How Much Do Commercial Ice Makers Cost?
Do you need to buy an ice machine for your business? If so, you’ll want to know: how much does a commercial ice maker cost? This guy will answer all your buying questions.
If you have a business, chances are you need ice. Ice machines are useful for restaurants, hospitals, offices, laboratories, retail centers, and more. Ice is great for keeping your food, products, and drinks cold, as well as treating injuries.
Do you need commercial ice makers for your business? How much does an ice maker cost? Check out our guide to compare ice machine prices and models to determine which one is best for your business!
Calculate the Cost of a Commercial Ice Machine
Commercial ice makers cost anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000, with some more massive models going up to $15,000. The prices vary due to the amount of daily ice output, the size of the machine, the operation costs, and what type of ice you are making.
Ice machines also cost a lot to operate and maintain. Be sure to consider getting an energy-efficient ice machine if you want to save money on energy costs. You’ll also need to set aside money for parts and maintenance, including water filters to make sure the ice stays fresh.
Types of Ice Makers
The most common types of commercial ice makers are modular, under-counter, and counter-top ice machines.
Modular ice makers are heavy-duty units that can produce anywhere from 200 to 1,900 pounds of ice per day depending on the model. They are usually stand-alone devices that are best for the kitchen or back room.
Under-counter ice machines fit under the counter and make up to 350 lbs of ice per day, with some models making more. Counter-top ice machines are smaller than the other models, but can actually make up to 400 lbs of ice per day, usually in the form of nugget ice for drinks.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Ice Machine
There are a few factors you should consider besides just the price when trying to determine which commercial ice machine you should buy. Make sure to consider these other factors.
Industrial Vs. Hospitality
What kind of ice do you need? Are you looking for industrial ice chips that are used for packing and cold storage, or are you looking for ice cubes or nuggets for restaurants?
Keep in mind that some industrial ice machines do not have the same filtered water quality and are not designed for humans to consume the ice.
Noise Levels and Energy Costs
Water-cooled machines are quieter and more efficient to operate, but they cost a couple of hundred dollars more upfront. Air-cooled machines are cheaper in the beginning, but they cost more in electricity to operate in the long run, and they are louder.
You can calculate the energy costs for your ice makers to make sure that it’s a good investment in the long run.
How Much Ice Do You Need?
You’ll need to consider how much ice you will need to make for your business based on what type of industry you are in, and how many customers, patients, or clients will need ice each day.
You don’t want to run out, so make sure that you get an ice machine or multiple machines that can handle the ice output you will need.
Compare Brands and Models of Commercial Ice Makers
Basic models of commercial ice machines start at $1500, but these are not going to have as high of a capacity or production rate. The more ice you need each machine to make each day, the more expensive it will be.
The most common brands for ice makers are Hoshizaki, Ice-O-Matic, Follett, Scotsman, Kold Draft, and Manitowoc. We’ll look at a few of these brands and some common models here.
You should know that some models have built-in ice storage, while others have storage bins sold separately. This is often reflected in the cost of the ice makers, and you’ll see in the pictures and description what you all can get for that price. If you want to get the bin on its own, those usually cost around $1,300 to $1,500.
Most of these brands offer models that range in size from 16-40 inches wide by 22-48 inches tall, with both water-cooled and air-cooled options.
Hoshizaki
Hoshizaki ice machines can make cubed, crescent, pellet, and cubelet ice. Their DCM-752/751 model makes up to 782 pounds of ice per day and can store 95 pounds at once, and comes with an attached ice dispenser. These models usually sell for $5,000 to $8,000.
Ice-O-Matic
Ice-O-Matic machines can make flake, pearl, or cube ice. Under-counter pearl ice machines such as the GEMU090 cost around $2,500, and can produce up to 85 pounds a day with 22 pounds of built-in storage.
Scotsman
Scotsman machines make flake, cube, and nugget ice. The Scotsman F0822A-1 is a flaker ice machine that costs around $4,100. This one is about 22 inches wide and makes about 800 pounds of ice a day.
Manitowoc
Manitowoc makes cube, nugget, and flake ice, and their machines range from $2,500 for the IYT0300A, which makes up to 310 pounds of ice a day, to $5,000 for the IDT0420A, which makes up to 470 pounds of ice a day. This other model also comes with an attached ice dispenser, hence the higher price.
Leasing or Buying: Which Is Cheaper?
With all of these costs in mind, it might be cheaper to rent or lease an ice machine rather than buying one outright. Many options for leases will also cover any maintenance fees that come with repairing the machine.
Leasing an ice machine can give you more time to decide whether or not you like that machine, or would prefer a different one for your business.
Ice Maker Cost Quotes and Comparisons
How much does an ice maker cost? You can expect to pay between $1,500 to $7,000 for a commercial ice maker up front, plus the cost of filters and maintenance.
Now you’ve had a chance to check out the different types of commercial ice makers and their prices, let us help you find a great deal on an ice maker for your business! Get a quote from us today!