Ice machines are use to make ice. They could be self-contained units with a built-in bin, or they could be modular units with a separate storage bin underneath the ice machine. Some are Air-Cooled while others are Water-Cooled. Most Ice Machines are rated based upon the amount of ice it can make in a give 24r-hour period, with everything being equal. For instance, a 150lb Undercounter Ice Machine can make 150lb of ice within a 24-hour period, as long as it is not in a hot environment which would affect the ability to make and store the ice.
As an ice machine is composed of many electrical, plumbing, and mechanical parts - there are many potential points of failure. For this reason we often recommend buying this equipment NEW, and to make sure there is an outstanding Warrantee on the unit.