Introduction Ice machine refers to an appliance included in some electric gadgets for making ice cubes. However, stand-alone icemakers also exist. An ice machine consists of a refrigerator, dispenser, water supply, and a source of power (Kulling 13). Ice machines have existed for thousands of years, and have undergone numerous changes over the years in a bid to suit the needs of various users. The first design of an ice machine was first demonstrated in 1748 at the University of Glasgow. Nearly one hundred years later, John Gorrie, an American physician built a refrigerator using the design to make ice for treating some of his patients. This marked the birth of ice machines in the United States because, in 1851, the federal government awarded him with exclusive rights for his innovation (Whitman 38). This development encouraged more innovators to develop their own ice machines designed to meet the demand for ice in various fields. The first ice machine developed for commercial purposes was created in 1873 by Columbus Iron Works (Kulling 25). It is important to note that ice machines are developed using different designs that allow for the varied shapes of the ice produced. Generally, there are three types of ice, namely cube ice, flake ice, and nugget-style ice. According to experts, one of the things one should consider when buying an ice machine is the type of ice it produces and its suitability to the immediate needs (Wirz 102). Over the years, the demand for ice machines has been escalating at a high rate in both the hospitality and service industries. This demand has led to increased innovation with regard to the designs of the ice-making machines and ease of use by the consumer. Types of Ice Produced by Ice Machines The principle of ice making entails four crucial components, namely the evaporator, condenser, compressor, and throttle valve (Dass 118). The functionality of ice machines is universal. However, due to the different configurations and styles available in the market, it is very important to choose the machine that suits the needs of the consumer in an effective manner (Whitman 65). Ice machines produce three major types of ice. The first one is the cube ice. This is formed by allowing water poured on a plate divided into grids to freeze and form cubes. Freshwater often runs on top of the ice until it freezes to form the desired type of cubes. Cube ice is either full, half, or crescent-shaped. The characteristic features of cube ice include hardiness and long life. This explains the reason they are mostly used in convenience stores, fast food joints, beverage stores, and hotels (Wirz 111). The second one is a flake ice. This one is made using cylindrical patents where water passes through the inner walls and frozen to form the ice. The resulting layer of ice is then chopped into small flakes. Due to their soft and tiny nature, flake ice is commonly used in preserving foodstuffs that cannot be easily damaged when the ice melts. Flake ice is also used by physicians in treating their patients because they melt easily, thus cannot put a patient in any danger of chocking (Kulling 29). Other notable applications of flake ice include artificial snowing, baking, as well as storage and transportation of fruits and meat. The third type is nugget-style ice, which is formed in a similar manner to flake ic