Countertop Manual Fill Ice Machine | Portable Ice Maker | 12kg/24hr Capacity | Caterlite CN861

£163.78

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Overview Features Specifications Reviews Compare Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Here’s a brilliant bit of kit for anyone needing ice without the fuss and expense of plumbing. The Caterlite CN861 is a countertop manual fill ice machine, designed to get you up and running in minutes. Just find a spot on your worktop, fill it with water, plug it in, and you’ll have fresh, bullet-shaped ice ready for your drinks in no time. It’s the perfect solution for adding chilled drinks to your menu or keeping things cool without a major installation.

This compact powerhouse is tailor-made for smaller establishments or mobile businesses. Think cosy cafés wanting to serve iced lattes, pop-up bars needing a reliable ice source, B&Bs looking to offer guests a little extra, or even office kitchens for that Friday afternoon treat. Its stainless steel and plastic construction is smart and easy to clean, while the transparent window lets you see exactly when you’re running low.

With a respectable output of 12kg over 24 hours and a handy 0.6kg storage basket, this portable ice maker ensures you have a steady supply for daily service. It’s simple, efficient, and gives you the freedom to make ice wherever you have a standard plug socket. If you want to elevate your drink service without renovating your kitchen, this is your answer.

Key Features and Benefits

Manual Fill Design: No plumbing needed, just plug it in anywhere.
12kg/24hr Output: A reliable supply of fresh ice for busy spells.
Compact Countertop Footprint: Fits easily into tight spaces without sacrificing worktop area.
Bullet Shaped Ice: Chewable and versatile, perfect for soft drinks and cocktails.
Removable Ice Basket: Makes cleaning and serving incredibly simple and hygienic.
Simple Control Panel: Intuitive and easy to use, with no complicated settings.
Transparent Viewing Window: Quickly check your ice levels without opening the lid.
Easy-Clean Construction: Smooth surfaces and an anti-bacterial design keep it pristine.

Technical Specifications

Brand: Caterlite
SKU: CN861
Dimensions: 315(H) x 244(W) x 373(D) mm
Weight: 11.56kg
Power: 0.5A / 230V (Standard 13A plug)
Output: 12kg per 24 hours
Storage Capacity: 0.6kg
Water Tank Capacity: 2.1Ltr
Fill Type: Manual
Ice Shape: Bullet
Refrigerant: R600a
Material: Stainless Steel & Plastic

The Caterlite Advantage: Simple, Reliable, and Ready to Work

When you choose a Caterlite product, you're investing in straightforward efficiency. The brand has built its reputation on providing no-nonsense, dependable equipment for light to medium-duty commercial environments. The CN861 Countertop Ice Machine is a perfect example of this philosophy. It strips away the complex, costly features you don't need, focusing instead on doing one job exceptionally well. This approach not only makes the equipment more affordable but also significantly reduces the chances of things going wrong. For a small business, café, or mobile caterer, that reliability is invaluable. It means less downtime, no expensive call-out fees for complicated repairs, and the confidence to expand your menu knowing your equipment won't let you down. It’s the smart, practical choice for businesses that value performance and practicality over bells and whistles.

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Expert Review and Insights

The Caterlite CN861 really nails the brief for a simple, effective ice solution. It’s not trying to compete with the big, plumbed-in units; instead, it offers fantastic flexibility for smaller-scale operations. For businesses where space and plumbing are at a premium, this machine is a smart, low-cost investment that delivers on its promise of convenient, on-demand ice.

Liam Sinclair – Refrigeration Expert View Profile →

Pro: Its plug-and-play simplicity is unbeatable for temporary setups or small sites.
Con: The 0.6kg storage basket may require frequent emptying during a constant rush.

Who Should Buy This?

Pop-Up Bars & Event Caterers
An essential, portable source of ice for cocktails and soft drinks at any location.
Guest Houses & Small B&Bs
A brilliant addition to a guest honesty bar or for offering chilled drinks on arrival.
Office Breakrooms
Perfect for keeping the team refreshed with iced coffees and cool drinks, especially in summer.
Mobile Food & Coffee Vans
Serve iced lattes and chilled beverages on the go without needing a water connection.

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Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Garden Room, a small café and plant shop in Bakewell, Derbyshire, wanted to add iced teas and coffees to their summer menu. With a listed building and limited space behind the counter, a plumbed-in machine was out of the question.

"The Caterlite machine was the perfect fit. We tucked it on a shelf, and within an hour of it arriving, we were serving our first iced latte. It’s quiet, keeps up with our lunchtime demand, and our customers love the new drinks. It’s been a fantastic, hassle-free upgrade for us."

Samuel Jones – Owner, The Garden Room

The café successfully launched its summer drinks menu, increasing afternoon sales by 25% on warm days.

How Manual Fill Gives You Total Flexibility

You'll see 'Manual Fill' mentioned, but what does that actually mean for your business? In short: complete freedom. Unlike plumbed-in models that need a permanent water supply and a drain, a manual fill ice machine works more like a kettle. You simply pour water directly into its internal reservoir (this one holds 2.1 litres), and it uses that to create ice. This means you aren't tied to the sink; you can place this portable ice maker on any sturdy counter with a plug socket. It’s perfect for temporary event bars, mobile vans, or simply trying out a new drinks menu without committing to expensive plumbing work.

Installation and Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

Find a flat, stable surface away from direct sunlight or heat sources like ovens.
Leave at least 15cm of space around the unit for proper air circulation – this is key for efficiency.
Before the first use, give the inside a wipe down and run one or two cycles, discarding the first batches of ice.
Fill the water reservoir with clean, cold water, but don’t go over the 'MAX' line.

Keeping It Going

Empty and wipe the water reservoir dry at the end of each day to prevent mould and limescale.
Regularly wash the removable ice basket and scoop in warm, soapy water.
Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to keep the stainless steel looking smart.
Depending on your water hardness, descale the machine every few months using a suitable commercial descaler.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Countertop Ice Machine

Not sure if this is the right model for you? Here are a few things to consider when picking a countertop ice machine.

Output vs. Demand

Consider how many drinks you'll serve. 12kg/24hr is great for light use, but a busy bar might need a machine that produces 20kg or more.

Ice Shape

Bullet ice is a great all-rounder for drinks. If you specialise in high-end cocktails, you might prefer the classic look and slow melt of cubed ice.

Storage Capacity

A bigger internal bin means less time spent emptying it. For continuous service, look for a larger capacity or plan to store batches in a separate ice bucket.

Footprint & Ventilation

Measure your counter space carefully, and always remember to leave room around the machine for air to flow. Good ventilation is vital for performance.

Fill Type

Manual fill offers ultimate portability, which is fantastic for events or rented spaces. Mains fill is more convenient for fixed, high-volume locations but requires plumbing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to make the first batch of ice?

A: You can typically expect the first batch of bullet ice in as little as 10-15 minutes after filling it with cold water.

Q: What shape is the ice it produces?

A: This machine produces 'bullet' shaped ice, which is hollow in the middle and great for cooling drinks quickly.

Q: Can I use tap water in this machine?

A: Yes, standard tap water is perfectly fine. In hard water areas, using filtered water can help reduce limescale build-up.

Q: Does it keep the ice frozen?

A: The storage basket is insulated, not refrigerated. It will hold the ice for a while, but it will slowly melt back into the water reservoir to be recycled. It's designed for active use, not long-term storage.

Q: How noisy is it when it's running?

A: It's relatively quiet. You'll hear the fan and the sound of ice dropping into the basket, similar in volume to a small tabletop fridge.

Q: How do I know when the water is low or the ice basket is full?

A: The machine has indicator lights on the control panel that will alert you when it's time to add more water or empty the ice basket.

Q: Does it need a drain?

A: No, as a manual fill unit, it doesn't require a permanent water connection or a drain. Any melted ice simply returns to the water reservoir.

Q: How often should I clean it?

A: For best results and hygiene, we recommend wiping it out daily and giving it a more thorough clean and descale weekly or bi-weekly, depending on use.

What Customers Are Saying

"Does exactly what it says on the tin. We use it in our village hall for events and it's been a lifesaver. Just plug it in and away you go. So simple."

Brian T. – Community Hall Manager, Norfolk

"A great little machine for our coffee shop. It’s compact and produces ice pretty quickly. The basket is a bit small for our busiest days, but we just empty it into a bigger bucket."

Chloe Davies – The Daily Grind Café, Cardiff

"Bought this for our office of 20 people and it's been a huge hit. Keeps up with demand for cold drinks all day. Very happy with the purchase."

Tom Williams – Office Manager, Manchester

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