There is a distinct reason that a commercial ice dispenser is at the top of the list of appliances many restaurants and bars need to do business. These ice dispensing machines produce, dispense, and often hold large amounts of ice.
Commercial ice machines create uniform clear cubes quickly and efficiently to keep customer beverages icy cold even in hot conditions.
Things To Consider When Choosing An Ice Dispenser Machine
Ice makers come in many forms and can create a variety of ice types. When considering the purchase of a commercial ice machine you will want to consider:
- The size of your space and the size of the machine. Some commercial ice machines fit on or under counters. Other machines are large free-standing machines.
- How much ice do you need?
- The type of ice you want to dispense. Standard cubes? Sonic ice? Crushed ice?
- Do you want an ice dispenser machine that dispenses both ice and water?
Ice Dispensing Machines: Size and How Much Ice It Produces
Some ice makers are true dispensers, meaning they have specific openings for dispensing ice directly for use. Other commercial ice machines create ice and then drop it into an ice bin for storage or manual dispensing.
Larger commercial ice machines tend to hold and produce big quantities of ice in holding bins. These ice dispensing machines are great for restaurants, which are producing drinks for many customers at once.
A smaller commercial ice machine takes up less space and many will dispense ice directly into cups and other containers. These machines can also often be purchased to dispense certain types of ice for various needs in medical settings or other facility needs.
Consider the size of your space and how much ice you need at once when you are looking for the best commercial ice maker.
Commercial Ice Machines Can Dispense Different Types Of Ice
Not all ice is created equal! Many people prefer standard ice cubes for their traditional appeal and ease of creation. A commercial ice machine that creates basic cubed ice can be found to fit almost any budget.
Sometimes, different types of ice are needed to meet customer wants or needs. A high-end bar serving fresh cocktails may benefit from a dispenser that creates cylinder ice or nugget ice cubes. These smaller, smoother cubes look stylish and spread evenly through a drink for a quick chill.
Many hospitals want their patients to have ice they can easily chew as a slow alternate source of water hydration. For these facilities machines that dispense what is known as pebble or nugget ice are often the best choice.
Nugget ice is the result of compressing thin sheets of ice into small frosty pellets. These pellets remain cold in drinks or when kept together, but are softer than cubes and melt quickly once in a person’s mouth.
Finally, some places want countertop ice machines that will create shaved ice. This is most commonly seen in fresh seafood restaurants and grocery stores that are displaying fresh meats or produce for purchase.
Carefully consider the type of ice you need and make sure to select dispensers that are prepared to create it for you quickly.
More Than Just Ice: Dispensers That Release Both Ice and Water
Are you hoping for more than just ice out of your dispenser? Never fear, there are plenty of ice machines on the market that dispense both ice and water like a water-cooled ice machine.
Dispensers that produce both ice and water typically make nugget ice and the commercial level of these machines can make up to 500 lbs. of ice per day.
These ice and water dispensers usually have two ice machine head so that you do not have to push a button or switch out any parts to change from ice to water dispensing.
These machines are usually found in settings such as offices, cafeterias, and reception spaces. They allow people to choose water with or without ice and can serve many people back to back.
A Commercial Ice Machine For Every Need
As you can see, ice machines and dispensers are more customizable than ever before. The appliance industry saw a need for ice machines that served a variety of purposes and fit well into a wide array of settings.
Today you can find machines that dispense large quantities of quality ice quickly. There does not need to be a “one size fits all” cube. Instead dispensers are putting out multiple forms of ice to meet each type of need.
By answering the questions above you can plan your ice dispenser purchase knowing you are searching for an ice dispenser machine that is truly tailored to your business.