Which Ice Machine Do You Need According to Your Type of Business?
Choosing the right ice machine is not just a question of capacity or budget: each type of business needs a specific type of ice, with characteristics that affect both the quality of service and the performance of the equipment. In sectors such as hospitality, fishmongers, or the food industry, ice is an essential daily resource. Therefore, it is important to know which machine is suitable for which activity and what type of ice guarantees the best results.
As specialists in professional ice machines, Icetech, analyses the real needs of each sector to help you make an informed choice.
Ice Machines for Bars and Restaurants
Bars, cafés, and restaurants need versatile ice that keeps drinks cold without losing its texture. Ice cubes are undoubtedly the most widely used option in the hospitality industry, but not all ice cubes are the same.
For this sector, it is best to choose machines that produce:
● Solid ice cubes, which melt slowly and better preserve the flavour of the drink.
● Gourmet ice cubes or crystal ice cubes, which are in high demand in premium cocktail bars.
A good ice machine in hospitality should offer consistent cube size, energy efficiency, and a stable production system even in hot or high-humidity environments, which are common in bars and kitchens.
High-volume businesses such as nightclubs or terraces in peak season often require machines with higher production speeds and large tanks to ensure uninterrupted service.
Ice Machines for Fishmongers
In a fishmonger’s, ice serves a completely different purpose. The aim here is not to cool drinks or improve presentation: the objective is to keep the product fresh, hydrated, and in optimal condition throughout the day.
This is why ice flakes are ideal for this sector. Their advantages are clear:
● They have a soft and malleable texture that adapts to any surface.
● They cool evenly without damaging the fish.
● They provide constant moisture to prevent the product from dehydrating.
● They are easily handled in trays and refrigerated counters.
Flake ice machines are designed to operate for long periods of time and produce large quantities of ice consistently, which makes them an essential tool in fishmongers, supermarkets, and fresh produce markets.
In this type of business, durability and energy efficiency are key factors, as daily ice consumption is usually high.
Ice Machines for the Food Industry
In the food industry, ice is not a mere add-on: it is an ingredient in the production process. It is used to control temperatures, ensure food safety, speed up processes, and keep sensitive products in optimal condition.
Depending on the type of industry —meat, bakery, vegetable handling, ready meals, etc.— different types of ice are used:
● Ice flakes for kneading in bakeries or temperature control in mixed products.
● Crushed ice for rapid cooling processes.
● Nugget ice for applications requiring volume but also good manageability.
In all these cases, the machines must have:
● High production capacity, even in industrial environments.
● Robust and easy-to-clean materials.
● Systems to maintain strict hygiene, which is essential in the food sector.
The industry demands reliable equipment that is ready to work around the clock, as any interruption directly affects the production chain.
How to choose the right ice machine for your business
If you still have doubts about which model best suits your activity, consider these three key points:
- What the ice will be used for: drinking, display, preservation, or industrial processing.
- How much daily production you need: calculate peak workloads and seasons.
- How much space you have available: compact machines, under counter, or large format equipment.
Choosing wisely means saving energy, improving product quality, and ensuring consistent service. Each sector has unique needs, which is why there is no one-size-fits-all ice machine. Bars and restaurants need perfect, uniform ice cubes; fishmongers require flakes that maintain freshness; and the food industry demands stable, high-production solutions. If you need an ice machine for your business and would like our advice, please get in touch with us here.