Photo by Leon Seibert

Originally Posted On: https://www.gofoodservice.com/guides/hoshizaki-ice-machine-buying-guide

 

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Looking for an easy way to tell the difference between an inexperienced foodservice owner and an experienced one? Simple – just take a look at their ice machine. More often than not, the inexperienced owner believes that any old ice maker will be fine. After all, it’s just ice; who really cares? On the other hand, the experienced owner knows that a steady stream of ice is essential to their company’s success and daily operations. They also know that certain ice machine manufacturers have proven their dedication to a quality product that produces industry-leading models year in and year out. That’s why, at GoFoodservice we are proud to offer Hoshizaki ice machines in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and styles. It’s also why we’ve put together this breakdown of Hoshizaki’s ice maker products, to help you decide which one best suits the needs of your business.

1. Selecting the Right Commercial Ice Machine

It is important to note that when selecting a commercial ice machine for your business, you need to determine the physical space available and how much ice you need to produce. Some Hoshizaki ice makers are self-contained, while others have modular ice machine heads that need to be paired with other ice maker equipment.

Hoshizaki Self-Contained Ice Machines

If space is a concern, and you’re not looking to produce more than 350-400 lbs of ice in one day, a self-contained ice machine could be a good option. Hoshizaki produces ice makers that are self-contained in undercounter ice maker and countertop ice maker models. This means that the machine not only produces the ice, but also stores the ice in an integrated ice bin. For small bars, cafe, offices, and businesses, a self-contained ice machine is a perfect solution.

Hoshizaki Ice Machine Heads

For larger ice production needs, a modular Hoshizaki ice machine head is a better way to go. Designed to be paired with ice bins, soda dispensers, ice dispensers, and other ice machine equipment, ice machine heads are available in different widths and ice styles including cube, nugget, and flake ice. The biggest advantage of an ice machine head is that it can handle large ice output without a problem and can be combined with a variety of dispensers and ice bins.

2. Most Popular Types of Hoshizaki Ice Machines

Whether you need a self-contained or modular ice machine solution, Hoshizaki delivers quality in performance, production, sanitation, and in materials used in their commercial ice machines. Below are some of the most common ice machine types, as well as some popular Hoshizaki models.

• Undercounter Ice Machine
• Cubelet Ice Machine
• Crescent Ice Machine
• Flaker Ice Machine
• Hotel Ice Machine
• Countertop Ice Dispenser
• Square Cubed Ice Machine

3. Undercounter Ice Machines

Space is a valuable resource no matter the nature of your business. That’s why Hoshizaki offers a terrific selection of undercounter self-contained ice machines designed to fit securely beneath your counters while remaining accessible to your employees. Owners of high-volume establishments will appreciate the production and storage capacity of the F-500BAJ, an undercounter ice machine that is compact and can produce up to 170 pounds of ice in 24 hours, as well as hold up to 536 pounds of ice. Those looking for a smaller Hoshizaki undercounter ice machines compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act should try the C-80BAJ-AD. Its minuscule dimensions belie its tremendous ability to create 80 pounds of commercial quality chewable, cubelet ice within a 24 hour period.

4. Cubelet Ice Machines

Similar to the ice you’d make in your home freezer, the medium-sized cubelet cubes created by these machines are preferred by customers for their chewability and their easy usage in all sorts of beverages. No matter the volume of your business, Hoshizaki cubelet ice machines – which range from the compact and economical F-450MAJ-C to the massively powerful FS-1500MLJ-C – are certain to have the exact storage and cubelet ice creation capacity you want from your ice maker.

5. Crescent Ice Machines

Crescent-shaped ice also works great in beverages, and some of the Hoshizaki ice makers even work with remote condensers. That means that you can – with a model like the KM-901MRJ – set the condenser and its noise and heat away from your dining room or service area. If that’s not a concern, you may be more interested in a crescent cube machine that houses its condenser. The KM-901MAJ air cooled ice machine is the sister model to the KM-901MRJ and offers the same ice-making capabilities without the expense of having to buy the condenser separately. Hoshizaki crescent cube ice machines are available with different cooling mechanisms and capacities to match your operational needs.

6. Flaker Ice Machines

Preferred by purveyors of fresh meat and seafood, flaked ice (not to be confused with cubelet ice) can be densely packed into shipping containers to ensure that your product arrives fresh at its destination. Because flaked ice is more commonly utilized by high-volume distribution companies, the ice makers in this category are among the biggest and most powerful that Hoshizaki offers. If you need proof, look at the ability of the F-2001MLJ, that can create 2,280 pounds of ice in 24 hours. This is the perfect example of Hoshizaki’s unmatched engineering skills scaling flawlessly to its larger models. Hoshizaki flaker ice machines are available in a variety of sizes and setups, including undercounter flaker ice machines and separate flaker ice heads for larger ice production needs.

7. Hotel Ice Machines

There are few things more annoying than heading to your hotel’s ice dispenser only to find it malfunctioning or out of ice. Avoid putting your guests through this inconvenience with Hoshizaki hotel ice machines and dispensers. The DB-200H and DB-130H work beautifully as part of a continental breakfast setup or as units for smaller hotels. Some Hoshizaki hotel ice machines allow you the option of charging for ice, with either card or coin mechanisms. The ability of the Hoshizaki KM-500BAJ air cooled ice cube machine to create 545 pounds of ice in 24 hours, on the other hand, makes it a perfect anchor for the floors of larger establishments.

8. Countertop Water and Ice Dispensers

If you want your customers to have direct access to fresh ice and cold water, you can’t go wrong with one of Hoshizaki’s combination dispensers. These countertop models from Hoshizaki are designed to be as convenient as they are powerful, each one a self-contained service station that’ll add a touch of appreciated convenience to your beverage distribution areas. Looking for a smaller model to add to a buffet line or other self-service area? The Hoshizaki DCM-270BAH countertop air cooled ice machine offers tremendous power in a beautifully compact package. The Hoshizaki DCM-752BAH, on the other hand, offers the flexibility to work as a standalone dispenser or it can be paired with a heavy-duty stand featuring tons of useful storage space.

9. Square Cube Ice Machines

The invention of the square ice cube is one of the best things going right now. Since Hoshizaki always stays on the cutting edge of what’s new in the ice cube production industry, you’ll find their square cubed ice machines produce some of the best square cubes on the market. Not only do they provide one of the best cubes in terms of hardness and overall size, they give you multiple options to choose from when it comes to the amount of ice being produced. They have a smaller model, the Hoshizaki IM-200BAB, that can be placed under the counter in your bar establishment. This provides your customers with a handcrafted ice that adds to their eye-appealing beverage, especially when combined with a nice variety of drinking glasses. The Hoshizaki IM-500BAA is another square cube model that will produce a much higher amount of square cubes on a daily basis, approximately 500 lbs per day. Whatever your current square ice cube needs are, Hoshizaki & GoFoodservice have you covered.

10. Unmatched Commercial Ice Machine Quality

Investing in your business’ ice machine is just as important in investing in quality cookware, durable appliances and dependable employees. If you choose a quality model from an established purveyor like Hoshizaki, the upfront cost will be more than made up for by the sturdiness and capability of the machine. If you choose to go with any old model, let’s just say that your business probably has bigger problems than the kind of ice machine it uses.

Interested in learning more about the Hoshizaki line of products, or about all the ways in which GoFoodservice can help develop your business? Get in touch with one of our friendly customer service representatives today.