Scotsman Flake Ice Machines

The Scotsman UF series at a glance

All four are air-cooled, 115V / 60Hz single-phase, with a factory power cord and plug. Specifications from each product page.

Reading the model numbers

Scotsman's UF codes describe the machine:

• UF = undercounter flake.
• The first digits roughly indicate output: 09 ≈ 96 lb, 14 ≈ 142 lb, 20 ≈ 216 lb, 4 ≈ 440 lb.
• The last two digits give the cabinet width: 15, 20 or 24 inches.
• AX-1 = air-cooled, current configuration, 115V.

So the UF1415AX-1 is a 15-inch, roughly 140 lb/day flake machine on 115V.

What every UF model shares

The product pages list the same core design across the range:

• Sealed, maintenance-free bearings, so there is no bearing greasing in routine maintenance.
• Stainless steel evaporator and auger for long life in a continuously running flake machine.
• AutoAlert indicator lights that show machine status at a glance, plus a unit-specific QR code that takes staff straight to cleaning and service information.
• Antimicrobial protection on food-zone surfaces between scheduled cleanings.
• Front-breathing airflow, so the machine can be built in without side clearance, and a removable external air filter for routine cleaning.
• Ergonomic slide-back bin door, an ice scoop and adjustable legs in the box.
• R290 natural refrigerant.

Dealer listings for these models note that they ship with a water filter; confirm what's included on the product page.

Which UF model is right for you?

Use the 90/70 column for sizing: flake machines lose 21-31% in warm conditions, and seafood and produce areas are often warm and humid.

UF0915 vs UF1415: same cabinet, 48% more ice

Both are 15 x 24 x 38 inches with a 36 lb bin. The UF1415AX-1 makes 142 lb/day (107 at 90/70) against 96 (76) for the UF0915AX-1, and it is slightly more efficient per pound. Unless you only need a little flake ice, the UF1415AX-1 gives more for the same space.

UF2020 vs UF424: the step to 24 inches

The UF2020AX-1 is the best fit for a 20-inch opening, with a 57 lb bin. The UF424AX-1 doubles the output in a 24-inch cabinet, with the largest bin (80 lb) and the lowest energy use per pound (4.20 kWh). It is 28.5 inches deep, so check the depth of your counter.

Sizing flake ice for a display

A common planning figure is about 30 lb of flake ice per cubic foot. Example: a 6-ft seafood case, 2.5 ft deep, with a 3-inch bed holds 6 x 2.5 x 0.25 = 3.75 cubic feet, or about 110 lb. With daily rebuilding and top-ups, plan about 165-220 lb a day. The UF424AX-1 (310 lb at 90/70) covers it with room for customer bagging. The UF2020AX-1 (149 lb at 90/70) would be short on hot days.

Flake ice uses

Scotsman lists seafood and produce displays, salad bars, healthcare ice packs, specimen transport, blended drinks and food preparation as the main uses. Flake ice is soft, packable and molds around products and containers, giving broad surface contact without the hard edges of a cube. For everyday drinks, nugget ice holds up better in the glass. See Scotsman nugget ice machines.

Running costs

At the published 90/70 figures and $0.15 per kWh:

Flake machines use much less water than cube machines (12 gallons per 100 lb versus 20-30 for many cubers), because they don't rinse an evaporator at every harvest. See our operating cost guide.

Heat in the room

Air-cooled machines release their heat into the room: about 1,500 BTU/hr for the UF0915AX-1 and 3,000 BTU/hr for the UF424AX-1, per the product pages. In a small room or a closed cabinet, that heat raises the temperature and cuts output. Leave the front grille clear, and make sure the room's ventilation or air conditioning can handle the extra load.

Installation

1. Space: 38-39 inches tall, taller than a standard 36-inch counter. Check depth: 24 inches for the 15- and 20-inch models, 28.5 inches for the UF424.
2. Power: a dedicated 115V / 60Hz outlet. Each model ships with a cord and plug.
3. Water: a cold potable line. Use scale control; auger machines are sensitive to hard water. See water filters.
4. Drain: a gravity drain below the machine, or a drain pump kit. Flake bins drain more meltwater than cube bins.
5. Weight: shipping weights run from about 108 lb (UF0915) to 200 lb (UF424). Plan the delivery path.

See our installation checklist.

Warranty

Scotsman's product pages for the UF series list 3 years parts and labor on all components, with longer coverage on the compressor for the UF424AX-1. Confirm current terms and registration requirements on each product page; our warranty guide explains how coverage works.

Care

• Clean and sanitize at least every six months, more often in seafood and healthcare use. The QR code on each unit links to model-specific cleaning instructions.
• Clean the removable air filter monthly.
• Descale on schedule; the sealed bearings don't need grease, but the auger and evaporator still need descaling.

See our maintenance checklist.

Common mistakes with Scotsman flake machines

1. Buying the UF0915 when the UF1415 fits. Same cabinet, 48% more ice.
2. Ignoring depth. The UF424AX-1 is 28.5 inches deep, deeper than many counters.
3. Sizing on rated output. Plan on the 90/70 figure, which is 21-31% lower.
4. Using flake for everyday drinks. It melts quickly in a cup.
5. Skipping descaling. Sealed bearings save greasing, not descaling.

Scotsman UF by industry

• Grocery and seafood: the UF424AX-1 for display cases; the UF2020AX-1 for smaller produce or deli cases.
• Healthcare and sports medicine: the UF0915AX-1 or UF1415AX-1 for ice packs and therapy at the point of care.
• Restaurants: the UF2020AX-1 for a raw bar or salad bar.
• Bars: the UF0915AX-1 for julep and tiki programs.
• Labs and schools: the UF1415AX-1 for sample cooling.

Beyond the UF series

Scotsman also makes water-cooled versions of some UF models and modular flake heads for higher volumes, which we can source on request. For high-volume flake from stock, see the ITV and ICETRO heads on our industrial flake ice machines page.

UF series compared side by side

The bigger models are more efficient per pound but have a smaller reserve relative to their output. In a seafood case that's filled once each morning, start the machine early so the bin is full when you build the display.

Where to install a UF machine

• Seafood and produce: in the back room close to the display, so staff carry ice a short distance. Keep it away from steam and heat sources.
• Healthcare: in a clean utility room or nursing station, with the QR code accessible for staff cleaning.
• Bars: under the service end of the bar, with the front grille unobstructed.
• Kitchens: away from fryers and ovens; heat cuts output.

Scotsman flake vs other brands

For the most flake ice on a hot day from an undercounter cabinet, compare the Manitowoc UFP0350A (328 lb/day at 90/70) on our undercounter flake ice machines page. For more than about 330 lb a day, see industrial flake ice machines from ITV and ICETRO.

Related collections

• Scotsman undercounter ice makers and all Scotsman ice machines
• Scotsman Prodigy ice machines
• Flake ice makers and commercial crushed ice machines
• 15-inch and 24-inch undercounter ice makers