand machines, is immediately noticeable. Efficiency That Adds Value Many customers replace ice machines not just because they’ve failed but because they’re inefficient. Icetro’s optimized evaporator design and smart refrigeration system reduce energy and water consumption while maintaining consistent output. When combined with lower list pricing (up to 30% less than competitors) and Ventana Distributing’s reputation for excellence, Icetro retrofits deliver both operational and financial advantages to the dealer network. These savings make it easier for you to close sales, offer competitive bids, and still preserve healthy margins. Reliable Warranty & Technical Support Icetro America stand behind every Icetro machine with comprehensive warranty coverage and dedicated technical support. Dealers and contractors receive fair, fast compensation for warranty service, a key differentiator compared to some legacy brands that delay payments. Responsive troubleshooting assistance and parts availability aren’t a worry. And you can have confidence that every installation you sell is supported long-term by a trusted regional partner. The Retrofit Advantage for Dealers & Technicians Whether you customers need a new machine or are ready to retire their legacy machines, Icetro America offers a better way forward, with reliable components, a clear value advantage, and retrofit-ready designs. As a professional, you have the flexibility to assist your customers with the upgraded commercial kitchen of their dreams quickly and confidently. Easy to sell. Easy to service. Built to last. For dealers and service providers across the Southwest, partnering with Ventana Distributing means having access to an ice machine line that helps you work smarter, deliver more value, and build lasting customer relationships. CALL Today! 602-268-3386 or 800-475-5595.
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 &