Have you considered the style of ice you are serving your customers? Did you know that there were different types of ice available?
While it may not seem important to some people, ice or ice cubes do affect your business to some degree. Some types of ice melt quicker than others, some have a more traditional look that customers may prefer.
Certain customers with more peculiar tastes may enjoy ice with a more expensive look to it. These are things to consider and take into consideration when deciding upon the type of ice your business will use.
Different Types of Ice
We will break down the six types of ice and explain the benefits of each type. Each one serves a different client base depending upon the situation and need.
Nugget Ice
If you frequent fast-food restaurants, this type of ice is common and a fan-favorite among customers. It is known for its tiny cube ice shape that is softer and easy to chew. When used in drinks, nugget ice also retains flavors well for those who do enjoy eating their ice.
Commonly, this ice is also used in bars, hospitals, and schools due to its overall ease of consumption.
Square Cubes
These larger square-sized ice cubes are known to cater to a higher-end clientele. They pair well with alcohol and cocktails, which also makes them a favorite for restaurants and bars. The ice shape also melts slowly allowing patrons to enjoy their beverages longer.
The overall ice shapes of square ice cubes typically resemble that of a rhombus which allows more to fit in an ice machine at once, allowing more ice to be produced and stored for businesses with a higher volume of customers.
Crescent Ice
The most popular type of ice cube is the crescent ice. It is quite versatile which enables it to meet the needs of most businesses. The ice cubes are produced to be solid and slow melting, making them another favorite for restaurants and bars. There’s little to no worry about ending up with a watered-down drink when crescent ice cubes are used.
Sphere Ice
When it comes to high-class ice options, sphere ice is the front runner. It is known as a specialty ice cube and can be produced from specific ice machines only. The only other way to obtain this shape is through ice shaping equipment that certain establishments may own. These ice cubes are typically used for higher-quality beverages and cocktails.
Flaked Ice
A popular choice for grocery stores or restaurants and any establishments that enjoy a good display, flake ice is moldable and soft to the touch making it the preferred choice for any sort of salad or seafood bar. When compressed and packed together, this ice type can last longer than one would expect enabling certain foods to be kept colder longer when left out.
Its texture and appearance also allow it to be a nice choice for smaller cocktails like margaritas. They add dimension and a nice overall look to the drink as it sits in the glass.
Dice Ice Cubes (Half & Regular Options)
Not only are these cubes able to be produced in a timely manner but they are also appealing to the eye. Their shapes, whether you chose the dice or half-dice cubes sit well in cups and tend to melt at a slower pace. Most dice or half dice ice cubes can be seen on beverages such as soft drinks or even rap water. Allowing drinks to look presentable and last longer before becoming watered down.
One factor to keep in mind is that half-dice cubes do typically fill a glass up more due to their shape. Enabling drinks to not only appear fuller but also prevents bartenders or employees from overpouring drinks. This helps when it comes to the bottom line for businesses as no one wants to give out free liquor or drinks when they do not need to.
The Choice Is Yours
Those are the six, technically seven ice types most used by businesses. Whether you are looking for a more general option or a higher class one, there are options for any business.
Restaurants and bars tend to have the most options to decide between as they primarily look for appealing and longer-lasting cubes such as a full cube ice – especially ones that can be produced in higher quantities, when possible, to best serve the business during busier times.
However, grocery stores, hospitals, and other establishments do also have options, yet they tend to lean more towards specific types such as nugget ice or flake ice to fit their needs. You just need to figure out your customer base and their needs. Then you can decide on the type of ice that best fits their needs and makes the most sense for your business.