In a bustling restaurant, a reliable ice supply is as crucial as any ingredient in the kitchen. From chilling cocktails to presenting fresh seafood, a commercial ice maker is the unsung hero that keeps service flowing smoothly. The right machine can handle peak hours with ease, ensuring you never have to turn away a customer due to a lack of ice.
Choosing the perfect model depends on your specific needs, including daily production volume, storage capacity, and available space. This roundup examines ten of the best commercial ice makers, highlighting key features and benefits to help you find the ideal match for your establishment’s demands.
The Best Commercial Ice Makers for Your Business
- RAPSUAR Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 150Lbs/24H with 45Lbs Large Ice Capacity
- Commercial Ice Maker Machine 200 Lbs/24H Stainless Steel, with 50Lbs Storage Bin
- Dainslef Commercial Ice Maker Machine – 110LBS/24H Ice Production, 33LBS Storage
- Coolake Commercial Ice Maker Machine 200lbs/24H, Air Cooled Under Counter Ice Maker
- ICYGLEE Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/Daily Ice Production Under Counter
- Coolake Commercial Ice Maker Machine 400lbs/24H with 300lbs Large Storage Bin
- Coolski Commercial Ice Maker Machine 450LBS/24H, 22” Wide Ice Machine
- Commercial Ice Maker,2025 Upgraded-101lbs/24H Stainless Steel Ice Machine
- Whynter UIM-155 Stainless Steel Built-In Ice Maker
- Hoshizaki KM-255MAH 22-Inch Wide Cubelet Ice Machine Head
RAPSUAR Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 150Lbs/24H with 45Lbs Large Ice Capacity
This RAPSUAR model is designed for efficiency, producing 55 pieces of clear ice in just 6-20 minutes. With a daily output of 150 pounds and a 45-pound storage bin, it can support the needs of a busy bar or restaurant, providing enough ice for approximately 500 drinks per day.
The unit includes a premium water filter that purifies tap water, resulting in crystal clear and hard, chewable ice cubes. Operation is straightforward thanks to a practical LCD panel that allows for control over ice thickness, self-cleaning, defrosting, and other essential functions.
Commercial Ice Maker Machine 200 Lbs/24H Stainless Steel, with 50Lbs Storage Bin
For establishments with high demand, this ice maker delivers 200 pounds of ice every 24 hours and stores 50 pounds at a time. It quickly produces 55 ice cubes in 8-15 minutes, ensuring a stable supply even during the busiest periods.
This model is built to be both economical and quiet. Its high-efficiency compressor saves about 25% more electricity compared to similar products, reducing long-term operational costs. The dual water inlet design offers flexibility, allowing connection to either tap water or bottled water.
Dainslef Commercial Ice Maker Machine – 110LBS/24H Ice Production, 33LBS Storage
The Dainslef ice maker is a robust unit that produces 110 pounds of ice daily with a 33-pound storage capacity. It can create 66 ice cubes in a rapid 5-15 minutes, making it a solid choice for both home and commercial settings where space and reliable output are key.
Constructed from premium stainless steel, this machine offers a durable and elegant design that complements any kitchen or bar. A significant benefit is the self-cleaning functionality, which simplifies maintenance and ensures hygienic ice production over time.
Coolake Commercial Ice Maker Machine 200lbs/24H, Air Cooled Under Counter Ice Maker
This Coolake model uses a high-efficiency R-290 compressor and air cooling to produce up to 200 pounds of clear ice daily. Its 50-pound storage bin helps save time, allowing staff to use ice immediately without waiting for a new batch.
Setup and operation are simple with an intuitive control panel that provides clear notifications and settings for self-cleaning and ice thickness. The rust-resistant stainless steel exterior and food-grade PP interior lining ensure a clean, safe, and durable appliance that keeps ice from melting for 7-9 hours.
ICYGLEE Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/Daily Ice Production Under Counter
Never run out of ice with the ICYGLEE machine, which produces 100 pounds per day and stores 33 pounds. It is designed to provide a sufficient ice supply for various settings, from homes and bars to hotels and grocery stores.
This unit holds ETL certification and is approved for commercial use, confirming its reliability and safety standards. An intelligent LCD control panel puts you in command, allowing you to monitor temperature, adjust ice cube size, and initiate automatic cleaning cycles with ease.
Coolake Commercial Ice Maker Machine 400lbs/24H with 300lbs Large Storage Bin
For the highest volume demands, this Coolake machine is a powerhouse, producing 400 pounds of ice in 24 hours and storing a massive 300 pounds. It creates a batch of clear ice within 5-15 minutes, ensuring you always have plenty on hand for large events or busy service periods.
Reliability is enhanced by an upgraded antiscaling filter that reduces water scale by up to 99%, protecting the machine and extending its lifespan. The intelligent LCD control panel clearly displays the ice-making process and allows for easy adjustment of ice-making time and cube thickness.
Coolski Commercial Ice Maker Machine 450LBS/24H, 22” Wide Ice Machine
The Coolski ice maker stands out with an impressive production capacity of 450 pounds per 24 hours, producing 195 ice cubes in just 8-15 minutes. Its 300-pound storage bin and space-saving 22-inch width make it ideal for maximizing efficiency in tight kitchen or bar spaces.
Built with commercial-grade heavy-duty stainless steel, this unit is designed for long-term durability. The storage bin features thickened insulation foam layers to keep ice from melting for up to 7 hours. An enhanced water filter is included to remove impurities and improve ice quality.
Commercial Ice Maker,2025 Upgraded-101lbs/24H Stainless Steel Ice Machine
This upgraded ice maker features a high-performance compressor that produces 48 ice cubes in 12–18 minutes and 100 pounds per day. It operates with minimal noise and energy consumption, making it suitable for demanding commercial environments where efficiency is important.
Crafted from heavy-duty stainless steel, the unit offers a sleek, hygienic surface that resists corrosion. Its freestanding design allows for easy installation, and the 33-pound storage bin includes a thick insulation layer to preserve ice longer. A convenient ice scoop is included for easy access.
Whynter UIM-155 Stainless Steel Built-In Ice Maker
The Whynter UIM-155 offers a compact and flexible solution, capable of being installed as a built-in or freestanding unit. A significant advantage is that it requires no drain, simplifying the installation process considerably.
This model produces 12 pounds of crescent-shaped ice cubes in 24 hours. Its smaller capacity and unique ice shape make it well-suited for specific applications where a high-volume machine is not required, such as in certain bar setups or dedicated drink stations.
Hoshizaki KM-255MAH 22-Inch Wide Cubelet Ice Machine Head
The Hoshizaki KM-255MAH is an ice machine head from a brand renowned for its commercial-grade reliability and performance in the foodservice industry. Its 22-inch wide design is engineered to fit seamlessly into tight spaces while delivering consistent results.
This unit produces cubelet ice, a popular choice for a wide range of beverages. Hoshizaki’s reputation for durability and low maintenance makes this a long-term investment for businesses seeking a trusted and efficient ice-making solution.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Commercial Ice Makers for Restaurants
Picking the right commercial ice maker is one of those decisions that can make or break your restaurant’s daily flow. I have seen kitchens where the wrong machine caused constant slowdowns, and others where the perfect fit made service a breeze. It is not just about getting the biggest or shiniest model; it is about matching the machine to your specific, high-demand needs.
First, you need to figure out your production needs. This is the most critical step. Ask yourself: how many pounds of ice do I go through on a busy day? A good rule of thumb is that a restaurant needs about 1.5 to 2 pounds of ice per customer. So, if you serve 200 people a day, you are looking at a machine that can produce at least 300 pounds of ice every 24 hours. Do not just look at the storage bin size; focus on the daily production capacity. Underestimating this will leave your servers scrambling during the dinner rush.
Next, think about the type of ice. The shape matters more than you might think. For bars and beverages, a full cube or a clear cube is often preferred because it melts slowly and does not dilute drinks quickly. Nugget ice is soft and chewable, which is great for healthcare or casual dining sodas. Flake ice is perfect for salad bars or fish displays because it molds around product. Consider what you are primarily using the ice for and choose the shape that fits.
Then, there is the machine’s footprint and configuration. Space is always tight in a restaurant. You will find air-cooled and water-cooled models. Air-cooled units are more common and cheaper to run, but they expel hot air, so they need good ventilation. If your kitchen is poorly ventilated, a water-cooled model might be necessary, but be ready for higher water bills. Also, decide between a modular unit (ice maker head on a separate bin) and a self-contained unit (all-in-one). Self-contained are easier to install, but modular systems let you increase production by adding more bins.
Finally, do not forget about maintenance and durability. A commercial ice maker is a workhorse. Look for models with stainless steel construction—it lasts longer and is easier to clean. Check how easy it is to access and replace the water filter. A machine with a good warranty is a sign the manufacturer trusts its product. Remember, the goal is to find one of the truly best commercial ice makers for restaurants that will keep running reliably, shift after shift, without letting you down.
FAQ
How much does a commercial ice maker for a restaurant cost?
The price can vary a lot. A smaller, self-contained unit might start around $2,000, while a high-production modular system can easily cost $10,000 or more. The cost is not just the initial purchase; you also need to factor in installation, ongoing maintenance, water filters, and the increased utility usage. It is a significant investment, but a reliable one is cheaper in the long run than constantly repairing a cheaper model.
How often do I need to clean and sanitize my commercial ice maker?
You should be performing a basic cleaning of the exterior and the air filter about once a week. For a deep clean and sanitization of the interior water distribution system and the evaporator plate, I recommend doing it at least every six months. If your water is particularly hard, you might need to do it quarterly. Neglecting this leads to scale buildup, which kills efficiency and can contaminate your ice.
What is the typical lifespan of a commercial ice machine?
With proper installation, regular maintenance, and timely repairs, a well-built commercial ice maker should last you between 7 to 10 years. Some heavy-duty models can even go longer. The key is that maintenance schedule. Letting scale build up or ignoring strange noises will drastically shorten its life. Think of it as a long-term partner for your business.
My ice maker is not producing enough ice. What is usually the problem?
This is a common headache. The first thing I always check is the air filter. If it is clogged with dust, the machine cannot breathe and will underperform. Next, look at the water filter—if it is old, water flow slows down. The most common culprit, however, is scale buildup on the evaporator. This acts like an insulator and prevents the machine from making ice efficiently. A good cleaning often solves the issue.
Can I use a residential ice maker in my restaurant?
I strongly advise against it. A residential machine is not built for the constant, heavy-duty cycle of a commercial kitchen. It will break down frequently and cannot produce the volume of ice you need. Using one will ultimately cost you more in repairs and lost business during downtime than investing in a proper commercial unit from the start. When you are looking for the best commercial ice makers for restaurants, you are looking for industrial-grade reliability.
What is the difference between a self-contained and a modular ice maker?
A self-contained unit has the ice-making mechanism and the storage bin built together as one piece. They are simpler to install and are a good fit for spaces with limited room. A modular system has a separate ice maker head that sits on top of a standalone storage bin. The big advantage of modular is flexibility; you can pair one ice maker with a large bin, or even add a second ice maker head to the same bin to double your production without taking up much more floor space.