Choosing the Right Ice Machine
Explore our expert guide to find the ideal ice machine tailored to your business needs, ensuring efficiency and quality in every cube.
Confused About Ice Machines?
If you’re unsure where to start with ice machines, you’re not alone. Many people ask us, “What type of ice machine do I need? What’s the difference between the machines? And how much ice do I need each day?”. Whether you’re opening a new café, upgrading your bar, or replacing an old machine, we’ll walk you through the basics, with helpful links and tools so you can make the right choice, confidently.
What to Consider When Choosing an Ice Machine.
Daily Ice Production (24hr capacity)
This is how much ice the machine can make in 24 hours — it’s usually measured in kilograms (kg).
👉 Example: A 60kg/day machine can make up to 60kg of ice in one day (under ideal conditions).
- Small cafés might need 30–60kg/day.
- Busy pubs and bars may need 100kg+ per day.
- Fishmongers or catering companies often need 150kg+ per day.
Tip: It’s better to size up than risk running out of ice during peak times. Here’s a summary of 24/7 ice production required by business type.
| Business Type | Recommended Ice Type | Typical Production Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Small Café | Bullet or Dice | 30–50kg/day |
| Bar or Pub | Dice or Full Cube | 60–150kg/day |
| Hotel or Restaurant | Dice or Gourmet | 100–200kg/day |
| Fishmonger/Butcher | Flake | 150kg+ |
| Healthcare Facility | Nugget or Flake | 50–100kg/day |
| Events Company | Full Cube or Dice | 100–200kg/day |
Air-Cooled vs Water-Cooled
- Water-cooled: Quieter and better for warm or poorly ventilated spaces (but uses more water). We currently don’t have any water-cooled machines available in our shop, but please get in contact and we can provide a quote for a suitable product.
- Air-cooled: Most common and energy-efficient in well-ventilated areas.
Here’s a summary of all air-cooled ice machines currently available on our shop:
| Model | Series / Type | Cooling Type | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| IYT0300A | Indigo NXT Modular | ✅ Air-Cooled | Half-dice; 130–140 kg/day |
| IYT0420A | Indigo NXT Modular | ✅ Air-Cooled | Half-dice; ~190–200 kg/day |
| UDP0800A | Undercounter Modular Style | ✅ Air-Cooled | Full-dice; ~360 kg/day |
| UDP0140A | Undercounter | ✅ Air-Cooled | Compact; ~63–70 kg/day |
| UDP0310A | Undercounter | ✅ Air-Cooled | Mid-range; ~140 kg/day |
| UYP0240A | Undercounter | ✅ Air-Cooled | Half-dice; ~110–115 kg/day |
| UGP020A | Sotto Series | ✅ Air-Cooled | Compact; 22 kg/day |
| UGP030A | Sotto Series | ✅ Air-Cooled | 32 kg/day |
| UGP040A | Sotto Series | ✅ Air-Cooled | 53 kg/day |
| UGP050A | Sotto Series | ✅ Air-Cooled | Less common, mid-range |
| UGP080A | Sotto Series | ✅ Air-Cooled | Highest Sotto capacity; 76 kg/day |
| UT0620A | Indigo NXT Modular | ✅ Air-Cooled | Full/half-dice;; 575 lbs/day kg/day |
Types of Machines
There are a number of different types of machines that produce different types of ice. Here is an overview.
Modular Ice Machines
A modular ice machine consists of separate units for ice production and ice storage. The ice production unit (head) and the ice storage unit (bin) are separate and must be connected through a bin adapter kit.
This type of setup allows for greater ice production capacity and flexibility in terms of storage options.
Self-Contained Ice Machines
A self-contained ice machine combines the ice production and storage components into a single unit. This type of ice machine is compact and can produce and store ice in the same machine without the need for additional components or attachments.
Self-contained ice machines are typically more suitable for smaller-scale operations with lower ice production needs.
Ice and Water Dispensers
An ice dispenser is a machine specifically designed to dispense ice to users in a convenient and hygienic manner. Ice dispensers can be stand-alone units or built into ice machines. They provide a controlled way to access ice and often include features like sensor-based dispensing and touchless operation for increased sanitation.
Ice Bins
An ice bin is a standalone unit used for storing ice produced by an ice machine. Ice bins are typically insulated to keep the ice cold and prevent melting. They come in various sizes and capacities to accommodate different levels of ice storage needs. Ice bins are often used in conjunction with modular ice machines to provide additional storage space.
Types of Ice Explained
Different ice machines produce different shapes and types of ice, each suited to specific uses. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Full / Half Dice Ice Machines
These are solid square or rectangular cubes that cool drinks slowly, look professional, and don’t water down cocktails quickly. They are ideal for Pubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels.
High Production Capacity
Energy Efficient
Compact Design
Easy Maintenance
Nugget Ice Machines
Known for their chewable texture, nugget ice machines are a favourite in many industries such as cafés, fast food, healthcare settings.
Soft, Chewable Ice
User-Friendly Interface
Durable Construction
Low Noise Operation
Flake Ice Machines
Flake ice machines create soft, moldable ice that is ideal for food displays, healthcare applications, hospitality seafood preservation, ports and fishmongers.
Versitle
Rapid Cooling
Easy to Mould
Energy Efficient
Gourmet Ice Machines
Gourmet ice machines create high-quality, large crystal-clear ice that adds a touch of elegance to drinks. Ideal for bars and restaurants.
Slow-Melting and Odourless
Unique Appearance
Consistent Ice Production
Easy to Maintain
How to Choose and Install Your Ice Machine
Step 1
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
Determine the daily ice production required for your business and consider the space available for installation.
Step 2
Step 2: Select the Right Model
Consult with our specialists, or explore our online shop to find an ice machine that matches your capacity needs and fits your budget.
Step 3
Step 3: Professional Installation
Our team can handle the installation, servicing and repairs, ensuring your machine is set up for optimal performance and efficiency.
Other Key Factors Worth Considering
Ease of cleaning: Look for models with built-in cleaning cycles or antimicrobial components.
Energy efficiency: Eco-friendly machines (like those using R290 refrigerant) help save on running costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
Maintenance access: Front-access panels and clear diagnostics help your engineer fix things faster if something goes wrong.