Undercounter Ice Machines

How much Ice Does an Undercounter Ice Maker Produce?

Machine size is a crucial factor when choosing an undercounter ice maker, as these machines typically produce between 50-300 lbs. of ice per day. The amount of ice production you need depends on your business's daily demand for ice, but you should generally choose a machine with 10% more production than your past peak days.

Best Undercounter Ice Machine Brands

Manitowoc: Manitowoc is a Welbilt brand that focuses on ice machines. One distinguishing characteristic of the brand is the ease of maintenance they offer; the interiors are much easier to access than many competitors, and there are fewer cleaning steps. This light maintenance footprint is a great feature in a small, undercounter ice machine.

Hoshizaki: Hoshizaki is one of the oldest and most respected ice maker brands. Their machines have an almost century-long reputation for reliability, consistent ice production, and all-round value.

Choose the Commercial Ice Machines with the Right Ice Type

Selecting the right ice type is essential for meeting your business needs and enhancing the customer experience. Different ice shapes and types are suitable for various applications, from chilling beverages to creating visually appealing cocktails.

Undercounter Crescent Ice Makers

Crescent ice makers produce crescent-shaped gourmet ice cubes. These thick ice shapes are ideal for soft drinks and mixed beverages. The crescent shape allows the ice to pack more efficiently in glasses, reducing the risk of spills and keeping drinks cooler for longer.

Crescent ice machines are a popular choice for bars and restaurants due to their versatility and efficiency. These ice cubes also tend to melt slower, which is beneficial for drinks that need to stay cool over extended periods.

Top Hat Clear Ice Machines

Top hat clear ice machines produce crystal-clear, top hat-shaped ice cubes that are perfect for high-end cocktails and premium drinks. These clear ice machines create ice cubes that freeze slowly, maintaining the integrity of the drink without diluting the flavors.

They are ideal for upscale bars and restaurants where presentation and quality are paramount. The clear ice is formed by freezing water layer by layer, which helps eliminate air bubbles and impurities.

Cubelet/Nugget Ice Machines

Cubelet or nugget ice machines compact ice shavings to produce small, chewable ice nuggets that are popular in healthcare settings and casual dining establishments.

Nugget ice machines create ice that is easy to chew and absorbs flavors well, making it a favorite for soft drinks and cocktails.

This type of ice is especially popular in beverages where you want to use high volumes of ice without diluting the beverage

Choose the Commercial Ice Machines with the Right Ice Type

Selecting the right ice type is essential for meeting your business needs and enhancing the customer experience. Different ice shapes and types are suitable for various applications, from chilling beverages to creating visually appealing cocktails.

Keep a Clear Ice Machine with Easy Ice

Picking the right ice maker and installing it can be a hassle. You need to consider where you'll install it as well as any adjacent plumbing, factor in maintenance, and have a plan if it ever breaks.

At Easy Ice, we make the process simple from the start. Our one-cost ice subscriptions cover assistance in choosing the right machine, installation, regular preventative maintenance, and any emergency help you might need.

Your customers will never go without refreshing, crystal-clear ice cubes as long as you trust the Ice Experts.

FAQs

Is an under-counter ice machine worth it?

Undercounter ice makers are worth it for businesses with limited space and a steady demand for ice. They offer convenience and efficiency by providing easy access to ice without occupying valuable floor space.

How does an undercounter ice maker work?

An undercounter ice maker works by drawing water into a reservoir, freezing it into cubes or other shapes, and then dispensing the ice into an ice bin. The machine often includes a refrigeration system and a mechanism to release it into an ice bucket.

What is the difference between an ice maker and an ice machine?

Many use the ice maker and ice machine label interchangeably. However, companies sometimes refer to appliances with greater production capacity as ice machines.

Do under counter ice makers keep ice frozen?

Undercounter ice makers typically store ice in an insulated ice bin, but they do not function as freezers. The ice will eventually melt if not used or transferred to a freezer.