Choosing the Right Ice Machine for Your Business
As we step into summer, it’s the perfect time to think about how you can enhance your business operations. Whether you’re launching a new venture or making upgrades to your current setup, one small but powerful upgrade to consider is choosing the right ice machine!
At Hoshizaki America, we understand how important ice is for your business. That’s why we’re known for making high-quality, reliable ice machines that work for a variety of industries, like foodservice, hospitality, convenience stores, healthcare, and education.
In this blog, we’ll help you figure out how to choose the best ice machine for your needs. Whether you’re opening a new business or upgrading your current equipment, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
Why the Right Ice Machine Matters
Choosing the right ice machine is more important than you might think. Ice isn’t just about keeping drinks cold. It plays a big role in how customers see your business, how smooth your operations run, and how much money you save in the long run.
A reliable machine ensures you always have clean, fresh ice, which keeps customers happy and improves their experience. It also helps your business run smoothly by making the right amount of ice when you need it, reducing downtime and avoiding disruptions. Plus, efficient machines save money on electricity and water bills, especially if they’re ENERGY STAR® certified.
How Much Ice Do You Need?
When choosing an ice machine, it’s important to think about how much ice your business uses daily. Having the right size ice machine ensures you never run out, even when demand is high.
Take a look at this handy graphic to help you figure out your ice needs:
- Restaurants use about 2 pounds of ice per customer per day.
- Schools and university cafeterias need about 1.5 pounds of ice per student each day.
- Bars and cocktail lounges typically require 3 pounds of ice per seat daily.
- Hospital cafeterias use 1 pound of ice per person each day, and hospitals also need an average of 10 pounds of ice per bed.
- Hotels require the most, with about 5 pounds of ice per room daily.
You can calculate the size of the ice machine you need using this formula:
Lbs. of ice used x Number of customers served = Size of ice maker you need.
Remember to think about peak demand times, like weekends or holidays, when your ice needs might be higher than usual.
Matching Ice Types to Business Needs
Ice isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different businesses need different types of ice to suit their customers and operations. Hoshizaki offers 8 types of ice to meet these needs: KMEdgeTM Crescent Cube, Sphere Ice, Cubelet Ice, Soft Cubelet Ice, 1by1 Cube, 2by2 Cube, Flaked Ice, and lastly Top Hat Cube. Each type has unique features that make it perfect for specific uses. For example, Crescent Cubes are crystal clear and melt slowly, making them great for drinks in restaurants and hospitality settings. Cubelet Ice, which is small and chewable, is ideal for healthcare, schools, and convenience stores. Flaked Ice works well for displays in healthcare or foodservice, while specialty ice, like Sphere or Square Cubes, is perfect for upscale cocktails or premium dining.
Here’s how different industries use Hoshizaki ice:
- Foodservice and Hospitality: Guests and professionals love chewable Cubelet Ice, Flaked Ice, Crescent Ice, and 1by1 & 2by2 Cube, which are perfect for drinks and displays.
- Healthcare: Patients benefit from soft Cubelet Ice and Flaked Ice, which are easy to chew and use in medical settings, along with Crescent Ice for beverages.
- C-Stores: Convenience store customers enjoy chewable Cubelet Ice and Crescent Ice for drinks on the go.
- Businesses and Education: Offices and schools often rely on Cubelet Ice, Crescent Ice, or Top Hat Ice for their staff rooms, conference areas, or cafeterias.
When choosing an ice machine, look for key features that make it a great investment. Energy efficiency is important to save money and help the environment. Hoshizaki’s ENERGY STAR® certified models are a great choice. Durability matters too, as a strong machine lasts longer and needs fewer repairs. Think about the size and capacity to make sure the machine fits your space and can make enough ice for your needs. You should also check if the ice maker has a good drainage system to avoid water problems. It’s important to place it in the right location, like near a water line and where it has enough space to work properly. Sanitation features are also a must to keep the ice clean and safe, which is especially important for customers’ health.
Why Choose Hoshizaki America?
At Hoshizaki, we take pride in delivering high-quality ice machines designed for reliability and performance. We also focus on creating energy-efficient products that support sustainability while saving you money. Our nationwide support and service network ensures you always have the help you need to keep your business running smoothly.
Ready to Find Your Ice Machine?
Don’t forget to use our “How Much Ice Do You Need?“ tool. It’s the perfect way to determine the right ice production capacity for your business. With a wide range of Hoshizaki models for every ice shape we offer, there’s something to fit your unique needs. Check out our website for more details on our reliable, high-performance ice machines. For expert guidance, contact our sales team at 1.800.438.6087.
Let us help you find the perfect solution for your business!
June 10, 2025
By Maitri Gandhi – Product Marketing Specialist, Hoshizaki America
