Energy-efficient Ice Machine Buyers' Guide

Lately, commercial ice makers have been targeted by tightening Department of Energy standards, which aim to reduce the electricity and water consumption of foodservice equipment. That's good news for operators because it means new ice makers are the most energy-efficient units ever. Investing in a new, energy-efficient ice maker can save operators hundreds of dollars yearly on utility costs.

Green Ice Machine Tips

1. Look for the blue ENERGY STAR logo. ENERGY STAR is a federal program run by the EPA that encourages the development and purchase of energy-efficient equipment and appliances for homes and businesses. ENERGY STAR ice makers are, on average, 15 percent more energy efficient and 23 percent more water efficient than standard models.
2. Check for ENERGY STAR rebates available in your area. Many cities, states, and even some federal organizations offer valuable cash rebates to businesses that invest in energy-efficient equipment, including ENERGY STAR ice makers. See our article about finding ENERGY STAR rebates for restaurant equipment.
3. Choose air-cooled models. Heat removed during an ice maker's freezing process must be carried away from the equipment, either by air forced over the machine's condenser or circulating water. Unless your building is equipped with a central water chiller, water-cooled units require a great deal of clean water that ends up being drained. That waste is avoided with an air-cooled ice maker.
4. Size your ice machine correctly. Ice machine bins aren't insulated very well, so any ice left in the bin for an extended period of time will melt and be drained. To avoid wasting ice, ensure you size your commercial ice maker according to your customer volume. A good rule of thumb for casual restaurants is to provide 1.5 to 3 pounds of ice per customer.
5. Consider a remote condenser. Standard, air-cooled ice machines have built-in refrigeration components. Those are affordable and easy to set up, but the heat removed from inside the machine ends up in your kitchen, placing extra burden on your HVAC system. Consider a commercial ice maker with a remote condenser, which has its refrigeration components placed on the roof or somewhere else outside your building. Its setup can cost more upfront but produce lower cooling bills later on, while removing the noise generated by self-contained condensers from customer areas.
6. Investigate equipment with timers. Commercial ice machines are available with controls that enable operators to set the hours in which they make ice. You can set the machine to produce ice only when you need it, so it doesn't needlessly produce ice during your closed hours, eventually melting in the bin. Ice bin controls are another option on some machines that let operators choose the precise amount of ice held in the bin, adjusting it to keep up with business demands.
7. Maintain your machine well. Once you've purchased and installed your machine, implement and stick to a regular maintenance routine to preserve your ice machine's energy efficiency – and extend the lifespan of the equipment. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning your equipment's air filter and interior using approved chemicals. Dirty components waste energy, create health hazards, and put undue wear and tear on the equipment.

ENERGYSTAR.gov. Commercial Ice Makers. Accessed August 31, 2023.