Used Commercial Ice Makers | Buy Ice Machines for Hotels, Schools, And Other Commercial Needs
Compare prices on used commercial ice makers for hotels, schools, and more. Save as much as 25%. Free delivery brands like Katom, Manitowoc, Vevor, Ice-O-Matic, and more.
Determining how much daily ice your business needs is a work of art. By the time you start estimating how much is for customer need, kitchen use, and any other backend purpose you start to get low.
Ice is an amenity everyone expects but never thinks of unless it runs out. Having a reliable preowned commercial ice maker is the best way to safeguard your business.
If you are in the market for a new ice maker, the choice will be a breeze with this compiled list of the top brands, types, and prices.
Top-Rated Used Commercial Ice Maker Brands
One of the most popular previously owned commercial ice maker brands to lease or buy is Hoshizaki.
They were founded in 1947 and quickly rose as a top manufacturer of foodservice equipment around the world. Their years in the market and reliability are what sets them apart from others brands.
The other popular brands of ice maker you will see on the market are:
Manitowoc
Established in 1902, this brand is known for its ingenuity and reliability. Their innovative designs always have ease at the center of all they do.
Scotsman
Established in the 1950s, they are all about luxury. If you like nugget ice you can thank Scotsman for the creation.
Ice-O-Matic
Boasts their sustainability and simple design with their focus being Ice. Pure and Simple. Founded in 1952, they offer a wide range of commercial ice products. They focus on purposeful functionality and long-lasting ability.
Vevor
They specialize in business and industrial products and focus on cross-border e-commerce. They want to provide a product that fits within every budget, which is why they carry an assortment.
Making Sure Everything Stays Cold
Now that you have an idea of the top five popular ice maker brands on the market you can keep an eye out when you are searching for your own. There is always a variety to choose from, but knowing which brands are top-rated will make the process easier.
You understand some of the top brands, but what about type? Narrowing down and understanding type will guarantee you are making the right choice for your need.
Deciding Your Purchase Based on Type
A machine with an air-cooled condenser may be best for use on the back end for a restaurant owner. Whereas a modular ice maker may be a better fit for a business that needs a large volume of ice, but not an extra storage bin.
| Type | Characteristics | Purposes For This Ice Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cubed Ice | Cubed Shape | Iced Beverages |
| Slow Melting | Most Commonly Used Ice Form | |
| Weight: 0.17 – 0.5 oz | Frequently used in Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Hotels, Offices. | |
| Nugget Ice | Pellet Shape | Iced Beverages |
| Softer, Chewable Ice Form | Add texture to drink experience | |
| Also called “chewblet” or compressed nugget ice | Frequently used in Restaurants, Bars, Fast Food, and Healthcare Facilities. | |
| Flake Ice | Shaved Flake Shape or Crushed Form | Commonly used for preserving, packing, and cold storage |
| May Contain up to 1/5 liquid | Not Intended for Human Consumption | |
| Fast Melting | Frequently used in Fish- and Meat-Packing, Grocery Stores, Research Facilities. |
The options are vast in type and brand. Read on to discover the functionality and useability of the different ice makers on the market to see if they have the features you need for your unique commercial use.
Commercial Modular Machines
Modular machines are great for fast food chains and large restaurants. Known for producing large amounts of ice, you won’t ever have to worry about running out. But remember, these machines should be used with a separate unit that will dispense the ice.
They range in width and are frequently available in 22″ 30″ and 48″ widths. The daily output of ice ranges from 250 to over 1000lbs a day.
Average Retail Price: $2,300 – $4,500
Undercounter Ice Machines
Undercounter Ice Machines are perfect for your bartender or restaurant needs. Their common stainless steel appearance enables them to fit nicely into any space. Your bartender will always have access to exactly as much ice as needed while they are mixing great cocktails during their shift.
Undercounter ice machines are about the same height as a dishwasher. This compact design allows them to fit snugly into many different spaces.
Average Retail Price: $1,100 – $2,100
Commercial Countertop Ice Dispensers
These dispensers fit nicely in spaces that are needed at that current moment. Some models are portable and easily moved from one location to another. A perfect hotel option, they plug into many standard outlets and require only water poured in to operate.
Countertop ice makers come in a variety of sizes to fit any need. Their variety of sizes means the price ranges are extremely vast.
Average Retail Price: $1,900 – $3,000
Combination Ice Maker Machines
are practical and extremely useful. You are able to pick these combinations based on desired ice volume. Their integration of machine and bin allows you to not worry about having a floor drain to catch the melted ice.
These machines recycle ice on their own and you are able to pick the specific ice it dispenses. A combination unit is perfect for hotels, breakrooms, cafeterias, and office buildings.
Average Retail Price: $2,700 – $4,200
Understanding Ice Type and Usability
Knowing the practical uses of your future ice maker will help you make the correct choice for your specific situation. Whether you realize it or not, ice is an important aspect of the presentation. Finding the right ice type for your need is just as important as purchasing the correct ice maker.
There are different ice characteristics that have different uses and applications. Figuring out the ice type that works the best for your use is also fundamental detail you should keep in mind when figuring out which machine will work best.
The Functionality of Ice
Ice comes in a plethora of shapes and sizes with each having a specific purpose. From regular cube to gourmet ice, knowing which you will primarily use in your establishment will help narrow down ice maker choice. Use to quick guide to breaking down some common types so you will be knowledgeable when the time comes to choose.
Regular Cubes
Regular cubes are the common square ice cubes. They are a solid build that is perfect in a commercial setting. Their melt rate is slow and because of the large size, they will cool extremely well and you won’t have to use as many cubes for the job.
Half Cubes
Half cubes are a convenient size that is common for self-service dispensing. Their melt rate is more moderate, as they won’t last as long as the regular cube. They still offer maximum cooling.
Nugget Ice
Nugget Ice is soft and easier to chew. They are ideal for blended and frozen drinks. This points to their quick melt rate, as the application is to absorb the flavors of the drink. If you are known for your cocktails or smoothies this is a great ice option.
Flake Ice
Flake Ice is extremely soft and similar to snow. It has a lower ice-to-water ratio than other ice types. You can see this type of ice used in markets and the meat and produce sections in grocery stores. The melt rate is quick, but it is gentle on food products.
Crescent Ice
Crescent Ice has a distinct half-moon shape. It has a practical application in bags but will also work extremely well in soft and mixed drinks. The unique shapes allow for this ice type to uniformly fill a glass and for great liquid displacement. It also won’t pack together like flake ice.
Gourmet Ice
Gourmet Ice comes in another unique shape. It is usually in an octagonal or cylindrical shape. Like regular cubes, it has a 100% ice-to-water ratio. Gourmet ice is generally used in high-end liquors and upscale drinks. The melt rate is slow and it is known for keeping drinks cool for an extended amount of time.
Make sure you know what the various ice types can do to enhance your dining experience by reading this restaurant’s business article on the topic.
Proper Maintenance Leads to Extended Used Ice Maker Life
Used ice makers are chosen based on functionality, price, durability, and lifespan. The extra care you put into your ice maker is just as important as its purpose.
Keeping your ice machine inspection ready is the key to ensuring it has a long life and that you are making the most of your investment. Your ice maker pushes out pounds of ice every single day and allows your businesses to function. Cleaning your ice maker is just one way to make sure you will avoid costly maintenance fees in the future.
The general guideline is to thoroughly clean your machine every six months at a minimum and every month for heavy use. Sanitize the ice maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wash and rinse the external removable parts, and be sure to blow out dust and dirt with compressed air.
A standard commercial ice maker has a life of up to five years. The more you upkeep the machine, the longer the machine will last regardless of type.
Staying as Cold as Ice
Purchasing a reliable commercial ice maker will make running out of ice an issue of the past. Order one of the best investments to avoid all the stress.
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