Imagine a scorching summer day, a bustling restaurant brimming with thirsty patrons. The air crackles with the energy of conversation, the aroma of sizzling food fills the atmosphere, and the clinking of ice cubes in glasses adds a refreshing touch. But behind the scenes, the unsung hero ensuring all this coolness is the industrial ice machine.
For any business relying on chilled beverages, selecting the right industrial ice maker manufacturer is crucial. In this guide, we explore the top industrial ice machine manufacturers in 2024, shedding light on their strengths and helping you choose the best solution for your needs.
| Company Name | Established | Location | Best Selling Products | Types of Ice Produced |
| Koller | 2004 | Guangzhou, Guangdong, China | Flake Ice Machine, Cube Ice Machine, Block Ice Machine | Flake, Cube, Block |
| Hoshizaki America, Inc. | 1947 | Peachtree City, Georgia, USA | KM Series Crescent Ice Machines, DCM Series Cubelet Ice and Water Dispensers | Full Dice, Half Dice, Crescent, Nugget, Sphere, Flake |
| Manitowoc Ice | 1964 | Manitowoc, Wisconsin, USA | Indigo NXT Series, Koolaire Ice Machines | Full Dice, Half Dice, Nugget, Flake |
| Scotsman Ice Systems | 1950 | Vernon Hills, Illinois, USA | Prodigy Plus Cube Ice Machines, Brilliance Nugget Ice Machine | Full Dice, Half Dice, Nugget, Flake, Gourmet Cube |
| Grant Ice Systems | 1992 | Ningbo, Zhejiang, China | Flake Ice Machine, Cube Ice Machine, Self-Contained Ice Machine | Flake, Cylindrical Ice, Solid Cube Ice, Granular Ice |
| Ice-O-Matic | 1952 | Denver, Colorado, USA | GEM Series Pearl Ice Machines, ICE Series Cube Ice Machines | Full Dice, Half Dice, Nugget, Flake |
| Follett Ice | 1948 | Easton, Pennsylvania, USA | Horizon Series Chewblet Ice Machines, Symphony Plus Ice and Water Dispensers | Chewblet®, Micro Chewblet®, Flake |
| Kold-Draft | 1920 | Erie, Pennsylvania, USA | GB Series Ice Machines, T270 Ice Crushers | Large, Crystal-clear Cubes, Full Cubes |
| Brema Ice Makers | 1985 | Milan, Italy | CB Series, CB 955A Ice Cube Machine | High-quality Ice Cubes, Flaked, Nugget |
| Cornelius Ice Machines | 1935 | Osseo, Minnesota, USA | CCM Series of Ice Makers | Chunklet™, Cubed, Flak |
Top 10 Industrial Ice Machine Manufacturers:
Koller
- Established: 2004
- Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong
- Best selling Products: Flake Ice Machine, Cube Ice Machine, Block Ice Machine
- Types of Ice Koller Ice makers Produce: Flake, Cube, Block.
Koller is a leading industrial ice making machine manufacturer with over 18 years of experience, specializing in the invention, production, and solutions for industrial ice block making machines. The company is dedicated to enhancing efficiency, optimizing electricity and water consumption, and delivering sustainable solutions. Koller’s manufacturing capabilities have expanded over the years, ensuring top-notch quality through upgraded facilities. Committed to environmental responsibility, their ice machines are designed with water-recycle systems and use eco-friendly refrigerants like R404A, R507, and R449, promoting sustainability while maintaining excellent performance.
Hoshizaki America, Inc.
- Established: 1947
- Location: Peachtree City, Georgia, USA
- Best selling Products: KM Series Crescent Ice Machines, DCM Series Cubelet Ice and Water Dispensers.
- Types of Ice Hoshizaki Ice Makers Produce: Full Dice, Half Dice, Crescent, Nugget, Sphere, Flake.
Since its establishment in 1947, Hoshizaki has embraced its corporate motto, “A company cannot grow without original products,” and its action principle, “Challenge to the Extremity.” Known for its innovative and high-quality products, Hoshizaki has introduced a variety of solutions, including industrial ice machines, to meet the evolving needs of the global foodservice industry. The company operates manufacturing bases in the U.S., Europe, China, and other regions, ensuring swift, localized service. Hoshizaki remains committed to excellence, contributing to society and exceeding customer expectations through continuous innovation.
Manitowoc Ice
- Established: 1964
- Location: Manitowoc, Wisconsin, USA
- Best selling Products: Indigo NXT Series, Koolaire Ice Machines
- Types of Ice Manitowoc Ice Makers Produce: Full Dice, Half Dice, Nugget, Flake.
Manitowoc, established in 1964, is a leading industrial ice machine supplier for the restaurant and hospitality industries. With a focus on simplifying operations, Manitowoc offers innovative, reliable, and versatile ice solutions. Their extensive portfolio includes modular systems, remote-controlled ice machines, and more, all designed with user-friendly functionality to streamline workflows. Backed by decades of experience, Manitowoc’s products are built for durability, offering dependable performance in the high-pressure foodservice environment. Their strong support network ensures consistent service, making Manitowoc a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.
Scotsman Ice Systems
- Established: 1950
- Location: Vernon Hills, Illinois, USA
- Best selling Products: Prodigy Plus Cube Ice Machines, Brilliance Nugget Ice Machine.
- Types of Ice Scotsman Ice Makers Produce: Full Dice, Half Dice, Nugget, Flake, Gourmet Cube.
Scotsman Ice Systems, founded in the 1950s, is a pioneering force in the ice machine industry, best known for creating the original nugget ice. With a legacy of over 60 years of innovation and reliable service, Scotsman has become the world’s leading ice machine manufacturer. Their dedication to perfecting the ice-making process has led to over a million Scotsman ice machines being used globally across more than 100 countries, making Scotsman the preferred choice for businesses seeking high-quality ice solutions.
Grant Ice Systems
- Established: 1992
- Location: Ningbo, Zhejiang
- Best selling Products: Flake Ice Machine, Cube Ice Machine, Self-Contained Ice Machine, Rice Ice Machine, Granular Ice Machine, Evaporator
- Types of Ice Grant Ice Systems Ice Makers Produce: Flake Ice, Cylindrical Ice, Solid Cube Ice, Granular Ice.
Grant Ice Systems, established in 1992 with a research and development team in the USA, expanded to China in 1996, building a 37,000㎡ facility. The company specializes in commercial ice-making machines and has earned international certifications including ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004. With advanced production equipment and a strict quality management system, Grant Ice Systems produces Freon, Ammonia, and CO₂ refrigeration systems. Their machines cater to diverse industries, from food processing to seafood markets, offering capacities from 70kg to over 10 tons of ice per day.
Ice-O-Matic
- Established: 1952
- Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
- Best selling Products: GEM Series Pearl Ice Machines, ICE Series Cube Ice Machines
- Types of ice Ice-o-Matic Ice Makers Produce: Full Dice, Half Dice, Nugget, Flake.
Founded in 1952, Ice-O-Matic has been a pioneer in commercial ice-making solutions, specializing in high-quality cubers, flakers, and their patented Pearl Ice machines. The company is committed to sustainability, with a focus on minimizing the environmental impact of its operations. Known for reliability, Ice-O-Matic machines come with smart features that simplify maintenance and monitoring. The brand’s dedication to providing easy-to-use, durable ice machines is backed by an industry-leading warranty and world-class support, making Ice-O-Matic a trusted name in the commercial ice machine industry.
Follett Ice
- Established: 1948
- Location: Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
- Best selling Products: Horizon Series Chewblet Ice Machines, Symphony Plus Ice and Water Dispensers
- Types of Ice Follett Ice Makers Produce: Chewblet®, Micro Chewblet®, Flake.
Follett Products, LLC, founded in 1948, is a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative ice machines, storage systems, and medical-grade refrigerators. Serving the foodservice and healthcare industries, Follett is dedicated to customer satisfaction, providing high-quality equipment tailored to meet specific needs. Their commitment to innovation and design excellence ensures reliability and efficiency, backed by a customer-oriented approach that sets them apart in the industry.
Kold-Draft
- Established: 1920
- Location: Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
- Best selling Products: GB Series Ice Machines, T270 Ice Crushers
- Types of Ice Kold-Draft Ice Makers Produce: Large, crystal-clear Ice cubes, Full Cubes.
KOLD-DRAFT, established in 1920, is renowned for its reliable and innovative ice-making solutions. Specializing in ice cubers, crushers, dispensers, and bins, KOLD-DRAFT machines are designed for maximum efficiency, featuring interchangeable parts for easy maintenance. Known for removing mineral impurities from water, KOLD-DRAFT ensures superior ice texture and flavor. Their production systems are engineered to maximize output, even in compact spaces, and the company’s responsive engineering and long-standing reputation make KOLD-DRAFT a trusted choice for industries with high ice demands.
Brema Ice Makers
- Established: 1985
- Location: Milan, Italy
- Best selling Products: CB Series, CB 955A Ice Cube Machine
- Types of Ice Brema Ice Makers Produce: High-quality Ice Cubes, Flaked, Nugget.
Brema Ice Makers, founded over 30 years ago, is a distinguished Italian manufacturer known for its exceptional ice machines. With a passion for ice in all its forms, Brema combines skilled craftsmanship and cutting-edge engineering to create reliable, high-quality ice-making solutions. Each machine undergoes rigorous quality checks, from material selection to final testing, ensuring top-notch performance. Rooted in Italian innovation, Brema continues to set the standard for excellence in ice machine production, with a commitment to craftsmanship, precision, and customer satisfaction.
Cornelius Ice Machines
- Established: 1935
- Location: Osseo, Minnesota, USA
- Best selling Products: CCM series of ice makers
- Types of Ice Cornelius Ice Makers Produce: Chunklet™, Cubed, Flake.
Cornelius, with over 80 years of experience, is a leading global provider of innovative beverage dispensing solutions. Committed to continuous improvement, the company focuses on understanding customer needs while delivering reliable, high-quality products. Serving top beverage brands, restaurants, convenience stores, and distributors worldwide, Cornelius has built a strong reputation for expertise and customer satisfaction. The company is dedicated to responsible business practices, emphasizing sustainability, community engagement, and maximizing profitability without compromising environmental and social standards. Cornelius remains the trusted partner for beverage dispensing solutions across industries.
Choosing the Right Ice Machine Manufacturer
When selecting an industrial ice maker manufacturer, consider the following factors:
1. Ice Type
Determine whether you need cubed, flake, nugget, or block ice based on your specific business needs. For example, Hoshizaki America and Manitowoc Ice are known for producing a wide variety of ice types, including cubed and nugget ice, ideal for restaurants and bars.
2. Ice Capacity
Assess how much ice your business needs to produce daily. Manufacturers like Koller and Grant Ice Systems specialize in high-capacity machines perfect for large-scale operations that require constant ice production.
3. Energy Efficiency
Look for energy-efficient models to reduce operational costs. Follett Ice and Ice-O-Matic offer energy-efficient solutions that help businesses lower their electricity bills while maintaining consistent ice production.
4. Reputation and Reliability
Choose manufacturers with a strong reputation for producing reliable machines. Scotsman Ice Systems and Kold-Draft have decades of experience in the industry and are known for their high-quality, long-lasting ice machines.
5. Ease of Maintenance
Consider the ease of maintenance and cleaning. Brema Ice Makers and Cornelius Ice Machines are recognized for designing machines that are easy to maintain and service, ensuring minimal downtime.
Conclusion
Choosing the right industrial ice machine supplier is crucial for the success of any foodservice business. By carefully considering factors such as ice type, capacity, energy efficiency, and reliability, you can select the ideal machine to meet your specific needs. From industry giants like Hoshizaki and Manitowoc Ice to innovative players like Koller, the market offers a wide range of options. By investing in a high-quality ice machine, you can ensure a consistent supply of ice, enhance customer satisfaction, and contribute to the overall success of your business.
