Did you know that there are different types of ice? It is not just about water in its solid-state. The ice cube shape, size, and form vary significantly, which affects their lifespan and optimum usage. And when using an ice maker to get the perfect cubes, what makes one kind better than another?
These days, ice machines are integrated inside the majority of contemporary refrigerators. However, if you like to entertain or have a large family, this appliance is a must-have. If you’re in the market for one of these ice maker, you may be confused about which one to buy since they create different types of ice.
Read on to learn how to choose the best ice machine for all your needs.
The Purpose of Different Types of Ice
Various types of ice work for different kinds of purpose. While all types are intended to chill a drink, food item, or something else, the differences in their properties make one ice cube shape and size more appropriate for a certain function than another. Some types are great for chilling drinks, while others are better suited for preservation or even exhibition.
If you use ice for commercial purposes, it is an important element of your product display and overall consumer experience, with different types providing different advantages. Finding the right kind, whether you’re serving beverages or presenting food, may offer a good customer experience while also saving you money.
What to Look for in Choosing Your Ice Maker
There are various commercial ice makers right now in the market. The kind of industrial appliance you choose should be influenced by what you want to use it for and, in certain instances, the type of business for which you are purchasing it. With those two things in mind, your approach makes it easy to sift through all the options.
The Different Types of Ice
Aside from production rate, the most essential factor to consider when purchasing an ice machine is the ice cube shape produced by the equipment. As previously mentioned, various types of ice have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The following information will help you to understand more about the choices available to you.
Whole Ice Cubes
The whole cube type is technically described as bigger rhomboid cubes which are used in pubs and certain restaurants’ soft beverages. This type’s construction makes whole ice cubes ideal for soda or spirits.
It has a high ice-to-water ratio, which provides optimum chilling and a delayed melt, delighting consumers while reducing manufacturing requirements. It is also ideal for high-volume applications such as bagging and bulk chilling.
Half Ice Cubes
Half ice cubes are smaller versions of cube or dice ice. Because half-cube is the most adaptable form, it is usually found in restaurants, convenience shops, and dispensers.
Because of its versatility, this type of ice is the most popular, despite the fact that it is unlikely to be found in most bars. Half-cube ice, like full cubes, has a relatively high ice-to-water ratio, which implies a solid piece of ice that won’t dilute beverages as fast, has greater chilling power, and requires less manufacturing.
Nugget Cubes
These tiny ice pieces have many names such as pellet ice, but one thing has made them famous: the allure they have for people who like chewing ice. This ice cube shape has become their go-to, and businesses catering to them have taken notice.
Nuggets are so popular that The Wall Street Journal has noticed the increasing attraction of commercial producers that use it, and Sonic has developed a business model around beverages that use nugget ice. “Sonic ice” is sold by the bag, with some drive-in establishments selling hundreds each week. The restaurants have historically used Scotsman commercial machines, although other manufacturers have made inroads.
Aside from being chewable, this type of ice is drier than flake ice, which makes it easier to use in dispensers, absorbs the taste of the drink quickly, and mixes nicely in frozen beverages and smoothies. You’ll save money on beverages since consumers anticipate more ice when they choose this chewable kind, and because you can pack these tiny bits in more securely.
However, if you use nugget ice and provide refills, expect to spend more money on ice. This is not just because people will crush this kind easily, but also because it melts faster than solid kinds due to all of the nooks and crannies that increase its surface area.
Crescent Ice
Crescent ice and its applications are similar to those of half cubes. What sets it apart from the competition is its curved side, which enables it to fill a glass more efficiently, resulting in more ice and less liquid, lowering expenses. Despite the differences in form, commercial manufacturers that create crescent cubes utilize the same technique as conventional ice manufacturers.
Flake Ice
Flake ice is also popular among chewers, but it is less likely to appear in beverages unless it is blended or frozen. Its primary intended for use is in healthcare facilities, where its tiny size makes it ideal for delivering beverages without the risk of patients choking on ice pieces. Flake Ice is also the preferred ice for packing around injuries since it conforms quickly to body parts and has no sharp edges that may pierce the skin.
It’s also excellent for food presentation situations like buffets and vegetable markets, and looks great in cocktails that are all spirits and don’t have any water to cut them. Furthermore, it is light and chewable because of its 73 percent ice-to-water ratio. Unfortunately, it also melts faster, so it will vanish faster in beverages.
Gourmet Ice Cubes
This kind of ice is available in an octagonal form from Manitowoc, while cylindrical shape in the style of a top hat is available from Ice-O-Matic, Hoshizaki, and Scostman. The individual piece is bigger than other types of ice and has almost a perfect ice-to-water ratio in each instance, resulting in a stunning, crystal-clear cube that is very efficient at chilling drinks.
Put one or two gourmet ice in a hi-ball with some well-aged Scotch for a premium presentation that high-end clients like. Because the chunks are so huge and solid, you’ll need fewer of them to complete the job, and because they’re too big for chewers, you won’t have to return to the table to replace ice that’s been munched.
This category also includes specialized types of ice that are much bigger than regular gourmet ice. Ice-O-Matic sells the grande cube, a huge, solid block that is 114 inches broad by 112 inches deep by 78 inches tall. Manitowoc manufactures the Big Shot cube, a transparent, thick 60-gram cylindrical cube perfect for cocktails on the rocks.
Chewblet Ice
Chewblet ice is made up of uniformly shaped pieces of chewable compressed nugget ice that are about 2.5cm long. Customers like its softer, chewable texture. Its porous composition allows it to absorb the flavor of the drink, leaving a flavorful crunchy treat after the drink has been consumed. Because of its flexibility, it is frequently used in hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, restaurants, and convenience shops.
This type is basically compressed nugget ice with a chewable texture, and it has a relatively quick melt rate compared to other commercial ice types. This type can be used in blending, dispensing, cocktails, convenience stores, and fresh produce display.
Top Hat Ice
“Top Hat” ice cubes are a play on the traditional cube that everyone is familiar with and enjoys. They are hollow cylinders that are approximately as tall as they are broad, giving the traditional cube form a circular twist.
There is also a rounded lip on the open end that resembles a hat band, which gives this ice its name. This form, sometimes known as gourmet ice, is popular at upmarket restaurants and pubs when clarity and a touch of flare are desired.
Because this melts slowly, it’s ideal for mixed cocktails with a delicate balance of components that shouldn’t get too watered down. These cubes are often crystal transparent, making them perfect for drinks that should look as beautiful as they taste.
Choosing the Best Types of Ice for You
All types of ice are produced by industrial makers, but the typical homeowner isn’t interested in creating space in their house for a full-sized commercial device. Fortunately, you can simply do the task by purchasing a countertop ice dispenser, which can produce absolutely clear cubes each day. This is ideal for excellent mixed cocktails and gourmet dinner parties, and a great option for entertaining as well.
Bullet ice is a fantastic option for daily requirements since it can be used in the blender or in the glass, and its rounded form minimizes splashing when pouring beverages. For the finest all-around home ice producing capabilities, owning this dispenser might be for you
Whatever you pick, a home ice-producing machine saves you time and guarantees that you always have excellent ice when you need it – and you’ll appreciate always having the correct ice type for your drink.