Modular Cube Ice Machines

Full-size ice cubes measure around 7/8” on every side, and half cubes measure 7/8” on two sides and 3/8” on the remaining side. Cube size is generally just a matter of preference. Half cubes are preferred by guests that want to chew their ice, but they also have a benefit for profit margins. Since half cubes are smaller, you can pack more ice into the glass. This gives less room for the actual beverage, so you make more money on the drinks served.

The amount of ice you need every day for cube ice machines is determined by pounds per person or by room depending on your establishment. Restaurants, caterers and cafeterias will want to have about one to two pounds of ice per person per day. Hotels will need around five pounds of ice per room. Healthcare establishments will need around 10 pounds of ice per patient bed.

A final consideration when shopping for a cube ice machine is the condenser type. Both air- and water-cooled models are available. Air cooled units have a fan that draws the hot air off the condenser and use less water that water-cooled machines. Rather than a fan, a separate water line runs across the condenser to pull the heat off. That water is then sent down the drain. Water cooled machines are only recommended for regions with high humidity and where water shortages are not a problem.