How to Choose a Commercial Ice Machine: Ice Types, Output and Sizing
Running out of ice on a hot Friday night is one of the quickest ways to slow a bar or café down. But buying the biggest machine you can find isn't the answer either. The right ice machine makes the right type of ice, in the right amount, and fits where you need it. This guide explains the options so you can choose with confidence.
Daily output vs storage: the two numbers that matter
Every ice machine has two key figures, and it's easy to mix them up:
- Daily output is how much ice the machine can make in 24 hours, for example "up to 80kg per day".
- Storage (bin capacity) is how much ice it can hold at once, ready to use.
The machine refills the bin as you use ice, so daily output tells you how much you can get through in a day, while storage tells you how much you can grab in one rush. A busy bar needs enough storage to get through its peak hour, and enough output to refill the bin before the next one.
Which type of ice do you need?
Cube ice
Best for: soft drinks, spirits and general bar use
Clear, hard cubes that melt slowly, so drinks don't water down quickly. The all-round choice.
Bullet ice
Best for: cafés and small bars
Rounded, bullet-shaped pieces made quickly in compact machines. Great for iced coffees and cold drinks.
Crescent ice
Best for: drinks service
Half-moon shaped pieces that sit neatly in a glass and let drinks flow around them.
Granular ice
Best for: seafood displays, smoothies and food presentation
Soft, flaky ice that packs around food and moulds easily without bruising it.
Nugget ice
Best for: cocktails, soft drinks and healthcare
Soft, chewable "chewblet" pellets that chill drinks fast and are popular with customers.
Underbench or upright?
Underbench ice machines
Underbench machines fit under a standard bench, so they're ideal for cafés and bars where floor space is tight. They make and store ice in one unit.
- Blizzard SN-25C: up to 25kg of bullet ice a day in a compact 375mm wide unit
- Blizzard SN-80P: up to 36kg of 22mm cube ice a day, 500mm wide
- Blizzard SN-120P: up to 55kg of cube ice a day, storing around 18kg
- Blizzard SN-068F: up to 60kg of granular ice a day
- Blizzard SN-81B: up to 80kg of cube ice a day, storing around 30kg
The Blizzard SN-80C makes up to 95kg of crescent ice a day and suits benchtop or underbench use.
Upright ice machines
Upright machines stand on the floor with a large storage bin, built for busy bars, restaurants, hotels and clubs.
- Blizzard SN-420P: up to 189kg of cube ice a day, storing around 125kg
- Blizzard SN-258N: up to 250kg of nugget ice a day
- Blizzard SN-700P: up to 310kg of cube ice a day, storing around 170kg
- Blizzard SN-1000P: up to 450kg of cube ice a day, storing around 170kg
How much ice do you need?
Start by estimating how much ice you use on your busiest day, not an average day. Think about drinks, iced coffees, food displays and any ice you scoop into buckets or tubs. Then size up for these factors:
Allow for heat
Rated output is measured under set test conditions. In a hot kitchen or on a hot day, machines make less ice, so leave some headroom.
Plan for summer
Ice use climbs in summer. Size for your peak season, not the middle of winter.
Check your peak hour
Make sure the storage bin holds enough to get through your busiest hour without running dry.
Before you buy
- Water filter: Blizzard ice machines need a BWT WFI37000 water filter fitted to keep the warranty valid. A filter also protects the machine from scale and keeps ice clear and clean-tasting.
- Water and drain: ice machines need a cold water connection and a drain nearby. Have a licensed plumber connect them.
- Power: the Blizzard machines in our range run on standard 240V power. Check the product page for the exact plug and rating.
- Airflow: air-cooled machines need room around the vents to breathe. Cramming one into a tight, hot space reduces output and shortens its life.
- Space: measure the opening carefully for underbench models, and leave room to open the bin door and scoop ice comfortably.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my ice machine make less ice in summer?
Ice machines work harder when the room and the incoming water are warmer, so real output drops on hot days. That's why it's worth sizing up rather than buying a machine that only just meets your needs.
Do I really need a water filter?
Yes. For Blizzard machines, a BWT WFI37000 filter is required to keep the warranty valid, and filtering reduces scale build-up, which protects the machine and keeps ice quality high.
Which ice is best for cocktails?
Clear cube ice is a great all-rounder because it melts slowly. Nugget ice is popular for cocktails and soft drinks because it chills quickly and is easy to chew.
What ice should I use for seafood displays?
Granular ice. It's soft and packs closely around seafood and food displays without damaging them.
Find the right ice machine for your venue
Browse our full range of commercial ice machines, with delivery Australia-wide. Not sure which suits you? Email us at sales@supplymykitchen.com.au with your venue type, busiest-day ice use and space, and we'll help you choose.