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Restaurant Equipment

commercial canteen display fridge with salads and drinks

The Latest Innovations and Trends in the World of Food Display

Food is about so much more than taste. Over the last few decades, many more people have realized how important presentation and display are for food sales – especially now that self-service options are on the rise and more food service locations offer some ready-made or grab-and-go options. Finding the right commercial restaurant equipment to capitalize on these trends is important—but what does the public expect to see today? Trends change continually, but here’s a look at the latest innovations in display that food service providers should consider when setting up their locations. Micro Markets Continue to Grow in Popularity More food service establishments are adopting increasing levels of self-service functionality. Micro market displays are an excellent example of this trend. These spaces include refrigerated display cases featuring food, beverages and sometimes even fresh products. The combination of all these options creates a micro market. The refrigerated cases provide many opportunities for creating pleasing and eye-catching food displays. Grab N’ Go Coolers Make Products More Immediate In line with self-service trends, doorless refrigerated units, or Grab N’ Go Coolers, have also increased in popularity. These appear in many places, reflecting their trendiness. For example, a small unit with some beverages or dessert options might be next to a point-of-sale machine. Taller units offer opportunities to display several beverages or pre-made items customers can grab and take straight to checkout. Some Trends Support Sustainability Many consumers today want to buy from brands that practice sustainability. To that end, food display has changed somewhat to respond to these demands. Using bulk bins to display large product quantities is one step some stores have taken to help reduce packaging waste. Simpler displays drawing direct attention to the food items—instead of the setting around them—are also on the rise. Classic Display Fridges and Freezers Still Get the Job Done Despite all the innovations, many customers still respond well to traditional displays in refrigerated and frozen units. Some convenience store chains have experimented with digital product displays, using LED screens in unit doors to display the contents inside. However, this innovation has struggled to gain traction because it does not immediately provide consumers with the information they want: what’s really in the unit and how much of it. Traditional commercial food equipment for food display can still be as effective as new and trendy designs. Find the Suitable Equipment to Remain Ahead of the Trends Whether you want to provide a simple reach-in refrigerator for displaying drinks or explore more energy-efficient options, The FED can help. There’s no need to waste time booking lengthy showroom visits and hearing extensive pitches. Instead, we prioritize high-quality service and support as you look to acquire the commercial restaurant equipment you need. Chat with us today for more information, or start your order online now. Purchase All Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment From The FED (Foodservice Equipment Depot) Explore our diverse selection of high-quality commercial kitchen equipment for all your culinary needs. Enjoy a seamless online ordering experience, ensuring fast and frictionless access to professional-grade food service equipment. Shop at our Restaurant Supply Online Store.

Commercial Kitchen Undercounter Freezer

Maximize Efficiency Correctly with Your Under Counter Freezer

Under-counter freezers and similar commercial coolers provide bustling kitchens with many ways to optimize workflow. But with so many types of under-counter freezers available, how do you choose the right one, and even then, which steps do you take to make the most out of the device? Today we are looking into how these freezers can add tremendous quality of life to the workforce in the kitchen and how simple it is to gain maximum benefit from it. We will also add some further optimization tips and advise you on where you can buy the right freezer for your kitchen. Let’s dive right in. Fast Kitchen Optimization with Your Under-Counter Freezer As any owner of a restaurant or café knows, small efficiency increases add up and make for a much more functional kitchen at the end of the day. Something as simple as not having to walk to the other side of the kitchen for ingredients already helps. So, with that in mind, here are the top ways in which under-counter freezers make your kitchen life easier: Save Extensive Space Every commercial kitchen uses counters, and they all use freezers. It’s a no-brainer to combine these two things. Under-counter freezers save incredible amounts of room since they are effectively two devices that use the same space as a standard counter. Optimize Turnaround Times Another reason these freezers are such a good option is that they can give your chef access to the ingredients where they work. This small optimization can significantly increase the turnaround time for food preparation, especially in larger kitchens. Reduced Accident Risk The more staff you have in your kitchen, the more accidents can occur when people must navigate past one another constantly. Regardless of the size of your kitchen, everyone stands to benefit from not having to squeeze past each other, especially during the busiest hours of your kitchen. Additional Tips for Optimizing Your Under-Counter Commercial Coolers Now that you know how these freezers benefit your kitchen, we have some additional tips on further increasing their efficacy. Here are some quick tips: Schedule regular interior cleaning, possibly on days you are not as busy. Getting in the habit of cleaning these freezers will go a long way. Defrost at scheduled intervals to avoid frost buildup, as this buildup will reduce the interior space of the freezer. Schedule routine maintenance checks to ensure everything about your freezer is in order. The last thing you need is the freezer breaking down on a busy day. Move ingredients around the kitchen based on your specials for the day. If you know you are much more likely to make one dish over another, move the ingredients you will need more of to the under-counter space. Order Your New High-Quality Commercial Cooler Now If you want to know where to buy your next under-counter freezing unit, try right here at The FED. We provide a range of high-end commercial kitchen equipment and can happily deliver to your kitchen. Our team at The FED can assist with all your commercial kitchen equipment needs. Purchase All Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment From The FED (Foodservice Equipment Depot) Explore our diverse selection of high-quality commercial kitchen equipment for all your culinary needs. Enjoy a seamless online ordering experience, ensuring fast and frictionless access to professional-grade food service equipment. Shop at our Restaurant Supply Online Store.

various ice cream flavours in waffle cones

Finding the Ideal Waffle Cone Maker for Your Business

Ice cream is undoubtedly one of the world’s favorite treats, and for good reason. If you run an ice cream parlour or cafe, you will have seen first-hand how much people love this treat, and more than that, how specific they can get about how they prefer it. One of the ways people customize their ice cream eating experience is through their choice of cone, whether wafer, sugar, cake, or waffle cones. Today we are looking specifically at waffle cones and how easy it is to add this delicious option to your business. We aim to assist you with choosing the right waffle cone maker and provide options for where you can buy one. Before we begin, here are some quick reasons why waffle cones are a good serving choice: It adds a delightful crunch to the cone. A deliciously sugary option that goes incredibly well with ice cream. Easy to make with the right equipment. What You Need From a Commercial Waffle Cone Machine We will first discuss the basics, namely, which features you want from commercial waffle cone makers. We have compiled a quick list of essential features: The Right Size Waffle cone makers come in different sizes, so finding a size that works for you and your customers is a good starting point. Since machines come in fixed sizes, choosing the right one initially is vital, unless you plan to buy multiple machines, of course. High-Quality Materials The best waffle cone makers use materials that make it easy to remove the fried batter. The best option, without a doubt, is newer models that utilize reliable non-stick coatings. Revolving Design Another excellent feature of waffle cone makers is the ability to rotate the cone baker once closed. This feature adds tremendous quality of life to the machine by allowing you to turn the plate after pouring the batter, allowing for a beautifully even bake. Adjustable Controls for Perfect Baking Everyone knows there is a perfect baking point for waffles, and the same is true for waffle cones. You want the right amount of crisp and colour, making a feature to control the browning essential. Once you become familiar with the optimal settings for your specific batter consistencies, you will produce the finest waffle cones around. Electronic Indicators As with typical waffle makers, most commercial waffle cone makers should have lights indicating when the batter is ready to be removed. These lights will certainly make the kitchen rush a little more manageable. Buying Your Commercial Food Equipment in Canada Now that you know how to identify the ideal waffle cone makers, you may be wondering where to buy one – the answer is right here on our storefront. At The FED, we give clients access to incredibly high-end commercial food equipment in Canada, from waffle cone makers to fridges to smoothie makers. Whatever your kitchen requires, you can find it here. Purchase All Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment From The FED (Foodservice Equipment Depot) Explore our diverse selection of high-quality commercial kitchen equipment for all your culinary needs. Enjoy a seamless online ordering experience, ensuring fast and frictionless access to professional-grade food service equipment. Shop at our Restaurant Supply Online Store.

delicious milkshakes in glasses

Commercial Milkshake and Slush Machines Bring Delight

Milkshakes and slushies have been around for decades and for a good reason. These delicious treats have proven an easy choice for many people worldwide. While milkshakes and slushies have not changed drastically, their dispensing options certainly have, as is evident with commercial milkshake machines. Today we’re looking into whether you could use a commercial milkshake machine or a commercial slush machine in your business. We will also investigate these machines’ functionality, your options for each, and where you can find them. The Right Places for Milkshake Machines and Slush Machines We’ll start with a milkshake machine. The most obvious use for this machine is if you plan to sell milkshakes. Whether in a convenience store, restaurant, or food truck, you can expect the best milkshakes. However, these machines can make more than just milkshakes, such as: Frozen margaritas Daiquiris Frozen lemonade Fruit smoothies Yoghurt smoothies As you can see, these machines are perfectly suited to places that want more than a single use case, from bars to healthy smoothie stands. Up next, we have commercial slushie machines. These machines produce the slushies we all know and love; the cold, icy drinks that pack a deliciously fruity flavor. While these have fewer use cases than milkshake machines, they can produce delicious slushies and smoothies. Ideal for food trucks where you can combo a smoothie with a healthy meal or even a cinema where the cold slushie goes perfectly with some popcorn. Choosing the Ideal Restaurant Milkshake Machine or Slush Machine The right milkshake or commercial slush machine for your restaurant must do more than simply dispense the product. You ideally want a machine that: Can dispense more than one type of product. Has a fast refrigeration time for refills. Comes with reliable warranties. Meets durable manufacturing standards. Has options for an additional flavour dispenser or a built-in blender. The main reason this additional functionality proves useful is that your investment can then adapt to changes in your menu. Should you also decide to sell smoothies, your machine can accommodate the change. Where to Buy a New Milkshake or Slushie Machine At The FED, we stock a range of milkshake and slushie machines to meet specific business requirements. Whether you need a machine to dispense milkshakes or slushies, a machine with a built-in blender, or a two-flavour dispenser, we can help. You can browse our selection of milkshake machines or slushie machines online and place your order for convenient delivery. Please remember that our slushie machines are not to be confused with juice dispensers, as those machines are strictly for juice and don’t handle slush. If you have any questions about our products, please contact us and ask. Additional information is also available on the product page of each respective product. Order your milkshake or slushie machine now and get free delivery to most major cities in Canada. Purchase All Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment From The FED (Foodservice Equipment Depot) Explore our diverse selection of high-quality commercial kitchen equipment for all your culinary needs. Enjoy a seamless online ordering experience, ensuring fast and frictionless access to professional-grade food service equipment. Shop at our Restaurant Supply Online Store.

chef choosing raw seafood from commercial display fridge

Exploring the Latest in Commercial Refrigeration Trends

Since the introduction of commercial refrigeration systems, there has been growth in the technology and use cases, from energy-efficient options to smart fridges. While the primary purpose of refrigeration systems remains the same globally, it is only natural that new trends emerge alongside new technologies. Today we’re chatting about refrigeration features that have proven the most popular recently and whether they’re merely hype or worth the cost. The Top Trending Features for Commercial Fridges and Freezers Over the last decade, fridges and freezers have experienced substantial technological upgrades. While some upgrades are undoubtedly cosmetic, most prove incredibly practical. Here’s our list of the top trending features for fridges and freezers: 1. Precise Temperature Control You might think that fridges have always had temperature control, and to some extent, you would be correct. However, the latest fridges and freezers provide incredibly precise controls for temperature settings, whereas older models only have general intensity choices. For example, an older fridge likely only has a dial numbered one through five. It doesn’t quite tell you how cold the fridge will be, only that one setting is more intense. Precise controls let you decide to the degree on which temperature setting your fridges and freezers should remain. This option is ideal for many places, from bars that aim to keep their drinks at perfect drinking temperatures to restaurants that need certain ingredients ready to go. 2. Eco-Friendly Refrigerants Whether for a commercial display fridge or large freezer, eco-friendly refrigerants have become increasingly popular. Given how many industries rely on refrigeration systems, many manufacturers are moving away from older models that use HFC (hydrofluorocarbon). There is an increasing demand for refrigeration systems that use natural refrigerants such as ammonia or CO2. 3. Silent Operation Some older refrigeration systems are loud – and become louder with age. While not strictly for the hospitality industry, quieter machines have become globally demanded by the fine dining industry. Most new refrigeration systems will create much less noise than older models, meaning you can keep larger systems in plain sight without disturbing guests. 4. Energy Efficiency Easily one of the largest trends in modern refrigeration systems is energy efficiency. As technology develops, we aim to make devices use less electricity while also making optimal use of the power it does draw. Since most refrigeration systems – even those in our homes – run permanently, it’s easy to see why energy efficiency benefits the owner. Multiple refrigeration units running in the kitchen make energy-efficient choices almost mandatory for maximum savings. Energy savings go a long way, whether for a commercial freezer standing upright or a countertop fridge, Order Your Commercial Refrigeration Units with Ideal Features Now If you’re wondering where you can get your hands on refrigeration units that provide the above features, we have a massive range to consider. You can browse our selection now and add your choices to your cart for easy check-out and delivery, whether for a commercial display fridge or countertop option. Purchase All Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment From The FED (Foodservice Equipment Depot) Explore our diverse selection of high-quality commercial kitchen equipment for all your culinary needs. Enjoy a seamless online ordering experience, ensuring fast and frictionless access to professional-grade food service equipment. Shop at our Restaurant Supply Online Store.

cube ice in ice making machine

Commercial Ice Cube Maker – Is it Worth Buying for Your Business

With so many establishments running through massive quantities of ice throughout the year, you’d be right to believe that buying a commercial ice cube maker is a no-brainer. While commercial and ordinary ice-making machines do the same job, there are differences to consider. So, if you’re wondering whether your business could benefit from a commercial ice maker, you’ve come to the right place. Today we’re investigating the features and benefits you can expect from commercial ice makers so that you can decide whether it’s suitable for your establishment. The Main Things to Consider for a Commercial Ice Making Machine The first things we need to investigate are the main categories of concern regarding ice machines. Let’s discuss the three most common concerns of businesses that consider ice machines: Overall Cost Commercial ice machines come in a range of prices from $1000 to $10,000 and more. These price differences indicate that several alternatives are available, making it easier to find the ideal ice maker for your budget. It’s worth noting that even the most expensive ice maker will pay for itself over time with how much you will save if your alternative is buying ice from third parties. Also, relying on third parties for your ice can prove inconsistent and might leave you high and dry when you least expect it. Customization Options While various pricing options for a commercial ice machine accommodate different budgets, they also accommodate a necessity for customization options from the ice maker. Some ice makers allow you to customize several aspects, from the shape of the ice to the quantity produced. This customization will enable you to cater to specific customer requests or even use different ice shapes for selected menu items. Efficiency One of the top reasons to consider a commercial ice maker is how incredibly efficient these machines are at their duties. Compared to ice makers for the home or freezing ice trays in the freezer, you will experience much faster turnaround times and larger quantities of ice. Highly efficient ice makers mean you shouldn’t ever run out of ice, and even if you do, you will have some more within only a few minutes. Business Sizes That Benefit While you might think mainly larger kitchens will benefit from a commercial ice maker, the truth is far from it. Smaller businesses such as cafés or even food trucks are ideal candidates for such machines. You can select from a range of options to find an ice machine that meets your size, ice production quantity, and budget requirements. Browse Our Range of Ice Machines for Order Now If you think it’s time to get a commercial ice machine for your small business, our team can supply you with the ideal selection. We currently stock more than 30 options, so you can be sure we will have a commercial ice cube maker that suits your requirements. Purchase All Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment From The FED (Foodservice Equipment Depot) Explore our diverse selection of high-quality commercial kitchen equipment for all your culinary needs. Enjoy a seamless online ordering experience, ensuring fast and frictionless access to professional-grade food service equipment. Shop at our Restaurant Supply Online Store.

commercial kitchen depicting passage of time by motion blur of chefs

The Amazing Evolution of Food Service Equipment

Have you ever considered how much the demand for restaurants has influenced the growth of technology? Food service equipment is one of the branches of technology that developed primarily because people like us wanted somewhere to eat in public and food prepared by someone else. Today we are investigating some of the fantastic developments within the food equipment sector, and how far technology has come in helping to prepare meals. Commercial kitchen equipment is everywhere, from school cafeterias to fast food chains and fancy restaurants. The First Instances of Commercial Food Equipment While the first examples of something resembling restaurants only appeared in the 18th century, places resembling fast food drive-throughs were present as far back as the Greco-Roman world (332 BC – 395 AD). Thermopolia – which translates into ‘a place where something hot is sold’ – were pitstops where passers-by could grab a hot meal. The main examples of food equipment used here were: Meat hooks Mincers Spatulas Colanders Ladles Pots Kettles It’s worth noting the other examples that would follow over the next few centuries. In Chinese tea houses, they would cook food on cast-iron stoves, serving food from a written menu. Further west, in medieval Europe – even though they lacked written menus in restaurant-resembling establishments – they used frying pans, pepper mills, tongs, mallets, waffle irons, weighing scales, and even cheese graters to serve food. The First Literal Restaurant According to some legends, a Frenchman named Monsieur Boulanger opened his establishment in 1765. Apparently, he even had the term ‘restaurant’ written on the sign outside. Even though this establishment was mainly for the working class, it didn’t take long before another opened a similar place dedicated to the wealthy upper class. Their tools included: Cast Iron Pots Roasting Spits Baking Kettles Spit-Jacks Gelatin Molds 19th Century Food Equipment Growth During the early 19th century, restaurants – and food equipment as a result – became increasingly popular. New designs came about, and many people were enjoying various foods prepared by chefs in establishments for the working class and upper class. The rapid industrialisation of Europe meant that there was an increasing number of workers who now needed to eat during their lunch breaks. More importantly, they needed somewhere to eat. Restaurants exploded in popularity during this time in both Europe and North America, along with food equipment, including: Apple Corers Corkscrews Can Openers Gelatin Molds Potato Peelers Salad Spinners Gas Cooking Refrigeration The 20th Century and the Exponential Growth of Food Equipment The 20th century saw the most growth in the development of food equipment. While certain basic tools were retained – such as pots, pans, spoons, and so on – the main change came from the massive influx of convenience devices. Sturdier materials became more popular in kitchens, such as steel, tin, silver, nickel, and aluminum. We also saw the rise of complete refrigeration and freezing units, dishwashers, sinks, electric ovens, microwaves, and more. Fast food restaurants became even more popular as commercial chains now had ways to quickly produce large quantities of food, all thanks to their equipment. Purchase All Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment From The FED (Foodservice Equipment Depot) Explore our diverse selection of high-quality commercial kitchen equipment for all your culinary needs. Enjoy a seamless online ordering experience, ensuring fast and frictionless access to professional-grade food service equipment. Shop at our Restaurant Supply Online Store.

French Fry Robotic Solution

The Atosa Intelligent Restaurant Deep Fryer Changes the Game

Hailing from a renowned kitchen equipment manufacturer, the Atosa intelligent restaurant deep fryer brings new capabilities to any commercial kitchen. These intelligent fryers can meet heavy demand for various industries such as school cafeterias, restaurants, markets, or hotels. You might wonder whether getting such a fryer for your commercial kitchen is worth it, what difference it will make to your operations, and where to find one. Today, we’re looking into all the most important questions and answers. Let’s begin. Understanding the Requirements of Commercial Deep Fryers If you have used a commercial deep fryer, you already know there are certain things you can’t go without. Let’s consider some of the most crucial parts of these fryers. Effective Design The design of a commercial deep fryer plays a massive role in its effectiveness. Design aspects such as overall size are usually big since kitchens always work with limited space. Additionally, design choices such as where the buttons go, the machine’s safety features, or even how deep the frying basins are will make or break a product for you. Heavy Duty Any commercial kitchen appliance must be capable of withstanding the demanding day-in, day-out use in your busy kitchen. These machines are made of reliable materials for durability. Multiple Uses Look for a fryer with multiple compartments to fry different food at once. Whether you need to store containers, multiple baskets for the fryer, or safety equipment on the machine, more is always better. Does the Atosa Intelligent Deep Fryer Meet Requirements The Atosa intelligent French fry robotic solution provides optimal frying around the clock. It uses various features, but the focus is on it being robot operated. The robotic arm attached to the device takes up little space and operates the entire machine, providing a range of benefits: It Saves Time and Money It will save time and money in the long run since the intelligent deep fryer works around the clock without tiring. Not only do you save on space, but the machine requires little input once started. Easy to Use Another fantastic selling point of the intelligent deep fryer is that it is incredibly easy to use. Your staff can simply start the machine, select the size of the portions, and how many portions the machine should produce. The fryer will then handle the rest, from self-dispensing the frozen fries from the attached freezer to managing the temperature of the oil and even making sure nothing spills. Easy to Clean Kitchen workstations must always remain clean, and since this machine is not operated by a person, it makes less of a mess. Also, the stainless-steel design makes wiping it down a breeze. Order Your Atosa Intelligent Deep Fryer Today If you think the Atosa intelligent restaurant deep fryer would suit your kitchen’s demand for fried goods, our team can provide you with this quality product and ship it to you. Place your order now and experience the future of deep frying. Purchase All Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment From The FED (Foodservice Equipment Depot) Explore our diverse selection of high-quality commercial kitchen equipment for all your culinary needs. Enjoy a seamless online ordering experience, ensuring fast and frictionless access to professional-grade food service equipment. Shop at our Restaurant Supply Online Store.

Hot Plate

Consider This When Buying a Hot Plate

Hot plates give your restaurant a productivity boost during a dinner rush where you need food going out fast. They are perfect for making sides, sauces, and soups while your other burners are busy and are easy to stow away and store when you don’t need them. Anything you can cook on a stove, you can cook on a hot plate, and they make valuable additions to any commercial kitchen. Why Buy a Hot Plate for Your Restaurant? Investing in a countertop hot plate has many benefits for a commercial kitchen – it gives you an extra cooking surface that takes up very little space and is a versatile tool you can use to cook almost anything. Hot plates do not generate as much heat as a full oven range – another welcome feature in a busy restaurant kitchen. They are easy to clean, use, and store, and their portability means you can move them to various stations in the kitchen as your needs change. Hot Plates for Restaurants: What To Consider Electric versus gas hot plates While gas hot plates need a gas line connection and typically require more clearance space around the burners for safety, they often heat up much faster than electric hot plates. Electric hot plates are best for tighter spaces and are usually more affordable than gas alternatives. An induction cooker uses electromagnetic energy to heat food and works twice as fast as electric or gas burners. Hot plate size Most commercial hot plates include two to six burners to handle high cooking volumes. More burners take up more space on your countertop, and you should always measure the area, allowing for extra clearance on all sides, before buying a hot plate. Some hot plates come in tiered designs, which can increase the visibility of the food cooking on the back burners and make it easier and safer to reach. Burner materials Electric hot plates can have ceramic, steel, or cast-iron burners in coil, French plate or induction designs. Gas hot plates have cast iron or steel burners arranged in coil or star designs. Stainless steel is more lightweight than cast iron, with a sheen finish that is easy to clean. However, cast iron is more durable and retains heat better than steel. Additional features Look for non-slip feet and auto shut-off features for extra safety when choosing a hot plate for your kitchen. Manual controls are durable and allow you to operate each burner independently, while electric temperature settings enable precision cooking. Many hot plates also come with a drip or crumb tray to catch excess oil and food, making cleaning easier. Adding a hot plate to your commercial kitchen can make your food preparation run faster and more smoothly, giving you extra cooking capacity without the space constraints of installing a new range. The FED is a trusted supplier of high-quality commercial kitchen equipment in Calgary, such as electric and gas hot plates from leading brands, including Omcan and Atosa – contact us for more information. Purchase All Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment From The FED (Foodservice Equipment Depot) Explore our diverse selection of high-quality commercial kitchen equipment for all your culinary needs. Enjoy a seamless online ordering experience, ensuring fast and frictionless access to professional-grade food service equipment. Shop at our Restaurant Supply Online Store.

colorful iced cocktails on the bar

What is The Best Commercial Ice Cube Machine for Cocktails?

No cocktail would be complete without a few sparkling ice cubes to finish the look and cool the drink. A commercial ice cube machine makes high-quality ice that lasts longer in drinks, making for better cocktails that you can often market for higher prices. The machine you choose will determine the shape, size, and quantity of ice, which may affect your drinks menu and how you run your bar. Choose an Ice Cube Machine That Makes the Right Ice Before buying an ice maker, you should consider the ice itself – various factors influence how ice behaves in cocktails and custom drinks, including: Clarity Many master mixologists only use clear ice – regular ice cubes often have air bubbles trapped in them that cause a cloudy appearance. Clear ice not only looks better but also melts slower than cloudy ice because of its dense composition. If you’re hoping to feature crystal clear cubes on your drinks menu, look for an ice maker that uses directional freezing. This technique freezes the water in one direction, pushing air bubbles out as it goes. Ice shape Standard ice cubes are not always the best choice for custom cocktails as they often melt very quickly, diluting the drink and changing its consistency. Look for an ice machine that makes spherical ice to cool premium whiskey cocktails without diluting them or altering the flavour. Ice flake makers produce soft ice chips that add texture to a drink and work best for daiquiris and other blended cocktails. Ice cube size Larger ice cubes melt slower and work well for keeping a slow-sipping cocktail cool in a lowball glass. Large cubes are also perfect for cooling shaken cocktails, while smaller ones work best for blended drinks if you don’t have flaked ice on hand. Look for an ice maker with full and half-cube size settings to quickly make a diverse range of cocktails. Modular vs Undercounter Ice Makers for Cocktail Bars An under-counter ice cube maker is convenient and space-saving, supplying a steady stream of ice right to your bar counter. While they may save space, under-counter ice machines typically only produce up to 300lbs of ice daily, which may not be enough for a busy bar with a substantial cocktail menu. If you’re looking for a large ice cube maker that produces between 500 – 1000 lbs of ice daily, you may be better off with a modular ice machine. Not all modular ice makers come with collection bins, and you may need to buy one separately to store enough ice for your needs, keeping it frozen and ready to use. Whether you’re serving craft cocktails at dinner or running a busy hotel bar, a commercial ice cube machine makes pouring drinks easier and faster, keeping customers happy and ordering another round. The FED is a leading supplier of commercial kitchen equipment in Calgary, including modular, countertop, under-counter, and hotel-style ice machines – contact us for more information. Purchase All Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment From The FED (Foodservice Equipment Depot) Explore our diverse selection of high-quality commercial kitchen equipment for all your culinary needs. Enjoy a seamless online ordering experience, ensuring fast and frictionless access to professional-grade food service equipment. Shop at our Restaurant Supply Online Store.