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Polar
In Stock
Commercial Ice Maker | Gourmet Cube Ice Machine | 21kg Output | Polar U-Series UA026
£1,036.34
/ exc vat
£1,243.61/ inc vat
- Spray Ice System
- 21kg Daily Output
- Compact Undercounter Design
- Automatic Cleaning Cycle
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Product Overview
Here’s a fantastic solution for any establishment that takes its drinks seriously. The Polar U-Series gourmet ice maker is a compact yet powerful machine designed to produce crystal-clear, slow-melting ice cubes that make any beverage look and taste its best. It’s built for the non-stop pace of professional bars and restaurants, delivering consistent quality without taking up precious floor space.
This undercounter ice machine is the perfect partner for cocktail bars, high-end pubs, and fine dining restaurants where presentation is paramount. Its slimline design allows it to slot neatly under a counter, while its impressive 21kg daily output ensures you’re always stocked up, even during the busiest weekend service. If you're tired of cloudy ice that dilutes premium spirits too quickly, this is the upgrade you've been waiting for.
Featuring an advanced spray system for flawless, hat-shaped cubes and a hygienic, easy-clean stainless steel build, the Polar U-Series ice machine is all about performance and reliability. It combines user-friendly features like an automatic cleaning cycle with robust engineering, giving you perfect ice, day in, day out. Elevate your drink service and give your customers an experience they’ll remember.
Key Features and Benefits
- Spray Ice System: Produces stunningly clear, slow-melting gourmet ice for premium drinks.
- 21kg Daily Output: Reliably keeps up with demand during your busiest shifts.
- Compact Undercounter Design: Fits perfectly into tight bar spaces, saving valuable room.
- Automatic Cleaning Cycle: Saves staff time on maintenance and ensures top hygiene.
- Durable Stainless Steel Body: Built to last, looks professional and is simple to clean.
- 4kg Integrated Storage Bin: Keeps a ready supply of ice on hand for quick service.
- Energy-Efficient R290 Refrigerant: Kinder to the environment and helps reduce your running costs.
- Gourmet Hat-Shaped Cubes: The perfect shape for cocktails, looking great and melting slowly.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Polar
- SKU: UA026
- Dimensions: 590(H) x 355(W) x 435(D)mm
- Power: 300W, 230V (Standard 13A Plug)
- Max Output: 21kg / 24hrs
- Storage Capacity: 4kg
- Ice Type: Gourmet Hat-Shaped Cubes (32x31x35mm)
- Drain Type: Gravity Drain
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Refrigerant: R290
- Weight: 31kg
Expert Review and Insights
For undercounter units, the Polar U-Series is a real standout. It’s not just about the solid output; it’s the quality of the ice itself that impresses. The spray system, usually found on much larger machines, produces genuinely premium, clear cubes that you'd expect in a top-tier cocktail bar. It's a robust and reliable choice for any venue wanting to up its game.
Liam Sinclair – Refrigeration Expert View Profile →
- Top-Tier Ice Quality: The spray system delivers exceptionally clear, dense ice perfect for high-end beverages.
- Gravity Drain Dependent: You must position it above a floor drain, limiting placement flexibility slightly.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The speakeasy-style 'Blind Tiger' bar in Leeds needed to upgrade its ice situation. Their old machine produced cloudy, fast-melting cubes that were letting down their carefully crafted, spirit-forward cocktails and causing dilution issues.
"We invest a lot in premium spirits, and serving them with poor-quality ice just wasn't an option anymore. The Polar U-Series produces perfectly clear, solid cubes every single time. Our regulars have genuinely noticed the improvement in their Old Fashioneds."
Samuel Jones – Head Bartender
The bar's overall ice consumption dropped by an estimated 15% as the denser, slower-melting gourmet cubes kept drinks colder for longer.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Ensure the unit is on a level, stable surface with at least 20cm of clear space around it for ventilation.
- This model features a gravity drain, so the machine's drain outlet must be positioned above your floor drain.
- Connect to a 3/4" BSP mains water supply. We strongly recommend installing a water filter to reduce limescale.
- Plug into a standard 13A socket. Allow the unit to stand for 3-4 hours before switching on for the first time.
Keeping It Going
- Regularly wipe the stainless steel exterior and the inside of the storage bin with a food-safe cleaner.
- Use the automatic cleaning cycle as recommended in the manual to keep the water system hygienic and free of scale.
- Monthly, hoover the front air filter to remove dust and ensure the condenser can breathe easily.
- Periodically check that the water inlet and drain hoses are free from any kinks or blockages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is a 'gourmet' or 'hat-shaped' ice cube?
A: It’s a premium, thimble-shaped, crystal-clear ice cube made by a spray system. It is denser and melts much slower than standard cloudy cubes, making it ideal for high-end drinks.
Q: How much ice does this machine actually produce in a day?
A: Under optimal ambient and water temperature conditions, it can produce a maximum of 21kg over a full 24-hour period.
Q: What does 'gravity drain' mean for installation?
A: It means the machine relies on gravity to empty waste water. The drain outlet on the back of the machine must be positioned higher than your main floor drain for it to work correctly.
Q: Will this fit under a standard UK bar counter?
A: With a height of 590mm, it's specifically designed to fit neatly under most standard-height commercial counters. We always advise measuring your space carefully first.
Q: How much ready-to-use ice can it hold?
A: The integrated, hygienic storage bin has a capacity of 4kg, ensuring you have a buffer of ice ready for immediate use during busy spells.
Q: Do I really need a water filter?
A: While the machine will operate without one, we strongly recommend fitting a water filter. It will drastically reduce limescale build-up, improve ice quality, and prolong the life of your machine.
Q: How often should I use the automatic cleaning cycle?
A: This depends on your usage and water hardness, but as a general rule, running it every 4-6 weeks with an appropriate cleaning solution is good practice.
Q: What is R290 refrigerant?
A: R290 (Propane) is a highly efficient and natural refrigerant that is much more environmentally friendly than older gases, as it has a very low Global Warming Potential (GWP).
The Polar U-Series Edge: Reliability When It Counts
Beyond the impressive daily output and quality cubes, choosing a Polar U-Series machine is an investment in operational peace of mind. The U-Series is Polar's premium range, engineered specifically for the most demanding, fast-paced environments where equipment failure simply isn't an option. The robust stainless steel construction isn't just for show; it's built to withstand the knocks and spills of a busy service, day after day. This focus on durability means fewer breakdowns, less maintenance-related stress for your team, and a more consistent service for your customers. In a bar or restaurant, running out of ice during a peak period can be disastrous. The reliability of this Polar U-Series ice machine ensures that's one less thing for a manager to worry about, allowing your team to focus on what they do best: creating fantastic customer experiences.
Explore more from PolarWhat Makes a Spray System So Different?
Ever wonder why some ice is cloudy and some is crystal clear? It's all in the method. Unlike standard machines that simply freeze water in a static tray (trapping air bubbles and impurities), this Polar U-Series gourmet ice maker uses a sophisticated spray system. Think of it like a mini, upside-down waterfall. Tiny jets constantly spray water onto a super-chilled grid, building the ice cube up in thin, pure layers. This process naturally pushes away any dissolved minerals and air, leaving you with a cube that's incredibly dense, clear, and slow to melt. It’s the secret to a drink that stays chilled to the last sip without getting watered down.
Who Should Buy This?
- Cocktail Bars & Pubs: Elevate your drink presentation with crystal-clear, slow-melting gourmet ice cubes that won't dilute expensive spirits.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: A perfect match for establishments where every single detail matters, from the food to the glassware.
- Boutique Hotels: Provide a truly premium experience for guests, whether in the hotel bar or for room service orders.
- Artisan Cafés & Delis: Ideal for upgrading iced coffees and speciality cold drinks, offering a touch of class over standard cloudy ice.
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