An ice-making machine helps you prepare deliciously cold drinks on demand, ensuring fast bar service that keeps up during busy seasons. The type of ice maker you choose depends on how much ice you need, the space available, and how you plan to use the machine. Keep reading for our full buyer’s guide to commercial ice-makers and how to choose the best one for your business.
What to Consider When Buying a Commercial Ice-Making Machine
Types of Ice Required
Not all ice is made equal, and commercial machines often make different ice shapes for specific uses. Cubed ice is the most popular shape as it melts slowly and lasts longer in drinks. Many machines also make half-cubes. Nugget ice is softer than ice cubes, making it blender-friendly and easy to chew. Flake ice is best for food displays, and you can form it into variou~s shapes to suit your presentation preferences.
Power and Water Supply
You will need a reliable cold-water supply to run an ice-making machine in a commercial kitchen. Placing the machine near a floor drain ensures easy drainage of melt and purge water. If you don’t have a floor drain, you may need a drain pump. Make sure you also check the power requirements and dimensions of the machine before deciding on its position in your kitchen or restaurant.
Volume of Ice Required
Deciding how much ice you need is essential to choosing the right ice maker. Consider your typical ice usage daily and compare that to the ice yield listed in the machine’s specifications. Commercial ice machines can make anything from 150lb/60kg to 800lb/300kg of ice per day. Some ice machines include built-in storage bins.
Types of Commercial Ice Machines
Modular Ice Machines
Modular ice makers can produce large volumes of ice and come in many sizes suited for different uses. You will need an ice cube storage bin below the ice maker to collect the ice. We stock a range of Atosa, Ice-O-Matic, and Hoshizaki modular small, half-cube, and large ice cube maker machines.
Under-Counter Ice Machines
These ice-making machines are also called self-contained ice makers. They include an ice collection bin for an integrated ice-making and storage unit. Under-counter ice makers usually fit under a 900mm counter and are ideal for small bars, cafes, and restaurants with up to 300lb/150kg ice production.
Ice dispensers
Countertop ice machines release individual cubes and are ideal for self-service restaurants and retail environments. Hotel ice dispensers include an ice-making machine and storage bin, giving your guests a steady ice supply on demand.
The FED is a leading supplier of Atosa, Ice-O-Matic, Follet, and Hoshizaki ice makers and bins in Canada. We make shopping for kitchen equipment quick and convenient with our online store and streamline delivery. Browse our wide range of commercial kitchen equipment or get in touch with our friendly team for more about our premium products.
