Essentials Ice Maker - 20kg Output DC439

£339.98

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£254.99 / exc vat

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Overview Features Specifications Reviews Compare Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Here’s a cracking bit of kit for anyone who needs ice on demand, without the faff of plumbing. The Essentials DC439 is a compact, reliable countertop ice machine designed to get the job done. It’s perfect for small- to medium-sized businesses that need a steady supply of bullet-shaped ice for drinks, displays, or food prep, but don't have the space or connections for a massive, permanently installed unit.

This fantastic commercial ice maker 20kg churns out up to 20 kilograms of ice over a 24-hour period, with the option to choose between small or large bullet cubes to suit your drinks menu. Because it’s a manual fill machine, you can pop it anywhere you have a standard plug socket – think mobile catering vans, pop-up bars, staff rooms, or as a trusty backup in your main bar area. It’s the definition of plug-and-play convenience.

With user-friendly controls, indicator lights that tell you when the water's low or the bin is full, and a handy self-clean function, the Essentials ice maker is designed for busy people. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense solution for keeping your customers' drinks perfectly chilled, from the first order of the day to the last.

Key Features and Benefits

20kg Output: Keeps a steady supply of fresh ice for busy services.
Manual Fill System: Place it anywhere; no expensive plumbing or drainage needed.
Two Ice Sizes: Choose small or large bullet ice for different drinks.
Self-Clean Function: Saves you valuable time on maintenance and cleaning.
Compact Footprint: Fits neatly on a countertop without hogging valuable space.
Indicator Lights: Alerts you when to refill water or empty the ice bin.
Hygienic Lid: Keeps the ice clean and helps maintain the temperature.
Simple Controls: Incredibly easy to use, so any member of staff can operate it.

Technical Specifications

Brand: Nisbets Essentials
SKU: DC439
Ice Type: Bullet
24hr Output: 20kg
Storage Bin Capacity: 0.7kg
Water Tank Capacity: 2Ltr
Dimensions: 327(H) x 270(W) x 365(D) mm
Weight: 12.26kg
Power: 150W, 13 Amp Plug
Refrigerant: R600a
Water Connection: Manual Fill

The Essentials Advantage: No-Frills Reliability

In the world of commercial catering, sometimes the most valuable feature is simplicity. The Nisbets Essentials range, including this brilliant ice maker, is built on that very principle. This isn't just about a low price point; it's about providing robust, dependable tools that do their job without fuss. For a small business owner who is also the head chef, bookkeeper, and marketing manager, there's immense value in equipment that doesn't require a lengthy manual or specialist training. The DC439 embodies this philosophy: its controls are intuitive, its maintenance is straightforward, and its purpose is clear. This long-term value comes from fewer service calls, less staff time spent on operation, and the peace of mind that comes from a machine that just works, day in and day out. It’s a strategic investment in operational smoothness.

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Expert Review and Insights

The Essentials DC439 is a brilliant example of a machine that knows its job and does it well. It’s not trying to be the biggest or fastest on the market; it’s designed for simplicity and flexibility. For small cafés, mobile bars, or as a secondary unit in a larger pub, its plug-in-and-go nature is a massive plus. The build is solid for the price point, and the self-clean function is a welcome touch.

Liam Sinclair – Refrigeration Expert View Profile →

Pros: Unbeatable portability. Move it wherever you need ice, no plumber required.
Cons: The 0.7kg bin needs frequent emptying during a very busy rush.

Who Should Buy This?

Village Cafés & Small Bistros: Perfect for chilling iced coffees and soft drinks without needing major installation work in a compact kitchen.
Mobile Event Caterers: Its portability makes it an essential for food trucks, wedding bars, and outdoor events.
Pubs & Small Bars: An ideal backup bar ice cube maker 20kg to support your main machine during peak hours or for a specific gin/cocktail station.
Office Break Rooms: A simple, effective way to provide staff with fresh ice for drinks throughout the day.

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Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Feathers, a bustling community pub in Chester, needed a flexible ice solution for their new outdoor garden bar without the cost of running new water lines. They opted for the Essentials DC439 due to its manual-fill design and compact size, allowing them to set up a full-service drink station on their patio.

"We were quoted a fortune to get plumbing outside. This little machine let us get the garden bar running in an afternoon. It kept up with the G&T and Pimm's rush all weekend, and our customers were delighted. It's been absolutely brilliant for us."

Robert Davies – Landlord, The Feathers

The pub was able to open its garden bar two weeks ahead of schedule and reported a 30% increase in high-margin cocktail and spirit sales during its first month of operation.

Why 'Manual Fill' is Your Secret Weapon

You might see 'manual fill' and think it means more work, but it’s actually a feature that gives you total freedom. Think of it like a kettle versus a plumbed-in boiler. A boiler is fixed to one spot, but you can take a kettle and plug it in anywhere you fancy a cuppa – the kitchen, the office, a hotel room, you name it.

This Essentials commercial ice machine works on the same principle. Because it doesn't need to be connected to a water pipe or a drain, you are not tied down. You can place it on the bar for a cocktail night, move it to the patio for a summer party, or take it with you in a catering van. It offers ultimate flexibility for businesses that adapt and change, all you need is a standard wall socket.

Installation and Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

Find a flat, stable surface away from direct sunlight or heat sources like ovens.
Leave about 15cm of space around the unit for proper air circulation.
Before first use, run the self-clean cycle to rinse the internal system.
Fill the water reservoir with fresh, clean water up to the max line.

Keeping It Going

Use the self-clean function regularly, at least once a week.
Wipe down the exterior and the ice bin with a soft, damp cloth.
Always use the provided scoop to get ice out – never your hands!
If you're not using it for a while, drain the water and dry the inside thoroughly.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Ice Maker

Not sure which ice machine is the perfect fit for your business? Here are a few things to think about.

Output vs. Footprint

Consider how much ice you'll realistically need on your busiest day. A higher output is great, but it often means a larger machine. This undercounter commercial ice maker strikes a great balance.

Ice Type Matters

Bullet ice, like this machine makes, is perfect for soft drinks and spirits as it cools quickly. Cubed ice melts slower, which is better for high-end whiskies. Flake ice is for cocktails and food displays.

Plumbed vs. Manual Fill

Plumbed-in machines offer continuous production but are fixed in place and expensive to install. Manual-fill models offer unbeatable flexibility and are perfect for mobile use or as a backup.

Bin Capacity

How much ice do you need ready at any one time? A small internal bin is fine if you're using the ice as it's made, but for big rushes, you might need to empty it into a larger ice bucket.

Cleaning and Hygiene

Look for features like self-clean cycles and easy-to-wipe surfaces. A machine that's simple to maintain is one you'll actually keep clean, ensuring safe and hygienic ice for your customers.

See all Ice Makers

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: Typically, you can expect the first batch of bullet ice to be ready in around 10-15 minutes after you switch it on and fill it with water.

Q: Can I use this machine outside?

A: It can be used in a covered outdoor area like a marquee or garden bar, but it's not weatherproof and should be protected from rain and direct, strong sunlight.

Q: What are the two different ice sizes like?

A: The machine produces bullet-shaped ice. The 'small' and 'large' settings create slightly different sized versions of this same shape, ideal for different types of glassware.

Q: Does the machine stop making ice when the bin is full?

A: Yes, the Essentials DC439 ice maker has a sensor that automatically stops production when the ice bin is full and will restart once you've emptied some out.

Q: Is it noisy to run?

A: It operates with a low hum from the compressor and the sound of ice dropping into the bin, similar in volume to a domestic fridge freezer. It's quiet enough for front-of-house use.

Q: Do I need to buy a water filter for it?

A: While not required, using filtered water can improve the taste and clarity of the ice and may reduce the build-up of limescale over time, especially in hard water areas.

Q: What does the self-clean function do?

A: The self-clean cycle flushes the internal water system to help remove mineral deposits and keep the machine hygienic. You just need to add water and press a button.

Q: Can I leave it running overnight?

A: Yes, it's designed for continuous operation. It will stop and start automatically to keep the ice bin topped up as needed.

What Customers Are Saying

"Does exactly what it says on the tin. We use it in our staff room and it's been great. Just top it up in the morning and it churns away all day. Simple and effective."

Sarah L. – Office Manager, Manchester

"A fantastic little backup machine for our village hall bar. When things get busy, we just plug this in and we've got extra ice ready to go. Very happy with it."

David Chen – Committee Member, Cotswolds

"Good machine for my small coffee shop. The two ice sizes are surprisingly useful for different drinks. It’s a solid, no-frills 20kg ice machine for a restaurant or small cafe like mine."

Fatima Khan – Owner, The Daily Grind, Birmingham

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