Your Ultimate Guide to Commercial Ice Machines for Schools and Universities

Educational institutions like schools and universities use commercial ice machines in cafeterias and on-campus eateries. Students want cold beverages at lunch and, on university campuses, throughout the rest of the day too. A top-rated commercial ice machine is the best way to provide hundreds of pounds of ice for students during the busy lunch hour. Our guide will help you choose the best ice maker for your school or university.

If you need help choosing a commercial ice maker for your school cafeteria or dining hall, call us today!

Types of Commercial Ice Maker Machines for Schools and Universities

There are many different models of ice machines, both large and small. Some are designed for serving staff. Others are specifically for self-service. Here are some of the most popular models of ice machines for schools and universities:

• Countertop Ice MakersThee ice machines can safely sit on top of a counter or bar top. They are designed for self-serve areas but are also a great option for faculty break rooms. Countertop ice machines ice directly into drinkware by pressing a button or lever. Some are even hands-free.Learn More About Countertop Ice Makers
• Modular Ice MachinesModular ice makers are the most popular type of commercial ice machine because they offer the most flexibility for users. These machines only produce ice. They can be installed on any compatible ice bin of your choosing. These machines come in a large range of sizes, from 500 – 1800 lbs. of ice a day.Learn More About Modular Ice Machines
• Stackable Ice MachinesThese are a style of modular ice machine that allows you to install multiple units on top of a single ice bin. Stack 2-3 units on top of one another to either double or triple your total ice production. These machines also range from 500 –1800 lbs per machine.Learn More About Stackable Ice Machines
• Undercounter Ice MachinesThis style of ice machine is designed to fit under a countertop or bar top. While designed for bars, they have become very popular in coffee shops where baristas need quick access to serve long lines of customers quickly. Perfect for university cafes!Learn More About Undercounter Ice Makers
• Ice DispensersIce dispensers drop ice directly into drinkware or ice buckets at the touch of a button or lever. Some dispensers, like hotel dispensers, are standup units. Others are designed to be installed on top of a counter. These are best for self-serve stations.Learn More About Commercial Ice Dispensers
• Countertop Ice MakersThee ice machines can safely sit on top of a counter or bar top. They are designed for self-serve areas but are also a great option for faculty break rooms. Countertop ice machines ice directly into drinkware by pressing a button or lever. Some are even hands-free.Learn More About Countertop Ice Makers
• Modular Ice MachinesModular ice makers are the most popular type of commercial ice machine because they offer the most flexibility for users. These machines only produce ice. They can be installed on any compatible ice bin of your choosing. These machines come in a large range of sizes, from 500 – 1800 lbs. of ice a day.Learn More About Modular Ice Machines

How to Size a Commercial Ice Machine for Your Student Body

Sizing a commercial ice maker for a university or school cafeteria can be a challenge. Ice needs fluctuate throughout the day. Mornings at a university include hundreds of students rushing to coffee shops. Afternoon means busy lunch crowds. Here are some things to consider when sizing a machine:

Daily Ice Usage

How much ice do you normally go through in a day? You need an ice machine that produces at a rate that keeps up with student needs. It's important to keep in mind that ice machines produce their full capacity over 24 hours. A 600 lb unit will take 24 hours to produce 600 lbs. of ice.

Peak Days

The beginning of spring and fall semesters are busier than summer classes. You need to make sure your ice machine can keep up with those seasons. Also, mornings and lunch hours see more students grabbing drinks than other hours of the day.

Bin Capacity

Ice cube production is one factor, but you should also consider how much ice your establishment can hold. If you have times that see an influx of business, make sure you have enough bin space to hold enough ice. Ice machines drop ice in small batches throughout the day.

Types of Ice Cubes

There are many ice cube shapes on the market, but they are not designed just for looks. Ice cubes are designed to be functional as well. Here are some of the most popular cubes for schools and universities:

Crescent Ice

Crescent ice is slender so that more cubes can fit in a glass at once. This helps to displace liquid better, so drinks appear fuller. The rounded, crescent shape is designed to limits spills and splashes, so drinks stay in drinkware when pouring.

View Our Crescent Ice Machines

Half-Dice Ice

Half-dice ice is specific to Manitowoc ice machines. These cubes are also slender to help displace liquid and give drinks a fuller appearance. Half dice ice comes in a more traditional square shape and provides even cooling throughout drinks.

View our Half Dice Ice Machines

Dice Ice

Like the name suggests, dice ice is shaped like a six-sided die. These cubes are twice the width of Manitowoc's other popular cube, half-dice ice. Dice ice is designed to look great in cocktails, but they are also perfectly suited for soft drinks as well.

View our Dice Ice Machines

Square Ice

A true classic! Square ice is large and melts slowly, so drinks maintain their flavor longer. Square ice is a great choice for university cafés and coffee shops. These cubes keep iced coffees cold through hour-long classes and lectures.

View our Hoshizaki Square Ice Machines

Regular Ice

Regular ice is anything but average. This is Manitowoc's style of large, square ice designed for cocktails, but they have found a home in many cafés and coffee shops across the country. Regular ice machines can produce up to 1800 lbs a day.

View Our Regular Ice Machines

Nugget Ice

Nugget ice is an excellent choice for elementary schools that serve young children. These cubes are soft and chewable, so kids won't harm their teeth as they chew on the ice. These cubes are also porous, so they absorb the flavor of sugary drinks popular with children.

View Our Nugget Ice Machines

Condenser Types for Commercial Kitchen Ice Machines

Your ice machine's condenser is responsible for cooling down refrigerant that is used to produce a batch of ice. There are three common types of cooling systems you'll find on ice machines:

Air Cooled Ice Machines

Air cooled ice machines are the most popular choice for ice machine owners. These systems are simple in design and cost-effective. A fan blows ambient air onto the condenser coils. This assists in cooling the refrigerant and works to move hot air out of the system and into the surrounding environment.

View Our Air Cooled Ice Machines

• Hoshizaki FD-650MAJ-C Air Cooled Nugget Ice Maker634 lbs/dayView Details
• Hoshizaki KMD-410MAH Air Cooled Crescent Ice Machine415 lbs/dayView Details
• Manitowoc IDF-0600A Air Cooled Dice Ice Machine632 lbs/dayView Details
• Manitowoc IYT-1900A Air Cooled Half Dice Ice Machine1,900 lbs/dayView Details

Water Cooled Ice Machines

Water cooled units use your establishment's water supply to cool refrigerant. The water absorbs the heat coming off the condenser and flushes it down the drain. These systems are great for low ventilation areas but check your local laws. Many states don't allow them because of water conservation restrictions.

View our Water Cooled Ice Machines

• Hoshizaki FD-650MWJ-C Water Cooled Nugget Ice Maker 622 lbs/dayView Details
• Hoshizaki KM-515MWJ Slim-Line Water Cooled Crescent Ice Machine 495 lbs/dayView Details
• Manitowoc IDT-1200W Water Cooled Dice Ice Machine 1,078 lbs/dayView Details
• Manitowoc IYF-900W Water Cooled Half Dice Ice Machine 879 lbs/dayView Details

Remote Cooled Ice Machines

Remote ice machines separate the condenser from the ice making unit altogether. The condensing unit commonly installed somewhere outdoors, but it can also be installed in a large room with plenty of ventilation. Remote cooled ice machines are also a good choice for establishments that are low on ventilation.

View Our Remote Cooled Ice Machines

• Hoshizaki KM-1340MRJ Remote Cooled Crescent Ice Machine 1,371 lbs/dayView Details
• Manitowoc IDF-0600N Remote Cooled Dice Ice Machine 612 lbs/dayView Details
• Manitowoc IDT-0500N Remote Cooled Dice Ice Machine 510 lbs/dayView Details
• Manitowoc IYT-1500N Remote Cooled Half Dice Ice Machine 1,770 lbs/dayView Details

Installation Requirements for Commercial Ice Machines on School Campuses

Commercial ice machines have specific installation requirements to operate properly. Some, like water and electricity, are a given. However, some are less obvious:

• DrainageYour ice machine needs to be installed onto a drainage system to flush away unused water produced during the ice-making process. A floor drain is a common type of drain you'll find in most businesses, but your school or university may use other setups, like a wall drain or standpipe. All installations require an air gap, so check your local health code for specifics.

• ElectricalAll ice machines run on electricity, but you can't just plug them into any outlet. Small ice machines require 115v of power. Larger units require 220v. Models also have different amperage needs as well, so make sure to check your machine's spec sheet. If you don't have an outlet that supports your ice machine, you'll need an electrician to install one.

• WaterThe size of your kitchen ice maker will likely determine how much water it needs to make a batch of ice. Overall, most ice machine models require between 3-5 gallons of water per minute. Your establishment's water line will need to be able to deliver your machine' water needs. If you do not have the proper water line, you'll need a plumber to install one.

• SpaceAir cooled ice machines release hot air to cool down the ice-making system. If the ice machine is located too close to a wall or surrounded by clutter, that hot air will linger around the ice machine and cause it to overheat. The hotter the ice machine gets, the less ice it produces. You want to free up at least 1 foot of space on all sides of the ice machine.

We've serviced over 10,000 ice machines across the country. No matter the challenge, we know exactly how to keep your hotel ice machine running smoothly. Our pre-installation checklist shows you what you need to provide to install an ice machine at your construction facility. If you have a challenging environment, give us a call and we'll help you find a solution.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Water Filters for Commercial Ice Machines in School Cafeterias

Your water supply has all manner of sediment and minerals. They are perfectly safe to drink, but they can harm your ice machine. Here are the most common water filters for commercial ice machines:

Sediment Filter

Any commercial ice machine can benefit from a sediment filter. These filters trap unwanted particles that exist in your university or school's tap water. These filters need replacing around every six months. A clogged sediment filter will restrict water flow to your ice machine, which can lead to smaller ice cubes.

Phosphate Cartridges

While not technically a filter, these systems release phosphate into your ice machine's water supply to prevent calcium and magnesium from binding together to form scale. Scale is a chalky substance that can bind to ice machine parts and cause damage to the unit. Cartridges need replacing around every six months.

Carbon Filters

Carbon is one of the oldest filtration methods dating back to ancient Egypt. Carbon filters work to trap unwanted particles before they enter your ice machine. Carbon filters have the added bonus of reducing the amount of chlorine in your water, which alter the taste of ice. These filters need replacing every six months.

Cleaning and Sanitation for Your School's Ice Maker

Ice machines need regular cleaning to reduce mold, slime, and pathogens that can make people sick. Professional cleanings can also rid your machine of harmful scale that forms over time.

• Professional CleaningYou should schedule a qualified ice machine technician to come out to clean your machine every six months. This will reduce dirt, mold, and germs that may have entered your ice machine. In addition, your staff should perform daily cleaning on the machine's exterior.See Our Ice Machine Cleaning Schedule
• Mold and SlimeMold and slime grow in damp, dark environments and feed off of organic material in the air. Your ice machine can provide the perfect home for mold and slime if your employees don't keep up with regular cleaning. Check your machine for growths daily and clean as needed.How to Clean Your Ice Machine of Slime and Mold
• Ice Bin CleaningYour ice bin is where you store your ice, so you want to make sure it's free of germs and mold. Employees should always use an ice scoop to grab ice. If a health inspector notices considerable mold and slime, they will write a damaging violation.Simple Steps for Cleaning Your Commercial Ice Bin

Environmental Factors for Commercial Ice Machines

Your establishment's environment can affect your commercial kitchen ice machine's performance. Under these conditions, your ice machine will develop issues over time. Here are the factors you should look out for:

• Surrounding Air TemperatureAir cooled ice machines use the surrounding air to cool the internal system and keep your ice machine in peak performance. Ho air around the machine will lead to less ice and potential damages. These machines operate best when the surrounding air is around 70 degrees.

• VentilationAir Cooled ice machines also require ventilation to move hot air away from the ice machine and into the surrounding environment. Ice machines require one foot of space on all sides of the unit. That includes a foot space between the top of the machine and your roof.

• Water TemperatureHot water takes more time to freeze than cold water. If your ice machine is suffering from warm incoming water, you'll see less ice over 24 hours. Ideally, you want your water to be between 50 and 90 degrees.

• Water ConditionEvery state's water condition is different. If you live in an area with high sediment or minerality, it can damage your ice machine over time. Proper water filtration is the best way to combat high-particulate water.

• CleanlinessThe dirtier your ice machine, the less ice it will produce. Dust and dirt can enter your ice machine and cling to your condenser, insulating heat within the system. You should aim to schedule at least two professional cleanings per year.

How Much is a Commercial Kitchen Ice Machine?

Schools and universities need high-volume commercial kitchen ice makers. Some campuses place ice dispensers at self-serve stations so students and faculty can serve themselves. A small countertop ice dispenser can run as low as $1,500. A high-production kitchen ice maker can run as high as $10,000. There are hidden costs associated with ice makers as well:

Maintenance and Cleaning

Kitchen ice machines need regular preventive maintenance and cleaning. Manufacturers recommend 2 preventive maintenance and cleaning visits per year. An ice machine technician will clean, disinfect, and sanitize the machine inside and out. They will check for potential problems, so you can avoid expensive repairs in the future.

The average maintenance and cleaning visit costs around $300.

Water Filters

Water filtration is important if you want to prolong the life of any commercial ice machine. Your local water supply may have high concentrations of minerals and sediment that can damage your ice machine. Sediment can clog components inside the machine and minerals form to create scale. Water filters cost between $15-$100 depending on the type. Businesses with particularly challenging water may require multiple filters.

Breakdowns

Depending on the damage, ice machine repairs can cost between a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. Here are some examples of some common ice machine repairs and their costs:

• Hot Gas Valve Replacement - $600
• Expansion Valve - $600
• Compressor Repair - $1500
• Evaporator Repair - $2500

The Best Way to Get a High-Quality Commercial Ice Machine for Your School or University

It's not easy to keep ice machines at schools and universities sanitary and high-performing, but we're here to help! An Easy Ice subscription doesn't just come with the best commercial ice equipment from Hoshizaki and Manitowoc. We also include preventive maintenance, professional cleaning, and repairs at no extra cost. If you ever have a problem with your equipment, we maintain a 24-hour ice machine service line you can call anytime. If your ice machine goes down for extended repairs, we'll provide you with free replacement ice until the machine is fixed.

The Easy Ice team is dedicated to providing your students and faculty with plenty of ice to get them through long days of classes. With our commercial ice machine subscription, you'll never have to worry about your school's ice supply.

Want to be sure you're serving clean, safe ice to students and staff? Want to save money and take the hassle out of keeping ice machines on campus?

Let our subscription do it all.