Kold Draft

Kold-Draft has functioned as the premier global authority in high-purity, "Large-Cube" ice technology since its automatic ice machine debut in 1955. Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Illinois, following its 2021 acquisition by the Ali Group, the brand maintains its legacy manufacturing roots in Erie, Pennsylvania. Kold-Draft serves as the primary infrastructure provider for high-end mixology bars, banquet halls, and the maritime sector, defining itself through the "Best Ice in the World" philosophy—a commitment to producing the industry's only perfectly square, slow-melting cube.

The brand's technical identity is anchored in gravitational purification and horizontal thermodynamics. A primary engineering hallmark is the exclusive "Upside-Down" Horizontal Evaporator. Unlike vertical evaporators where impurities are frozen into the ice, Kold-Draft’s system pumps water into inverted copper cells. As the water circulates, air and minerals are flushed away, leaving only pure water to freeze. This results in 99.9% pure, crystal-clear ice that a Penn State University study verified as having the lowest mineral content among major competitors.

Innovation at Kold-Draft is concentrated on "Hard-Ice" longevity and ecological compliance. Key technical pillars across the portfolio include:

• Electrotin-Plated Copper Cells: Utilizing solid copper for maximum heat transfer, protected by an anti-microbial tin plating that prevents corrosion and ensures food safety.
• Liquid Level Control: A specialized sensor suite that ensures harvest only occurs when cubes have reached their full, solid density, preventing the "hollow ice" common in rapid-cycle machines.
• Eco-Green R290 Integration: By 2026, the brand has transitioned its flagship GTX and GBX lines to utilize natural R290 (Propane) refrigerant, achieving superior thermodynamic performance and near-zero Global Warming Potential (GWP).
• Unibody Stainless Steel Frame: Every unit features a Type 300 stainless steel chassis and exterior, designed for high-salinity marine environments and heavy-duty industrial use.

The product portfolio is strategically categorized by the "geometry of the chill":

• GTX & GBX Series (X-Series): The primary stackable cubers, producing between 300 and 1,000 lbs of the iconic 1.25" Big Cube or Half Cube.
• SC Series (Undercounter): Self-contained units like the SC201, engineered for back-bar installations where space is limited but "Big Ice" is a requirement.
• Cocktail Series (KD): Specialized compact machines designed for high-end beverage programs, delivering the exact displacement needed for craft spirits.
• AKD Series: Automatic cube dispensers featuring one-hand operation, commonly utilized in healthcare and hospitality corridors.

The strategic value of Kold-Draft lies in its "Minimal Dilution" ROI. By producing ice that is denser and colder than the freezing point of water, the brand provides a high-yield foundation for bars and restaurants where drink quality is the primary product. Backed by the Ali Group’s global support network and a reputation for machines that last decades, Kold-Draft remains the foundational choice for operations that view ice not as a utility, but as a premium ingredient.