In the bustling world of hospitality, whether you’re running a bar, nightclub or restaurants, if you’re serving drinks, chances are you’ll get through a lot of ice. To make sure you have a constant supply to keep up with your customer’s needs, you’ll need an ice maker. Not all models are built the same, however, getting the most efficient commercial ice maker for your business is a crucial decision.
Not only do different makes and models come with different features, but they also create different types and quantities of ice. Choosing the right one for you and your business comes down to a number of factors. To make the decision easier, our guide covers the top features of commercial ice makers and gives you plenty of recommendations from a range of high-quality brands.
The History of Ice Makers
Before discussing the modern features of commercial icemakers, it’s important to highlight how far something so seemingly simple has come. Their history dates back to the 19th century, with their invention marking a major step in improving the safety and quality of food preservation.
Before ice could be made commercially with a machine, it had to be taken from nature—typically from frozen lakes and rivers. Not only was this a labour-intensive process, but it also meant ice wasn’t always readily available, depending on the location and season you were in.
Now, there are an abundance of manufacturers in the refrigeration industry who create top-quality, efficient commercial ice makers. Some of our top brand recommendations include Polar Refrigeration, Blizzard, Skope ITV, and the aptly named Ice-O-Matic. These appliances are essential in the hospitality industry, ensuring you have a constant supply of ice - no matter what you need it for.
Understanding the Three Main Types of Ice Makers
Helping you choose the best option for your business needs to include a few factors, so understanding the benefits of different models is key. The three main options you can get are benchtop ice makers, under-bench ice makers and modular ice-making machines.
Benchtop Ice Makers
As with other benchtop appliances, benchtop ice makers offer a compact and portable option for businesses who want something versatile that can fit in a limited space. While small, they can still produce an impressive amount of ice and, depending on the model you choose, can deliver 10 to 20 kilos of ice every day across a 24-hour period.
Their main drawback is that, because they’re portable and not fixed into the wall with plumbing, they need to be filled with water manually to make ice. They come with ice tubs built in, which are typically on the smaller side. They’re an ideal option for food trucks and smaller cafes and as a backup option for the hotter months where extra ice is a must-have.
Underbench Ice Makers
The next, slightly larger option, is an underbench ice maker. Unlike benchtop options, they’re typically attached to the plumbing system to gain continuous access to water and to facilitate drainage during the cleaning process. As they’re attached to the water main, they streamline the production process and don’t need any additional water top-ups, making them a more time and labour efficient option. They’re larger than benchtop models, generating between 20 and 80 kilos of ice every 24 hours.
Underbench ice makers have built-in ice trays, which can typically hold around a third of the total ice they produce each day. They’re the ideal choice for medium-sized businesses or establishments that need a higher volume of ice for daily use. These models keep valuable counter space free while delivering a consistent and steady supply of ice throughout the day without much need for extra intervention or water top-ups.
Modular Ice Makers
The largest and most prolific models on the market are modular ice makers. While benchtop and underbench ice makers come with built-in ice trays, modular ice makers have separate ice storage tubs. These sit external to your ice-making unit, usually underneath the ice maker itself, and have insulation like a freezer would. One of the key benefits of the external storage tub is that you can choose the capacity you need. This allows for more choice when it comes to getting one that fits both your needs and the space you have available.
Along with external, temperature-controlled storage, modular ice makers also have a higher output. They’re connected to your establishment’s plumbing system, ensuring consistent output throughout the day. Depending on the model you choose, they have the ability to make anywhere between 80 and 3000 kilos of ice every 24 hours.
Due to their capacity and capabilities, they are the most expensive models available. However, they’re ideal for high-capacity hospitality spots including restaurants, bars, hotels or hospitals.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient commercial ice makers are the norm in today’s market, with optimal energy use becoming an increasingly strong focus for manufacturers and businesses. Not only do modern ice makers use less power to run, but their design has been optimised to create more ice with lower energy requirements.
You’ll have an abundance of fresh ice throughout the day, all while using less power, which saves you money on both fronts. Brands like Hoshizaki and Ice-O-Matic offer energy-optimised ice makers that churn out a constant supply of ice so you never run low. One stand-out option we recommend is the Daily Hoshizaki Self-Contained Cube Ice Maker. It only uses 2.9 amps while running and can deliver up to 44 kilos of high-quality ice for cocktails and drinks every 24 hours.
Water Filtration for Healthier and Safer Ice
The quality of the ice you get from your ice maker is directly reliant on the water that goes into your machine. One of the innovative features of commercial ice makers is internal water filtration systems. They’ll ensure that the water feeding into your ice maker is free from contaminants, delivering crisp and consistently fresh-tasting ice.
When your ice maker has a water filtration system, you’ll also get ice that not only looks clearer but tastes better, too. Water filtration is important not only for flavour but also for health and safety.
Ice-Making Automation and Smart Kitchen Integration
Along with water filtration, ice makers also increase efficiency with automatic functionality and Smart kitchen integration. You can pre-program when you want your ice maker to switch on, how long it should run for and control how much you need it to make. There’s no need to monitor it, you won’t need to remember to switch it on at the start of the shift or worry about it overflowing if you forget to turn it off.
Aside from making your ice each day, ready for the beginning of the shift, you can also get ice maker automation that reduces the need for as much manual cleaning. Defrosting can take time to do yourself, and keep your ice maker out of commission until it’s finished. Certain models, like the Skope NDP20 Self-Contained Ice Cube Maker, include automatic defrosting. This feature isn’t included in all models, so if it’s a key factor for you, make sure you check the specifications before purchasing your ice maker.
Durability and Maintenance Requirements
As with any commercial kitchen appliance, you want to invest in something that can withstand the demands of a busy environment and frequent use. At Restaurant Equipment, we source models from top-quality brands to ensure they’re up to the task. However, regular maintenance of your ice maker will not only maintain the quality of the ice it’s creating but will also extend its lifespan and prevent breakdowns.
You may want to consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do and factor this in when you’re choosing an ice maker. We particularly recommend the likes of AG Equipment and Bromic Refrigeration for durable ice maker models designed for easier maintenance. Look for options with sanitisation functionality built in. Alternatively, choose an option with components that can be taken out and washed separately—like the Ice-O-Matic CIM1135 Modular Cube Ice Maker.
Step-by-Step Process to Clean Any Commercial Ice Maker
Regardless of whether your ice maker has self-sanitisation functionality, it’s still good practice to do a deep clean and ongoing maintenance periodically. The frequency with which you’ll need to do a deep clean will depend on usage but also on the quality of water that’s running through your machine. If you notice a change in the clarity or taste of the ice your machine is producing, you’ll know it’s overdue for a clean. This process will ensure that your ice looks and tastes great and keeps your ice maker running optimally for longer. Here are the steps we recommend:
Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug the Ice Maker
Regardless of whether you have a countertop ice maker or a modular model, make sure it’s switched off and unplugged before you start cleaning.
Step 2: Empty the Ice Bin
If there is ice in the ice bin or storage tub, remove any that’s remaining and put it in the sink to melt. You don’t want to put old ice back into a freshly cleaned ice maker!
Step 3: Remove and Clean the Ice Bin
If you haven’t already, remove the ice bin if your model allows and start the cleaning process here. Wash it with warm, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly after. You don’t want any soap residue left on the ice bin, or you run the risk of it contaminating the flavour of your ice.
Step 4: Clean Removable Parts
Next, you’ll want to remove all of the other detachable parts, like the filters, trays and ice scoops. Some models have dishwasher-friendly parts, streamlining the cleaning process, while others will need to be washed by hand - make sure you check the manufacturer’s guidelines first. Again, ensure they’re thoroughly rinsed and free from any soapy residue.
Step 5: Clean the Interior Components
When you’re doing a deep clean, the next key step is checking the filters and either cleaning or replacing them. You should also check the areas where fresh water comes in and make sure there are no mineral deposits building up. This is especially important for areas with hard water. Clean them with a soft brush or, if it’s a particularly delicate job, you may want to get a professional cleaner to service your machine instead.
Step 6: Reassemble and Restart the Ice Maker
After you’ve cleaned all the detachable parts and ice bin, reassemble everything and switch it back on. To ensure the water is running through smoothly and to reduce the chances of any cleaning solution getting into the ice you’ll be serving, discard the first batch or two.
Best Commercial Freezers and Complementary Equipment
Along with a commercial ice maker, there are some other appliances you might want to consider adding your setup. When it comes to keeping your drinks chilled to the optimal temperature, having storage that can hold large quantities at any one time is key. Commercial fridges come in a variety of sizes, setups and capacities, including options for tropical conditions.
For keeping drinks at hand, we recommend commercial drink fridges. They’re an ideal option for placing near the counter for customers to choose their own drinks. Or, for bars and establishments where space is limited, under-bench fridges are in indispensable addition.
For large scale food storage, you’ll need a commercial freezer with plenty of space. The top ice maker manufacturers also produce a broad range of freezers, with different models and sizes. You can go for a compact option like a commercial chest freezer or get something to sell your produce in like a display freezers.
Next Steps
With the innovations, smart integrations and high capacity output of modern ice makers, they can transform the efficiency of your kitchen while also saving you money in long-term. If you’re ready to find the perfect option for you and deliver even better service to your customers, explore the range of ice makers are Restaurant Equipment Online now.
For more information or a personalised recommendation that’ll match the unique needs of your business, contact us now via email at sales@restaurantequipment.com.au or give us a call at 1300 35 25 45!