Ever ordered a cold drink only to find the ice quickly melted into a watery mess? In the busy world of restaurants, cafes, and hotels, a steady supply of quality ice is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. When your business slows down because the ice machine quits, or the ice tastes funny, that’s a real problem that costs you money and happy customers.
Choosing the perfect commercial ice maker feels like navigating a maze. You have to think about size, type—like nugget, cube, or flaked—and how much energy it uses. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the technical details and confusing jargon. Picking the wrong one means constant breakdowns or wasted electricity.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know to select a reliable, efficient, and perfect-for-your-business ice machine. Get ready to stop worrying about ice shortages!
Top Commercial Ice Makers Recommendations
- HIGH CAPACITY & FAST ICE MAKING – Designed for heavy-duty usage, this commercial ice maker produces up to 100 lbs of ice per 24 hours, crafting 45 clear ice cubes per cycle in just 11-15 minutes. It features a large built-in storage bin holding 33 lbs of ice, ensuring you never run out during peak hours. The automatic overflow prevention system guarantees safe operation, making it perfect for large families, parties, or commercial settings.
- ETL CERTIFIED FOR COMMERCIAL & HOME USE – Safety and quality are paramount. Unlike standard units, the EUHOMY ice maker is ETL certified for both household and commercial applications. Its versatile design allows it to be used in indoor/outdoor kitchens, restaurants, bars, hotels, or grocery stores. Whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ or running a coffee shop, this machine delivers reliable performance.
- INTUITIVE LCD CONTROL PANEL – Take full control with the smart LCD display. It allows you to monitor the ambient temperature and adjust the ice-making time to customize the thickness of your ice cubes—thin for smoothies or thick for drinks. The panel also features a one-touch Automatic Cleaning function, simplifying maintenance and ensuring your ice is always fresh and hygienic.
- EFFICIENT COOLING & QUIET OPERATION – Equipped with a powerful yet quiet compressor, this under-counter ice machine creates ice efficiently without disrupting your environment. The advanced energy-saving technology helps reduce electricity consumption, lowering your operating costs over time. The stainless steel construction not only looks professional but also provides durability and effective heat dissipation.
- INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE TIPS – This unit utilizes Gravity Drainage (requires a floor drain or gravity outlet; strictly no pump included). Please ensure the drain hose is positioned lower than the machine specifically for optimal drainage. IMPORTANT: Before first use, keep the machine upright for at least 24 hours to let the refrigerant settle. We recommend running the self-cleaning cycle twice before consuming the first batch of ice.
- Euhomy ICE MAKER- GIVE YOU THE BEST ICE - Are you still worried about not making enough ice? Euhomy's commercial freestanding ice maker design helps you solve your problem. Commercial ice maker machine can produce 200 lbs of ice per day and comes with a storage container for 33 lbs of ice. The automatic overflow prevention of the ice machine maker also allows you not to worry about ice cubes overflow. Believe me, this ice maker portable alone can meet your entire family ice cubes needs.
- COMMERCIAL USE & ETL CERTIFICATION - Different from other stand alone ice maker, Euhomy's ice maker commercial have ETL certification and are approved for commercial use. This is both a household ice maker and a commercial ice machine. This ice maker can appear anywhere. You can use it in your Home/Indoor Kitchen/Outdoor Kitchen, or in Restaurant/Bar/Hotel/Grocery store and so on.
- MULTI-FUNCTION CONTROL PANEL - The ice maker machine commercial is equipped with a smart LCD panel. Any function and any operation can be solved in the control panel. The panel shows the temperature of the environment, reminding you to pay attention to the temperature of the surrounding environment to ensure the efficiency of ice making. You can adjust the size of ice cubes by adjusting the ice making time. The industrial ice machine will clean automatically when you press the clean button.
- EFFICIENT & QUIET - You can enjoy the experience of this under counter ice maker all the time. The powerful compressor allows the under counter ice machine to complete the ice making process efficiently without causing too much noise. High efficiency and low noise provide you with a comfortable environment to enjoy your high-quality ice. At the same time, Euhomy industrial ice maker has an energy certificate to help you save electricity bills. In the long run, this will good for your wallet.
- CLEANING - INCREASE THE LIFE OF YOUR ICE MAKER - Euhomy recommends that you clean the machine regularly according to the usage. Requires water supply and drain (GRAVITY DRAINAGE). SUGGEST-Drain water once a day(PULLING OUT THE SMALL HOSE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WATER TANK). Be sure to keep ice machine upright for at least 24 hours before using it. Also, press the "Timer Clean" button for more than 5 seconds to enter the "Cleaning Program" to clean it twice before making the first batch of ice.
- 🧊 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉-𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆 𝑰𝒄𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑷𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝑩𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑵𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔 – Engineered for bustling environments, this industrial ice machine delivers a continuous flow of up to 680 lbs of ice every 24 hours with a deep 560 lb storage bin. Perfect for seafood counters, bars, convenience stores, and high-traffic dining spaces that can’t afford downtime.
- ❄ 𝑨𝒅𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑪𝒖𝒃𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 – Customize ice production to match your service style—select your preferred cube density and freeze cycle timing for cocktails, chilled buffets, or healthcare hydration. One machine covers all operational demands.
- 📍 𝑺𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑷𝒖𝒕 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆 – A digital display offers precise temperature readouts and programmable scheduling. Auto water refill, self-maintenance alerts, and timed production ensure efficient workflow throughout long business hours.
- 🥽 𝑫𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑴𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊-𝑳𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑰𝒄𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 – The insulated storage bin helps maintain cube integrity for longer periods. The food-contact interior is built from materials that meet industry standards, supporting reliable, everyday business use.
- 🧼 𝑺𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑪𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 + 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒑 𝑲𝒊𝒕 – Includes essential installation components for quick setup. The auto-cleaning function works with the water system to reduce manual maintenance and support long-term machine performance—ideal for busy commercial environments.
- Highly Efficient Ice Making: 700LBS of ice can be made every day. Using a highly efficient pure copper compressor, an ice making cycle can be completed every 5-15 minutes. It can save a lot of money and time on buying ice and will become your right-hand man.
- 560 LBS of Ice Storage Space: The ice storage bucket can store up to 560 pounds of ice cubes and can keep ice cubes for 10 hours without melting. The ice storage bucket adopts a 3-layer design, hard 201 stainless steel, high-efficiency insulation foam and food-grade plastic. There is a drain at the bottom, which makes it easier to clean the ice bucket.The ice machine has a timed ice making function, and the large storage space allows you to get more ice in time.
- Self-cleaning & 0.01μm Filters: The ice maker comes with a self-cleaning mode, which allows you to easily clean the inside of the ice maker. The 0.01μm filter can isolate most impurities and get safe and pure ice.
- Adjustable Ice Thickness: The ice maker has 10 levels of ice thickness to choose from, and different ice thicknesses are suitable for different usage scenarios. The detailed ice thickness selection allows you to use more suitable ice in different usage scenarios. It is very suitable for coffee shops, bars, restaurants, homes, offices, etc.(Ice cube size: 7/8″×7/8″×7/8″)
- Food-grade Safety Materials: The parts of the ice machine that come into contact with water and ice cubes are made of food-grade materials to ensure the safety of ice cubes. At the same time, we provide a 3-year machine warranty and a 5-year compressor warranty for the ice machine, so you can use it with confidence.
- 🧊 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉-𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚 𝑰𝒄𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 & 𝑳𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝑶𝒖𝒕𝒑𝒖𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 – Generate up to 200 lbs of crystal-clear ice per day with this Commercial Ice Maker Machine. Each 8–12 minute cycle produces 55 cubes quickly and consistently. Perfect for restaurants, bars, cafés, or even home kitchens—always have fresh ice ready without extra grocery trips.
- ❄️ 50 𝒍𝒃𝒔 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝑩𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒖𝒎 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 – The built-in ice bin can store up to 50 lbs at a time and is lined with dense thermal insulation foam, helping ice stay frozen for hours. An excellent choice for Commercial Ice Machines that need to handle rush hours or extended service periods efficiently.
- 🎛️ 𝑺𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑳𝑬𝑫 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚 & 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒔 – The intuitive LED control panel lets you adjust ice thickness, schedule ice-making cycles, and view temperature in real time. Built-in LED sterilization maintains freshness and prevents odor—keeping your Commercial Ice Maker clean and hygienic all day long.
- 🧼 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒐-𝑪𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 & 𝑴𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊-𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 – Maintain your Commercial Ice Machine easily with the one-touch cleaning function. Includes automatic drainage and triple water supply options (tap, bucket, or both). The integrated filtration system and inlet filter remove impurities for clearer, purer ice—ideal for offices, food trucks, and kitchens.
- 🚨 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒐 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒑 & 𝑭𝒖𝒍𝒍-𝑰𝒄𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒓 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 – When the ice bin is full, the Commercial Ice Maker Machine automatically pauses to avoid overflow and save energy. No constant supervision needed—just set it, forget it, and enjoy a steady supply of ice whenever you need it.
- Efficient Ice Making: The commercial ice maker produces 45 cubes per cycle and up to 130 lbs of ice daily, with 33 lbs of ice storage. Ideal for home, bar, or light commercial use. ETL and ENERGY STAR certified for secure and efficient performance
- Easy Operation: This ice maker machine features intuitive LED controls, just select thick or thin cubes with one touch. The large viewing window and blue interior lighting let you monitor the ice-making process without opening the lid
- Easy to Clean: This self-cleaning ice maker runs a 20-minute automatic rinse cycle with a 3-second press of the “Mode” button. The patented removable water tray lets you lift and rinse for deep, thorough cleaning—inside and out
- Quiet & Insulation: This quiet ice machine features a low-noise compressor (≤50 dB) and 0.79" thick insulation to keep ice cold longer. Enjoy fresh ice and a peaceful environment—without disrupting your home or workspace
- Quick Installation: No film removal required—this undercounter ice maker comes ready to use. Freestanding or built-in, its sleek design integrates smoothly into kitchens, bars, or any space that needs flexible placement
- Commercial Use & ETL Certification - Euhomy commercial ice maker offers over 400 pounds/24h ice production, providing efficient ice for your business operations. With the first-calss SECOP compressor, the commercial ice machine produce ice in just 11-20 minutes, and the thickness of ice cubes can also be adjusted according to different purposes. Whether it's a hotel, restaurant, bar, or coffee shop, it can meet your demand for large-scale ice production.Moreover Euhomy's ice machine maker has ETL certification and are approved for commercial use.
- Easy Use Control Panel - Take full control of your ice production with our commercial ice machine’s easy-to-use control panel. The smart LCD panel offers a range of functions, including 1-24 hour timing, full ice reminder, water shortage reminder, and self-cleaning. Adjust ice cube size effortlessly with the (+) or (-) buttons. Streamline operations and meet customer demands with ultimate convenience.
- Durable, Reliable & Insulated - The ice maker commercial is constructed with high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes, ensuring its durability and reliability. Additionally, it incorporates insulation technology that helps maintain the temperature of the ice, keeping it frozen for longer periods. This ensures that your ice remains solid and doesn't melt quickly, providing a reliable supply of ice for your business.
- Easy Maintenance - Designed for user-friendliness, this commercial ice maker is easy to operate and maintain. It is equipped with a cleaning mode and automatic drainage function, making daily cleaning and maintenance simple and convenient. You can focus on running your business without worrying too much about the maintenance of the ice maker machine.
- Dual-box shipping: Please note that the two boxes may arrive at different times during transportation. If you have any question while using the commercial ice maker, please let us konw promptly, We're always here for you whenever you need assistance.
- Euhomy ICE MAKER- Say goodbye to ice shortage worries with Euhomy's commercial ice maker! It produces 95 lbs of ice per day, stores 33 lbs, and prevents overflow. Portable and suitable for household and commercial use, this ice maker is perfect for home, indoor/outdoor kitchens, restaurants, bars, hotels, and grocery stores. Upgrade your ice game with Euhomy's ice maker!
- COMMERCIAL USE & ETL CERTIFICATION - Different from other stand alone ice maker, Euhomy's ice maker commercial have ETL certification and are approved for commercial use. This is both a household ice maker and a commercial ice machine. This ice maker can appear anywhere. You can use it in your Home/Indoor Kitchen/Outdoor Kitchen, or in Restaurant/Bar/Hotel/Grocery store and so on.
- MULTI-FUNCTION CONTROL PANEL - The ice maker machine commercial is equipped with a smart LCD panel. Any function and any operation can be solved in the control panel. The panel shows the temperature of the environment, reminding you to pay attention to the temperature of the surrounding environment to ensure the efficiency of ice making. You can adjust the size of ice cubes by adjusting the ice making time. The industrial ice machine will clean automatically when you press the clean button.
- EFFICIENT & QUIET - You can enjoy the experience of this under counter ice maker all the time. The powerful compressor allows the under counter ice machine to complete the ice making process efficiently without causing too much noise. High efficiency and low noise provide you with a comfortable environment to enjoy your high-quality ice. At the same time, Euhomy industrial ice maker has an energy certificate to help you save electricity bills. In the long run, this will good for your wallet.
- CLEANING - INCREASE THE LIFE OF YOUR ICE MAKER - Euhomy recommends that you clean the machine regularly according to the usage. Requires water supply and drain (GRAVITY DRAINAGE). SUGGEST-Drain water once a day(PULLING OUT THE SMALL HOSE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WATER TANK). Be sure to keep ice machine upright for at least 24 hours before using it. Also, press the "Timer Clean" button for more than 5 seconds to enter the "Cleaning Program" to clean it twice before making the first batch of ice.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Commercial Ice Makers
Buying a commercial ice maker is a big step for any business that needs reliable, high-quality ice. Whether you run a busy restaurant, a hotel, or a convenience store, the right machine makes a huge difference. This guide helps you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, focus on these important parts. They determine how well the machine works for you.
1. Ice Production Capacity
This is how much ice the machine makes in 24 hours. Think about your busiest day. You need a machine that can handle peak demand easily. A small café might need 100 lbs per day. A large hotel might need 1,000 lbs or more.
2. Ice Type
Different uses need different ice. Common types include:
- Full Cube: Great for drinks because it melts slowly.
- Half Cube (Dice): Popular for general use, chills drinks fast.
- Nugget (Chewable): Soft and popular in healthcare and fast food.
- Flake: Very small pieces, perfect for blending or display cases.
3. Storage Capacity
The bin holds the ice until you need it. Make sure the bin is large enough to store the ice your machine makes between peak hours. If the bin is too small, the machine stops making ice when it’s full.
4. Size and Installation Type
Decide where the unit will go. Ice makers come in several styles:
- Undercounter: Fits neatly under a countertop, good for smaller spaces.
- Modular (Head Only): Sits on top of a separate storage bin, ideal for high volume.
- Countertop: Small units for light use, like office breakrooms.
Important Materials and Durability
Commercial machines work hard, so strong materials matter a lot. Good materials mean longer life and fewer repairs.
Stainless Steel Construction
Always look for stainless steel exteriors and interiors. Stainless steel resists rust and corrosion. It is also easy to clean, which helps keep your ice sanitary.
Condenser Type
The condenser cools the refrigerant. You usually choose between two types:
- Air-Cooled: Uses surrounding air. These are common and easy to install. They need good ventilation, or they overheat.
- Water-Cooled: Uses water to cool the system. These are quieter and better for hot environments but cost more to run due to water usage.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the final product—your ice—depends on several factors.
Water Filtration
This is crucial. Poor water quality clogs up internal parts quickly. Good water tastes better, and clear ice looks more professional. Always install a quality water filter system with your commercial ice maker.
Cleaning Cycles
Modern machines often have automated cleaning cycles. This feature helps prevent mold and mineral buildup. Manual cleaning is still necessary, but automated cycles reduce maintenance headaches.
Energy Efficiency
Energy Star rated models use less electricity. While the initial cost might be slightly higher, lower operating costs save money over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the machine to use daily? Good user experience means happy staff.
Ease of Access
Check the door swing and the height of the ice scoop area. Staff should be able to get ice quickly without bending awkwardly or struggling with heavy doors.
Noise Level
If the machine is near a dining area or guest rooms, noise is a factor. Water-cooled units are generally quieter than air-cooled ones.
Common Use Cases
- Restaurants/Bars: Need reliable production and usually prefer full or half cubes for drinks.
- Hospitals/Nursing Homes: Often require nugget ice because it is safer for patients to chew.
- Hotels: Need large storage capacity to serve guests 24/7 across multiple floors.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Commercial Ice Makers
Q: How often should I clean my commercial ice maker?
A: You must clean the exterior and interior regularly. Run a sanitizing cycle monthly, and perform a deep clean with approved chemicals every three to six months, depending on water quality.
Q: Do I need a plumber or an electrician for installation?
A: Yes, professional installation is usually required. Ice makers need a water line hookup, a drain line, and the correct electrical connection (some require special voltage).
Q: Why is my ice machine making cloudy ice?
A: Cloudy ice usually means dissolved minerals or trapped air in the water. A water filter will often fix this problem, or the machine might need descaling if mineral buildup is heavy.
Q: What is the lifespan of a commercial ice maker?
A: With good maintenance, a quality commercial unit can last between 10 to 15 years. Poor maintenance significantly shortens this lifespan.
Q: Can I use a residential ice maker commercially?
A: No. Residential machines cannot handle the high demand and constant use of a commercial setting. They break down very quickly under those conditions.
Q: What does “air-cooled” mean for an ice maker?
A: An air-cooled unit pulls in room air to cool the compressor and condenser coils. These units need space around them for air to flow freely.
Q: Should I buy an ice maker with built-in filtration?
A: While some have basic filters, it is almost always better to install a separate, heavy-duty external water filtration system for the best ice quality and machine protection.
Q: What is the difference between a modular unit and an undercounter unit?
A: An undercounter unit is self-contained. A modular unit is just the ice-making “head,” and you must pair it with a large, separate ice storage bin underneath it.
Q: How much space do I need around the machine?
A: Always check the manufacturer’s manual. Most units require several inches of clearance around the sides, back, and top for proper ventilation and servicing access.
Q: Is leasing a commercial ice maker a good idea?
A: Leasing can be smart for businesses with tight budgets. It often includes maintenance and repairs in the monthly fee, ensuring you always have a working machine.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!