Hoshizaki is a company with a storied history in the ice machine business. Since their founding almost a century ago, they’ve grown into one of the most recognizable names in the industry. Hoshizaki’s ice makers combine unique, gourmet ice styles with some of the best longevity and energy efficiency ratings throughout the years. If you’re considering different ice machine brands for your business, we’re here to tell you about some of our great experiences with Hoshizaki ice makers through our experience in the world of ice machines!
The Top Five Hoshizaki Commercial Ice Machines
Hoshizaki ice makers tend to be excellent machines, but there are a few particular standouts that throughout our years, Easy Ice technicians have had a very positive experience with:
- Hoshizaki KM-500MAE
- Hoshizaki KM-800MAE
- Hoshizaki KM-900MAH
- Hoshizaki KM-600MAH
- Hoshizaki AM-150BAF
Most of these machines center on Hoshizaki’s unique brand of crescent ice, a classic ice type with many applications in food service and hospitality. However, each has its own niche among businesses of different sizes.
Most of these models have since been replaced by a newer version, but the experts at Easy Ice will need a little more time to properly observe them and give you the best information possible!
KM-500MAE
- Ice Type: Crescent Cube
- Machine Style: Modular
- Dimensions: 30″ L x 32″ W x 65″ H
- Condenser Style: Air Cooled
- Best for: Small-midsized restaurants, bars, cafeterias
The Hoshizaki KM-500MAE is well-known for its bulletproof construction and ease of maintenance. It’s ideal for mid-sized businesses with a production capacity of more than 500 lbs. of crescent cube ice daily with the right air and water temperatures. Crescent ice is large, solid, and crescent-shaped in a way that melts slowly and fills a cup more efficiently than cubes. It’s a great option to enhance liquor and cocktails, or even to add charm and style to glasses of water.
Mechanically, the KM-500MAE is as robust as you’d expect from a Hoshizaki ice maker. Even in harsh conditions, the machine’s stainless steel evaporator provides longevity and high quality ice. Please note: this unit has been replaced with the rollout of Hoshizaki’s KM-MAJ series.
- Great evaporator
- Single circuit board
- Easy to diagnose
- Runs under most conditions
- Water inlet valves have a low failure rate in various water conditions
- Low compressor/expansion valve failure rate, easy to troubleshoot
- Little to no refrigeration issues, easy to service, good acces
- Difficult and time consuming to clean
KM-800MAE
- Ice Type: Crescent Cube
- Machine Style: Modular
- Dimensions: 30″ W x 27-3/8″ D x 22″ H
- Condenser Style: Air Cooled
- Best for: Midsized to large restaurants and hotels
The KM-800MAE offers a larger crescent ice production capacity than the KM-500MAE, making it more suited for larger establishments. Similar to the KM-500MAE, this unit is reliable under high demand thanks to a strong evaporator and durable components. Please note: this unit has been replaced with the rollout of Hoshizaki’s KM-MAJ series.
- Durable construction
- Very good evaporator
- Easy to diagnose
- Runs under most conditions
- Water inlet valves have low failures
- Low compressor/expansion valve failure rate, easy to troubleshoot
- Little to no refrigeration issues
- Difficult and time consuming to service and clean
KM-900MAH
- Ice Type: Crescent Cube
- Machine Style: Modular
- Dimensions: 30″ W x 27 3/8″ D x 37 7/16″ H
- Condenser Style: Air Cooled
- Best for: Mid to large restaurants, hotels, businesses with high ice demands
The KM-900MAH is another one of Hoshizaki’s excellent crescent cube ice makers, but with a refrigerant change and some other slight tweaks. Besides the appeal of crescent ice and Hoshizaki’s rugged manufacturing standards, the KM-900MAH delivers more than 800 lbs. of crescent ice per day. If the previous machines don’t match your crescent ice demand, a unit similar to this one may be the perfect fit. Like the other previous machines in the article, this unit has since been replaced by the KM-MAJ series.
- Durable construction
- Reliable evaporator
- Easy to diagnose
- Runs under any conditions
- Water inlet valves reduce failure rates in varied water conditions
- Low compressor/expansion valve failure rate, easy to troubleshoot
- Little to no refrigeration issues, easy to service and maintain
- Difficult to access some components, makes service and cleaning more time consuming
KM-600MAH
- Ice Type: Crescent Cube
- Machine Style: Modular
- Dimensions: 22″ W x 27-3/8″ D x 37-7/16″ H
- Condenser Style: Air Cooled
- Best for: Small to midsized restaurants, any business needing moderate ice production
This model shares many of the strengths of the KM-500 and KM-900 series and is an ideal machine for any business with moderate ice demands. While it has a slightly higher compressor failure rate than the KM-500, it remains a reliable option for consistent ice production. The current version of this machine still in production is the KM-660MAJ.
- Easy to diagnose
- Same durable components as the above models
- The compressor failure rate is slightly higher than KM-500
AM-150BAF
- Ice Type: Top Hat
- Machine Style: Modular
- Dimensions: 28″ W 28″ D 39″ H
- Condenser Style: Air Cooled
- Best for: Small restaurants, cafes, and cocktail bars
Unlike the other Hoshizaki machines listed here, the AM-150BAF produces specialty top hat ice. It’s a compact ice maker that produces over 150 lbs. of ice per day, with more than 80 lbs. of internal storage.
However, all design features are compromises. The machine’s layout makes cleaning some parts difficult, and the water inlet valves are far less reliable than the larger Hoshizaki ice makers. Overall, the AM-150BAF was a great choice for small establishments with modest ice demand and little room to spare. For top hat ice, Hoshizaki has since made a move to the more compact AM-50BAJ.
- Simple, efficient control system
- Track record of reliable performance
- The refrigeration system is reliable
- Cleaning the spray tubes is a hassle
- Water inlet valves can be unreliable
Full-Service Solutions for the Best Hoshizaki Ice Machines
Perhaps you want to get your foot in the door as a bulk ice seller. Alternatively, you might want to make such great cocktails that your bar is the first stop for residents in your area! Either way, you’ll need a secure supply of high-quality ice to make it happen.
At Easy Ice, we make it simple to deliver gourmet ice to your customers every day. We offer the best Hoshizaki ice machines, comprehensive maintenance, and emergency ice support at a low monthly price. If you’re ready to take the customer experience to the next level, check out how it works or give us a call to get started. Stop worrying about your ice supply—leave it to the experts!
FAQ
What is the life expectancy of a Hoshizaki ice machine?
Hoshizaki ice machines typically have a life expectancy of 10-15 years with proper maintenance and regular cleaning. This impressive longevity stems from stainless steel parts, less production cycles overall that make more ice at once, and reliable interiors. Quality ice and robust construction make Hoshizaki ice makers highly capable machines.
Who are Hoshizaki’s competitors?
Hoshizaki’s main competitors in the commercial ice machine market include Manitowoc, Scotsman, and Ice-O-Matic. These companies are known for producing a range of reliable ice makers that cater to various business customers with distinct ice types, sizes, and production volumes.
What country is Hoshizaki ice machine from?
Hoshizaki is originally from Japan, where the company was founded in 1940. Since then, the brand has established itself as a leading force in the industry and expanded globally with its line of refrigeration offerings. Countries like the USA, Mexico, and the U.K. are all home to Hoshizaki manufacturing sites.
What ice maker does McDonald’s use?
McDonald’s uses a wide range of ice machines, as corporate leadership doesn’t mandate a standard machine. Franchisees can choose the ice machine that fits their operations properly, but many rely on trusted brands like Hoshizaki and Manitowoc. These ice makers are reliable and energy-efficient to the point many brands struggle to compete.