Buy Ice Cube Makers: The Guide for the Gastronomy Sector
Whether bar, restaurant or café – a ice cube maker delivers hygienic and reliable ice for drinks, cocktails and cooling food. This guide explains the ice shapes, the difference between air- and water-cooled units, and how to choose the right daily output.
Which ice shape do you need?
| Ice shape | Characteristic | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Solid cube | melts slowly, clear | Bar, cocktails, premium drinks |
| Hollow cube | quickly produced, economical | General gastronomy, soft drinks |
| Nuggets / cones | soft, chewable | Fast food, self-service |
| Crushed ice | crushed | Cocktails, fish/buffet cooling |
Air-cooled or water-cooled?
- Air-cooled (model “A”): easy installation, no water connection needed for cooling, dissipates heat into the room – ideal with good ventilation
- Water-cooled (model “W”): resistant to high ambient temperatures, no heat buildup – ideal for tight, warm locations (consider water connection/consumption)
The right daily output
The daily output (kg ice / 24 h) is the most important specification. Plan reserves – on hot days the demand rises strongly, and the real output decreases with high ambient temperature.
| Operation | Recommended daily output |
|---|---|
| Café, small bar | approx. 20–30 kg |
| Restaurant, bar | approx. 40–60 kg |
| Cocktail bar, hotel, high demand | 80 kg and more |
What to look for when buying
- Storage container: sufficient capacity for peak demand
- Hygiene: easy to clean, ideally with antibacterial features
- Water quality: a water filter extends service life and improves ice quality
- Installation: enough space for air circulation (for air-cooled models)
Frequently asked questions
Air-cooled or water-cooled?
Air-cooled is easier to install and cheaper to operate but requires ventilation. Water-cooled is suitable for warm, confined locations but consumes water.
How much ice do I need per day?
Rule of thumb: Café 20–30 kg, restaurant/bar 40–60 kg, high demand 80 kg+. Better to choose slightly larger – hot days increase demand.
What is the best ice shape?
For bars clear solid cubes (melt slowly), for general operation hollow cubes (quick & economical).
Ice cube makers at Gastro-Nik
- Saro Ice Cube Maker C 38 A – air-cooled, compact
- Saro Ice Cube Maker C 54 A – air-cooled, more performance
- Saro Ice Cube Maker C 54 W – water-cooled
- Bartscher Ice Cube Maker Pro 25 HK
Which device suits your demand?
We advise you on ice shape, cooling type and daily output.
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Last updated on 2 September 2026.