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Help with buying a catering ice cube machine
What types of ice cube machines are there?
Ice cube machines come in various sizes. The size is related to the capacity and the possible presence of an internal hopper. In this article we explain how to choose the ice cube machine that suits you best. Need more advice? Then you can always contact our product specialists.
Countertop ice-/water dispensers
These compact units are designed to be placed on top of something, for example a counter. Countertop ice cube machines have a limited storage capacity, but can still produce up to 125 kg per day. In addition, these units can also dispense water, so they are two devices in one. Note that the capabilities vary per unit. Some units can dispense ice, water, and water & ice, while others are limited to water and ice, or ice only.
Ice-/water dispensers are useful for smaller establishments or places where high capacity is not needed. They are also handy for hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The ice produced by the dispensers is often nugget ice, which is easier for patients to chew. The convenient thing about a dispenser is that with the push of a button the ice falls directly into the glass. The portion size is, of course, adjustable.
Undercounter ice cube machines
These compact ice cube machines combine the ice machine with a storage hopper and fit under most bar tops and counters. For small bars, cafés, or businesses that do not need much ice, an undercounter machine can be the perfect solution: ice production capacity can reach up to 150 kg per 24 hours, although there are also some models with higher capacity.
An undercounter ice cube machine is ideal for hospitality venues such as bars, cafés, lunchrooms, and other businesses that require a small to medium ice supply. Each machine produces a different ice shape, so keep that in mind when making your choice.
Freestanding (modular) ice cube machines
A good choice when large amounts of ice are needed. Freestanding, also known as modular, ice cube machines are used in combination with a separate storage hopper. You place the ice cube machine on the hopper. This makes the system modular, since you are not tied to a fixed production and storage capacity as with undercounter machines. Additionally, trolleys and matching ice buckets are available that can be placed under the ice machine for better ergonomics.
These machines are generally available in 56 cm, 76 cm, 100 cm, and 120 cm widths. Ice production ranges from 100 kg per day up to as much as 1,800 kg for the largest units.
Freestanding ice cube machines with internal hopper
These are also large machines, too big for under the bar, but with a built-in hopper. These ice cube machines are an all-in-one solution that can still produce up to 210 kg of ice per day. The storage capacity of the hopper is then 110 kg.
Freestanding machines with hoppers also come in various sizes: from 40 cm to 95 cm wide. In addition, you can choose which type of ice cubes the machine makes. Besides traditional ice cubes, there are, for example, hollow cubes, but also special shapes such as hat-shaped cubes or moon-shaped crescent ice.
Air-cooled or water-cooled ice cube machine?
What is the difference between an air-cooled and a water-cooled ice cube machine?
Air-cooled ice cube machines use ambient air to cool the unit. The machine draws air from outside in and then expels it through the side or back. About 15 cm of free space around the machine is required. An air-cooled ice cube machine is the most common type and is a cost-effective choice if the room is not too warm (the threshold for this varies by manufacturer, feel free to contact us for personalized advice), there is sufficient air circulation in the room, and the air is not greasy or dusty.
When these conditions are not met, a water-cooled ice cube machine is a solution. A water-cooled machine is connected to a water supply and drain. As a result, space around the unit, air circulation, and air quality are not factors. However, water consumption is much higher than with an air-cooled machine. Therefore, we recommend an air-cooled model if the aforementioned factors do not play a role.
Production capacity: how much ice do you need?
Use the table below to get an idea of the amount of ice you need. It’s also important to keep in mind that environmental conditions such as room temperature and ventilation affect the maximum yield of each ice cube machine. This information is usually available on the manufacturer’s specification sheet.
Tip: also consider the amount of ice needed during peak times, so that enough ice is available at those moments as well.
| Application | Avg. consumption per day | Ice for 100 people | Ice for 250 people | Ice for 500 people | Ice for 1000 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | 0.68 kg per meal | 80 kg | 200 kg | 400 kg | 800 kg |
| Cocktail bar | 1.30 kg per seat | 160 kg | 400 kg | 800 kg | 1600 kg |
| Glass of water | 170 g ice per 340 g glass | 20 kg | 50 kg | 100 kg | 200 kg |
| Salad bar | 52 kg per cubic meter | - | - | - | - |
| Guest ice | 2.20 kg per hotel room | 270 kg | 680 kg | 1360 kg | 2720 kg |
| Hotel catering | 0.50 kg per person | 54 kg | 136 kg | 272 kg | 544 kg |
| Patient ice | 4.50 kg per person | 544 kg | 1360 kg | 2720 kg | 5440 kg |
Advice: consider multiple ice cube machines
In a large establishment and/or multiple locations where ice is needed, for example a soda machine, an ice bin under the bar, and a salad bar, it may be worth considering several small ice cube machines with hoppers instead of one large one. With a single machine, staff may have to constantly go back and forth, get in each other’s way, and it also increases the risk of ice contamination. You can avoid this with multiple machines in multiple locations. If one machine breaks down, you won’t be left without ice immediately.
Customer reviewsgrade is based on 758 reviews
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8,9
Laurens
20 July 2026
Ordered a Liebherr wine climate cabinet. Very pleased with it. Ordering was also easy. Delivery took a few days, but never mind. That shouldn't spoil the fun.
Pierre
14 July 2026
Great! The downsides are the weight, but that gives you a powerful motor. It is also quite a hassle to clean up the small amount of vodka that you have to put between the two mixing bowls to prevent freezing. On the positive side, the ice cream is ready in 20 minutes.
Alex
17 June 2026
A good and reliable supplier that helps find solutions.
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