ICETRO IM-0550-AH Buying Guide: 551 lb Half-Cube Output, Installation, Bins and 500 lb-Class Comparison
Quick answer
The ICETRO IM-0550-AH is a 30-inch air-cooled modular half-cube head rated for 551 lb/day at 70F/50F and 399 lb/day at 90F/70F. It uses standard 115V power, requires both a water line and drain, and competes directly with Manitowoc and Ice-O-Matic machines in the 500 lb half-cube class.
Key Specifications
|
Specification |
Current verified detail |
|---|---|
|
Machine style |
Air-cooled modular half-cube head |
|
Production - 70F air / 50F water |
551 lb per 24 hours |
|
Production - 90F air / 70F water |
399 lb per 24 hours |
|
Dimensions |
30 W x 24.8 D x 22.6 H in. |
|
Electrical |
115V/60/1; current spec shows 20A minimum circuit breaker; NEMA plug listed on current product literature |
|
Water connection |
3/8-in. FPT inlet |
|
Drain |
3/4-in. FPT drain; drain line is required |
|
Energy use |
5.91 kWh per 100 lb at 90F/70F |
|
Potable water use |
15 gal per 100 lb ice |
|
Suggested bins |
IB-033, IB-044 and larger ICETRO bins; verify adapter/fit for final combination |
|
Key features |
3-way ventilation, diagnostic panel, auto-clean cycle, tool-free removable cleanable parts, hinged access, magnetic air filter, antimicrobial interior |
Nominal output is high, but warm output is the key comparison
At 70F air and 50F water, IM-0550-AH is rated for 551 lb/day. At 90F air and 70F water, output is 399 lb/day. That is a 152 lb reduction, one of the clearest reasons to compare commercial ice machines using the same test condition.
If an operator only sees "551 lb/day," the model may look larger than a competitor that actually produces more ice in a hot kitchen. For sizing, use 399 lb/day first and add reserve.
Half cube and the AH model code
The "AH" version makes half cube ice. ICETRO also sells an "AC" full-cube version in the same family. Half cube packs cups densely and is a practical choice for soda, water, iced tea and high-throughput beverage service.
The machine is modular, so storage is selected separately. This gives more control over peak inventory than a self-contained undercounter model.
Installation: air-cooled does not mean drain-free
The current specification shows a 3/8-inch FPT water inlet and a 3/4-inch FPT drain. ICETRO installation manuals also include dedicated water-supply and drain-hose connection procedures. The storage bin has its own drainage needs as well.
This is important because air-cooled refers to how condenser heat is rejected; it does not eliminate the machine or bin drain. Any product FAQ that says this air-cooled model needs no drain should be corrected before publication.
Cabinet, power and serviceability
The head measures about 30 inches wide, 24.8 inches deep and 22.6 inches high. It runs on 115V single-phase power. Current ICETRO product literature highlights 3-way ventilation, hinged front access, a magnetic air filter and parts that can be removed by hand for cleaning.
The ABS antimicrobial interior and automatic cleaning cycle support sanitation routines, but they do not remove the need for full manufacturer-specified cleaning and descaling.
Bins and water treatment
Ice Maker Supply currently lists compatible ICETRO storage options such as IB-033 and IB-044, with larger bins available for operations that need more ready ice. Confirm the exact top fit and adapter for the chosen bin.
ICETRO recommends dedicated filtration. Current manufacturer literature also promotes IcePro filtration and a registration-based warranty extension program for qualifying installations. Verify the current program terms when quoting the machine.
IM-0550-AH vs Manitowoc IYP0500A-161 vs Ice-O-Matic CIM0520HA90
Under 70/50 conditions, ICETRO leads this three-model snapshot at 551 lb/day, followed by Ice-O-Matic at 525 and Manitowoc at 516. Under 90/70 conditions, the order changes: Manitowoc IYP0500A-161 is 444 lb/day, Ice-O-Matic CIM0520HA90 is 400 and ICETRO IM-0550-AH is 399.
Footprint also differs. ICETRO and Manitowoc are 30-inch heads, while CIM0520HA90 is only 22.25 inches wide. This is why one headline production number is not enough to choose a commercial ice machine.
Who should choose IM-0550-AH?
Shortlist it when you want a 30-inch, 115V, modular half-cube machine with strong nominal capacity and service-friendly access. It can work well for restaurants, cafeterias, bars and beverage operations with compatible storage.
If your site routinely runs hot and needs more than about 400 lb/day, compare the warm-condition ratings of the next capacity class rather than relying on the 551 lb headline.
IM-0550-AH FAQ
How much ice does ICETRO IM-0550-AH produce?
It is rated for 551 lb/day at 70F/50F and 399 lb/day at 90F/70F.
Does IM-0550-AH require a drain?
Yes. The specification shows a 3/4-inch FPT drain, and the installation manual includes water-supply and drain connection procedures.
What type of ice does IM-0550-AH make?
The AH version makes half-cube ice. The AC version in the same family makes full cube.
What are IM-0550-AH dimensions?
The 30-inch model is approximately 30 W x 24.8 D x 22.6 H inches.
What bins can be used with IM-0550-AH?
Common ICETRO options include IB-033 and IB-044, plus larger bins. Verify the exact bin/top combination before purchase.
How does IM-0550-AH compare with Manitowoc IYP0500A-161?
ICETRO has the higher 70/50 headline rating (551 vs 516 lb/day), but Manitowoc has the higher 90/70 warm-condition rating (444 vs 399 lb/day).
Buying takeaway
Choose this model when you want a 30-inch 115V half-cube head with service-friendly features and your warm-condition demand fits below roughly 399 lb/day.
Shop the ICETRO IM-0550-AH or contact the Ice Maker Supply equipment team for sizing, bin and installation guidance.
