Commercial Ice Makers

In a busy café, restaurant, hotel or bar, ice isn’t just a side product, but it’s part of the service. From iced coffees and smoothies to cocktails, seafood displays and chilled soft drinks, having the right ice maker keeps your menu consistent and your customers satisfied. Our commercial ice makers are designed for reliable, high-capacity production in demanding service environments. Built to deliver a steady supply of clean & fresh ice, these machines support food safety standards while helping your team work faster and more efficiently. Whether you need a compact under bench ice maker for a café or a heavy-duty modular ice machine with storage bin for a hotel, we have options to suit every space and workflow. Many models are also designed with energy-efficient and water-saving technology, helping reduce operational costs while promoting sustainability. Every unit is chosen for its reliability, efficiency and ease of maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions – Ice Makers & Ice Machines

What’s the difference between an ice maker and an ice machine?

They’re the same thing! Both terms refer to machines that automatically produce ice.

What size ice maker do I need for my business?

The right ice machine size depends on your daily ice use. Cafés and small restaurants usually need around 20–40 kg per day, while bars and pubs require 50–100 kg to handle busy service. Hotels, seafood shops and supermarkets often need 150 kg or more per day. If you’re unsure, our team can help you choose the perfect capacity for your business.

Which ice shape should my business choose?

We understand that ice makers are not one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right ice shape makes a real difference to service speed, drink quality and running costs.

• Cube – produce hard, slow-melting cubes that keep spirits, cocktails and soft drinks colder for longer without diluting flavour. Crystal-clear when filtered, cube ice looks sharp and stacks neatly in glassware.

• Nugget  – produce soft, chewable ice that blends quickly into iced coffees, smoothies and cocktails. Customers love the texture, and baristas enjoy the speed and consistency.

• Flake – produce fine, mouldable ice ideal for seafood displays, salad bars, pastry preparation, shock-cooling or healthcare use. Flake ice wraps around food for maximum surface contact and rapid cooling.

Read our helpful Buying Guide for tips on choosing the right size, shape and capacity for your business.

Can I install an ice maker anywhere?

You can’t install an ice maker just anywhere. It needs the right setup. Most models require a cold-water connection, a drain for meltwater, good ventilation and clearance around the unit, and a standard 10-amp power outlet (some larger units may need 15 amp). If your location doesn’t have a floor drain nearby, choose a drain pump model, which automatically pumps out meltwater to a sink or waste line, making installation easier in cafés, bars or spaces without direct drainage. Always confirm your plumbing setup before ordering to ensure compatibility.

Why is my ice maker not producing ice?

Common causes include low water supply, blocked filters, poor ventilation, or incorrect temperature settings. Check your water line and condenser vents, and clean the machine regularly. If issues persist, contact our service team for troubleshooting.

What’s the best ice machine for cafés and bars?

For cafés, a compact under-bench cube ice maker is ideal — easy to install, quick to clean and produces crystal-clear ice cubes. Bars often prefer high-output modular ice machines with separate storage bins for continuous supply during peak hours.

What brands of ice maker do you supply?

We stock a wide selection of leading commercial brands including Bromic, Blizzard, Hoshizaki, Ice-O-Matic, Manitowoc, Follett, and Polar.

How do I request service, order spare parts and get buying assistance?

All our commercial ice machines are backed by full manufacturer warranties. At BENDGS, we make it easy to keep your equipment running at its best with spare parts, installation advice and ongoing technical support available whenever you need it. If you need service or parts, simply fill out our Service Request Form, and our team will respond promptly to assist. We also provide expert help with new ice machine purchases, ensuring you get the right model for your business.