1. Main things to consider when buying a commercial ice machine

Types of ice

There are many different styles of ice — from gourmet ice cubes used for high-end spirits, to shaved or flaked iced used to make tasty treats. So, the first thing to consider when looking for the best commercial ice maker for your business is the style of ice you need.

This is a more important decision than you may think. Not only will it play a major role in determining the type of commercial ice machine you settle on, but it could also affect the profitability of your business.

Choosing a commercial ice maker with a good built-in water filter will help to prevent this mineral build-up and ensure the efficiency and long-term performance of the machine. However, water filters don’t last forever. You’ll need to regularly check and replace the water filter to achieve the best ongoing performance.

Alternatively, you can choose to run the water through an external filter before it enters the commercial ice machine. You’ll need to purchase and install the external filter. This gives you the option of choosing a more robust filter than the built-in filter included in your commercial ice maker. Always make sure any external water filter you install is compatible with your commercial ice machine and does not void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Drainage

Wastewater must be appropriately drained out of your commercial ice maker. If the machine is set higher than the drainage point then a straightforward gravity drainage system is all that’s required.

If the machine is set lower than the drainage point, you’ll need a drainage pump to remove the wastewater. Some manufacturers offer drainage pumps you can purchase as an accessory, but keep in mind that this is another component that requires maintenance and can potentially fail.

Maintenance and servicing

All commercial ice machines require regular maintenance and servicing. Refer to the manufacturer’s servicing guidelines for your machine, but a commercial ice maker generally needs to be serviced by a qualified technician once every 12 months. The technician will flush the lines to clean the machine and ensure no bacteria has built up, change the refrigerant, and check the overall operation and performance of the machine.

Between services, you’ll also need to do some DIY maintenance on the machine. You should replace the water filter every six months — or more frequently if your water source is higher in minerals. You should also clean the air filter at regular intervals to stop a blockage overheating the machine.

When choosing a commercial ice machine check that the water filter is easy to remove and change. You’ll also want to make sure the air filter is accessible without having to remove panels.

Protect your commercial ice machine investment with maintenance and servicing.

Insurance, warranty, repairs, and cost of parts

Your commercial ice maker should be covered under your overall business insurance for incidents like theft or accidental damage. Make sure your commercial ice maker is itemized on your policy so you can make a claim based on its true value.

A warranty on a new machine is essential. If you buy new you will most likely have a 12-month warranty on your commercial ice maker on parts but not on labour. Make sure you’re clear on the warranty before you buy; if there isn’t one, consider this a red flag.

When you buy a commercial ice machine, talk to your dealer about the servicing and repair schedule they recommend. At high volume, your commercial ice maker is likely to need attention even as often as three or four times per year. When you buy your commercial ice maker be sure to speak to your dealer about service and continuous maintenance. Base it on the volume you intend to see coming through your venue and factor in the possibility of increasing or decreasing the amount of service necessary for actual output.

Ideally, there will be a service and repair specialist nearby who you can call on in an emergency. If not, this could influence your decision about the commercial ice maker you buy. After all, how much income would you lose if your commercial ice maker is out of action for a few hours, a day, or more?

And remember, when you buy a commercial ice machine the cost and availability of parts will factor into your ongoing expenses. A premium machine may have parts that are more expensive to replace, repair, or even source.

2. Types of commercial ice machines

There are a few different types of commercial ice machines that will affect your purchasing decision. You’ll need to consider which type of machine is the best fit for your venue in terms of footprint and configuration and the production capacity each type of machine is designed to deliver.

For example, a self-contained under-counter commercial ice maker might be the best fit for a small cafe where space is limited and a large production capacity isn’t required.

On the other hand, a modular or freestanding unit may take up more space in your venue but can generally produce more ice per day. If there is a self-service element to your venue an ice dispenser may be the best option for you.

Here are some common types of commercial ice machines to consider:

Countertop commercial ice makers

These compact units are a good solution when you need a small commercial ice maker. They are typically self-serve units and sit on top of a counter or bench. Production volume tends to be quite limited and there is usually no ice storage bin included. This makes them great for low-volume applications like in-office staff rooms, reception and waiting rooms, and small cafeterias.

Under-counter commercial ice machines

These commercial ice makers are self-contained and can be fit neatly under counters and benches where space is limited. The commercial ice maker and bin are combined in a single unit; however, they tend to have a lower production capacity than freestanding or modular models. This makes them a good option for smaller bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Modular or machine head ice machines

These are larger freestanding units. Different machine heads can be matched with various sized bins to create a more customized solution for the amount of ice you’ll need. They tend to deliver the highest volume of ice and are a good option for larger cafes, restaurants and bars, hotels and motels, schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, convention centres, and entertainment venues, as well as oil and mining, pulp, and paper, and other Canadian camps.

If you’re purchasing a modular commercial ice maker, you’ll need to consider the amount of ice that the modular head will produce and the ice bin size you’ll pair it with. Typically, the machine head produces the ice and drops it into the ice bin ready for use. Most ice bins aren’t refrigerated but they are insulated and generally store ice well before it starts to melt.

The size of the ice bin you select is important because you’ll be using the ice from the ice bin during high use times as the head won’t be able to produce ice fast enough to keep up with the demand. The bin should be closely matched to the machine head production capacity of the machine head. That’s because matching a lower-capacity head with an oversized bin will enable you to store a greater volume of ice, but certain size heads can only be accommodated on certain size bins.

Ice dispensers

These units are generally freestanding and have a built-in self-service element. They have a lower production capacity than modular commercial ice makers but can be a good option if you don’t need to store ice. Think of ice dispensers as a larger, freestanding version of countertop ice makers for large self-service venues like hotels and motels. They are also a much cleaner alternative than the head and bin system in a self-serve environment.

Commercial ice maker versus commercial shaved ice machine

Shaved ice is great for making all kinds of icy treats like snow cones, slushies, and blended cocktails, but commercial ice makers and commercial shaved ice machines are entirely different pieces of equipment.

A commercial shaved commercial ice maker typically doesn’t make ice. The best commercial shaved ice machines use a powerful automatic motor to grind pre-made ice cubes into shaved ice, or manual machines with a crankshaft are also available.

3. Cooling methods

It’s important to remember that the ambient temperature in your venue can affect the performance of your commercial ice maker. All commercial ice machines need to be cooled to ensure the condenser doesn’t overheat, and this can become more of an issue in particularly hot environments.

There are a few different cooling methods that commercial ice makers use to make ice. Each comes with specific pros and cons, so it’s important to identify where your machine will be used to select the cooling method that will be the best option for your needs.

Air-cooled commercial ice machine

Air-cooled ice machines are the most popular option. Built-in fans are used to cool the machine and ensure optimal performance. These types of commercial ice makers are the easiest to install and maintain but require good ventilation so you’ll need to ensure there’s sufficient space around the machine. This can be an issue if space is limited in your venue or area where you’re placing the machine. It’s also impacted by environments with a high ambient temperature.

Water-cooled commercial ice machine

Rather than using fans to cool the machine, water-cooled ice machines pump water around the condenser to keep the machine cool. These are more complex commercial ice makers to install because you’ll need a cool water source to pump into the motor area where it will cool the condenser. These machines generally consume more water than air-cooled machines but can be a better option if you can’t provide ventilation space around the machine or for use in hot environments.

Remote-condenser commercial ice maker

Air-cooled and water-cooled commercial ice makers both have the cooling mechanism built into the machine. On the other hand, remote-condenser machines don’t have the condenser on the machine. It usually sits outside the building or in a separate room. These are more costly and harder to install but may consume less energy and are quieter than air-cooled and water-cooled alternatives.

4. Used commercial ice machine versus new commercial ice machine

The cost of commercial ice machines varies widely depending on the type, size, and brand you choose. The largest, high-end commercial ice makers can run you upwards of $20,000 or you can pick up a smaller, entry-level model for around $1,500.

A used commercial ice maker is also an option for your venue. It can make sense to save money.

5. Some of the best commercial ice machines

If you’re looking to purchase the best commercial ice maker, you’ll need to go through a restaurant equipment dealer. Here are some brands and companies with products available in Canada along with the types of commercial ice machines they sell.

Note: Information on these brands/products come from the company’s website or published information. Lists of company products may change. Be sure to do your research on what to consider when purchasing a commercial ice maker.

Hoshizaki

Hoshizaki (distributed in Canada by Permul and RSL - Refrigerative Supply Ltd.) and Scotsman (below) are the two largest commercial ice maker suppliers and top brands in Canada.

Hoshizaki is a worldwide leader in high-end ice makers and has built a reputation for designing and manufacturing some of the world’s best commercial ice makers. The company manufactures a wide range of high-end cubes including crescent, nugget and flaker ice machines, and ice dispensers.

Hoshizaki has a long history in the ice-making industry having designed and developed Japan’s first fully automatic ice maker. Today they serve a wide range of global industries including the food and beverage, bar and restaurant, bioscience, healthcare, and education sectors.

The company developed Hydro Fluorocarbon-free ice machines focused on energy and water efficiency for a more environmentally friendly footprint.

Hoshizaki machines use fresh water for each ice cycle to consistently produce premium ice with clean shape, clarity, and slow dilution rates.

Scotsman

Scotsman (distributed in Canada by FSS - Food Service Solutions) as mentioned above is also one of the Big Two largest commercial ice machine suppliers and top brands in Canada. Scotsman has more than one million customers in over 100 countries. They exclusively design and manufacture high-end commercial ice makers.

Scotsman ice makers are available in a range of ice shapes including gourmet, classic six-sided dice cubes, compressed flake nugget and cubelets, and flake. Models are available for small, medium, and high production of all ice shapes.

The company also offers ice storage systems for use with its modular ice makers. They enable high storage capacity and come in slope front, ice shuttle, and upright storage bin options. They also have ice-crushing machines and ice dispensers.

Ice-O-Matic

Ice-O-Matic (Distributed in Canada by Celco) is a strong name brand for commercial ice makers in Canada and is the third most popular brand in the foodservice industry after Hosizaki and Scotsman. Ice-O-Matic has been manufacturing quality commercial ice makers for more than 50 years and produces a full range of cubers and flakers.

The company’s Antimicrobial Compound (AgION™) is included in their Ice Series cube ice makers and they have an extended seven-year warranty on their water filters.

The Elevation Series is designed for tight spaces and features one-touch rescaling and sanitizing to ensure all ice meets stringent hygiene standards.

GEM Series Pearl Ice® Machines are designed for decreased water and power consumption. Their SystemSafe monitoring technology helps to boost reliability and reduce downtime.

ICE Series Cube Ice Machines are designed for simple operation and maintenance focused on high-volume applications. The MFI Series Flake Ice Machines have a low height requirement for restricted spaces.

Brema

Brema (distributed in Canada by Eurodib) has been designing and manufacturing quality commercial ice makers since 1985. Their economy line is popular in Canada. Their products are popular for the "Street Sales" Segment (i.e., mom-and-pop type establishments rather than regional or national multi-unit chains).

All Brema products are manufactured to achieve high energy- and water-saving performance ratings and are designed for ease of cleaning and maintenance.

Available ice shapes include cube, finger, flake, and pebble. The company also manufactures fast-ice machines that produce light structured ice for venues that sell a high volume of carbonated drinks. Fast-ice makers are equipped with a

vertical evaporator and have full and economy modes so you can adjust your production and energy consumption to suit busy and slower periods at your venue.

Brema also makes a cold flake machine that sets ice at around -5°C with a thickness range from 1.5 mm to 2 mm. This gives the flakes a longer melting point, ideal for fish and dairy product storage, and use in meat cutting, baking, and chemical applications. The cold flake machines have airtight compressors for use in high ambient temperatures.

Simag

Simag (distributed in Canada by FSS - Food Service Solutions) is an economy line launched in Canada in 2020. Italian brand Simag has been making quality commercial ice machines for more than 40 years. Its machines are built for daily performance and are the workhorses of the ice-making industry.

The SDE and SHD ranges make hollow cubes and feature a Scotchbrite stainless steel body available in air- or water-cooled models. They also have a built-in cleaning system.

SCE range is great for full cubes. These models have been designed for low power and water consumption and feature the company’s automatic XSafe nautical sanitation system that’s fully integrated inside the machine.

The SVD range makes smaller dice cube shapes and features an easy-to-remove condenser filter and front evaporator access for fast self-maintenance. It has a self-diagnostic system with LED indicators.

For flake ice, check out the SPN and SPR ranges, and the SNM and SMI ranges make nugget and mojo ice. Simag also manufactures a range of compatible ice storage bins.

ITV Ice Makers Inc. is an Asian import brand launched in Canada less than five years ago. This US company has a manufacturing facility in Spain and has served more than half a million customers around the world for over 30 years.

The family-owned business is committed to developing energy-efficient commercial ice makers using clean and environmentally friendly technologies.

The company’s SPIKA ITV range of cubers has been designed to meet the needs of high-volume venues like fast-food outlets and produces dice and half dice ice shapes.

The ALFA range produces straight-edge cubes with more cubes made per cycle and optimized storage for cost-effectiveness per production batch.

ITV also offers a range of storage bins compatible with any ITV ice machine and SIRION Ice Dispensers for use in hotels.

Manitowoc Ice

Manitowoc Ice (distributed in Canada by Manco and promoted/sold by Garland Canada to chain customers) is a Wellbilt company promoted through Garland Canada. It’s one of the top five commercial ice makers in Canada and has high volume in national venues (e.g., McDonald's), and is also in high demand in the health care industry.

Their Modular units allow customers to select the bin and heat unit separately, essentially building their custom units. These are cube, flake, and nugget ice makers.

QuietQube® Remote Series is a remote condensing unit with interconnecting refrigerant lines.

Undercounter compact machines work well for small-volume ice production and fit in areas where height is restricted.

Countertop machines dispense chewable nugget ice and water. They’re also popular for healthcare as well as breakroom use.

Hotel dispensers feature a touchless lever chute and are exactly what you find in hotels for filling up your ice buckets. They’re available in 22 inch and 30-inch width footprints and ice only or ice and water models making them ideal for filling tumblers and sport water bottles too.

Their ice beverage machines are popular in fast food and cafeterias with several self-serve beverages and an ice dispenser.

The Speciality ice cube machine is configured for correctional facilities with tamper-proof screws. They’re also ideal for marine facilities with a stainless steel exterior, internal frame, and bulkhead to prevent corrosion.

Manitowic also offers ice storage bins and accessories for all their commercial ice machines.

Atosa

Atosa (distributed in Canada by Western Refrigeration) is an Asian import brand launched in Canada less than five years ago. They have several locations in the US and one in Vancouver, as well as Western Refrigeration in Alberta, and Oakville, Ontario and feature several industrial ice machine models.

Their 140 lb. ice machine produces about 140 pounds of half-iced or half cubed ice every 24 hours. The larger 280 lb. machine produces 280 pounds of the same style of ice every 24 hours. This type of ice is easy to dispense and handle and blends well in most drinks.

The 450 lb. machine produces 460 pounds of ice in 24 hours but doesn’t come with the ice bin, though you can purchase it separately.

They also sell a hotel ice machine and an 810 lb. production ice machine with the option to purchase an ice bin for this model.

Atosa also sells a large ice storage bin.

Follett

Follett (Distributed in Canada by WD College) is a big name in the US with a smaller footprint in Canada. They specialize in machines for foodservice, healthcare, and workplaces and sell combo ice They also have ice transport and storage.

Follett machines dispense chewblet ice. According to the company, this is an easy-to-chew, slow-melting configuration that maintains drink temperature and quality comparable to cubes. They also dispense flake ice for foodservice and grocery displays.

Their Symphony plus ice and water dispensers dispense up to two 425 lbs per day (depending on machine size). These come in countertop, undercounter, wall mounts, and freestanding dispensers. Symphony also has a line of ice bins machines.

Their Vision line ice and beverage dispensers are low profile with undercounter ice storage.

Their Horizon and Maestro ice machine models use the company’s exclusive ice-through-a-tube configuration patented by the company in 1968. This configuration sets the internal components of Follett apart from others in the finger, straw, or tube-style cube market.

The company also sells an Ice Manager Diverter Valve system that provides automatic delivery of ice from one Horizon series ice machine to two separate dispensers or bins.

Kold-Draft

Kold-Draft is an Asian import brand launched in Canada just under five years ago. Their line includes commercial ice machines, ice bins, ice crushers, and ice dispensers. They have a cocktail series and an undercounter model.

Kold-Draft ice machines are a niche market. Their compact machines are made for small-volume or limited ice production needs and can also be used as a backup during peak business times. Their compact commercial ice makers are designed for small kitchens or hotel hallways.

The company claims that their products are “workhorses” and can handle large-volume production in restaurants, foodservice, hotel ice dispensers and they will even make commercial ice makers for specialty operations. They’re even used on cruise lines because of their marine unit features.

6. Questions to ask when purchasing a commercial ice maker

It’s important to find the right commercial ice maker machine for your needs. But, on the one hand, you don’t want to overspend on a high-end machine that produces more ice than your venue needs. On the other hand, you don’t want to underspend on a smaller unit that can’t keep up with demand.

Similar to a coffee machine, pick a commercial ice machine that matches the demand for that particular product.

Like all things, it’s often best to go to people with real-world experience using commercial ice machines for advice. Before you purchase a used commercial ice maker or new model talk to people who run similar venues and ask them some of the following questions:

 Here are questions to ask your dealer or supplier:

7. Commercial ice machine FAQS

How do commercial ice machines work?

While there are some differences in how different types and brands of commercial ice machines function, they generally follow the same process. Water is pumped into the machine head and filtered to remove impurities. The purified water is slowly poured over a refrigerated ice tray to freeze the water in layers to create clear ice.

Once the water is frozen, the ice tray is heated to loosen the ice. Then, depending on the make and model of the ice machine, the ice either slides into a collection bin via gravity, or a cylinder piston pushes the ice into the collection bin.

How much water does a commercial ice machine use?

This is entirely dependent on the production capacity of your ice machine. Of course, the more ice your machine produces, the more water you’ll use. However, it’s important to note that a water-cooled ice machine uses significantly more water than an air-cooled ice machine. That’s because water-cooled machines pump additional water around the condenser coils to keep the machine cool.

How do I clean a commercial ice machine?

Understanding how to clean a commercial ice maker is quite simple. You’ll need to change the water filter once every 3-6 months (depending on the purity of the inbound water) to prevent mineral build-up that affects the performance of the machine. If you purchase an air-cooled machine, it’s also a good idea to check the air filter for blockages from time to time and clean when required. To do so, ensure the commercial ice maker you purchase has an easily accessible air filter that you can get to without the need to remove panels.

Does a commercial ice maker machine need professional maintenance?

The short answer is yes. Your ice machine should be professionally serviced by a qualified technician once every 12 months. They’ll flush the lines to clean the machine and ensure there are no potentially harmful bacteria growing inside the machine. They’ll also change the fluids and assess the other components of the ice machine.

How do I install a commercial ice maker?

When it comes to how to install a commercial ice machine, it’s best to consult a qualified professional. Ice machines will need to be plumbed to a water input and a drainage line. It will also need to be connected to power and remote-cooled ice machines will need to be connected to an external condenser that is separately installed outside or in another room.

What is a commercial shaved ice machine?

Commercial shaved ice machines are a little different from commercial ice-making machines. Most shaved ice machines don’t actually make ice. Rather, they use a motor or manual crankshaft to shave down pre-made ice. To find the best commercial shaved ice machine, consider the production capacity you need, the power of the motor, and the blade material.

8. Commercial ice machine terminology

Understanding industry jargon is the vital first step in your search for the best commercial ice maker. If you don’t know the difference between a condenser and a machine head, check out these definitions:

Air filter: In air-cooled machines, a filter is used to remove particles from incoming air that may block the machine.

Beverage volume: The amount of liquid after the ice is added. The style of cube and glass you choose is important when looking at beverage volume.

Condenser: Converts liquid refrigerant into a gas during the refrigeration process.

Condenser coil: This is the metal part at the back of the ice machine. or across the bottom. The condenser coil’s job is to cool and condense your ice maker. Over time, these coils get covered in dust and dirt making it harder for them to function correctly as they can’t release heat.

Drainage point: The position of the drainage line that takes wastewater out of the ice machine.

Evaporator: This is a primary part of the commercial ice machine’s operation. The evaporator produces ice by absorbing heat from the water as the water passes over the outer surface. It’s usually made from stainless steel, copper, or aluminum.

Fan: The fans in your air-cooled ice machine cool the compressor and forces air through the coils. They help prevent the compressor from frosting over and causing the ice maker not to function as well as it could.

Footprint: The space a commercial ice maker takes up in your venue.

Ice bin: The container that is attached to the ice machine to catch and store the ice.

Machine head: The part of the commercial ice maker that freezes the water to produce ice.

Melting rate: The length of time it takes an ice product to melt.

Production capacity: The maximum amount of ice a machine can produce. This is Usually measured per hour or in 24 hours.

Refrigerant: According to Wikipedia, “A refrigerant is a substance or mixture, usually a fluid, used in a heat pump and refrigeration cycle. In most cycles, it undergoes phase transitions from a liquid to a gas and back again.”

In liquid form, the refrigerant travels around your fridge absorbing the heat and cooling the air temperature.

Some refrigerants have been found harmful to the environment so, before you decide on the best fridge brand for your needs, check the environmental impact of the refrigerant that’s used in the commercial ice maker you’re looking at.

Scoop: The implement you use to remove ice from the ice machine.

Water filter: The built-in filter that removes impurities from the water as it’s pumped into the machine.

Water supply line: The fresh water that’s plumbed into the water filter for the machine, usually made from copper water tubing.

Thanks for reading this commercial ice machine Buyer's Guide

This guide has hopefully helped you understand what to look for so you can narrow down your decision about what really is the best commercial fryer for your venue.

If you'd like the advice and guidance of a professional don't hesitate to reach out to the team at SilverChef. We have dedicated restaurant and cafe industry experts available to support you.