Choosing a Countertop Ice Maker
Countertop ice makers are an essential addition to beverage stations in hotels, conference rooms, restaurants, and healthcare facilities; unlike their floor-standing counterparts, these ice makers are designed for low-volume use. There are many aspects to consider when choosing a countertop ice maker, including ice type and special features. Below, we'll cover the various types of countertop ice makers to help you determine which kind best suits your needs.
Different Types of Countertop Ice Makers
Self-contained countertop ice makers include both a storage bin and an ice machine in one unit. These are great for most operators, but if the room the machine will be stored in consistently exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, an operator-loaded maker may be a better choice. Operator-loaded machines require staff to manually refill the ice once the supply is low and may be better suited for low-volume use. There are also countertop ice machines that dispense both ice and water, though models that exclusively dispense ice are available.
Automatic countertop ice makers feature sensors that allow customers to get ice from the machine without touching it. Adding an automatic ice maker to your countertop is a sanitary way to supply ice while minimizing cleaning duties.
Manual countertop ice makers enable guests to get ice by pressing a button on the front of the machine or pressing their cup against a lever that releases the ice. In some cases, this could require two hands to operate, while automatic units only need one.
Ice Cube Types
There are 5 types of ice operators can choose from when purchasing a countertop ice dispenser: cube, half cube, crescent, nugget, and flake – each with its own benefits and use.
- Cube: best for soft drinks, cocktails, and quick-service operations
- Half cube: ideal in soft drinks and blended frozen drinks or for bagged ice
- Crescent: for soft drinks, mixed drinks, bagged and dispensed ice
- Nugget: great for soft drinks, frozen coffee, frozen cocktails, and smoothies
- Flake: for blended beverages, cups of ice for medical use, and chilling food in a buffet, seafood, or meat display
For more information on ice types, check out our types of ice guide.
Special Features
Some machines may feature an internal filter or bacteria-killing UV lights to help keep the unit clean and ready to serve ice. Specific to Hoshizaki machines, CleanCycle24™ technology enables the ice maker to perform a 2-second rinse every hour to clean itself.
Automatic countertop ice makers often operate with a led sensor that lets guests grab ice without touching the machine. Follet countertop ice makers have SensorSAFE™ infrared technology that dispenses ice.
Countertop ice makers may also be adjustable in height. These units typically feature adjustable feet, allowing operators to change the height or stabilize the unit on unlevel surfaces. There are also machines that may have Duratech™ technology—a corrosion-resistant stainless steel exterior with a unique clear coat that resists unsightly fingerprints and dirt.
