Kastel Industrial Cube, Dice and Nugget Ice Machines

Kastel ice machine prices should be evaluated first by the shape of ice to be produced, before looking at daily kilogram output. Full 18-gram cubes, 6–17 gram dice, nugget ice, and flat flake ice behave differently in beverages, product display, and process cooling. The amount of ice that must be stored at the same time as the production head is also a separate capacity decision.

Kastel is an Italy-based professional ice machine manufacturer founded in 2000, operating within the Aristarco structure since 2013. It states that design, AISI 304 stainless steel sheet processing, assembly, and final product stages are all carried out at its facility in Castelfranco Veneto. The current product range includes the KP, SP, KV, KQ, KS and KFE ice series, along with ST storage bins.

How Is the 18-Gram Full Cube Formed in the KP Series?

The KP series produces a full ice cube of approximately 18 grams. Water is sprayed onto a horizontally positioned, cooled evaporator surface and freezes in layers to form a dense cube. This ice shape shows different surface and melting behavior compared to a hollow cube in a beverage.

Within the KP family there are models that combine production and storage in a single body, as well as modular heads that require a separate ST storage bin. In codes such as KP 25/6, the first value relates to approximate daily production, while the value after the slash relates to the internal storage class.

The KP range on Mutfak10 spans from a compact model producing approximately 25 kg/day with 6 kg storage, to bodies producing 165 kg/day with 75 kg storage. Bin-less heads such as KP 165 and KP 300 are paired with a separate ST storage bin.

Why Are Production Capacity and Ice Storage Calculated Separately?

Daily production indicates the amount of ice a machine can generate in 24 hours under specific water and ambient temperature conditions. Storage capacity, on the other hand, defines the maximum stock that can be kept ready at the same time. A unit producing 50 kg/day may stop new ice production once its 25 kg storage bin is full.

If 40 kg of ice is needed before a busy service but the unit's storage only holds 15 kg, the initial stock may fall short even though the daily production figure seems adequate. Conversely, a large storage bin can cause ice to sit for a long time and pieces to clump together in a business with low turnover.

In modular systems, the head and the storage bin can be selected independently. Kastel ST S 150, 200, 250 and 400 storage bins offer stock options in the 130–400 kg class. Head-to-bin pairing should not be done without checking physical width, ice drop clearance, and the manufacturer's compatibility list.

6, 10 and 17 Gram Dice Ice in the KQ Series

The KQ series produces dice-shaped ice at 6, 10 or 17 grams. Within the same machine family, the mold option changes the cube's outer dimensions and how it sits in a glass. Smaller dice create more pieces and surface area, while larger dice produce different melting and presentation behavior.

The KQ 152 is rated at approximately 140 kg/day, KQ 252 at approximately 240 kg/day, KQ 302 at approximately 300 kg/day, and KQ 402 at approximately 400 kg/day. These models use a separate ice storage bin. In large hotels, event venues, beverage production points, and high-volume bars, the production head and peak stock capacity can be planned separately.

The same dice size may not suit every beverage in a business. In cocktail, soft drink, pitcher and packaged beverage operations, glass volume, desired dilution, and ice dosage should be tested with the actual products.

Auger and Crusher in KS Nugget Ice

The KS series produces nugget ice. Ice forming on the inner surface of a vertical cylindrical evaporator is scraped off and carried upward by a rotating auger screw. The ice then passes through a crushing section, aimed at reducing residual water content and forming the desired nugget structure.

Nugget ice can be spread around a product to shape it in fish, meat, vegetable, and cold display beds. In healthcare, process, or food applications, the hygiene line for ice used in such settings should be kept separate from beverage ice.

KS machines are offered with either internal storage or connection to an external ST bin. Products on Mutfak10 range from approximately 140 kg/day storage models to modular heads in the 300 and 600 kg/day class.

Which Operations Does KFE Flat Flake Ice Suit?

The KFE series in Kastel's international product range produces flat flake ice. The thin pieces can spread over a wide product surface and form a shapeable cold bed in fish markets, supermarkets, food processing, or display areas.

Flake ice and beverage cubes do not share the same purpose. Flake ice's contact area on the product and its melting behavior differ from the visual and dosage arrangement expected in cocktail or glass service.

The storage bin, cart, or ice distribution system connected to a KFE head should be planned at the same capacity as daily production. For high-kilogram output, the project should account not only for storage but also for how the ice is transported within the business.

KV Hollow Cube and SP Large Full Cube

Beyond the KP, Kastel's product range also includes the SP series, producing a large full cube of approximately 36 grams, and the KV series, producing a hollow cube of approximately 21 grams. SP is aimed at a large, dense piece of ice, while KV suits a different glass volume and a more compact machine footprint.

Hollow cubes and full cubes are not distinguished by weight alone. Wall thickness, internal cavity, and surface area affect cooling and melting behavior in the beverage. The machine series should not be decided before the glass and ice gram target used on the menu are selected.

How Does Water Quality Affect the Cube's Appearance and the Machine?

Since ice is a directly consumed food product, the inlet water must be potable. Hardness, minerals, sediment, and chlorine can affect the cube's appearance, taste, evaporator, and water distribution parts.

A water filter should be selected based on daily liters and local analysis. Using a filter does not entirely eliminate the need for regular machine cleaning and, when necessary, descaling maintenance. Once cartridge capacity is reached, actual water consumption should be considered, not just the date.

Drainage must be installed at a slope that avoids back pressure, and bin meltwater must not be discharged onto the floor uncontrolled. The ice scoop should not be left inside the bin; it should be kept in a separate, clean holder.

Choosing Air- or Water-Cooled Condensers

Different Kastel models offer air- or water-cooled configurations. An air-cooled unit releases condenser heat into its surrounding environment and requires adequate air clearance around it. A hot oven, enclosed cabinetry, or a dirty filter can reduce production capacity.

A water-cooled system can be considered in hot projects or those with limited air circulation; it creates additional water and drainage consumption. The model's condenser option, plumbing requirements, and local water costs should be examined together.

Key Features

• In-house production cycle from design to stainless sheet processing in Castelfranco Veneto
• 18-gram full, 36-gram large full, and 21-gram hollow cube options across the KP, SP and KV families
• 6, 10 or 17 gram dice in the KQ series; auger-driven nugget ice production in the KS series
• KFE flake ice heads and ST storage systems in different capacities for modular products

How Should a Kastel Ice Machine Be Sized?

Ice grams per glass should be calculated for beverage service, and surface area plus replenishment frequency for display. Melting, transport, and cleaning losses should be added to total daily production.

The amount that must be ready before peak service begins determines storage capacity; 24-hour consumption determines the production head. Since these two values are not the same, especially in modular systems, they should be selected separately.

Finally, the water filter, drainage, electrical, condenser airflow, storage bin lid, and ice transport route should be marked on the site plan.

Kastel Ice Machines on Mutfak10

Bins compatible with Kastel KP full-cube, KQ dice, and KS nugget ice machines can be reviewed on the Kastel professional ice production systems page on Mutfak10, operated by Arlinoks. Kastel ice machine prices vary based on ice type, daily production, internal-external storage, and condenser configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Kastel KP and KQ ice machines?

The KP series produces a full cube of approximately 18 grams and is available with internal storage or as a modular head. KQ consists of high-capacity modular heads producing dice ice at 6, 10 or 17 grams. Ice shape and service volume drive the selection.

Are daily production and storage capacity the same on a Kastel ice machine?

No. Daily production shows the amount the unit produces in 24 hours, while storage capacity shows the ice that can be kept ready at the same time. Since the machine may stop production once the bin is full, peak stock must be calculated separately.

What features affect Kastel ice machine prices?

Price is determined by the KP, KQ, KS or KFE series; ice shape; daily kilograms; and internal versus external storage. Air-water cooling, ST storage bin, filters, and installation infrastructure can change the total investment.