Buy Ice Cube Machines: The Guide for the Catering Industry
Whether bar, restaurant or café – a ice cube machine provides 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 cubes | melts slowly, clear | bar, cocktails, premium drinks |
| Hollow cubes | quickly produced, economical | general catering, 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 to install, no water connection needed for cooling, releases waste 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 key figure. Plan reserves – demand rises sharply on hot days, and actual output drops at high ambient temperature.
| Operation | Guideline 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 prolongs the service life and improves ice quality
- Installation: enough clearance for air circulation (for air-cooled models)
Frequently asked questions
Air- or water-cooled?
Air-cooled is easier to set up and cheaper to operate but requires ventilation. Water-cooled is suitable for warm, confined locations but uses 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 a slightly larger model – hot days increase demand.
Which ice shape is best?
Clear solid cubes for bars (melts slowly), hollow cubes for general use (quick & economical).
Ice Cube Machines at Gastro-Nik
- Saro ice cube machine C 38 A – air-cooled, compact
- Saro ice cube machine C 54 A – air-cooled, higher output
- Saro ice cube machine C 54 W – water-cooled
- Bartscher ice cube machine Pro 25 HK
Which unit suits your needs?
We advise you on ice shape, cooling type and daily output.
Last updated on 10 July 2026.