Types of Ice
Ice Cube Types
Ice is just frozen water, right? Well, not exactly. 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 type of ice from an ice maker more suitable than the next?
The most familiar types of ice are cubed and crushed. Classic full cubes or “dice” are ideal for chilling drinks without rapid dilution. Their slow melt rate makes them perfect for beverages like soda, iced tea, or even a glass of whiskey “on the rocks.” Half cubes, another common type, chill drinks quickly and are great for mixed drinks or large batches of iced beverages. Crushed ice, often produced by grinding up full cubes, is fantastic for cocktails like frozen margaritas or daiquiris where you want a slushy texture.
Beyond these household staples, there’s a world of specialty types of ice catering to specific needs. Flake ice, soft and snow-like, is gentle on delicate foods like fish or produce. It’s commonly seen in grocery store displays to keep items chilled and fresh. Nugget ice, on the other hand, is popular for its unique texture and ability to chill quickly without watering down drinks. These tiny, chewable ice bits are often found in fast-food chains and convenience stores and are preferred in healthcare facilities due to their soft chewable texture.
For an impressive presentation, there’s gourmet ice. These large, crystal-clear ice spheres or blocks are the perfect types of ice for high-end cocktails or liquors. Their slow melt rate ensures minimal dilution, allowing you to savor the pure flavor of your drink. Finally, block ice, the types of ice you might see in old movies, is still used for applications where long-lasting cooling is needed. Think of fishermen keeping their catch fresh or even large-scale industrial chilling
Here we present 13 amazing types of ice and describe each ice cube type in detail. Use this guide to learn about the most suitable application for the varied types 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 types of ice are 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 types of ice 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 maker.
Types of Ice Cubes
Bullet Ice Cubes
Bullet ice, also known as pearl ice, brings some unique advantages to the chilling game. These little ice cylinders are perfect for mixed drinks. These types of ice cubes have a hollow core and elongated shape create a larger surface area compared to a regular cube. This double benefit chills your drink faster and ensures a more even dilution as the ice melts.
Bullet ice is also a favorite for carbonated beverages because the fast chilling minimizes the loss of fizz. They’re often used in commercial settings like hotels and self-serve fountain machines due to their efficiency and space-saving design. While not ideal for blending due to their sturdiness, bullet ice is a great all-rounder for those who enjoy chilled drinks without sacrificing flavor.
ALSO KNOWN AS – Ice chips
SHAPE – Hard, clear ice cube with hollow bullet shape
MELT RATE – Moderate
APPLICATION – Restaurants, fine dining, cocktail lounges, clubs and bars
Gourmet Ice Cubes
Gourmet ice cubes elevate the act of chilling drinks to an art form, making these types of ice a visual centerpiece in upscale cocktails. Unlike regular cubes, gourmet ice has a much denser structure due to its specific freezing methods. This translates to a slower melt rate, minimizing dilution and ensuring your drink stays perfectly chilled without getting watered down. This is crucial for savoring the full flavor profile of premium liquors.
Like their large ice cube cousin, gourmet ice cubes are primarily used in cocktail bars and are a great choice for serving spirits straight ‘on the rocks’. Gourmet ice cubes are also suitable for bagging, however not recommended for ice dispensers.
ALSO KNOWN AS – Top hat ice, culinary ice, crystal ice
SHAPE – Hard, clear unique conical shaped ice cube with a lip
MELT RATE – Slow
APPLICATION – Restaurants, fine dining, cocktail lounges, clubs and bars
Gourmet Ice Cubes – Octagonal
Octagonal ice cubes, sometimes called “top hat ice” due to their resemblance to the classic topper, offer a delightful combination of the benefits found in other gourmet ice shapes. Just like other gourmet ice shapes, octagons add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your drink. The unique geometric form catches the light beautifully, making your beverage a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Similar to spheres and cylinders, octagonal ice cubes are crafted using specialized freezing methods that result in a denser structure. This translates to a slow melt rate, which is ideal for sipping neat liquors or meticulously crafted cocktails. You can enjoy the full flavor profile of your drink without worrying about it becoming watered down too quickly. Octagonal ice cubes are also suitable for bagging, however these types of ice are not recommended for ice dispensers.
ALSO KNOWN AS – Top hat ice, culinary ice, crystal ice
SHAPE – Hard, clear unique octagonal shaped ice cube with a lip
MELT RATE – Slow
APPLICATION – Restaurants, fine dining, cocktail lounges, clubs and bars
Crescent Ice Cubes – Small
Small crescent-shaped ice cubes, also sometimes called mini moons or ice crescents, take the advantages of their larger counterparts and condense them into a size ideal for specific uses. Small crescent ice is perfect for chilling delicate drinks like fruit juices or light beers. This smaller type of ice size chills the beverage without overwhelming it or causing excessive dilution, which can happen with larger ice cubes.
These tiny crescents add a touch of whimsy and elegance to cocktails or mocktails. Their size makes them ideal for layering within the drink or using as a decorative garnish on the rim. Since they are small, mini moons allow for better portion control when adding ice to drinks. These types of ice cubes can be helpful for those who want to enjoy a chilled beverage without a significant amount of ice melting and watering it down.
ALSO KNOWN AS – Half moon ice, mini moon or ice crescents
SHAPE – Hard, clear unique small crescent or moon shaped ice cube
MELT RATE – Moderate
APPLICATION – Domestic, small bars and restaurants
Crescent Ice Cubes
Crescent-shaped ice cubes have carved out a niche in chilling beverages, offering distinct advantages over other types of ice. The curved shape of crescent ice allows them to displace more liquid compared to standard rhomboid shaped type of ice cubes. This creates the illusion of a fuller glass, making them a favorite in commercial settings like restaurants and bars where presentation matters.
While not quite as slow-melting as some gourmet shaped types of ice like spheres, crescent ice holds its own better than standard cubes. This means your drink stays chilled for a longer duration without getting watered down too quickly. The unique shape of crescent ice can actually help prevent splashing when you pour your drink. This is a valuable feature for bartenders who want to avoid spills and maintain a clean presentation.
Overall, crescent-shaped ice cubes are a practical and visually appealing option for those who want a balance between aesthetics, efficient chilling, and a decent melt rate. They’re the perfect type of ice for creating a restaurant-quality experience at home or adding a touch of elegance to your everyday drinks. They are suitable for bagging and ice dispensers.
ALSO KNOWN AS – Half moon ice, mini moon, ice crescents, lunar ice or smile ice
SHAPE – Hard, clear unique crescent or moon shaped ice cube
MELT RATE – Slow
APPLICATION – Restaurants, fine dining, cocktail lounges, clubs, and bars
Half Dice Ice Cubes
Half-dice ice cubes, also known as half-cube ice, are the smallest types of ice of rhomboid shape ice cubes and are the workhorses of the commercial ice world, offering a blend of practicality and efficiency. Half-dice ice boasts a smaller, rectangular shape compared to standard cubes. With more surface area relative to their volume compared to regular cubes, they can cool down drinks quicker. This is crucial in high-volume environments where efficiency is key.
Unlike some larger gourmet ice shapes, half-dice ice breaks down easily, making them ideal for blended drinks like margaritas, smoothies and frozen cocktails. They crush smoothly without leaving large chunks behind, contributing to a consistent and enjoyable texture. This type of ice is suitable for dispensing applications due to it’s small size.
ALSO KNOWN AS – Half cube ice, mini cube ice, commercial ice or hotel ice
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
Dice Ice Cubes
Full cube or dice ice cubes are a classic choice for use in serving water, soda, tea and spirits. For beverages that benefit from a touch of dilution over time, dice ice can be a good middle ground. This type of ice offers a slower melt rate compared to crushed ice, but still melt faster than full-sized cubes, allowing for a gradual dilution that can enhance the flavor profile of the drink. For cocktails that involve muddling fruits or herbs, dice ice can be a good option. Their size and flat faces provide a good surface area for muddling without pulverizing the ingredients, which can happen with crushed ice.
For drinks that require a very slow melt rate to preserve flavor (like neat spirits), dice ice might not be the best choice. While not as space-saving as half-dice ice, they might not pack into glasses as tightly as some other shapes, however due to their slow melt rate, they won’t water down drinks as quickly as half dice ice cubes. This type of ice is suitable for dispensing applications and is commonly used in bagged ice.
ALSO KNOWN AS – Full cube, casino ice or game night 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
Regular Ice Cubes
Regular ice cubes are the ultimate all-rounders. They work well for chilling a wide variety of beverages, from neat liquors and mixed drinks to soft drinks and iced tea. Larger than dice cubes, however not as big as large cubes, regular cube ice cubes are primarily used in restaurants and bars due to their slow melt rate. Regular cubes offer a good balance between chilling a drink and diluting it as it melts. This type of ice cools your beverage down effectively but melt at a slower rate compared to crushed ice, allowing you to enjoy the full flavor profile for a longer period.
The size and shape of regular ice cubes make them suitable for chilling larger batches of beverages, like a punch bowl or a pitcher of iced tea. Regular ice cubes can effectively distribute coldness throughout the liquid without needing an excessive amount of ice, however won’t chill drinks quite as fast as crushed ice or smaller shapes like half-dice. Regular ice cubes are also suitable for bagging, however not recommended for ice dispensers.
ALSO KNOWN AS – Standard ice or basic ice
SHAPE – Hard, clear ice cube with rhomboid shape. Smaller than large cube
MELT RATE – Slow
APPLICATION – Restaurants, fine dining, cocktail lounges, clubs, bars and bagging
Large Ice Cubes
Large shaped ice cubes elevate the act of chilling drinks to an art form. Their impressive size and unique shapes offer several advantages. Unlike regular cubes, large ice shapes are crafted using specialized freezing methods that result in a denser structure. This translates to a significantly slower melt rate, minimizing dilution and ensuring your drink stays perfectly chilled for a longer duration. This is crucial for savoring the full flavor profile of premium liquors or meticulously crafted cocktails where even a hint of water can alter the taste.
Large cube ice cubes are often a centerpiece in upscale cocktails. Their unique shape adds a touch of sophistication and intrigue to any beverage, transforming a simple drink into a visually appealing experience. Large ice cubes won’t water down drinks much over time and are a great choice for serving spirits straight ‘on the rocks’. These types of ice cubes are also suitable for bagging, however not recommended for ice dispensers.
ALSO KNOWN AS – Jumbo ice
SHAPE – Hard, clear ice cube with rhomboid shape. Larger than regular cube
MELT RATE – Slow
APPLICATION – Restaurants, fine dining, cocktail lounges, clubs, bars and bagging
Flake Ice
Flake ice are thin, soft shards of shaved ice that resemble snow. This unique shape gives them several advantages for specific uses. While not commonly used in drinks due to their fast melt rate, flake ice offers a unique solution for specific chilling and presentation needs. Flake ice is the champion of delicate foods. Unlike regular cubes, the soft flakes gently surround and chill items without bruising or damaging them. This makes them ideal for displaying fresh seafood at fish markets or keeping vegetables crisp in salad bars and buffets.
Despite their delicate appearance, flake ice has a large surface area compared to its volume. This allows for efficient heat transfer, rapidly chilling down surrounding items. This is beneficial for situations where quick cooling is needed, like in salad bars or for packing perishable items for transport.
Flake ice’s soft texture and ability to conform make it ideal for cold compresses. It provides a comfortable and even cooling effect on injuries without causing additional pressure. Flake ice is also used for cooling concrete on mass pour projects and in food processing.
ALSO KNOWN AS – Shaved ice, soft ice, snow ice or kiev ice
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
Nugget Ice
Nugget ice cubes are a favorite for their unique texture and functionality. Nugget ice’s small size and high surface area to volume ratio allows it to chill drinks rapidly. This is ideal for situations where you need a beverage cooled down quickly, like on a hot day or for fountain drinks. Unlike standard cubes, nugget ice has a soft, almost chewy texture due to air pockets trapped within the ice. Its porous composition allows it to absorb drink’s flavor, leaving a flavorful crunchy treat after the drink is gone. This makes them enjoyable for people who like to chew on ice and adds a unique sensory experience to the drink.
Nugget ice is composed of uniformly shaped pieces of chewable compressed nugget ice measuring approximately 2.5cm long. It is commonly used in hospitals, aged care facilities, as the soft texture is easier for patients with chewing difficulties to manage. Nugget ice is also popular in hotels, restaurants and convenience stores due to its versatility. They are a favorite for blended drinks like margaritas and daiquiris due to their fast chilling and easy blending properties.
ALSO KNOWN AS – Chewblet ice, cubelet ice, pearl ice, pellet 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
Round Ice Cubes
Large round shaped ice cubes, most commonly spheres, are the rockstars of the ice cube world, offering a combination of benefits that enhance the enjoyment of your drink. The champion of minimal dilution, large spheres boast a denser structure thanks to specialized freezing methods. This translates to a melt rate significantly slower than regular cubes, ensuring your drink stays perfectly chilled for a longer duration. As the ice melts minimally, it doesn’t water down your beverage, allowing you to savor the full flavor profile of premium liquors or complex cocktails where even a hint of water can drastically alter the taste.
These ice spheres are often crystal clear due to filtration, making them a stunning centerpiece in your drink. Their perfect, almost mesmerizing round shape adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to any beverage, transforming a simple drink into a work of art.
While a large sphere might seem like it would take forever to chill a drink, the physics behind it are fascinating. Due to their shape, spheres have a smaller surface area relative to their volume. This translates to a slower overall chilling effect compared to other large shapes like cylinders. This is ideal for neat spirits, where you want the drink to cool down gradually without numbing the taste buds on the first sip. As the sphere melts minimally, it releases a small amount of cool liquid at a time, allowing the flavors of the liquor to unfold gradually.
ALSO KNOWN AS – Sphere ice or ball ice
SHAPE – Hard, clear large ice cube with spherical shape
MELT RATE – Slow
APPLICATION – High-end restaurants and whiskey bars
XXL Ice Cubes
Extra large shaped ice cubes offer a unique set of advantages for specific situations. These ice giants are the ultimate conversation starters. Imagine a giant ice cube dominating a crystal glass of single malt whiskey – they add a dramatic and unforgettable touch to any glass. Due to their massive size and dense structure, extra large ice cubes boast the slowest melt rate of all. This translates to hours of chilling enjoyment without any dilution affecting the flavor of your beverage. These types of ice cubes are perfect for large gatherings or extended outdoor events where keeping drinks cold for a long duration is crucial.
These large ice shapes provide a fantastic canvas for creative mixology. Fruits, herbs, or even edible flowers can be frozen within these types of ice cubes, slowly releasing their flavors and aromas as it melts, subtly infusing your drink over time. Extra large shaped ice cubes are ideal for special occasions, or creating a truly unique and theatrical presentation. Their slow melt rate and ability to infuse flavors makes this type of ice a favorite among creative bartenders and those seeking an unforgettable drinking experience.
ALSO KNOWN AS – Giant ice, king cubes or supersized ice
SHAPE – Hard, clear extra large ice cube with rhomboid shape
MELT RATE – Slow
APPLICATION – High-end restaurants and whiskey bars