Ice maker „Brema Ice“ CB 249 HC „B-Qube“

Integrated Drain Pump

Brema Drain Pump is Brema's DP solution for ice makers that cannot be conveniently connected to a floor drain below the machine. The integrated pump moves drain water to a more practical discharge point and gives more freedom when planning a bar, kitchen or buffet area.

Brema presents it as its proprietary DP System technology and design: the pump is installed inside the machine, the standard water and drain connection points remain unchanged, and the ice maker's footprint does not increase.

Main advantages

What makes Brema DP System different?

In its official description, Brema presents the DP System as a reliable pressurized drainage solution for ice makers. Water level is controlled without a float switch, and the sensor is not directly exposed to mineral buildup in the drain water. This matters in professional kitchens and bars where equipment runs every day and unplanned downtime disrupts work.

When should you choose the DP version?

The DP version is worth choosing when the ice maker must stand under a counter, on an island, against a wall or in another position where traditional gravity drainage restricts installation. Brema also notes that such a machine is easier to reposition within the same bar or kitchen even after commissioning if the workflow layout changes.

Drain Pump brochure Download PDF → Official Brema leaflet about the integrated drain pump solution.

Brema Drain Pump pageOpen manufacturer information →

„Brema Ice“ CB 249 HC „B-Qube“ — undercounter ice maker for the bar

The „Brema Ice“ CB 249 HC „B-Qube“ is a compact self-contained ice maker with a built-in storage bin, made to fit under a bar counter or worktop. At 21 °C air and 15 °C water temperature it makes 29 kg of 23 g „B-Qube“ cubes a day and keeps up to 9 kg in the bin. When the bin is full, production stops; when you take ice out, it restarts automatically.

The model comes in two versions: AWS 1.0 and AWS 2.0 Wi, which has a built-in Wi-Fi module and connects to the „Brema Connect“ app. Both have the Automatic Washing System (AWS), use the natural refrigerant R290 and are made air- or water-cooled; the air-cooled machine can also be ordered with a built-in drain pump. In the ‘Version’ field choose the cooling and, if needed, the drain pump or Wi-Fi (the ‘Wi-Fi’ options are the AWS 2.0 Wi version). The cube size is fixed: this model makes only 23 g „B-Qube“ cubes.

Who it is for

Brema lists bars, nightclubs, hotels and restaurants as the sectors this model is intended for; the „B-Qube“ cube itself was designed for mixology. How much ice it makes in 24 hours depends on the room and mains water temperature (manufacturer’s figures):

• in a cool room (air 10 °C, water 7 °C) — up to 32 kg;
• under standard conditions (air 21 °C, water 15 °C) — 29 kg;
• in a hot room (air 32 °C, water 21 °C) — 24 kg.

The data sheet gives these figures for the standard 18 g cube. For the „B-Qube“ model the catalogue lists only the output at 21 °C air and 15 °C water, and it is the same — 29 kg.

The bin holds up to 9 kg of ice — about 390 „B-Qube“ cubes of 23 g each (our calculation from the manufacturer’s data).

The „B-Qube“ cube — made for cocktails

„B-Qube“ is Brema’s cube-shaped ice with a registered design, created for mixology. According to Brema, it is crystal-clear, long-lasting and chills drinks very effectively, and because it dilutes slowly, the last sip of a cocktail tastes just like the first.

This model makes one cube size only: Q — 23 g (31.5 mm high, 32.5 mm wide). If you need Brema’s „Ice Cube“ in 13, 18, 33 or 42 g, choose the CB 249 HC — the same machine, with the cube size chosen when ordering.

AWS 1.0 or AWS 2.0 Wi — how the versions differ

Both versions have the same output, dimensions and automatic washing system. The difference is in the controls:

• AWS 1.0 — an electronic board with automatic washing; temperatures are controlled by mechanical thermostats and faults are shown by LED signals (basic diagnostics).
• AWS 2.0 Wi — the same board, but temperatures are measured by electronic probes for more precise control. The built-in Wi-Fi module connects the machine to the „Brema Connect“ app („iOS“ and „Android“) and a web portal.

The app shows the machine’s status, temperatures, production cycles and alarms. Depending on the access rights given to end users and technicians, you can use it to switch the machine on or off, start a washing or defrost cycle and schedule switch-on, switch-off and cleaning times. It reminds you when cleaning or maintenance is due and alerts you to faults. Technicians and dealers can see the activity and alarm history on the web portal, so a fault can be diagnosed faster and more accurately.

The Wi-Fi module is standard on AWS 2.0 Wi — Brema does not sell AWS 2.0 machines without it. For the app to work, you need a Wi-Fi network with internet access where the machine is installed.

Things to consider

• The bin holds 9 kg. If you need more ice at once, choose the CB 316 HC „B-Qube“ (16 kg), but it is 796–836 mm high on its feet. If headroom is tight, the CB 246 HC „B-Qube“ is 80 mm lower (606 mm without feet), has a 6 kg bin and is available on request.
• In a hot room (air 32 °C, water 21 °C) the machine makes 24 kg a day. It works at ambient temperatures of 10–43 °C and water temperatures of 3–32 °C.
• Indoor use only — not in damp places or where it may be splashed with water. Never clean it with a water jet.
• Supply drinking water only. Brema does not allow reverse osmosis or deionised water and recommends a filter where the water is particularly hard.
• The AWS 1.0 version has no Wi-Fi: you cannot check the machine remotely or get fault alerts on your phone.

Comparison with the nearest models

The CB 316 HC „B-Qube“ is 110 mm wider, 122 mm deeper and the same height without feet, but stands on adjustable 110–150 mm feet (796–836 mm overall); it has a 16 kg bin and makes 38 kg a day. The CB 425 HC „B-Qube“ has the same footprint as the CB 316 HC „B-Qube“ but is 110 mm taller (906–946 mm on its feet), has a 25 kg bin and makes 48 kg a day. The CB 249 HC is the same machine making Brema’s „Ice Cube“: output and dimensions are the same, and the cube size (13, 18, 33 or 42 g) is chosen when ordering.

Installation and connections

• Power: 220–240 V, 50 Hz, 10 A fuse. The machine comes with a plug; the socket must be earthed and protected by an all-pole circuit breaker with a residual current device (RCD).
• Water: cold drinking water, 1–6 bar pressure, 3/4″ connection. Fit a shut-off tap between the water mains and the machine’s supply hose, and connect it only with the new hose supplied.
• Drain: gravity drain — the hose (22 mm internal diameter) must slope down by at least 15 %, ideally into an open trap. If there is no drain below the machine, choose the drain pump version.
• Location: a clean room at 10–43 °C (the machine performs best with air at 10–35 °C and water at 3–25 °C), away from heat sources and direct sunlight; Brema advises against cellars and storerooms. Leave at least 5 cm of clearance all round. The cabinet has ventilation openings at the sides. According to Brema, its removable panels improve air circulation, so the machine works more efficiently even where airflow is limited.
• Dimensions: 387 × 476 × 686 mm (W × D × H, without the 5 mm feet); packed — 440 × 520 × 860 mm, 38 kg.
• AWS 2.0 Wi: a Wi-Fi network with internet access.

The machine must be connected to the water and electricity supply by a qualified technician — this is a manufacturer requirement.

Running costs and maintenance

Consumption. Electricity — 30 kWh per 100 kg of ice (measured at 32 °C ambient). Water — 3 l/kg of ice when air-cooled and 12 l/kg when water-cooled, four times as much; at 29 kg a day that is about 87 l and 348 l. Daily figures are our calculation from Brema’s data.

• Automatic washing (AWS): pour cleaning solution into the water tray and press the ‘W’ button — the machine defrosts the evaporator, circulates the solution for 30 minutes, rinses with fresh water for 60 minutes and then goes back to making ice.
• Cleaning and sanitising — at least once a month, more often if the water is hard. For cleaning, Brema specifies a 25 % white vinegar solution or the „Brema“ cleaning kit (sold in our shop as the „Brema Ice“ Kit Cleaner, 24 sachets of 55 g); for sanitising, it specifies a 200 mg/l sodium hypochlorite solution. Rinse the cleaned parts thoroughly with cold water and discard the ice from the first 5 cycles and any ice already in the bin. The manual reserves this work for skilled, authorised staff, and regular complete sanitising for an authorised service centre.
• Do not use corrosive substances to remove limescale — they can seriously damage the machine and void the warranty.
• The water inlet valve filter must be cleaned at least every two months by qualified staff; on air-cooled machines an authorised service centre should also clean the condenser at least every two months.
• Where the water is particularly hard, Brema recommends a multi-purpose cartridge filter. For such water our shop offers the „Everpure“ 4FC-S cartridge with a QL3 head.

What’s in the box

Ice maker, water supply hose with seals and user manual.

Technical specifications

Integrated Drain Pump

Brema Drain Pump is Brema's DP solution for ice makers that cannot be conveniently connected to a floor drain below the machine. The integrated pump moves drain water to a more practical discharge point and gives more freedom when planning a bar, kitchen or buffet area.

Brema presents it as its proprietary DP System technology and design: the pump is installed inside the machine, the standard water and drain connection points remain unchanged, and the ice maker's footprint does not increase.

Main advantages

What makes Brema DP System different?

In its official description, Brema presents the DP System as a reliable pressurized drainage solution for ice makers. Water level is controlled without a float switch, and the sensor is not directly exposed to mineral buildup in the drain water. This matters in professional kitchens and bars where equipment runs every day and unplanned downtime disrupts work.

When should you choose the DP version?

The DP version is worth choosing when the ice maker must stand under a counter, on an island, against a wall or in another position where traditional gravity drainage restricts installation. Brema also notes that such a machine is easier to reposition within the same bar or kitchen even after commissioning if the workflow layout changes.

Drain Pump brochure Download PDF → Official Brema leaflet about the integrated drain pump solution.

Brema Drain Pump pageOpen manufacturer information →