Commercial Ice Machine: Your Guide
Posted by SEAN HEWAPATHAGE
It's very important to buy the right ice machine for your business. Here's a simple guide to help you understand what you need.
Things to know before you buy:
- Your type of business
- How much ice you use
- What you need the ice for
Our products include cube, crescent, nugget, and flake ice makers, as well as special ice makers and dispensers.
Types of Ice:
1. CUBES
Cube ice machines are popular because they make high-quality ice and last a long time. Cube Ice machines create clear, hard, and slow-melting ice cubes, perfect for drinks and cocktails. These machines produce consistently high-quality ice and can make large amounts quickly.
- Closed-cell system for high performance, using natural refrigerants and a sturdy design
- Perfect for premium cocktails and long drinks
- Can also be used for bagged ice
- Restaurant
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average of 0.7kg of ice per person per day
- About - Whatever type of ice you need, OzCoolers has the right machine for you. Our machines use the latest smart technology to produce clear, hard ice that melts slowly, so customers can enjoy their cold drinks longer. Top-quality ice, every time.
- Recommended Ice Type: Crescent, Cube, Nugget
- Bars & Cocktail Lounges
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average of 1.3kg of ice per seat
- About - Cube ice is the best choice for most businesses. High-end bars and lounges love the XXL and Q (Ball) ice machines because they stand out. The 25/28 size cubes are also very popular for drinks.
- Recommended Ice Type: Cube, Crescent, XXL Cubet, Q Ball
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Construction/Mine Site
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average of 1.5kg of ice per person per day
- About - An ice dispenser is essential for any building or mining site. It dispenses ice with the push of a button, reducing the risk of dirty hands contaminating an ice bin and spreading germs to other staff. It's a safe and effective way to keep workers hydrated and protected.
- Recommended Ice Type: Dispenser
2. CRESCENT
Crescent ice has a distinctive half-moon shape. Crescent Ice machines make clear, long-lasting ice that's easy to store and use. This type of ice is strong and ideal for many businesses.
- Makes lots of ice per cycle, uses less energy, and resists acid buildup.
- Commonly used in quick-service restaurants and for displaying fresh food.
Suitable for the following industries:
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Hospital
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average 0.4kg of ice per person per day Average 4.6kg for every bed
- About - The Nugget or Flaker ice is soft and easy to chew, making it perfect for the drinks served in healthcare and hospitals. Our machines allow for both water and ice options with easy to operate push-buttons, and is designed little spaces whilst still offering high standards of hygiene.
- Recommended Ice Type: Flake, Nuggets, Dispenser
-
School & University
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average of 0.6kg of ice per student per day
- About - Crescent machines you can produce more ice within a small footprint. Making them ideal in a canteen application.
- Recommended Ice Type: Crescent
-
Fast Food Restaurant
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average of 0.80kg per 355ml drink
- About -Crescent ice would be the best solution for a high-volume restaurant looking for general ice. Food chilling, ice buckets, soft drinks and water jugs. Crescent units are perfect for Juice bars as is not as harsh on the blades as other ice types. The 21mm cube is also great for Juice bars too.
- Recommended Ice Type: Crescent
-
Construction/Mine Site
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average of 1.3kg of ice per seat
- About - Cube ice is the best choice for most businesses. High-end bars and lounges love the XXL and Q (Ball) ice machines because they stand out. The 25/28 size cubes are also very popular for drinks.
- Recommended Ice Type: Cube, Crescent, XXL Cubet, Q Ball
-
Bars & Cocktail Lounges
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average of 1.3kg of ice per seat
- About - Cube ice is the best choice for most businesses. High-end bars and lounges love the XXL and Q (Ball) ice machines because they stand out. The 25/28 size cubes are also very popular for drinks.
- Recommended Ice Type: Cube, Crescent, XXL Cubet, Q Ball
-
Hotel
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average of 2.3kg of ice per room per day
- About - Hotels or Motels that have ice units on each level elect to go for the dispensing unit, nugget. The cube and crescent units are ideal for the volume they can produce and the versatility across many ares of the hotel. Crescent units are great for buckets used for room service and the restraurants.
- Recommended Ice Type: Cube, Crescent, Nugget, Dispenser
3. NUGGETS
Nugget Ice, also called "Chewable Ice," is small, soft, and easy to chew. It's popular and versatile, making it great for many commercial uses. Nugget Ice is soft, absorbs flavors well, and is produced in large amounts. It uses energy efficiently and melts slowly, making it cost-effective and long-lasting.
- Built-in display for easy maintenance.
- Commonly used to cool cocktails and display produce.
Suitable for the following industries:
-
Hospital
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average 0.4kg of ice per person per day Average 4.6kg for every bed
- About - The Nugget or Flaker ice is soft and easy to chew, making it perfect for the drinks served in healthcare and hospitals. Our machines allow for both water and ice options with easy to operate push-buttons, and is designed little spaces whilst still offering high standards of hygiene.
- Recommended Ice Type: Flake, Nuggets, Dispenser
-
School & University
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average of 0.6kg of ice per student per day
- About - Crescent machines you can produce more ice within a small footprint. Making them ideal in a canteen application.
- Recommended Ice Type: Crescent
-
Construction/Mine Site
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average of 1.3kg of ice per seat
- About - Cube ice is the best choice for most businesses. High-end bars and lounges love the XXL and Q (Ball) ice machines because they stand out. The 25/28 size cubes are also very popular for drinks.
- Recommended Ice Type: Cube, Crescent, XXL Cubet, Q Ball
- Bars & Cocktail Lounges
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average of 1.3kg of ice per seat
- About - Cube ice is the best choice for most businesses. High-end bars and lounges love the XXL and Q (Ball) ice machines because they stand out. The 25/28 size cubes are also very popular for drinks.
- Recommended Ice Type: Cube, Crescent, XXL Cubet, Q Ball
4. FLAKERS
Flaked Ice, also called "Snow Ice," is made by shaving ice into small pieces. It’s useful and special because it can be shaped easily, melts slowly, and is soft. Flaked Ice reduces waste and saves energy, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice for businesses. It’s also popular in healthcare because of its therapeutic benefits.
- Flakers are designed to prevent buildup and bacterial contamination.
- Can be used in many areas, from food service to medical purposes.
-
Hospital
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - Average 0.4kg of ice per person per day Average 4.6kg for every bed
- About - The Nugget or Flaker ice is soft and easy to chew, making it perfect for the drinks served in healthcare and hospitals. Our machines allow for both water and ice options with easy to operate push-buttons, and is designed little spaces whilst still offering high standards of hygiene.
- Recommended Ice Type:
• Flake
• Nuggets
• Dispenser
-
Seafood & Fresh Food Display
- Average Weight of Ice Usage - 65kg per square meter
- About - Seafood & Fresh Food Display
- Recommended Ice Type: Flake
Please note these recommendations are estimates only, and you might require more than the listed amount for your usage.
