Choosing a Manitowoc Ice Maker by Ice Type
Choosing a Manitowoc ice maker starts with identifying the type of ice the operation needs. Different shapes and textures support applications such as chilling beverages, crafting cocktails, displaying cold food, and cooling items in healthcare facilities. This guide will explain the different types of ice and the best Manitowoc ice machines in each category.
Manitowoc Ice Types
Manitowoc ice machines produce several ice types, each designed for a different balance of cooling speed, melt rate, texture, and presentation. These include:
- Half-cube (half-dice)
- Full-cube (regular or dice)
- Gourmet (top hat or large cube)
- Flake
- Nugget
Smaller ice pieces generally cool drinks quickly because they expose more surface area, while larger, denser pieces melt slower, reducing drink dilution. Softer ice types, such as Nugget and Flake, support applications where chewability or moldability matters more than long-lasting cube structure.
For additional information on different types of ice, check out KaTom's types of ice article.
Manitowoc Half-Cube Ice Makers
Half-cube ice is a thin cube suited to everyday beverage service. Its smaller size gives it a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio than larger cube formats, helping it cool drinks quickly. Operators that serve high volumes of water, soft drinks, and tea will typically want a half-cube machine to support their drink programs.
Best Ice for: Soft drinks, iced tea, mixed drinks, and dispensing
Best Type of Ice Maker for: Restaurants, convenience stores, and high-volume beverage operations
Melt Rate: Moderate
Ice Size: 3/8 in. x 11/8 in. x 7/8 in.
Top Manitowoc Half-Cube Ice Makers
Best undercounter machine
UYP0240W NEO
The forward-sliding bin helps provide quick access to key components, the integrated filtration system helps ensure clean-tasting ice, and the lift door allows staff to scoop cubes without bending.
- Daily Production: 235 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 90 lbs.
- Compressor: Water-cooled
- Controls: Touchpad
Best for compact beverage stations
IYT-0420A-161/D-420 Indigo NXT
The AlphaSan® antimicrobial agent on key components slows bacteria growth, and ice thickness is measured by an acoustical sensing probe. These features help limit bacteria growth on treated components and maintain consistent ice thickness.
- Daily Production: 460 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 383 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: easyTouch®
Best medium-volume machine
IYP0500A-161/D400 Indigo NXT
A foam-insulated bin prevents ice from melting quickly, and a probe checks ice thickness before it falls. Production can be set based on time of day or volume.
- Daily Production: 516 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 365 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: Touchscreen
Best high-volume machine
IYT-1500A-261/D-970 Indigo NXT
This unit produces up to 1,660 pounds of half-cube ice per day. It features an arctic blue polyurethane interior liner that enhances the clarity of the ice, and a DuraTech™ exterior resists corrosion and reduces fingerprint visibility.
- Daily Production: 1,660 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 882 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: easyTouch
Manitowoc Full-Cube Ice Makers
Full-cube ice makers produce larger cubes than half-cube machines, providing a slower-melting option that cools drinks gradually, making them useful for mixed drinks, dispensing, bagged ice, coolers, and bulk cooling. Manitowoc's full-cube machines can form dice or regular ice—each type having different measurements and suiting different applications.
Best Ice for: Mixed drinks, soft drinks, bagged ice, dispensers, and coolers
Best Type of Ice Maker for: Bars, cafes, hotels, and restaurants
Melt Rate: Slow
Ice Size: Dice measures 7/8 in. x 7/8 in. x 7/8 in.; Regular measures 11/8 in. x 11/8 in. x 7/8 in.
Top Manitowoc Full-Cube Ice Makers
Best undercounter machine
UDP0190A NEO
The front-breathing design supports zero-clearance installation next to other equipment, and a user-friendly touchpad includes cycle indicators for cleaning, filter status, and service alerts.
- Daily Production: 200 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 90 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: Touchpad
- Ice Type: Dice
Best medium-volume machine
IDP0500A-161/D400 Indigo NXT
An acoustical sensing probe measures ice thickness to maintain consistency in each cycle, and daily ice production can be programmed based on a desired volume or duration of operation.
- Daily Production: 515 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 365 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: easyTouch
- Ice Type: Dice
Highest output machine
IDT-1900N/D-970 Indigo NXT
The swing-out food zone door ensures components are accessible, and the distribution tube, sensing probes, curtain, and water trough can be removed for cleaning.
- Daily Production: 1,915 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 882 lbs.
- Compressor: Remote-cooled
- Controls: easyTouch
- Ice Type: Dice
Best water-cooled machine
IDP1000W-261/D970/K00470 Indigo NXT
An acoustical probe measures ice before it is dropped into the bin to ensure consistent thickness, the unit runs preventive maintenance daily, and the bin liner is made of durable and corrosion-resistant polyurethane.
- Daily Production: 985 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 882 lbs.
- Compressor: Water-cooled
- Controls: easyTouch
- Ice Type: Dice
Trying to decide between a half-cube and full-cube machine? KaTom's full-cube or half-cube ice article can help you make a decision.
Manitowoc Gourmet Ice Makers
Gourmet ice is typically larger and is designed for premium drinks where presentation matters. Gourmet ice includes top hat and extra-large cubes. These unique styles stand out in cocktails, spirits, and upscale beverage service. Choose gourmet ice to help reduce dilution, preserve drink flavor, and create a more polished presentation.
Best Ice for: Spirits and liquors, premium drinks, and fine dining
Best Type of Ice Maker for: Upscale restaurants and bars, and event and banquet halls
Melt Rate: Slow
Ice Size: 13/8 in. x 13/8 in. or 11/4 in. x 11/8 in. x 7/8 in. depending on the shape
Top Manitowoc Gourmet Ice Makers
Top hat ice for premium spirits
UCP0050A
Because its air vents are on the front, it can be installed by a wall, and its field-reversible door can be changed to accommodate corners. Uneven surfaces are mitigated by leveling legs, which can account for differences of one inch or less.
- Daily Production: 52 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 25 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: Touchpad
- Ice Type: Top Hat
Extra-large cubes for enhanced cocktails
USE0050A CrystalCraft
The front-access control panel includes an automatic mode that keeps the bin full and simplifies operation. Its delay-start option can be initiated during idle periods, and its cleaning and sanitizing function minimizes manual tasks.
- Daily Production: 41 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 25 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: Control panel
- Ice Type: Extra-large cube
KaTom's guide to gourmet ice machines provides additional information for operators trying to decide if a gourmet ice machine is right for them.
Manitowoc Nugget Ice Makers
Nugget ice is a chewable ice type that absorbs the beverage it sits in; once customers finish their drinks, they're left with a cup of ice flavored by the beverage they were drinking. The small pieces, soft texture, and approximately 85 percent ice content distinguish nugget ice from hard cube ice. It generally melts faster than hard cube ice, so operations offering self-serve refills will need to account for higher ice usage.
Best Ice for: Fountain drinks, soft drinks, and blended cocktails
Best Type of Ice Maker for: Restaurants, fast-food operations, convenience stores, and offices
Melt Rate: Fast
Ice Size: 3/8 in. to 1/2 in. in width and length
Top Manitowoc Nugget Ice Makers
Best ice dispenser
CNP0202A
A large drain pan collects ice spillage, and the sensor provides touchless dispensing to promote sanitation. Additionally, the dispenser's DuraTech front panel simplifies cleaning and protects against hardwater staining.
- Daily Production: 315 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 20 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: Sensor
Highest-output undercounter ice machine
UNP0300A
The heavy-duty stainless steel exterior resists corrosion and rust, low-maintenance stainless steel bearings have a high-load capacity, and the self-contained condenser streamlines installation.
- Daily Production: 330 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 50 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: Switch
Medium-volume ice machine
RNP0320A-161/D420
The large bin capacity means that the machine can store as much ice as it can produce in a day, and foam insulation reduces melting inside the bin. The unit's side grips enable the door to be opened from the left, right, or center with one hand.
- Daily Production: 308 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 383 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: Switch
Highest-output ice machine
RNP1100A-261/D970/K00470
This unit retains cold air with a foam insulated door, while a polyurethane liner maintains sanitation. Built-in side grips on the door enable employees to easily lift the door open with one hand, and a latch keeps the door open while they scoop.
- Daily Production: 1,078 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 882 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: Switch
For additional information, check out KaTom's nugget ice machine buyers' guide.
Manitowoc Flake Ice Makers
Flake ice is a moldable ice type used primarily for food presentation and preservation. Because it consists of small pieces, flake ice can be shaped around seafood, produce, packaged items, and display pans more easily than cube ice, making this ice type popular for seafood displays, salad bars, grocery merchandising, and healthcare settings.
Best Ice for: Produce displays, keeping buffet food chilled, and medical uses
Best Type of Ice Maker for: Buffets, grocery stores, fish markets, and healthcare settings
Melt Rate: Fast
Ice Size: Small, irregularly shaped flakes
Top Manitowoc Flake Ice Makers
Best for compact undercounter spaces
UFP0200A
This machine measures 19.69 inches wide by 25.98 inches deep by 37.50 inches high, making it suitable for compact spaces. The unit's legs can be adjusted between 4.5 and 6 inches to account for uneven spaces.
- Daily Production: 272 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 50 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: Switch
Best for lower-volume environments
RFP0320A-161/D420
The high-load stainless steel bearings support reliable production, while the stainless steel exterior features a DuraTech clear-coat layer that helps resist scratches and minimize fingerprint smudges.
- Daily Production: 370 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 383 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: Switch
Best for medium-volume environments
RFP0620A-161/D570/K00472
For stability, the unit's 6-inch chrome legs can be extended to 73/4 inches. To ease ice retrieval, this unit comes with an ergonomic NSF-certified ice scoop with a molded retaining lip that maximizes the amount of ice it can carry.
- Daily Production: 730 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 532 lbs.
- Compressor: Air-cooled
- Controls: Switch
Best for high-volume environments
RFF-1220C-261/RCUF1200-261/D970
This machine is part of the QuietCube® series, which means it features quieter operation than standard ice machines. It's a good choice for customer-facing areas, and its slim profile and lightweight construction enable it to fit in compact spaces.
- Daily Production: 1,152 lbs.
- Storage Capacity: 882 lbs.
- Compressor: Remote-cooled
- Controls: Switch
Want to know when and why to use flake ice? Check out KaTom's why use flake ice article.
Choosing the Right Manitowoc Ice Type
The right Manitowoc ice maker primarily depends on the application. However, operators should also compare daily production capacity, storage capacity, condenser style, available utilities, ventilation and drainage requirements, water quality, and whether the selected unit needs a separate bin or dispenser before making a decision. For sizing and installation guidance regarding Manitowoc ice makers, see the Manitowoc ice machine buying guide, then shop Manitowoc ice machines based on the ice type and specifications that best fit the operation.
Manitowoc Ice Machine Frequently Asked Questions
What types of ice do Manitowoc ice machines make?
Manitowoc makes ice machines that produce half-dice, dice, regular, gourmet, nugget, or flake ice. Each shape and texture is designed for different beverage, foodservice, cooling, or presentation needs.
What is the difference between Manitowoc half-dice, dice, and regular ice?
The primary difference is cube size. Half-dice measures 3/8 in. x 11/8 in. x 7/8 in., dice measures 7/8 in. x 7/8 in. x 7/8 in., and regular measures 11/8 in. x 11/8 in. x 7/8 in. All three are hard cube styles designed for beverage and general ice service.
Which Manitowoc ice is best for cocktails?
Gourmet, square, and large square ice are designed for premium cocktails and beverages. Their larger formats melt more slowly than smaller cube styles, helping maintain drink flavor while adding visual appeal.
Which Manitowoc ice is best for soft drinks?
Half-dice, dice, and regular are the primary hard-cube options intended for everyday beverage service. Half-dice offers a smaller cube with a large surface area for quick cooling, while dice and regular provide larger cube formats.
What is the difference between Manitowoc nugget and flake ice?
Nugget ice is soft and chewable and is primarily used for beverages, while flake ice consists of small, soft pieces used mainly for food presentation and preservation. Nugget has an approximately 85 percent ice content, while flake has 73 percent.
How does ice shape affect cooling and melting?
Ice size and shape affect the surface-area-to-volume ratio and how quickly ice cools and melts. Smaller pieces generally cool beverages faster but melt faster, while larger cubes generally melt more slowly, which is why larger formats are often used for premium cocktails.
