Types of ice (cubes)

Which ice cube shape is best for me?

Not all ice cubes are the same. You can see that immediately from the shape, but there’s more to it. We’re happy to explain all shapes and sizes, as well as factors like the ice-to-water ratio.

Different ice cubes for different applications

The main use of an ice cube is usually to cool a drink, but each cube does that slightly differently due to size, shape, and composition. One cube may melt faster than another, and some shapes add style to a drink. Certain ice cubes are also suitable for medical applications, for example in nursing homes and hospitals.

Because each ice cube machine is designed for a specific type and size of ice cube, you need to consider this when purchasing a machine. Read on to learn more about the differences between some of the more common ice cubes and the applications they are best suited for.

All ice types explained

Good to know: you’ll see the term “ice-to-water ratio” used a few times below. This may be confusing—after all, isn’t ice made entirely of water? What this refers to is the percentage of water converted into ice. An ice-to-water ratio of (almost) 100% means a “hard” cube that melts slowly. On the other hand, a ratio of 73%—as in flake ice—yields a softer, “chewable,” faster-melting cube. A slower-melting cube has the advantage of watering down your drink less quickly.

Square ice cubes

• Features: the traditional ice cube. This cube is “hard” with an ice-to-water ratio of nearly 100%. Due to its larger size and slower melt rate, standard cubes provide maximum cooling while reducing ice consumption, saving you money.
• Application: best for high-volume uses, such as packaging in ice bags. Also ideal for soft drinks and mixed beverages.
• Melt rate: slow
• Sizes: available in various sizes, from small to large. Use the filters to find the right machine for your desired cube size.

View all machines for square ice cubes

Bullet ice cubes (hollow)

• Features: this “cube” is round with a flat bottom and is hollow inside, resembling a bullet. It is less dense than solid cubes, so it melts faster but is quicker (and cheaper) to produce.
• Application: same as solid cubes—suitable for high-volume use, such as ice bag packaging, and ideal for soft drinks and mixed beverages.
• Melt rate: fast

View all machines for bullet ice cubes

Nugget ice

• Features: nugget ice is soft and easy to chew, yet still firm enough to resist melting too quickly. It’s made by compressing small ice pieces into “nuggets”—also called “pellet ice” or “sonic ice”—resulting in a pleasant texture and bite. Nugget ice is a popular choice for beverages.
• Application: ideal for soft drinks, cold drinks, and mixed beverages like smoothies or frozen cocktails. Also used in healthcare because it’s easy for patients to chew, melts quickly, and its smaller size reduces choking risk.
• Melt rate: medium

View all machines for nugget ice

Flake ice

• Features: flake ice is soft and snow-like, with an ice-to-water ratio of 73%. It cools quickly and can be easily shaped.
• Application: mainly for display uses to present seafood, meat, and products in showcases or buffet lines. It can also be used in mixed drinks or for medical compresses.
• Melt rate: fast

View all machines for flake ice

Crushed ice

• Features: crushed ice is made by chopping larger ice pieces into small, irregular fragments. This simple process makes it inexpensive to produce. There are machines for large quantities, but it can also be made with a handheld or electric ice crusher, a blender, or by placing cubes in a sealed bag and crushing with a hammer or rolling pin. Crushed ice is similar to nugget ice but has a different texture (often considered harsher due to the irregular, sharper pieces) and melts faster.
• Application: widely used in “icy” drinks like slushies and cocktails (e.g., frozen margaritas).
• Melt rate: fast

View all machines for crushed ice

Gourmet ice: cylinder, sphere, and crescent shapes

These cubes share the properties of classic square cubes, but their special shapes add flair to a drink. Ideal for premium beverages like whiskey and mixed drinks. Crescent ice is exclusive to Hoshizaki machines. These half-moon cubes have a rounded top and flat bottom with subtle ridges to prevent clumping in the hopper.

Special shapes

View the full range of machines for special ice cube shapes here

Hat-shaped cubes

View the full range of machines for hat-shaped cubes here

Crescent ice

View the full range of machines for crescent ice here

Additional advice: not every ice cube is made the same

There can be differences between manufacturers in cube quality and shape, even if they use the same name. For example, flake ice from one brand may differ in shape and size from another. We recommend viewing the ice image on the product page for an accurate idea of what is produced.

There are also differences in cube quality regarding melt rate and shape consistency. A higher-end machine, like Hoshizaki, generally produces more consistent results than cheaper models.

We’re happy to provide advice and answer any questions when you’re buying an ice cube machine. Feel free to contact us.