Ice is an important part of many businesses. From the perfectly chilled cocktail served at a high-end bar to the icy coffee in a bustling café, ice is a key ingredient to delivering customer satisfaction. Yet, despite its importance, choosing the right commercial ice machine often gets overlooked until the ice runs out at peak hours.
However, retailers can help customers get the best bang for their buck by stocking the best commercial ice machines. Nevertheless, choosing ones that will attract sales can be tricky, especially with many variations in production capacity, type of ice (think cube ice, flake ice, nugget ice), and energy efficiency.
This guide will discuss what to consider when choosing a commercial ice machine. It will help retailers understand what to look for, which will keep their customers and bottom line happy.
Table of Contents
What are commercial ice machines?
What to consider when stocking commercial ice machines
Wrapping up
What are commercial ice machines?
A commercial ice machine helps produce large quantities of ice for commercial use. Unlike smaller home ice makers, these machines can churn out hundreds to thousands of pounds of ice daily, depending on the model. More importantly, they can withstand frequent use, making them perfect for restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and other establishments that rely on a constant ice supply.
Several types of commercial ice machines are available, each tailored to different needs. Some can produce specific shapes, like cube ice, flake ice, or nugget ice. Others are engineered to fit into various spaces, such as under-counter ice machines for compact areas or modular ice machines for high-volume settings.
What to consider when stocking commercial ice machines
1. Determine the target business’s ice needs
Start by asking: How much ice does the business need daily? Different establishments have different ice needs, and even within a single industry, the requirements can vary widely. For example:
- Restaurants typically require cube ice for drinks and some flake ice for food displays.
- Bars might need slower-melting large ice cubes to chill cocktails without watering them down.
- Convenience stores often demand ice nuggets or cubes for fountain drinks and iced coffees.
That’s why it’s best to stock machines that can handle various ice types (including flake, cube, tube, or ball ice).
2. Consider production capacity
The next biggest factor to consider when choosing an ice machine is production capacity—basically, how much ice the business will need daily. For example, a bar packed with patrons on Saturday will require a vastly different amount of ice than a small coffee shop serving iced lattes only during the morning rush.
The goal is to choose a machine that matches the business’s peak needs without producing so much ice that it is wasted. Production capacity varies widely among machines. Here are some common options:
| Ice machine type | Production capacity |
| Modular ice machine | These heavy lifters are designed for high output. They can produce 400 to over 1,000 pounds of ice in 24 hours, making them perfect for large operations like busy bars and high-volume restaurants. |
| Self-contained ice machines | These are more compact, combining ice production and storage in a single unit. Self-contained ice machines can produce anywhere from 60 to 240 pounds of ice daily, ideal for mid-sized businesses or those with limited space. |
| Undercounter ice machines | These machines fit neatly under a countertop, saving space while producing up to 100 pounds of ice daily. They’re a great choice for smaller businesses or for kitchens that don’t have room for larger equipment. |
Getting the production capacity right is crucial; too little and the target buyer risks running out of ice during rush times, while too much can be an unnecessary drain on resources.
3. Consider the machine’s water supply compatibility
One thing that often flies under the radar when choosing an ice machine is water quality. Clean water impacts the ice’s taste and clarity and how long the machine lasts. Hard water, full of minerals and impurities, can lead to cloudy ice and cause scale buildup in the machine, which eventually means more maintenance and repairs.
Retailers should consider stocking machines with filtration system compatibility to help keep the buyer’s ice fresh and their machine in good shape. Here are a few options that can make a real difference:
- Particulate filters are the first line of defense, removing large particles like dirt and sand. If consumers want clear ice and a clean machine, a particulate filter is a simple but effective solution.
- If consumers are worried about taste, carbon filters are excellent for removing chlorine and other chemicals from the water. This filtration system is particularly useful if the ice goes straight into drinks, where any hint of “off” flavor is noticeable.
- For businesses that need ultra-pure, crystal-clear ice (like high-end bars or upscale restaurants), reverse osmosis is the way to go. It’s a more thorough filtering process that removes nearly all impurities from the water.
4. Energy efficiency
Energy costs can be a huge part of running any business. And since ice machines run around the clock, they’ll bump the bill if they’re guzzling electricity. That’s why energy efficiency is a smart consideration for both the target buyer’s wallet and the environment.
Many modern ice machines come with energy-saving features that help users get more ice with less electricity:
- High-efficiency compressors: These compressors work more effectively, using less energy to produce each batch of ice. It’s a simple way to reduce power usage without sacrificing ice production.
- Low-energy cycles: Some machines offer low-energy settings, which adjust ice production based on demand. If buyers only need ice during peak hours, this setting can save money by slowing down production during quieter times.
- Smart controls: These allow users to program the machine based on their daily schedule. If they only need extra ice during certain hours, smart controls will help buyers avoid unnecessary power usage
5. Maintenance and cleaning
An ice machine is a long-term investment; like any equipment, it needs a little TLC to keep running smoothly. Regular maintenance keeps the machine in top shape so it’s always ready to serve fresh, clean ice. Fortunately, some machines have features that simplify maintenance—so there is no need to call technicians. Here’s what to look for:
- Removable parts: Some machines have parts that users can easily take off and clean separately, making cleaning the whole machine easier.
- Self-cleaning cycles: Many newer models have self-cleaning functions that flush out the system automatically. This reduces manual cleaning time and keeps the ice machine in better condition over the long haul.
- Internal scoop holders: This feature helps keep the ice scoop clean and allows users to store it safely when not in use, making a big difference in cleanliness.
Wrapping up
Commercial ice machines are perfect for keeping up with businesses handling many ice demands daily. They may be expensive upfront but offer a huge payoff in the long run, especially if retailers provide the perfect options that fit the establishment’s needs. To do that, remember to consider all the factors discussed here—it’ll also ensure they enjoy more reliable operations and leave better reviews to encourage more sales.
