This guide covers proper installation, daily operation, cleaning and basic troubleshooting for Brema CB, B-QUBE, GB, G, TB and TM ice machines, based on the manufacturer's manuals. Follow these steps to keep your Brema ice maker running reliably and producing sanitary ice.
Key takeaways
- Brema ice machines require specific clearances (5 cm for cube and flake, 20 cm for pebble) and must be installed by a qualified, licensed professional.
- Daily operation is automatic: a thermostat probe stops and restarts production as the bin fills and empties.
- Clean the water inlet filter every two months and the air-cooled condenser filter monthly to maintain performance.
- Perform a full cleaning and sanitizing cycle at least once a month, discarding the first ice produced afterward.
- For any fault beyond basic checks, contact the manufacturer's authorized service network.
Brema ice machine series and manuals
The Brema ice machines in our list include several series. The CB and B-QUBE models are self-contained cube ice machines with the Automatic Washing System (AWS). The GB and G series produce granular flake ice, while the TB and TM series make pebble ice. Separate BIN storage bins (BIN110, BIN200, BIN350) are designed to pair with modular G and TM units.
Three manufacturer manuals cover the core models. The Brema installation and operation manual for the CB316ABHCAWS applies to cube machines. The user manual for the GB1504A covers flake machines, and the TM140AHC manual covers pebble machines. Each manual provides model-specific instructions for installation, operation, cleaning and troubleshooting.
Installation requirements
All Brema ice machines must be installed by a qualified, licensed installer in accordance with local codes. The manuals state that the appliance must be placed in a hygienically clean location, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The ambient temperature range for operation is 10°C to 43°C, with best performance between 10°C and 35°C. The water supply temperature should be between 3°C and 25°C.
Clearance requirements differ by series. The cube machine manual (CB316ABHCAWS) and flake machine manual (GB1504A) specify a minimum clearance of 5 cm all around the appliance. The pebble machine manual (TM140AHC) requires at least 20 cm all around. Modular units must be installed on a compatible Brema bin; the bin's instructions provide the correct mounting details.
Water connection must use only cold potable water with an operating pressure between 0.1 and 0.6 MPa. A tap must be installed between the mains and the appliance, and the supplied backflow prevention valve must be fitted at each water inlet. The drain hose must have an internal diameter of 22 mm, slope downward by at least 15%, and discharge into an open drain trap. Electrical connection requires an omnipolar circuit-breaker with a contact-opening gap of at least 3 mm and a residual current device, as detailed in each manual.
Daily operation and controls
To start a Brema ice machine, turn on the water supply tap, switch on the power at the installed circuit-breaker, and press the luminous switch on the appliance. For cube models with continuous delivery, the manual instructs you to turn the timer adjustment screw clockwise three times at one-minute intervals before the unit begins automatic production. The Brema video "A dive inside Brema Ice Maker to discover "AWS" Technology" shows the internal operation of the Automatic Washing System.
During normal operation, a thermostat probe in the ice bin stops production when the bin is full and restarts it when ice is removed. Models equipped with an electronic timer have ON/OFF, DEFR. and WASH push buttons with green, yellow and blue LEDs. Pressing the WASH button starts a cleaning cycle that includes a defrost phase, 30 minutes of pump-only operation, and 60 minutes with both the water inlet valve and pump running. Pebble machines (TM series) include a rotation sensor that performs a 10-minute check at every start-up.
Cleaning and routine care
The manuals prescribe a regular maintenance schedule. Clean the water inlet solenoid valve filter at least every two months: disconnect power and water, unscrew the hose ring nut, remove the filter with pliers, and rinse it under a strong jet of water. For air-cooled models, clean the external condenser filter monthly by removing it and blowing off dust with compressed air. Have the finned condenser cleaned by an authorized service centre every two months.
A full cleaning and sanitizing procedure must be performed at least once a month. The cube machine manual (CB316ABHCAWS) describes the following steps: remove all ice, drain the basin, fill it with a 25% solution of water and white vinegar, run the pump for five one-minute cycles with five-minute pauses, then disassemble and clean the evaporator cover, sprayer bank, pump filter and other internal parts. Sanitizing uses a 200 mg/l sodium hypochlorite solution (or ½ ounce of normal bleach per gallon of water). After reassembly, discard all ice produced during the first five cycles.
The flake and pebble machine manuals (GB1504A and TM140AHC) outline a similar process. The key difference is that after cleaning and sanitizing, you must discard the ice produced during the first 30 minutes of operation. Always disconnect the appliance from the power and water supplies before any cleaning. Do not use corrosive or abrasive cleaners, and never spray the machine with water jets.
Troubleshooting before calling service
If the machine stops producing ice, the manuals list several checks an operator can perform. First, confirm that the water supply tap is open and that power is reaching the appliance: the plug must be fully inserted, the circuit-breaker must be in the ON position, and the luminous switch must be lit. For pebble machines, also verify that the rotation sensor is not signalling an alarm.
Excessive noise may indicate the appliance is touching nearby furniture or sheet metal. Water leaks often result from a clogged drain hole, kinked hoses, or improperly connected fill and drain pipes. Ensure the ambient and water temperatures do not exceed the limits given in the installation section. Check that the water inlet filter is not clogged, and on cube machines inspect the spray nozzles for scale buildup.
If the problem persists after these checks, turn off the power at the circuit-breaker, unplug the unit, shut off the water tap, and contact the nearest authorized technical service centre. Have the model and serial number ready, as shown on the data plate affixed to the rear of the appliance.
Service and support
All repairs and maintenance beyond the routine cleaning described above must be carried out by the manufacturer's authorized service network. Norpex is an online store and does not perform installation, service or repairs. For questions about a specific Brema model's features or compatibility, ask Norpex.
Videos from the maker
Common questions
What clearance does my Brema ice machine need?
- Cube and flake machines require at least 5 cm of clearance on all sides, as stated in the CB316ABHCAWS and GB1504A manuals. Pebble machines need at least 20 cm all around, per the TM140AHC manual.
How often should I clean the water inlet filter?
- The manufacturer's manuals recommend cleaning the water inlet solenoid valve filter at least every two months. Disconnect power and water, remove the filter with pliers, and rinse it under a strong jet of water.
What cleaning solutions can I use?
- For routine cleaning, use a 25% solution of water and white vinegar. For sanitizing, use a 200 mg/l sodium hypochlorite solution (or ½ ounce of normal bleach per gallon of water). Do not use corrosive or abrasive cleaners.
Why is my ice machine not producing ice?
- Check that the water tap is open, the power switch is on and the luminous switch is lit. Also verify that the ambient and water temperatures are within the operating limits, and that the water inlet filter is not clogged. For pebble machines, ensure the rotation sensor is not signalling an alarm.
Do I need a professional to install my Brema ice machine?
- Yes. The manuals specify that water, drain and electrical connections must be made by a qualified, licensed installer in compliance with local codes.