Description
BT‑GD140 Cylinder Ice Maker – 140 lb/day Commercial Cylindrical Cube Machine (Air‑cooled)
Overview
The Naixer BT‑GD140 is a self‑contained commercial cylinder ice maker engineered for bars, restaurants, cafes, and premium beverage venues where ice presentation, slow melt rate, and cooling efficiency directly impact drink quality and customer experience. It produces up to 140 lbs (63 kg) of crystal‑clear, slow‑melting cylindrical ice cubes per day—each hollow cylinder measuring 30 × 30 × 25 mm—with a generous 40 kg (88 lbs) built‑in storage bin that holds ready‑to‑use ice directly where it’s needed—under the bar or counter.
Among the various ice types available today, cylindrical ice has gained increasing popularity for its durability, clarity, and slow‑melting characteristics. Cylindrical ice is far more than a simple beverage accessory—it plays a critical role in food preservation, drink presentation, medical storage, seafood processing, and commercial cooling.
The BT‑GD140 uses an integrated mechanism design—the ice maker and storage bin are built into a single compact unit. At 660 × 745 × 1005 mm, it fits under most standard counters while offering the simplicity of a plug‑and‑play installation. Unlike modular systems that require separate bins and complex plumbing, the BT‑GD140 connects to a water line, drains by gravity, and starts producing ice. The larger 40 kg bin capacity compared to its BT‑GD90 sibling means more ice on standby during peak service periods—fewer refill interruptions, smoother bar flow.
BT-GD140 Product Specifications
Key Features
140 lb (63 kg) Daily Production. Enough for approximately 280–420 beverages per day—ideal for small to mid‑sized bars, cafes, and restaurants. This output comfortably serves a venue with 80–150 seats during peak service without running short. The production capacity matches the sweet spot for establishments that need more ice than a compact countertop unit can produce but don’t require a full modular system.
Crystal‑Clear Cylindrical Ice Cubes (30 × 30 × 25mm). Each cylinder is formed with a hollow center, which accelerates liquid cooling by allowing beverages to flow through the ice. The solid outer wall melts more slowly than traditional cubes, keeping drinks cold longer without excessive dilution. Cylindrical ice features a smooth outer surface while maintaining structural strength—this design delivers a balance between cooling efficiency and melting resistance. Its compact structure and smaller surface area compared to crushed or flake ice ensures long‑lasting cooling without watering down drinks.
40 kg (88 lbs) Built‑In Storage Bin. The integrated insulated bin holds substantially more ice than comparable models in this class. This larger buffer means fewer refill interruptions during peak hours and a safety margin against unexpected demand surges. No separate bin purchase required—the ice maker and storage are combined in a single undercounter‑compatible unit.
Compact Integrated Mechanism Design. Measuring 660 × 745 × 1005 mm, the BT‑GD140 combines the ice maker and storage bin into a single self‑contained appliance. This integrated approach eliminates the complexity of modular systems—no separate ice head, no bin pairing decisions, no additional installation costs. The compact footprint fits under standard counters in bars, cafes, and small kitchens where floor space is limited.
R290 Refrigerant with Imported Compressor. Uses environmentally friendly R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant with ultra‑low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3, paired with an imported Skipou compressor for reliable, energy‑efficient operation. As of January 1, 2026, self‑contained air‑cooled ice machines that produce 1,000 lbs of ice or less must use R290 refrigerant under the EPA’s Technology Transition Rule—the BT‑GD140 is fully compliant and future‑ready.
Air‑cooled Efficiency. Optimized airflow design maintains consistent ice production without the additional water consumption of water‑cooled systems. Air‑cooled machines are easier to install and more cost‑efficient, making them the practical choice for most bar and cafe environments where adequate ventilation is available.
Durable Stainless Steel Construction. Food‑grade 304 stainless steel exterior resists corrosion, cleans easily, and maintains a professional appearance in customer‑facing bar and cafe environments.
Why Cylindrical Ice Wins for Bars and Restaurants
Cylindrical ice—also known as cylinder ice, bullet ice, or hollow‑core ice—has become one of the most popular ice types in commercial foodservice, particularly in markets where beverage presentation and cooling efficiency directly impact revenue.
Faster Cooling Through Hollow‑Core Design. The defining feature of cylinder ice is its hollow center. This opening allows liquid to flow through the cube, dramatically increasing the surface area in contact with the beverage. The result is faster, more efficient cooling compared to solid cubes of the same external dimensions. This design helps the ice cool drinks faster while using less material, maintaining beverage temperature for longer periods without excessive dilution.
Slow‑Melting Solid Outer Wall. While the hollow core accelerates initial cooling, the solid cylindrical outer wall melts more slowly than traditional cubes of equivalent size. Cylindrical ice melts significantly more slowly than cube ice, making it ideal for drinks that require prolonged cooling without diluting flavor. This slow melting speed and attractive appearance enhance both flavor retention and presentation, making it perfect for specialty beverages.
Distinctive Visual Presentation. Cylinder ice has a unique, premium appearance that stands out in any glass. Its clear, rounded appearance gives beverages a sophisticated look, improving the overall customer experience. In high‑end cafés, bars, and hotels, the visual impact of cylindrical ice helps elevate brand image and demonstrates attention to detail. For bars and restaurants charging premium prices for cocktails and spirits, this visual differentiation supports higher pricing and enhances the overall presentation and quality of service.
Versatile Across Multiple Applications. Cylindrical ice excels in environments that require longer cooling duration, such as restaurants, bars, coffee chains, and beverage shops. It keeps drinks cold longer without altering their taste or texture. For iced coffee, juices, or specialty drinks, the clarity and consistency of cylindrical ice ensure a pleasant visual and sensory experience. Cylindrical ice also plays a critical role in food preservation, medical storage, and seafood processing—making the BT‑GD140 a versatile addition to any commercial kitchen.
Designed for Bars, Restaurants, and Cafes
BT-GD140-various-commercial-ice-maker
The BT‑GD140 is purpose‑built for commercial environments where ice presentation, cooling efficiency, and compact footprint are equally important. Its 40 kg storage bin—significantly larger than comparable models—makes it particularly suited for venues that experience sustained peak demand rather than short bursts.
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Bars & Cocktail Lounges | Cylinder ice enhances the presentation of highball cocktails, spirits on the rocks, and premium mixed drinks. Bars and lounges often prefer cylindrical ice for mixing cocktails, whiskey, and other premium drinks—the ice melts slowly, preserving the flavor balance while adding a refined, professional appearance. |
| Restaurants & Cafes | In restaurants and coffee shops, cylindrical ice is ideal for maintaining the freshness and flavor of beverages. The larger 40 kg bin provides ample reserve for extended dinner services. The compact undercounter design fits neatly beneath bar counters and server stations. |
| Hotels & Hospitality | Lobby bars, poolside service, and breakfast buffet beverage stations. Hotels and resorts rely on cylindrical ice makers to serve guests efficiently and elegantly—from minibars to large event catering, cylindrical ice contributes to a polished presentation. |
| Bubble Tea & Specialty Drink Shops | Cylinder ice cools brewed tea and specialty beverages quickly while maintaining full flavor profile without dilution. The hollow core design is particularly effective for drinks served with straws. |
When selecting a commercial cylinder ice maker, always choose a model with slightly higher capacity than your estimated daily requirement to avoid shortages during peak times. For larger operations requiring more than 200 lbs of ice per day, Naixer offers higher‑capacity cylinder ice configurations.
BT‑GD140 Cylinder Ice Maker — Frequently Asked Questions
How much ice does the BT‑GD140 produce per day?
Up to 140 lbs (63 kg) of crystal‑clear cylindrical ice cubes per 24 hours under standard test conditions. This is sufficient for a small to mid‑sized bar, cafe, or restaurant serving 80–150 customers daily.
What is cylinder ice and why is it popular?
Cylinder ice—also called cylindrical ice, bullet ice, or hollow‑core ice—is a hollow cylindrical ice cube with a distinctive shape. It cools beverages faster than solid cubes because liquid flows through the hollow center, yet melts more slowly because of its solid outer wall. Its unique appearance enhances drink presentation in bars and restaurants.
What size are the cylindrical ice cubes from this machine?
Each cylinder measures 30 mm in diameter × 25 mm in height, with a hollow center. This size is optimized for standard glassware including highball glasses, Collins glasses, and rocks glasses.
What’s the difference between the BT‑GD90 and BT‑GD140?
Both models produce the same cylinder ice (30×30×25mm) with the same daily production capacity (140 lbs/63 kg). The key difference is storage capacity: the BT‑GD140 features a larger 40 kg (88 lbs) built‑in bin compared to the BT‑GD90’s 25 kg (55 lbs) bin. The BT‑GD140 also has a slightly larger footprint (660 × 745 × 1005 mm vs. 680 × 600 × 750 mm). Choose the BT‑GD140 if you need more ice on standby during extended peak service periods.
Does the BT‑GD140 require a separate ice bin?
No. The BT‑GD140 uses an integrated mechanism design—the ice maker and 40 kg storage bin are built into a single unit. This eliminates the need to purchase a separate bin and simplifies installation.
What refrigerant does the BT‑GD140 use?
The BT‑GD140 uses R290 refrigerant, an environmentally friendly hydrocarbon with an ultra‑low GWP of 3. This is fully compliant with the EPA’s Technology Transition Rule effective January 1, 2026, requiring self‑contained ice machines producing 1,000 lbs or less to use R290.
Can I produce other ice types with this machine?
No—the BT‑GD140 is specifically engineered to produce cylindrical ice cubes (30 × 30 × 25mm) . For cube ice, nugget ice, crescent ice, or large‑format gourmet ice, explore other Naixer product lines including the TH Series (cube), PB Series (nugget), TH‑SE Series (crescent), and TH‑DF Series (large square cube).
What warranty comes with the BT‑GD140?
The BT‑GD140 comes with a standard manufacturer’s warranty of 1 year covering parts and workmanship. For operations requiring extended warranty coverage, explore Naixer’s TH Series models which carry 3‑year comprehensive warranties.