Summer is fast approaching and those of you in the food service business know what that means; ice, ice, baby! It’s time for cold drinks, chilled food and snow cones. So it’s safe to say that many of you will be looking to invest in an ice machine relatively soon. But different uses of ice calls for different types of ice, and the ice manufacturing industry has come a long way from the original cube that was the standard shape so many years ago. When buying an ice machine one of the most important things is determining what kind of ice is best suited for your business or establishment’s demands. Here’s the low down on the different types of ice available today:
Full Cube
It may be an oldie but it’s still a goldie. Cubed ice is the simplest form of ice there is, and while it may not be flashy it get’s the job done. This type of ice is relatively cheap to make and very common in restaurants because of its high liquid displacement. Their large surface area makes for a slower melt time so it’s perfect for drinks. This type of ice is best used in bars and restaurants, hotels and educational facilities. Also known as dice shaped ice in some brands.
Half Cube
Cousin to the full cube, this type of ice is probably even more common in the foodservice industry than their full-sized counterparts. These little cubes can also keep drinks cold for a long period of time without diluting the beverage down, and because of their smaller size more ice can be fit into a glass for higher liquid displacement. This type if ice generally dispenses easier meaning less work for your equipment. Also known as crescent ice in some brands.
Nugget
This type of ice sports many different names, such as pearl, cubelet and crushed, but its shape is immediately recognizable to almost anyone. Nugget ice has become a favorite among customers and a staple for many businesses in the beverage industry, like Sonic. This chewable shape absorbs the flavor of the beverage it cools while still maintaining a decent melt time, allowing for enjoyment of the product long after it’s been consumed. This type of ice is great for restaurants, the healthcare industry and educational facilities.
Flake
Most commonly seen in snow cones, this snow-textured ice is light and can be easily compacted into various shapes. Flake, or shaved ice is perfect for seafood markets and other chilled displays because of its visual appeal and ability to cool whatever it surrounds very fast. This type of ice melts very quickly and thus, should not be used in beverages but its fluffy texture is great for blended frozen drinks and even therapeutic uses.
Gourmet
While their shape may vary slightly from brand to brand, these types of ice cubes all sport a unique polygon shape that’s both fashionable and functional. This type of ice is perfect for a fancy evening with their long melt times and high liquid displacement for those expensive cocktails. Gourmet ice is a cheap way to give your formal occasion or establishment that extra pizazz.
Check out our Ice Machine Buyer’s Guide for more Ice Machine information
