We have had a number (4) of commercial ice machines and once we had flaked machines, were set on that type. Flake machines use a cylinder evaporator that freezes the ice around its inside wall. An auger scrapes this ice upward and deposits into a storage bin. The water level in the cylinder is set by a small tank with a float valve connected to the cylinder. When the storage bin is full the system shuts off until either the ice melts or it is consumed for use.There are a lot of moving parts, but these are built to last for years. It is important to filter as much as the mineral content out of the supply water as possible. It requires a water supply line and a drain since the stored ice melts away, this prevents the ice from clumping, but you can always harvest some and put it in a freezer.I chose this unit for its size, capacity and power consumption. Since they can run a lot, for home this was a consideration. Hands down this unit is the best match for us, making plenty for our needs. The unit is built solidly, worked as advertised, had a good manual and looks like parts would be easily available. It was a good price, probably the best for a new flake machine. I have had it about 6 weeks now and it is very impressive!Someone had asked what the noise level was and I just got around to measuring it and it comes in at 60 dB standing 4 feet in from of it, very quiet. Compared to other ice machines I've owned this is the quietest by far!
Max Bulloch 
