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Types of Ice
The ice shape decides the machine. Pick the ice your drinks and menu need first, then size the machine to your busiest day.
Seven shapes
Which ice for what
Slow melt
Full cube
Solid square cubes.
Best for: Sodas, iced tea, bar drinks, bagged ice.
Medium melt
Half cube
Thinner, smaller cubes that fill a cup tighter.
Best for: Fountain and self-serve drinks.
Medium melt
Crescent
Half-moon shape that pours with less splash.
Best for: Fountain drinks.
Slow melt
Gourmet
Clear top-hat or octagon shape.
Best for: Upscale bars and cocktails.
Fast melt
Nugget
Soft, chewable pellets guests love.
Best for: Fountain drinks and smoothies.
Fastest melt
Flake
Soft, snowy shavings.
Best for: Seafood and produce displays, salad bars, packing.
Slowest melt
Large format
2-inch cubes or spheres.
Best for: Craft cocktails and whiskey.
Sizing
How much ice do I need?
Ice machines are rated in pounds per 24 hours at a cool room and cool water. Real kitchens run hotter, so buy above what you need.
1.5 lb per customer + 3 lb per bar seat + displays and to-go, then a cushion for heat and busy days
These are rough planning numbers. Check the maker’s spec sheet for output at your room and water temperatures.
Machines
Which kind of machine?
Guide
Air, water or remote cooled
Air-cooled costs least but heats the room. Remote puts the hot, noisy part outside.
Care
Keep it running
- Change the water filter on schedule. Scale and slime are the top reasons ice machines fail.
- Clean, descale and sanitize per the maker’s manual. Put the dates on your maintenance schedule.
- Use a scoop, never hands or a glass, and store the scoop outside the ice. Ice is food.
- Keep bins covered, and never serve ice that was used to chill food or bottles.
Quick answers
What ice is best for a restaurant?
Full or half cube works for most restaurants. Nugget is a favorite for fountain drinks, and flake is for food displays.
How big an ice machine does my restaurant need?
Start around 1.5 pounds per customer per day and 3 pounds per bar seat, add other uses, then add a cushion for hot rooms and busy days. The Ice Machine Sizer does the math.
Talk to STLFSE
Buying, selling or stuck on a question?
Tell us what you’re working on. We buy whole kitchens and single pieces, sell new and used equipment, and answer questions for free.
heard@stlfse.com
General information to help you think things through, not legal, financial or code advice. Rules vary by city and county; confirm with your local health, building and fire officials.