CU50

Overview

The Scotsman CU50 is a self-contained, air-cooled undercounter cube ice machine with an integrated storage bin. It produces up to 65 lb of gourmet ice in 24 hours and holds up to 26 lb. Its large, crystal-clear cubes are slow-melting, taste-free and odorless, making them a practical choice for cocktails and other premium beverage service. Each cube measures 1 x 1 1/8 x 1 1/4 in.

The CU50 is available with either a gravity drain or a built-in drain pump. The pump configuration provides additional drain-routing flexibility; the manual states that it can pump water up to 10 ft above the machine. Scotsman’s product literature describes the unit as suitable for commercial applications and UL approved for outdoor applications. Outdoor use is subject to the conditions and limits in the manual.

Key Features

• Gourmet cube ice: Produces large, clear, slow-melting cubes for mixed drinks and beverage service.
• Compact footprint: The cabinet is approximately 14.875 in. wide, with a 26 lb ice storage capacity.
• Water-quality sensing: A sensor detects hard-water conditions. The control system purges mineral-laden water during harvest to help extend the time between cleanings.
• Operator indicators: The control panel has an ice-making indicator, a check-water indicator and a time-to-clean indicator, along with On/Off and Clean-Reset buttons.
• Drain choices: The CU50 is offered as a gravity-drain or drain-pump configuration. The pump is built into the pump configuration.
• Air-cooled cabinet: The machine draws room air at the lower-right front and exhausts warm air at the lower-left front.

Specifications

• Ice type: Gourmet cube; each cube measures 1 x 1 1/8 x 1 1/4 in.
• Production: Up to 65 lb of ice per 24 hours.
• Storage capacity: 26 lb.
• Condenser: Air-cooled.
• Dimensions: 14.875 in. W x 22 in. D x 34.375 in. H (37.8 x 55.9 x 87.3 cm). The manual lists cabinet depth with the door panel and handle as 22 3/4 in.; cabinet height is adjustable from 33 3/8 to 34 3/8 in.
• Electrical supply: 115 V, 60 Hz, single phase; the manual specifies a dedicated 15 A circuit. The specification sheet lists a 15 A maximum fuse or HACR circuit breaker, two circuit wires and 14.4 A minimum circuit ampacity.
• Power consumption: The service manual lists 275–400 W, varying during freeze and harvest cycles.
• Energy consumption: 11.0 kWh per 100 lb of ice.
• Water use: 29.8 gallons per 100 lb of ice.
• Heat output: 1,965 BTU per hour.
• Refrigerant: R-134a.
• Air temperature limits: 50°F (10°C) minimum and 100°F (38°C) maximum; the service manual says the machine functions best between 70°F and 80°F.
• Water temperature limits: 40°F (4.4°C) minimum and 100°F (38°C) maximum.
• Water pressure limits: 20 psi (1.4 bar) minimum and 80 psi (5.5 bar) maximum.
• Voltage limits: 104–126 V.
• Water supply: Potable water is required. The cabinet connection is a 1/4-in. compression fitting.
• Drain connections shown in the manual: 3/8-in. I.D. flexible tubing for the pump model; 5/8-in. I.D. tubing for the gravity-drain model.

Installation & Requirements

The CU50 is intended for indoor use in a controlled environment, with limited outdoor use permitted under the manual’s conditions. Keep the machine within its stated air and water temperature and water pressure limits. The water supply must be potable. The manual recommends 1/4-in. O.D. copper supply tubing and an accessible shut-off valve; it says not to locate the valve behind the machine and not to use a self-piercing valve.

Connect the machine to its own 115 V, 15 A circuit. It is supplied with a power cord. The manual says not to remove the grounding pin or use an extension cord, and to follow applicable codes. The unit takes in room air at the lower-right front and discharges warm air at the lower-left front; restricting this airflow adversely affects ice production.

For a pump-drain installation, route the supplied drain tubing to the building drain. The manual states the drain connection can be as high as 10 ft above the machine. For gravity drainage, the drain line must be vented, free of kinks and sloped toward the building drain; restrictions can cause water to back up into the bin and melt ice. The manual notes that an air gap is often required by local codes. During setup, check water and drain connections for leaks and confirm the unit is level. The manual also instructs installers to pour a couple of quarts of water into the bin on pump-equipped machines and check that the pump operates and the system does not leak.

For outdoor installations, the manual says to keep the unit dry, protect it from freezing and provide shade. Avoid low areas where puddles can collect. Sun exposure can reduce ice production and storage and may damage plastic components; exposed plastic water tubing should be potable-water rated and UV-protected. The stainless-steel kickplate cover must remain in place outdoors. Do not drain the machine into a swimming pool or onto the ground. The manual notes that the storage-bin ice level can be low when the machine is used below 65°F.

Operation

Use the On/Off button to control ice production. The control panel’s indicator lights show ice-making status, a check-water condition and when cleaning is due. To stop the machine immediately, press and hold On/Off until it stops; the manual also describes shutting it off at the end of the next cycle. When the unit is operating, the fan moves air and the water pump circulates water during freezing. Ice dropping into the bin during harvest is also normal operating noise.

The ice-making process automatically dilutes minerals in the reservoir by overflowing water during harvest and sending the excess to the drain. The water-quality sensor and purge control help manage mineral accumulation, but they do not replace cleaning. The manual says the Time to Clean light comes on after six months of use and remains on until the ice-making system is cleaned.

Keep the storage bin for ice only. The manual warns against storing items such as wine or beer bottles in it: this is unsanitary, and labels can come loose and block the drain.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The manual identifies five areas to keep clean: the exterior cabinet and door, the ice storage bin, the condenser, the ice-making system and the ice scoop. It calls for regular cleaning at least once a year, preferably twice. Water conditions may require more frequent ice-system cleaning; pets or carpets may mean the condenser needs more frequent attention. Inspect the condenser more frequently during outdoor operation, where leaves and other debris can collect, and clean it whenever its fins are obstructed.

Clean the condenser

1. Remove the kickplate and front service panel.
2. Locate the condenser surface and vacuum away dust and lint.
3. Do not dent the condenser fins.
4. Reinstall the kickplate and service panel using their original screws.

Clean and descale the ice-making system

1. Remove and discard all ice.
2. Press and hold On/Off for three seconds, until the green light goes out.
3. Press and hold Clean-Reset and On/Off together for five seconds, until the Time to Clean light blinks.
4. Pour 8 oz of Scotsman Ice Machine Scale Remover into the reservoir and operate the machine for about half an hour.
5. Press and release On/Off to flush the cleaning solution, then operate the machine for another half hour.
6. Press and release On/Off to stop the cleaning process.
7. Pour a gallon of hot water at 95°F–115°F into the bin to flush the drain. The manual also describes removing scale from the bin liner with scale remover mixed with hot water, then rinsing the liner with hot water.

Sanitize the empty bin interior occasionally. The manual gives a solution of 1 oz household bleach in 2 gallons of hot water at 95°F–115°F: wipe the bin interior with a clean cloth, pour some solution down the drain and allow the bin to air-dry. Clean spills from the door and handle with soap and warm water. The ice scoop should also be kept clean.

Winterize

Before winterizing, clean the ice-making system. Turn the machine off and shut off the water supply. Drain the reservoir by removing its rubber cap near the back wall of the bin, then disconnect the incoming water line at the inlet valve. Turn the unit on and blow air through the inlet water valve until water stops flowing. For pump-drain models, pour about 1/2 gallon of RV antifreeze (propylene glycol) into the bin drain. The manual explicitly says not to use automotive antifreeze. Turn off and unplug the machine.

Troubleshooting

• Check Water indicator: The control panel includes a check-water light. Confirm that the unit has a water supply and that the supply is within the manual’s temperature and pressure limits. The available manual text does not provide a complete diagnostic procedure for this indicator.
• Ice production is reduced: The manual warns that restricted intake or exhaust airflow adversely affects ice making. Check that the lower-front air path is not obstructed and that the condenser fins are not clogged with dust or lint.
• Water backs up into the bin or ice melts: The manual associates this with restrictions in the drain system. For gravity drainage, check that the line is vented, has no kinks and slopes toward the building drain.
• Cubes are ragged or misshapen: The manual identifies mineral scale in the ice-making system as a possible cause and provides the descaling process above.
• Ice level is low outdoors: The manual says a low bin level is normal when the unit operates below 65°F. It also warns that sun-related heat gain can reduce ice production and storage.
• Noise during a cycle: Fan and water-pump sounds during freezing, and ice sounds during harvest, are described as normal.

For service, the manual directs users to a commercial service company and points to Scotsman’s service locator. Consult the CU50 manual and use the complete model number when identifying parts, since the parts manual notes that model differences can affect part selection.

Applications

The CU50’s compact undercounter format and gourmet cube make it suitable for beverage stations, cocktail service, small restaurant bars and other commercial settings where clear, slow-melting ice is useful. Its outdoor use is limited to the conditions in the installation manual, including protection from freezing, moisture accumulation and direct sun exposure.