Ice has become a must-have in many homes and small businesses, as people want to enjoy their cold drinks. However, the traditional way of producing ice is time-consuming, and many people are not willing to sacrifice the time.
Ice dispensers are a convenient and more efficient way to make ice at the comfort of one’s home and business without running to the store to carry bags of ice now and then.
As a small business, you should take advantage of this and stock ice dispensers to help other small businesses and homeowners get their ice conveniently from the comfort of their homes and businesses.
In this article, we will examine ice dispensers, whether they are worth the money, and whether they use a lot of electricity. Learn more about what your customers want when buying ice makers and dispensers.
Table of Contents
An overview of the ice dispenser market
Guide to selling ice dispensers
Is an ice dispenser worth it?
Do countertop ice makers use a lot of electricity?
How do I know which ice maker to buy?
Factors customers consider when buying ice dispenser machines
Size and capacity
Ice cube shape
Drainage system
Style
Final thoughts
An overview of the ice dispenser market
The global ice maker market is growing by the year. According to Research and Markets, the market had an estimated value of USD 5.3 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% to reach USD 7.4 billion by 2033.
The increasing demand for automated appliances is a major factor influencing the growth of the ice maker market. In addition, the growth of the food and beverage industry has also contributed to its growth, with more businesses looking for convenient and efficient ways to make their ice.
Additionally, the continued decrease in natural ice has led to an increase in demand for ice makers. With natural ice reserves depleted, customers are looking for artificial ice-making solutions, especially in regions where ice fishing is practiced.
Countertop ice dispensers are gaining popularity because they are compact and ideal for places with limited space. According to Future Market Insights, the countertop ice dispenser market will be valued at USD 554.8 million in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% to reach USD 984.2 million by 2023.
This growth is fueled by the increasing use of compact, high-capacity ice makers in commercial and healthcare spaces. The encouragement of hygiene-led touchless dispensing solutions has led to the growth of countertop ice makers.
Guide to selling ice dispensers
When selling ice maker machines, you must be well informed to guide your customers on the right ones to buy to suit their needs. Some of the questions customers will ask include the following:
Is an ice dispenser worth it?
For many businesses, an ice dispenser is worth it. It not only offers ice but also provides convenience, efficiency, and hygiene. Here’s why you should encourage your customers to buy an ice dispenser.
- Convenience: If a fridge doesn’t have an ice dispenser, one relies on ice trays to make ice cubes. An ice tray can make up to 18 cubes at a time, while an independent ice maker machine can make between one and two pounds of ice at a time, saving you time.
- Hygiene: Touchless ice-dispensing machines reduce contamination risk, a significant benefit in the healthcare and hospitality sectors.
- Efficiency: Commercial ice dispensing machines are made to keep up with the ice demand during peak hours, and one doesn’t have to stop to get more ice. You will have a full supply of ice when you need it.
Do countertop ice makers use a lot of electricity?
Countertop ice makers work by filling a reservoir with water, and an electric motor freezes the water to form ice cubes. When the ice is formed, it is deposited in a storage bin and can be used as needed.
Many customers ask if countertop ice makers use a lot of electricity. The energy efficiency of countertop ice makers depends on several factors, such as the model, size, and how often they are used.
However, countertop ice makers are generally energy-efficient. The average countertop ice dispenser uses between 100 and 150 watts, which is relatively lower compared to other household appliances. Larger machines produce more ice and will use more power, but they are energy-efficient as you can produce a lot of ice at a time, which also helps reduce electricity consumption.
How do I know which ice maker to buy?
Different customers have different needs. As a small business, you must have different types of ice makers to meet all your customers’ needs. Some of the types of ice makers you can have include:
- Undercounter ice makers: These ice makers are built into the kitchen cabinets and produce a lot of ice daily. They are counter-depth and blend with their surroundings. Undercounter ice makers have an insulated bin holding between 20 and 50 pounds of ice. They require space, may limit cabinet storage in a smaller kitchen, and require a water line installation.
- Freestanding ice makers: These are the same as undercounter ice makers and can produce the same amount of ice. Freestanding ice makers can be installed anywhere in a home, and a water line is needed.
- Portable ice makers: Portable ice makers are smaller and can be placed on countertops. They are ideal for homes with bar setups, outdoor patios, and theaters. They are easy to use and have limitless places to place them. Place them on a flat surface and plug them in.
Factors customers consider when buying ice dispenser machines
Customers consider many factors when buying ice maker machines. Some factors include:
Size and capacity
The size of the ice maker matters. Homeowners can buy portable countertop ice makers, while businesses may go for larger commercial ice makers. The size determines the amount of ice the machine makes at a time and the amount of power it consumes.
Ice cube shape
One wouldn’t think the ice cube shape matters, but it makes a difference. Customers will look for the ice cube maker with their desired shapes while others prefer crushed ice and may need to get ice crushers. Some of the ice cube shapes available include:
- Full and half ice cubes: These ice cubes are common for ice trays and larger ice makers. They keep beverages cool while providing the clinking sound people enjoy.
- Bullet ice maker: As the name suggests, the ice looks like a bullet and is often hollow in the center, which makes it melt faster. Bullet ice is ideal when drinking water and not alcoholic beverages.
- Nugget ice maker: Also known as the pebble ice maker, it makes soft and chewable ice cubes. It has tiny air bubbles on its surface that absorb the drink, giving it flavour when crushed. It is ideal for restaurants and blended recipes as it melts quickly and cools effectively.
- Crescent ice maker: The ice is shaped like a crescent, giving it great liquid displacement to keep drinks cool longer.
Drainage system
When getting an ice dispenser, customers need a proper drainage system to drain excess water from the melted ice. They should have a floor-level drain or a dedicated drain pipe to keep the water from where it can cause harm.
Style
Customers want to buy ice maker machines that match their home’s interior decor. Therefore, it is imperative to have ice makers in different styles and colors to accommodate customers’ tastes and preferences.
Final thoughts
Ice dispensers are a practical and efficient addition to many homes and businesses. By helping your customers understand their options and answering their questions, you are not only selling ice maker machines, but also solving their problems and earning their trust.
As a retailer, ensure you have different ice makers in stock in various sizes, capacities, and styles, and different ice cube types to cater to all customer needs, tastes, and preferences.
Educate your customers on how to use their appliances, and they will keep returning for upgrades and maintenance. Also, refer customers to your business.
