Commercial ice makers are essential for businesses that require a steady supply of ice. Whether you run a restaurant, bar, or convenience store, having a reliable ice maker can make all the difference in keeping your customers happy. Commercial ice makers come in different types, including modular, under-counter, and countertop models, each with its unique features and benefits.
When choosing the best commercial ice maker, there are crucial factors to consider. Firstly, you need to determine the amount of ice you need daily and choose a model that can meet your demand. Secondly, you should consider the type of ice you want, such as cube, nugget, or flake. Lastly, you need to factor in the size, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance of the ice maker.
We spent countless hours researching and testing ten commercial ice makers to identify the ones that meet the above criteria and stand out from the competition. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best commercial ice makers that can help you keep your business running smoothly.
Best Commercial Ice Makers
As experts in the foodservice industry, we understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient ice maker in your commercial kitchen. Whether you’re running a busy bar or a bustling restaurant, having a steady supply of ice is crucial to keeping your customers happy and your operations running smoothly. After researching and testing various models, we’ve compiled a list of the best commercial ice makers on the market. Each of these products has been carefully selected based on their performance, durability, and overall value. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best commercial ice makers.
E EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine
We highly recommend the E EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine for those looking for an efficient and reliable ice maker.
Pros
- This ice maker can produce up to 100 pounds of ice per day, making it perfect for commercial use or large families.
- The smart LCD panel allows for easy control and adjustment of the ice cube size and cleaning program.
- The powerful compressor ensures efficient ice making without causing too much noise.
Cons
- The ice cubes need to be manually broken apart.
- Requires water supply and drain (GRAVITY DRAINAGE).
- The ice maker needs to be kept upright for at least 24 hours before using it.
We have found the E EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine to be a great addition to our kitchen. The machine is easy to use and produces a large quantity of ice quickly and efficiently. The smart LCD panel is a great feature that allows us to easily control the ice cube size and cleaning program. The powerful compressor ensures that the machine runs quietly and efficiently. However, we do wish that the ice cubes were automatically separated and the machine did not require gravity drainage. Despite these minor drawbacks, we highly recommend the E EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient ice maker.
YITAHOME Commercial Ice Maker Machine
If you’re looking for a commercial ice maker that’s energy-efficient and produces high-quality ice, then the YITAHOME Commercial Ice Maker Machine might be just what you need.
Pros
- The upgraded compressor saves 35% electricity during ice-making and powers the commercial ice machine for impressive production capacity: 100 pounds/24 hours, producing 36 ice cubes in 8-15 minutes.
- The extended cooling time helps prevent ice cubes from melting. The insulation time is extended from 6 hours to 8 hours, effectively blocking external heat. The food-grade PP injection liner interior grants a safe and hygienic ice-making environment.
- The smart LCD panel makes the ice making process easier. The new appointment timer function allows you to set the desired ice making time in advance, and it will automatically stop making ice once the storage is full. The blue light eliminates odors to enhance ice cube quality.
Cons
- The ice maker supports 2 types of water refilling – tap water and gallon bottled water. The upgraded water filter transforms tap water into purified water, resulting in crystal-clear ice cubes. However, the ice drops slowly and may melt before you can collect enough to do anything with it.
- The capacity of the storage bin is only 33 pounds, which may not be enough for larger businesses or events.
- The ice maker is made in China, which may be a concern for those who prefer products made in the USA or other countries.
We recently had the opportunity to use the YITAHOME Commercial Ice Maker Machine, and we were impressed with its energy efficiency and production capacity. The upgraded compressor saved us money on electricity while still producing a large amount of ice in a short amount of time.
The extended cooling time was also a great feature, as it prevented the ice from melting too quickly. We appreciated the food-grade PP injection liner interior, which provided a safe and hygienic ice-making environment.
The smart LCD panel was easy to use and allowed us to set the desired ice-making time in advance. We also liked the blue light, which enhanced the quality of the ice cubes.
However, we did notice that the ice drops slowly and may melt before you can collect enough to do anything with it. Additionally, the capacity of the storage bin is only 33 pounds, which may not be enough for larger businesses or events.
Overall, we would recommend the YITAHOME Commercial Ice Maker Machine for those who are looking for an energy-efficient and high-quality commercial ice maker.
Electactic Ice Maker
We highly recommend the Electactic Ice Maker for those in need of a reliable and efficient commercial ice maker.
Pros
- The Electactic Ice Maker has a powerful ice-making capacity, producing 48 pieces of ice in just 12-18 minutes and 100 pounds of ice in 24 hours, making it perfect for commercial use.
- Made of durable stainless steel, the surface of the ice maker is smooth and hygienic, ensuring a long service life.
- The individual control panel is easy to use, with LCD indicators to display water and ice production functions, and the ice production time and thickness can be adjusted by pressing the (+) or (-) button.
Cons
- The ice maker is relatively heavy at 69.95 lb, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The ice maker is not a refrigerator, so the ice will need to be transferred to a refrigerator for storage.
- The ice maker does not come with a suction cup to hang the ice scoop.
We were impressed with the Electactic Ice Maker’s large storage capacity, which can store up to 48 pounds of ice at one time. The thick insulation layer also extends the storage time of ice cubes, and the attached ice spoons make it easy to move ice cubes around. The freestanding design makes it easy to install the device wherever you want, making it perfect for homes, restaurants, bars, hotels, grocery stores, coffee shops, supermarkets, bakeries, schools, hospitals, and more.
In terms of design, the Electactic Ice Maker is made of durable stainless steel, which greatly improves its durability, firmness, and service life. The standalone ice maker can be easily installed, and the size of the ice maker is 17.6 x 15.7 x 31.4 inches, with 2 inches on the bottom to keep it away from moisture on the ground.
Overall, we highly recommend the Electactic Ice Maker for those in need of a reliable and efficient commercial ice maker. Its powerful ice-making capacity, durable stainless steel design, and easy-to-use control panel make it a great choice for commercial use.
Happybuy Commercial Ice Maker Machine
If you’re looking for a commercial ice maker that can keep up with your needs, the Happybuy Commercial Ice Maker Machine might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- With a premium compressor, this ice maker can produce 110 lbs of ice per day, making it perfect for commercial or household use.
- The functional control panel allows you to easily adjust the thickness of the ice cubes and monitor the status of the machine in real-time.
- The powerful 230W compressor ensures that the ice machine works quickly and quietly, and the built-in blue light helps you see inside the machine.
Cons
- The ice machine is not suitable for outdoor use, and the high temperature can seriously reduce the ice production.
- The ice machine requires a continuous water supply with a specific pressure and temperature range, so make sure to check your water supply before purchasing.
- The heat insulation function prevents ice cubes from melting for 5-7 hours, but the specific duration of the ice cubes is affected by the ambient temperature.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Happybuy Commercial Ice Maker Machine, and we were impressed with its performance. The ice maker is made of food-grade stainless steel and has a transparent window door that allows you to monitor the progress of ice making.
The functional control panel is easy to use, and we appreciated being able to adjust the thickness of the ice cubes. The ice machine works quickly and quietly, and the built-in blue light is a nice touch that helps you see inside the machine.
However, we did notice that the ice machine is not suitable for outdoor use, so make sure to keep it in a well-ventilated indoor area. Additionally, the ice machine requires a continuous water supply with specific pressure and temperature ranges, so make sure to check your water supply before purchasing.
Overall, we think the Happybuy Commercial Ice Maker Machine is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and efficient ice maker.
YITAHOME Commercial Ice Maker Machine
If you’re looking for a commercial ice maker that is efficient and energy-saving, then the YITAHOME Commercial Ice Maker Machine is worth considering.
Pros
- The upgraded compressor saves 35% electricity during ice-making and powers the commercial ice maker for impressive production capacity: 270 pounds/24 hours, producing 100 ice cubes in 8-15 minutes; equipped with a 100-pound ice storage area.
- The extended cooling time is a great feature as it features a 20% thicker insulation layer, delivering excellent insulation performance by blocking external heat. The insulation time is extended from 6 hours to 8 hours, effectively preventing ice cubes from melting. Food-grade PP injection liner interior grants a safe and hygienic ice-making environment.
- The smart LCD panel is a great feature that makes the ice making process easier. The new appointment timer function allows you to set the desired ice making time in advance and it will automatically stop making ice once the storage is full. The blue light eliminates odors to enhance ice cube quality.
Cons
- The YITAHOME Commercial Ice Maker Machine is quite bulky and heavy, so it may not be ideal for smaller spaces.
- Some users have reported that the ice cubes are not as clear as they would like them to be.
- It can be quite noisy during operation, which may be a concern for some users.
Overall, we would recommend the YITAHOME Commercial Ice Maker Machine if you’re in the market for a reliable and efficient commercial ice maker. With its upgraded compressor, extended cooling time, and smart LCD panel, this ice maker is a great investment for restaurants, bars, hotels, and various other locations. However, it may not be ideal for smaller spaces due to its size and weight.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a commercial ice maker, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the right product for your needs. Here are some factors to take into account:
Capacity
The first thing to consider is how much ice you need your machine to produce. This will depend on the size of your business, the number of customers you have, and how much ice you need to store. Make sure to choose a machine with a large enough capacity to meet your needs.
Type of Ice
There are several types of ice that commercial ice makers can produce, including cubed, nugget, and flake ice. Consider which type of ice will work best for your business and choose a machine that can produce it.
Size and Space
Make sure to measure the space where you plan to install your ice maker and choose a machine that will fit. Also, consider the size of the machine and how easy it will be to move and clean.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial ice makers can be energy-intensive, so it’s important to choose a machine that is energy-efficient. Look for machines with Energy Star certification or other energy-efficient features.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Ice makers require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure they continue to function properly and produce high-quality ice. Look for machines that are easy to clean and maintain, and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning schedule.
Warranty and Support
Finally, consider the warranty and support offered by the manufacturer. Look for machines with a good warranty and reliable customer support to ensure that you can get help if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated commercial ice makers on the market?
There are several top-rated commercial ice makers on the market. Some of the most popular brands include Electactic, YITAHOME, and E EUHOMY. These brands are known for their quality and reliability, and offer a variety of models to choose from.
What factors should I consider when purchasing a commercial ice maker?
When purchasing a commercial ice maker, there are several factors to consider. These include the size of the unit, the production capacity, the type of ice it produces, the energy efficiency rating, and the overall cost. It’s also important to consider the brand and the warranty that comes with the unit.
What is the difference between a commercial ice maker with a dispenser and one without?
A commercial ice maker with a dispenser is designed to dispense ice directly into a cup or container, while a unit without a dispenser simply produces ice that must be manually scooped or transferred to a separate bin. The choice between a unit with a dispenser and one without will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Can I save money by purchasing a used commercial ice maker?
While purchasing a used commercial ice maker may be cheaper upfront, it can also come with risks. Used units may have hidden issues that can be costly to repair, and may not be covered by a warranty. It’s important to carefully consider these factors before making a purchase.
Are there any commercial ice makers that produce both clear and nugget ice?
Yes, there are several brands that offer commercial ice makers that produce both clear and nugget ice. These units are often more expensive than those that produce only one type of ice, but can be a good option for businesses that require both types of ice.
