Air-cooled ice machines are generally the most versatile and accessible for the average business owner, as all their condensers need to function is an ambient air temperature of around 70°F. And while maintaining this temperature can be difficult at times—like in a hot kitchen—it's usually the option that makes the most sense for our customers because it's the most common and cost-effective system. They work by using a fan to cool the condenser while also expelling hot air away from the machine and into the environment.

Water-cooled ice machines use water to cool down condensers and absorb the heat. The water absorbs the heat, and the machine flushes the hot water down the drain, away from your ice machine. Water-cooled models require less space than air-cooled models, and of course, don't have the same air temperature requirements. They're more expensive to add to your business and operate, but produce greater volumes of ice and handle heat better due the water's ability to quickly cool refrigerant lines. It's important to note that these machines use a lot of water, and have been banned in many municipalities unless used in a building with a water tower—like a hotel.

Remote-cooled ice machines actually also air cooled, but place all the heat-producing components away from the ice machine so it can stay cool. Remote condensers are commonly installed outside, but some establishments install them in garages or other areas with plenty of ventilation. Remote cooled ice machines are great for keeping excess heat and noise out of your business.

Once you've decided whether an air-cooled, water-cooled, or remote-cooled machines makes the most sense for your business, choosing the right Hoshizaki ice machine for your business depends on your needs. Do you have a preferred ice type? Is space limited? Do you plan on having more than one machine, or are you looking for one do-it-all set up?

For more information about the pros and cons of different types of ice machines and how they're relevant to your business needs, you can learn more with our commercial ice machine guide! If you ever have any questions, you can always reach out to the ice machine experts.

Sizing an ice machine is dependent on the amount of ice your business uses. Our Ice Machine Calculator can help you estimate the right amount for your business. There are three main criteria we use to determine the best ice machine for your business:

Daily Ice Usage

You’ll need to determine how much ice your business uses in a day, to correctly size the right machine and Hoshizaki ice bin for your business. Consider how much ice you use for drinks, food prep, beer tubs, and food presentation. Remember, ice machines take 24-hours to produce their maximum amount of ice. So a 600-lb. ice machine will take 24 hours to produce 600 lbs. of ice.

Peak Days

Your peak days are the times where you get an influx of business due to weekend business or holidays. Running out for additional ice on a busy day takes money, time, and resources from your business—all things you don’t want to deal with when you get a rush! Basing your production off this amount will help ensure you do not run out.

Bin Capacity

Bins hold the ice your ice machine deposits. The size of your bin determines the maximum amount of ice you'll have on hand. Since ice machines take time to produce a batch of ice, you want to make sure you have enough space to hold plenty of ice for the day. It's wise to add an additional 20% more ice than you need in a day as a buffer, just in case you run low.

Hoshizaki ice machines are renowned for their durability and long lifespan. With proper maintenance and regular cleaning, these machines can last between 10 to 20 years. Consistent servicing and adherence to manufacturer guidelines can help ensure optimal performance and extend the life of your Hoshizaki ice maker. At Easy Ice, our maintenance practices keep Hoshizaki ice machines running for years longer than the average lifespan!

Hoshizaki's line of ice machines includes models with a variety of different ice types. These include:

• Crescent Ice
• Cubelet Ice (often referred to as 'nugget ice' or 'pellet ice')
• Soft Cubelet Ice
• Flake Ice
• Sphere Ice
• Large Square Ice
• Top Hat Ice

The most popular ice type from Hoshizaki is their crescent cube. The way these ice cubes are formed in the machine makes them the purest, clearest types of ice cubes available. Additionally, their shape allows for mess-free pours and better displacement of liquid in the glass.

Hoshizaki ice machines are manufactured in various locations around the world. The company has production facilities in several countries, including Japan and the United States. Each facility adheres to Hoshizaki’s high standards of quality and reliability.

Hoshizaki was founded in Japan on February 5, 1947, and it's since grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of commercial ice machines and refrigeration equipment globally. The company is known for its innovative technology, high-quality products, and commitment to customer satisfaction.