Which type of ice do you need?
- Full dice (cube) ice: large, solid cubes that melt slowly. Best for cocktails, spirits and premium drinks. Icematic M series.
- Half dice ice: smaller cubes that fill a glass and cool drinks fast. The most popular choice for soft drinks, bars and fast food. Icematic MH series.
- Large dice ice: bigger cubes for high-volume drinks service. Icematic ML series.
- Flake ice: soft, mouldable ice for seafood and meat displays, salad bars, cocktails and healthcare. Icematic B series.
- Super flake ice: high-volume flake ice for fish markets, supermarkets and food processing. Icematic B305, B505 and SFN models.
- Nugget ice: soft, chewable ice that is popular in drinks, smoothies and blended cocktails. Icematic G series.
Self contained or modular?
Self contained ice machines
A self contained ice machine makes and stores ice in one unit, and many fit under a standard counter. They suit cafes, bars and restaurants that need up to around 90kg of ice a day. Our range includes the compact Atosa YDU0055A (25kg a day with a 30kg bin), the Icematic C series from 28kg to 90kg a day, and under counter flake machines like the Icematic B95C-A and B130C-A.
Modular ice machines
A modular ice machine is a high production head that sits on top of a separate storage bin. Choose the head for the amount of ice you need each day, and the bin for how much you need to store. Icematic modular heads run from 130kg to 465kg a day in full, half and large dice, including slim line 200kg models for tight spaces. Pair them with Icematic BH storage bins from 120kg to 406kg.
How much ice do you need?
Work out your busiest day, not your average day. As a rough guide, allow around 1kg of ice per person for a busy bar, less for a restaurant, and more for seafood displays. Then size up by 20 to 30 percent: ice machine production figures are measured in ideal conditions, and output drops on hot days when you need ice most. Atosa, for example, rates its machines at 21°C ambient with 10°C water.
Installation requirements
Water and drainage
Every ice machine needs a cold water connection and a drain. If there is no floor drain nearby, the Icematic C54 F DP-A has a built-in water drain pump. A water filter is strongly recommended, as it protects the machine from scale and gives clearer, better-tasting ice.
Ventilation and room temperature
Air-cooled ice machines need clear space around the vents. The hotter the room, the less ice they make, so avoid installing them next to ovens, fryers or in unventilated store rooms.
Power
Most of our self contained and modular machines run on standard power, while the largest super flake machines, like the Icematic SFN1000-A and SFN2200-A, need 3-phase power. Check the electrical requirements on each product page.
Cleaning and maintenance
Ice is food, so the machine must be cleaned and sanitised regularly following the manufacturer's instructions. Clean the air filter and condenser often, change the water filter on schedule, and always use a clean scoop. Never store the scoop inside the ice.
Bins, dispensers and accessories
- Ice storage bins: Icematic BH56, BH76 and BH122, with KBT support stands available.
- Ice and water dispensers: the Icematic TD130-A bench model and DX35-A floor model dispense straight into the glass, which is more hygienic for self-serve.
- Ice crusher: the Icematic IR-0 bench model for cocktails and seafood displays.
- Ice boxes: to store and sell bagged ice, see our commercial ice boxes.
- Ice transport systems: the Icematic MC140, MC320 and MC620 carts move large volumes of ice safely around big venues.
Delivery, warranty and our price-beat guarantee
We deliver Australia-wide by tailgate truck, usually within 2 to 5 business days to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide and 4 to 12 days elsewhere. Every ice machine comes with the manufacturer's warranty, and prices are shown ex GST with the GST-inclusive price alongside. Found a lower price? Send us the link under our Price-Beat Guarantee and we'll send you a one-off discount code.
Ice machine FAQs
What size ice machine do I need?
Estimate the ice you use on your busiest day and add 20 to 30 percent to allow for hot weather. If you are unsure, contact us with your venue type and trading hours and we will help you size it.
Does an ice machine need a drain?
Yes. Every ice machine needs a drain for melt water. If you do not have a floor drain nearby, choose a model with a built-in drain pump, like the Icematic C54 F DP-A.
Does a modular ice machine come with a bin?
No. Modular heads are sold head only and sit on a separate storage bin, so you can match the bin size to your needs.
What is the best ice for cocktails?
Full dice ice melts slowly and keeps drinks cold without watering them down. Flake or nugget ice suits blended and crushed-ice cocktails.
Do you deliver Australia-wide?
Yes. We deliver to every state by tailgate truck. Installation by a licensed plumber is required for the water and drain connections.