A Simple Guide to

Ice Types

The type of ice machine or ice dispenser you decide to
choose is mostly dependent on what you plan to use it
for, and what type of ice shape you need.

 

What Are The Different Ice Types Available?

There are a number of different ice types including cubed, nugget, flake, gourmet and more. Ice types offer different benefits depending upon its application. Learn more about the various ice types our Follett, Ice-O-Matic, Scotsman, Hoshizaki and Manitowoc ice machines produce. 

A Quick Overview of Ice Types

Ice Cube

Cube Ice Machines

Perfect for beverages, cube ice machines offer high efficiency and reliability, making them ideal for restaurants and bars.

High Production Capacity

Energy Efficient

Compact Design

Easy Maintenance

Nugget Ice Machines

Known for their chewable texture, nugget ice machines are a favourite in many industries such as healthcare and hospitality sectors.

Soft, Chewable Ice

User-Friendly Interface

Durable Construction

Low Noise Operation

Flake Ice Machines

Flake ice machines create soft, moldable ice that is ideal for food displays, healthcare applications, and seafood preservation.

Versitle

Rapid Cooling

Easy to Mould

Energy Efficient

Gourmet Ice Machines

Gourmet ice machines create high-quality, crystal-clear ice that adds a touch of elegance to any drink. Ideal for upscale bars and restaurants.

Slow-melting and odorless

Unique Appearance

Consistent Ice Production

Easy to Maintain

Different Ice Types and Best Uses

CHEWBLET ICE

Chewblet ice is composed of uniformly shaped pieces of chewable compressed nugget ice.

  • Nuggets measure approximately 1″ (2.54 cm) long
  • Its softer, chewable texture is craved by customers
  • Its porous composition gives way to absorb drink’s flavour, leaving a flavourful crunchy treat after the drink is gone

Best Uses:

  • Hospitals
  • Nursing home facilities
  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Convenience stores
  • Healthcare facilities

Compatible Ice Machines:

MICRO CHEWBLET ICE

Micro Chewblet is a smaller version of Chewblet ice.

  • Nuggets measure approximately 3/8” (0.95 cm) long
  • Its smaller size makes for a more chewable experience
  • Higher quality than other forms of nugget ice and dispenses more reliably
  • Consumers will buy more fountain drinks when they can have chewable ice and will go out of their way
    to find it

Best Uses:

  • Hospitals
  • Nursing home facilities
  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Convenience stores
  • Healthcare facilities

Compatible Ice Machines:

FLAKE ICE

Flake ice is soft, mouldable, irregular shaped pieces of ice that resemble snow. The light texture flake ice, for example, has a quick cooling effect, creating an environment of uniform temperatures, without causing
unpleasant freezer burn.

  • Flakes measure approximately 0.03” to 0.07” (0.08 – 0.2 cm)
  • Its shape is flat with no hard edges
  • Flake ice melts quickly to cool products, produce, or perishables fast and efficiently
  • It packs well and shields products against damage

Best Uses:

  • Supermarkets produce displays
  • Fishmongers
  • Laboratories
  • Research facilities

Compatible Ice Machines:

NUGGET ICE

Nugget ice is soft to make it easy to chew, while still being hard enough to dispense.

  • Nugget ice measures approximately 3/8″-1/2″ in length and width, and is bite sized
  • It absorbs the flavours of the drink and is easy to break down when chewed
  • Nugget ice blends well and cools drinks rapidly
  • Nugget ice melts quickly
  • Has an ice – to – water ratio of 82:18

Best Uses:

  • Hotels
  • Restaurants / bars
  • Convenience stores

Compatible Ice Machines:

CUBELET ICE

Cubelet ice is larger and more chewable than nugget ice. It absorbs liquids and flavours readily while displaying good drink displacement. 

  • Cubelet ice comes in different sizes depending on the ice machine model ranging from 3/8” to ½” in
    width and length
  • Cubelet ice blends well and cools drinks rapidly
  • Cubelet ice melts quickly
  • Cubelet ice an ice – to – water ratio of 90:10

Best Uses:

  • Hotels
  • Restaurants / bars
  • Convenience stores

Compatible Ice Machines:

  • Hoshizaki ice machines (we currently don’t stock any ice machines that produce cubelet ice)
DICE ICE

Dice ice, also known as a full cube ice, features a solid build and contains nearly a 100% ice-to-water ratio
and best for ice bagging and dispensing, as well as soft drinks and mixed drinks.

  • Dice ice/ full cube ice measures approximately 7/8” x 7/8” x 7/8”
  • They are uniform in shape and size
  • Dice ice cubes/full cubes provide maximum cooling while reducing ice consumption  – saving you money
  • Dice ice/full cube ice melts slowly

Best Uses:

  • Hotels
  • Restaurants / bars
  • Convenience stores
  • Catering businesses facilities

Compatible Ice Machines:

HALF DICE ICE

Half dice ice, also known as a half cube ice, features a solid build and contains nearly a 100% ice-to-water ratio and best for ice bagging and dispensing, as well as soft drinks, mixed drinks, blended and frozen drinks.

  • Half dice ice cubes/half cubes ice measures approximately 3/8” x 1-1/8” x 7/8”
  • Half dice ice cubes/half cubes provide maximum cooling without watering down drinks too quickly
  • Half dice ice cubes/half cubes have a moderate melting rate

Best Uses:

  • Hotels
  • Restaurants / bars
  • Convenience stores
  • Catering businesses facilities

Compatible Ice Machines:

Need Help?

Are you unsure what ice machine is best for your business needs or budget? Call us on 01869 247947 and our experienced team will listen to your requirements and provide the best recommendations for you. Alternatively, visit our Contact Us page to send an online enquiry. 

Skip to content