Ice Maker Resource Library
Explore our resource section to learn more about ice makers and the various types of ice they produce.
From tips when sizing an ice maker, to a guide on the various ice cube sizes and their uses and a blog on all things ice maker related, your questions can be answered here.
Ice Maker Size Guide
Not sure what size ice maker to buy? We've got you covered. Our ice machine size guide is backed by over 35 years in the commercial refrigeration industry to help you make the right choice.
Learn more here.
FAQ Section
Our FAQ section addresses many commonly asked questions about ice makers. From what size ice maker will suit your business and how to install it, through to maintenance and more.
Learn more here.
Ice Types
Ice cubes are ice cubes, right? Wrong. There are many different shapes of ice cubes produced by ice makers. All different in size and shape, each suited to a different purpose.
Learn more here.
Ice Maker Blog
Keep up with the latest ice machine news withour ice maker blog. We regularly update this section with all the latest ice maker news from all the big brands in Australia.
Learn more here.
Types of Ice
There are many different types of ice. Ice cubes can vary greatly in shape and size, which in turn affects their longevity and optimal use. So what makes one ice type from an ice maker more suitable than the next?
Use this guide to learn about the most suitable application for each type of ice. If used in conjunction with our ice maker size guide, it may help you when selecting an ice machine that is right for your business.
Ice Cube Purpose
Every ice type is best suited to a particular purpose. Whilst all ice is meant to cool a product, their different features make one ice type more suitable for a certain purpose over another. Some ice is designed to cool beverages, whilst others are best suited to preservation and display purposes.
Ice is part of your product presentation and overall customer experience, with each type of ice having its own benefits. Whether you’re serving drinks or displaying food, finding the correct ice type for your application can provide a positive customer experience and save you money. Here we explain the features of each type of ice and common applications, to assist you in your selection of the most suitable ice machine.
Need Assistance to Buy an Ice Maker?
Best Ice Machines supply a wide range of ice makers and ice machines for any purpose including domestic, commercial, hospitality, construction sites, mine sites, hospitals, aged care facilities and industry. We deliver ice machines to all states in Australia. With many different options for shapes and types of ice, our residential, commercial and industrial ice makers can deliver the full spectrum of ice types to suit your needs. If you need help finding the right ice maker, contact us. We can help you with product selection, technical support, spare parts and accessories.
Major Ice Maker Brands
We can supply an icemaker from all major ice maker brands available in Australia. We sell Follett, Grant, Hoshizaki, Icematic, Ice O Matic, ITV, Manitowoc and Masterfrost with fast shipping direct to your door anywhere in Australia. Call us now on 1300 237 842 for a great deal!
Half Cube Ice Cubes
Half cube or half dice ice cubes are the smallest type of rhomboid shape ice cubes. It blends quickly and easily, making it suitable for smoothies and frozen cocktails. It is suitable for dispensing applications due to it’s small size. It’s smaller dimensions means that it has a larger surface area and will cool drinks quickly.
SHAPE – Hard, clear ice cube with rhomboid shape.
MELT RATE – Moderate
APPLICATION – Blending drinks due to its ability to break down and create a smoother finish.
Full Cube Ice Cubes
Full cube or dice ice cubes are a classic choice for use in serving water, soda, tea and spirits. Full cube ice has a slow melt rate, so it won’t water down drinks as quickly as half dice ice cubes. It cools drinks slower than half dice ice cubes, however lasts longer. It is suitable for dispensing applications and is commonly used in bagged ice.
SHAPE – Hard, clear ice cube with rhomboid shape. Double half cube.
MELT RATE – Slow
APPLICATION – The most popular choice for large-volume applications like bagging and bulk cooling.
Large Cube Ice Cubes
Large cube ice cubes are primarily used in cocktail bars due to their slow melt rate. Large ice cubes won’t water down drinks much over time and are a great choice for serving spirits straight ‘on the rocks’. Large ice cubes are also suitable for bagging, however not recommended for ice dispensers.
SHAPE – Hard, clear ice cube with rhomboid shape. Larger than cube.
MELT RATE – Slow
APPLICATION – Restaurants, fine dining, cocktail lounges, clubs, bars and bagging.
Gourmet Cube Ice Cubes
Like their large ice cube cousin, gourmet ice cubes are primarily used in cocktail bars due to their slow melt rate. Gourmet ice cubes also won’t water down drinks much over time and are a great choice for serving spirits straight ‘on the rocks’. Gourment ice cubes are also suitable for bagging, however not recommended for ice dispensers.
SHAPE – Hard, clear unique conical or octagonal shaped ice cube.
MELT RATE – Slow
APPLICATION – Restaurants, fine dining, cocktail lounges, clubs and bars.
Crescent Cube Ice Cubes
Crescent cube ice cubes are slender, which allows more ice per glass. This ice shape displaces more liquid than standard rhomboid shaped cubes and makes drinks appear fuller. Crescent ice keeps it’s shape longer due to a slow melt rate ensuring longer drink displacement. Crescent cube ice is commonly used in both small and large hospitality venues as well as fine dining establishments. It is suitable for bagging, however not recommended for ice dispensers.
SHAPE – Hard, clear unique crescent or moon shaped ice cube.
MELT RATE – Slow
APPLICATION – Restaurants, fine dining, cocktail lounges, clubs, and bars.
Nugget Cube Ice Cubes
Nugget ice is composed of uniformly shaped pieces of chewable compressed nugget ice measuring approximately 2.5cm long. Its softer, chewable texture is craved by customers. Its porous composition allows it to absorb drink’s flavor, leaving a flavorful crunchy treat after the drink is gone. It is commonly used in hospitals, aged care facilities, hotels, restaurants and convenience stores due to its versatility. It is also known as chewblet ice, cubelet ice, pearl ice, pebble ice and sonic ice.
SHAPE – Compressed flake ice with a chewable texture.
MELT RATE – Fast
APPLICATION – Healthcare and foodservice in aged care, hospitals, cafes, bars and restaurants. Recommended for blending, dispensing, cocktails and displaying fresh produce.
Flake Ice
Flake ice is composed of shards if shaved ice. It is the ice of choice for use in cooling fresh seafood and poultry. It is commonly used in produce displays due to its soft and mouldable texture. It is also used for cooling concrete on mass pour projects and in food processing.
SHAPE – Soft, thin, shard-like pieces as soft as snow.
MELT RATE – Fast
APPLICATION – Presentation and preservation of seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables and healthcare.