Square ice cube makers have been gaining popularity with mixologists and their customers over the past few years. Cocktails that include bourbon, scotch, and other whiskeys have become especially popular with square ice cubes. The simplicity of these old standards relies on maintaining the deep, smoky flavors of the liquor. When the ice melts too quickly, the integrity of the cocktail is lost. Large ice cube makers are a great solution for high end cocktails.
Bourbon and whiskey aficionados want their “rocks” drinks as cold as possible without altering the taste.
The Benefit of Square Ice Cubes
Hoshizaki and Manitowoc are known for manufacturing the most reliable ice machines on the market. Both crescent shaped cuber ice machines and half-dice ice machines are a popular choice for fast-casual and quick-serve establishments in the country. These cubes are ideal for most drinks because they are splash resistant and displace liquid better, making drinks look fuller. However, these smaller cubes don’t appeal to customers looking for a fancier, yet classic, drink. They want big, square ice cubes.
Square ice cubes keep drinks colder longer and don’t dilute the flavor of liquor. The only problem is that large ice cube makers take time to produce, and many high-volume bars need a square ice cube maker to satisfy their customers. To fulfill this need, Hoshizaki and Manitowoc have created square ice cube machines that produce enough square ice cubes throughout the day to handle mid to large crowds.
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Types of Square Ice Cube Makers
Hoshizaki produces two square ice cube makers: the Hoshizaki IM-200BAB ice machine and the Hoshizaki IM-500SAA ice machine. Both machines produce square cubes that are 1.25 inches by 1 inch.
The IM-200 Hoshizaki ice maker produces 200 lbs of ic e a day. It’s self-contained, so it doesn’t require an additional Hoshizaki ice bin. It's also one on Hoshizaki’s undercounter ice makers, meaning it can be installed underneath your bar, so bartenders have immediate and convenient access to ice. Since this model measures 33” high, is meets the criteria for the federal government list of ADA ice maker models.
The IM-500 large ice cube maker produces the same sized cube as the IM-200, but with a larger payload of 500 lbs a day. The IM-500 is a stackable ice machine meaning you can install up to 3 units on top of one another to accommodate hip bars that need 1000 – 1500 lbs of ice per day. This setup does require an ice bin to gather all that ice. It’s also much higher than a counter top, especially when stacked, so you’ll need to find a place behind the bar or in the kitchen to install this model.
Manitowoc also makes a large ice cube maker that deliver between 500-1900 lbs of ice a day. The IR-series includes machines like the Manitowoc IRF-0900A ice machine which produce their signature Regular cubes. Regular cubes are a large ice cube that’s rectangular in shape and come in Manitowoc’s “rhomboid” style. Like Hoshizaki’s square ice cubes, regular cubes are large and slow melting, measuring 1 1/8” x 1 1/8” x 7/8”.
We Offer Many Square Ice Cube Maker Options
All these machines are available through Easy Ice’s ice machine subscription program:
- The IM-200BAB is available with square ice that measures 1" x 1" x 1 1/4".
- The IM-500SAA is available with square ice that measures 1" x 1" x 1 1/4".
- Manitowoc IR-series machines are available with rectangular ice that measures 1 1/8” x 1 1/8” x 7/8”.
Ice bins are available for all compatible models for a low additional monthly fee.
Get the Right Square Ice Cube Maker for Your Business
When customers show up expecting a solid, square ice cube for their cocktails, you need to be ready to deliver! A square ice cube maker subscription is the preferred choice for savvy restaurateurs and bar owners. Not only does a subscription control the ice machine price, but also relieves the stress of running into an expensive ice maker repair. Large ice cube makers shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg or cause unnecessary anxiety. At Easy Ice, our motto is: No capital. No hassle. Just perfect square ice cubes at your fingertips!
It’s cool to be square!