Cube Type Ice Makers
Cube ice machines are among the most popular models of ice makers found in restaurants and bars. This ice style is great for cooling beverages or bagging for sale at convenience stores. Like the uses for the ice it produces, this selection is versatile, with different sizes and compressors available.
How to Choose the Right Commercial Cubed Ice Maker for Your Business
KaTom provides a wide selection of industrial cube ice makers engineered for the high-volume foodservice and hospitality industries. Cube ice is widely used for its density and slow melt rate, helping maintain beverage quality. These machines support applications ranging from restaurants and bars to hotels and retail environments.
Finding a Cube Ice Machine by Business Type
Identify the configuration that best fits your daily workflow:
- Full-Service Restaurants & Diners – High-capacity modular heads that support continuous beverage service
- Bars & Cocktail Lounges – Undercounter units providing immediate access to cubes designed for premium spirits
- Hotels & Hospitality – Floor-model dispensers for guest use
- Convenience Stores & Gas Stations – High-volume cubers used for on-site bagging and high-capacity fountain service
- Corporate Offices & Breakrooms – Small-footprint undercounter or countertop models for employees to use
Choosing the Best Cube Shape for Your Menu
- Half Cube (Half Dice) – Small cubes nest tightly in the glass to reduce liquid displacement and lower beverage costs
- Full Cube (Dice) – Larger cubes that melts slowly, making it the preferred choice for bulk cooling, bagging, and high-end banquet service
- Crescent Cube – Solid half-moon shape that fits easily into narrow glassware, features a stackable design, and reduces clumping
- Extra-Large & Square Cubes – Designed for slow melting and upscale cocktail presentation
Commercial Cube Ice Machine Maintenance & Selection Tips
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Sizing for Demand: Select a machine based on peak usage periods rather than average daily use
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Water Filtration: Essential to prevent scale buildup and maintain ice quality
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Regular Sanitization: Cleaning at least every two weeks supports performance and compliance and prevents mold and slime
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Clearance Requirements: Ensure proper airflow to prevent the compressor from overheating
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cube type is best for cocktails?
Full or extra-large cubes are best for cocktails because their increased surface area and density cause them to melt much slower than smaller shapes, preserving the flavor of the spirit.
Do cube ice machines need a floor drain?
Yes. Most commercial cube ice makers require a floor drain to handle the water purge during the harvest cycle and to manage meltwater in the storage bin.
What is the difference between air-cooled and water-cooled cube machines?
Air-cooled units are more common and efficient in standard environments, while water-cooled units are used in high-heat or enclosed spaces.
How do I know if my machine is producing enough ice?
If your bin is empty before the end of a shift, your machine is undersized. We recommend following the "20-percent Rule," which means purchasing a machine that produces 20 percent more than your highest estimated daily need.
Top Brands for Cube Ice Machines
Our relationships with the world's premier ice equipment manufacturers ensure you receive the highest level of craftsmanship and technical support:
- Manitowoc: Known for the Indigo NXT series, featuring programmable production and easy-access food zones for simplified cleaning
- Hoshizaki: Features virtually indestructible stainless steel evaporators and is the exclusive producer of the famous "Crescent Cube"
- Scotsman: Offers the Prodigy Elite cube machines, which include advanced diagnostics and antimicrobial protection as standard features
- Ice-O-Matic: Provides the Elevation Series, designed specifically for ease of service and high-volume reliability in demanding kitchens
Shop Commercial Cube Ice Machines
Explore KaTom’s extensive inventory of industry-leading cube ice machines and storage bins, all backed by our expert support and ready to ship at competitive prices to keep your business running smoothly.