Commercial Ice Machine Sizing: The Best Guide

Master ice machine sizing with our expert guide to ensure your commercial ice machine meets your business’s daily ice production needs.

Correct ice machine sizing is crucial for any foodservice operation; since having the correct ice production capacity can make or break your daily operations. This commercial ice machine sizing guide will help you determine the perfect ice machine for your business needs.

Quick Overview: How Much Ice Do I Need?

A crucial step in ice machine sizing is to determine your daily ice requirements. Since every establishment has unique needs, the amount of ice required can vary depending on several factors. The table below can help you estimate your daily ice needs:

Keep in mind the following factors , which could increase your daily ice needs:

1. Seasonal changes (warmer climates and seasons often drive up demand for cold beverages).
2. Business growth leading to higher customer traffic.
3. Expanding your menu to include new drinks, especially blended or frozen beverages like smoothies.
4. Using ice for purposes beyond serving drinks, such as cooling food for storage or equipment.

Industry-Specific Ice Requirements

Restaurants and Bars:

• Standard dining: 1.5 lbs per customer
• Cocktail service: 3 lbs per customer
• Self-service beverage stations: 2-3 lbs per customer
• Water service: Add 5 oz for every 7-10 oz glass of water

Hotels and Motels:

• 5 lbs of ice per day per room
• Add 2-3 lbs if guests can fill coolers
• Factor in additional needs for on-site restaurants and bars

Healthcare Facilities:

• Hospitals: 10 lbs of ice per patient bed per day
• Nursing homes: 6 lbs of ice per patient bed per day
• Ice machine sizing for cafeterias and staff areas should be calculated separately.

Convenience Stores:

• Use drive-thru guidelines for beverage sales
• For packaged ice, multiply bag weight by expected daily sales
• If using cold plates, increase production by 45% to account for melting

Event Halls:

• Plan for 2 lbs of ice per person
• Consider larger bins for sporadic use

School Cafeterias:

• If offering beverage service with ice, plan for 1 lb of ice per diner

Grocery Stores:

• For cold displays: 35 lbs of ice per cubic foot of display per day
• For fountain drinks, check our ice machine sizing reference table below

The Right Ice Machine Sizing and Bin for Your Business

When sizing your ice maker, consider both the production rate and storage capacity. Generally, your ice bin should hold about 75-80% of your machine’s daily production capacity. For example, a machine producing 560 lbs per day would pair well with a 420-440 lb capacity bin.

Exception: For venues with sporadic use, like event halls, consider a bin that can hold 1.5 times the daily production. This allows for more ice to be in storage when it’s needed, as the machine may not have time to replenish the bin between back-to-back events.

When selecting your ice maker, also consider:

• Available space and clearance requirements
• Energy efficiency (look for ENERGY STAR certified models)
• Type of ice needed (cube, flake, nugget)
• Condenser type (air-cooled vs. remote)

For air-cooled machines, ensure you have adequate clearance around the unit for proper airflow. If the ambient air temperature in your facility regularly exceeds 80°F, you may need to explore alternative cooling options or improve overall ventilation. For comparing different condenser types, check out our Guide to Ice Machine Condensers.

Ice Machine Sizing Reference Table

Making the Right Choice

While this guide provides a solid foundation for ice machine sizing, every business is unique. For the most accurate assessment and to ensure you select the perfect ice maker for your needs, consult with our ice maker experts online at Babak Food Equipment or visit us in person.

The good news is, if you overshoot and get a commercial ice maker that’s too large for your needs, you have room to grow. However, if you undersell yourself, you may have to supplement your production capacity by sending employees to purchase bags of ice at a convenience or grocery store.

If you’re considering a Scotsman ice maker, one of the top brands in the industry, you can contact us at Babak Food Equipment and we will help you in choosing the right model. Other top brands in this business include Ice O Matic, Snooker, and Hoshizaki.

Remember, investing in the right-sized ice maker from the start can save you from the headaches of insufficient ice production or the unnecessary costs of an oversized unit. We can help you navigate factors like seasonal demand changes, potential business growth, and expanding menus that might affect your ice needs.