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Polar In Stock

Commercial Ice Machine | Countertop Ice Maker | 11kg/24hr Output | Polar C-Series

SKU: CH478
£341.07 / exc vat
£409.28/ inc vat
  • 11kg/24hr Output
  • Manual Fill
  • 1kg Storage Bin
  • Ice Size Selection

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Product Overview

Ever found yourself dashing to the local shop for bags of ice mid-service? Say goodbye to that frantic rush. The Polar C-Series countertop ice machine is your compact, reliable partner for keeping drinks perfectly chilled. It’s designed to sit neatly on your worktop, quietly churning out quality bullet ice without needing any complicated plumbing or installation. Just plug it in, add water, and  you're good to go.

This nifty machine is an absolute lifesaver for smaller venues where space is tight and  demand is steady. Think bustling village cafés, cosy pubs, mobile catering vans, or even office breakout areas. Because it's a manual-fill unit, you have the ultimate flexibility to place it wherever you have a plug socket. It's the perfect step-up from a domestic model, offering professional output without the commitment of a large, plumbed-in unit.

With an impressive output of up to 11kg of ice every 24 hours and  a handy size-selection feature, you can tailor your ice to your menu. It’s simple to use, a doddle to clean, and  built for the demands of a light commercial setting. If you need a straightforward, no-fuss solution to your ice needs, this self-contained commercial ice maker is ready to get to work.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • 11kg/24hr Output: Keeps a steady supply of fresh ice on hand.
  • Manual Fill: No plumbing needed, just plug in and  add water.
  • 1kg Storage Bin: Holds a good amount of ice, ready for service.
  • Ice Size Selection: Choose small, medium, or large bullet ice for versatility.
  • Compact Countertop Design: Fits easily into smaller kitchens without sacrificing valuable space.
  • Easy to Clean: Removable parts make regular cleaning quick and  simple.
  • Simple Push-Button Controls: Incredibly easy to operate with minimal staff training needed.
  • Energy Efficient: 20% more efficient than the previous model, saving money.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Polar
  • SKU: CH478
  • Dimensions: 380(H) x 305(W) x 380(D)mm
  • Weight: 12.8kg
  • Power: 130W
  • Voltage: 230V
  • Power Supply: UK 13 amp plug fitted
  • Output: 11kg per 24 hours
  • Bin Capacity: 1kg
  • Water Tank Capacity: 2 Litres
  • Fill Type: Manual
  • Ice Type: Bullet
  • Refrigerant: R600a
  • Colour: Black
  • Material: Plastic

Expert Review and  Insights

The Polar C-Series is a real workhorse for the light-duty market. It excels in its simplicity; there are no complex electronics or plumbing systems to worry about. For businesses taking their first step into commercial ice production, or for those needing a flexible, mobile solution, it hits the perfect sweet spot between domestic models and  full-blown industrial machines. It’s a solid, dependable bit of kit.

Liam Sinclair – Refrigeration View Profile →

  • Pros: Unbeatable portability and  ease of use. You can literally use it anywhere.
  • Cons: The 1kg bin requires frequent emptying during a consistently busy period.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Giddy Goat, a popular artisan coffee house in Shrewsbury, was struggling with their single domestic ice maker. During the summer heatwave, they were constantly running out of ice for their best-selling cold brew and  iced tea infusions, forcing them to buy bags from the supermarket.

"The Polar countertop unit has been brilliant. It's so simple to use, and  it just keeps on going. We can finally keep up with demand on hot days without worrying. Our customers get perfectly chilled drinks every time, and  we've stopped wasting time and  money on emergency ice runs."

Mark Easton – Owner, The Giddy Goat

The reliable output allowed them to serve over 40% more iced beverages during peak summer weeks, significantly boosting their seasonal profits.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Find a sturdy, level countertop with at least 15cm of clearance around the sides and  back for good air circulation.
  • Before the first use, give the water reservoir and  ice storage bin a good clean with warm, soapy water and  rinse thoroughly.
  • After positioning the machine, let it stand for at least 2-3 hours before plugging it in to allow the refrigerant to settle.
  • Fill the water tank up to the 'max' line with fresh, cold water. Avoid overfilling.

Keeping It Going

  • Always use the included scoop to retrieve ice, never your hands, to maintain hygiene.
  • Wipe down the exterior and  interior regularly with a soft, damp cloth to keep it looking its best.
  • Depending on your water hardness, descale the machine every 3-6 months to prevent build-up and  ensure efficient operation.
  • Ensure the lid is kept closed when not in use to maintain the internal temperature and  protect the ice.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Commercial Ice Maker

Not sure what to look for? Choosing an ice machine can be tricky, but focusing on a few key areas will help you find the perfect match for your business.

Output vs. Demand

Be realistic about your needs. The 11kg output of this machine is ideal for light-duty use. A busy nightclub would need a much larger, mains-fed model. Track your average daily drink sales to get a good idea.

Placement & Ventilation

Measure your space! This is a countertop model, but it still needs breathing room for the fans to work efficiently. Check the dimensions and  ensure you have enough clearance.

Water Connection

Manual-fill offers flexibility and  is great for portability or avoiding plumbing costs. Mains-fed is better for high-volume, 'set-and-forget' convenience. Choose what suits your operation.

Type of Ice

This machine produces bullet ice, which is fantastic for chilling drinks quickly as it has a large surface area. Other machines produce cubes, flakes, or gourmet ice for different applications.

Storage Capacity

The 1kg integrated bin holds ice ready for use. If you have intense, short bursts of activity (like a lunchtime rush), ensure this is enough to see you through before the machine replenishes it.

See all Commercial Ice Makers

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: From a room temperature start, you can typically expect the first cycle of bullet ice in around 10-15 minutes, with production becoming faster as the unit cools.

Q: Does it need plumbing or a drain?

A: No, this is a key feature. The Polar C-Series countertop ice machine is a manual-fill unit, so it requires no water connection or drainage, offering maximum placement flexibility.

Q: Can I choose the size of the ice cubes?

A: Yes, it features a simple control panel that allows you to Select from small, medium, or large bullet-shaped ice to suit your needs.

Q: How much ice does it make in an hour?

A: It produces up to 11kg in 24 hours, which averages out to around 450g of ice per hour, depending on the ambient temperature.

Q: Is it noisy to run?

A: It operates with a low hum from the compressor and  fan, similar to a domestic fridge. It's designed for light commercial environments and  is generally unobtrusive.

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

A: The machine has simple indicator lights on the control panel that will alert you when you need to add more water or when the ice basket is full and  needs emptying.

Q: What kind of plug does it come with?

A: It is supplied with a standard, pre-fitted 3-pin UK 13 amp plug, so you can plug it straight into any mains socket.

Q: Is this suitable for a really busy pub?

A: This C-Series model is designed for light-duty commercial use. For a constantly busy pub, we'd recommend looking at our larger G-Series mains-fill ice machines which have higher output and  storage capacities.

What Customers Are Saying

"A fantastic little machine. Does exactly what it says on the tin. We use it in our small B&B for guest drinks and  it hasn't missed a beat. So much better than a noisy domestic one."

Susan L. – B&B Owner, Lake District

"Great for our mobile bar setup. We just plug it in the van and  have ice ready for the first customers. The different ice sizes are a nice touch for our cocktails."

Tom C. – Events Bar, Bristol

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The Polar C-Series Edge: Reliable Ice, Simply Delivered

Beyond the numbers and  features lies the core philosophy of the Polar C-Series: dependable performance without complication. Polar has built a strong reputation in UK kitchens for creating equipment that does its job effectively, day in and  day out. This ice maker embodies that principle. It's not designed to be the flashiest machine on the market; it's designed to be the one you can count on. The real-world value comes from its sheer simplicity. With no complex plumbing or electronics, there are fewer points of failure, meaning less downtime and  lower potential maintenance costs over its lifespan. For a small business owner, that reliability is invaluable. The updated, more energy-efficient design also speaks to long-term operational savings. It's a smart investment in consistency, ensuring that whether you're serving iced lattes or a gin and  tonic, you'll always have the essential ingredient ready to go.

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Plug In and  Go: The Freedom of a Manual-Fill Ice Maker

You might see 'manual-fill' and  think it sounds like a chore, but it's actually this machine's superpower. Unlike larger, plumbed-in models that need a permanent water line and  a drainage point (often requiring a plumber), this commercial countertop ice maker offers total freedom. Think of it like a kettle, but for ice: you place it wherever you have a standard plug socket, fill the internal 2-litre water tank from the tap, and  switch it on. That's it. This makes it the perfect restaurant ice cube machine for businesses that rent their premises, for mobile caterers who are always on the move, or for anyone who wants a professional ice supply without the cost and  hassle of installation.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Small Cafés & Coffee Shops: Perfect for keeping up with the demand for iced coffees and  chilled drinks without major installation.
  • Village Pubs & Small Bars: A great supplementary Polar ice machine for bar use, ensuring you're never caught short on a busy evening.
  • Mobile Caterers & Event Stalls: The ultimate portable solution – no water connection means you can make fresh ice anywhere.
  • Offices & Staff Rooms: A fantastic upgrade for staff kitchen areas, providing fresh ice for drinks throughout the day.
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Ready to Order?

Don't get left in the cold again. Order your Polar C-Series countertop ice machine today for a fast, simple, and  reliable supply of fresh ice whenever you need it!

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  • #BulletIce
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