Different Types of Ice Machines - A Guide

When it comes to running a business where ice is essential, having the right ice machine is crucial. Ice machines are more than just tools for keeping drinks cold. In industries like restaurants, hotels, bars, healthcare, and even construction, ice plays a pivotal role. For businesses in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and the surrounding regions, Artic Ice Systems provides a variety of ice machines tailored to meet every need. From local bars in the city to resorts up north, each type of ice machine serves a unique function, and understanding the differences can help you choose the perfect fit for your operation.

The Undercounter Ice Machine: Small but Mighty

Let’s start with the undercounter ice machine. Compact, efficient, and ideal for spaces where every square foot counts, this machine is often found in smaller establishments like coffee shops, boutique bars, or even small offices. The undercounter machine tucks neatly beneath a counter or bar, producing just the right amount of ice for low to moderate demand. For a restaurant serving a few dozen tables or a bar where hand-crafted cocktails are the star, this ice maker is a perfect match.

While its capacity might be lower than other models, its compact design makes it a favorite for businesses in urban settings like downtown Minneapolis, where space is at a premium. But don’t let its size fool you—it still produces high-quality ice at a reliable pace. For the cafes and small eateries scattered across the Twin Cities, the undercounter ice machine often fits seamlessly into their workflow.

Modular Ice Machines: When Size and Volume Matter

Now, let’s talk about the modular ice machine. Designed to sit atop a storage bin or soda dispenser, this is the powerhouse of ice production. Modular ice machines are commonly seen in high-traffic environments like large restaurants, hotels, and busy bars. They can churn out hundreds of pounds of ice each day, making them the go-to option for businesses that see constant demand.

In regions north and west of the Twin Cities—where outdoor activities, resorts, and event spaces abound—these machines can be critical for keeping up with the pace of business. Whether it’s supplying ice for guests at a lakefront resort or ensuring there’s plenty of ice for drinks at a large-scale event, the modular machine can keep things cool, no matter how fast-paced the operation.

Flake Ice Machines: Ideal for Preservation

Flake ice is often underappreciated, but its uses are broad and varied. This soft, moldable ice type is often found in healthcare facilities, supermarkets, and seafood displays. Flake ice is easy to pack around items, making it ideal for food preservation in grocery stores or for cooling down patients in hospitals. It’s also the go-to option for restaurants that pride themselves on offering seafood displays or chilled salad bars. Artic Ice Systems frequently recommends flake ice machines to grocery stores and healthcare facilities in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area because of their ability to keep products cold and fresh without damaging them.

Nugget Ice Machines: The Fan Favorite

Nugget ice, also known as “chewable ice,” has a cult following for its soft texture and satisfying crunch. It’s particularly popular in establishments like fast-food restaurants, healthcare facilities, and even offices. People love nugget ice because it absorbs the flavor of the drinks, making it a hit in soft drinks and smoothies. It’s also easier on the teeth, which is why hospitals and healthcare providers tend to favor nugget ice machines.

In the Twin Cities metro area, you’ll often find nugget ice machines in smoothie bars, fast-food joints, and certain health centers. Because this ice type is lighter and more porous, it melts slower and feels softer, making it a favorite for customers who want a bit more from their beverages.

Specialty Ice Machines for Premium Uses

Specialty ice machines are all about creating a unique experience. Some bars and high-end restaurants in Minneapolis, as well as upscale resorts, prefer to serve crystal-clear ice cubes, spheres, or other custom shapes. These machines are designed to produce perfect, slow-melting ice, enhancing the drinking experience. This type of ice is particularly popular in craft cocktail bars, where presentation and taste go hand in hand.

While specialty ice machines might not have the high output of modular machines, their appeal lies in the quality of the ice produced. For establishments looking to differentiate themselves, like boutique hotels or fine dining restaurants in the Twin Cities and the surrounding areas, these machines offer the perfect way to elevate a customer’s experience.

Choosing the Right Ice Machine for Your Business

Selecting the perfect ice machine for your business is about more than just picking the right size. It’s about finding the best fit for your specific needs and ensuring your ice supply never lets you down. For example, a restaurant in St. Paul with a small footprint might benefit from an undercounter ice machine, while a resort north of the Twin Cities would need the massive output of a modular unit to keep up with the constant demand from guests.

Healthcare facilities in the Minneapolis area often prefer flake or nugget ice machines due to their ability to offer patient comfort and food preservation, while hotels and upscale bars might opt for specialty ice makers to add that extra touch of class to their cocktails and dining experience.

Serving the Twin Cities and Beyond

Artic Ice Systems has been serving businesses in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and areas north and west of the metro, providing ice solutions that keep operations running smoothly. Whether it’s a small café in the city or a lakeside resort up north, the right ice machine makes all the difference. By understanding your business’s specific needs, Artic Ice Systems can recommend the best machine for you—one that ensures you’re always ready for the next rush, event, or busy season.

With our expertise and wide selection of ice machines, businesses throughout the Twin Cities can feel confident that they’ll never be left out in the cold—unless, of course, that’s exactly what they want!