Depending on the specifications of the model you’ve chosen, the volumes of ice they can get through will vary. Checking the manufacturer's guidelines is important to ensure you can put any form of ice in to be crushed. 

Generally speaking, commercial ice crushers are designed to be resilient and hard-wearing, meaning they’re capable of crushing high volumes of ice in various formats. If you’ve got an ice maker, you can put in everything from cubes, nuggets and even blocks of ice and have it transformed into perfectly chipped ice at the end. 

Choosing the right ice crusher for your commercial kitchen will depend on a few factors. First, you’ll want to calculate the volume of crushed ice you’ll need on average for each working day. Secondly, you’ll want to consider what kind of bench space you have available to store your ice crusher. Some models are quite compact, while others take up more space. 

Depending on your storage options, you may also want to set up a station near a commercial freezer to store pre-prepared crushed ice in bulk. 

If you have a smaller establishment or only need crushed ice for certain menu items, a smaller model of ice crusher that can generate 30 kilos of ice an hour may be adequate. For high turnover or to account for rush hours, where you need to generate more for a short period of time, models that can create up to 90 kilos an hour may be a better option. 

To choose the best size and model for you, account for how much you use in an average hour. Alternatively, you can contact the team at REO and we can help you with a personalised recommendation.

Maintaining your ice-crushing machine is important not only for good hygiene but also helps to extend its lifespan. While individual models will vary, many of them feature detachable parts that can be put into a commercial dishwasher for proper sanitation. Checking the mechanisms regularly to ensure they’re in proper working order is also important, including lubricating any moving parts. This allows you to get consistent performance and perfectly crushed ice every time you switch your machine on. 

There are a few key features to look for when you’re purchasing an ice crusher. The first thing to look for is fully waterproof buttons, ensuring easy and safe use even when you’re making ice in bulk. 

Some models also offer guards to protect anyone using them from stray chipped ice, which also helps to keep your workstation clearer. Slip guards on the feet of your ice crusher are another feature to look for, helping to keep it sturdy and in place during operation. 

Finally, and most importantly, it is crucial to have an emergency stop button or switch in case of any malfunction or issues while operating. 

Commercial ice crushers will inevitably make some noise, and how loud they are depends on the type of ice you’re crushing and the individual model itself. Those with more powerful, high-capacity motors will make more noise. To negate this, you may want to prepare your crushed ice away from the bar area or look for models with noise-reduction features to keep the excess volume to a minimum. 

Yes, depending on the model you choose, you can put a range of ice types in to be crushed. Higher-powered models can get through things like cubes and blocks and can even have settings that allow you to control how fine the chips of ice come out. 

To get the best lifespan from your ice crusher, we recommend choosing reputable brands like Apuro, Benchstar and Yasaki. When they’re made from resilient materials like stainless steel and are easy to care for and maintain, they can last for several years before you’ll start to notice a drop in performance or need to replace them.