Flake vs Cube vs Nugget Ice: Which Ice Type Suits Your Venue?
When it comes to commercial ice makers, not all ice is created equal! Whether you’re running a bar, café, seafood shop, or aged care facility, the type of ice you choose can make a big difference in performance, presentation, and even customer satisfaction.
In this guide, we break down the most popular commercial ice types in Australia: flake, cube, and nugget, and help you decide which one’s best for your business.
Flake Ice
What it is
Soft, shaved or “snow-like” ice that moulds easily around food and drinks.
Produced by: Flake ice machines (great options from Hoshizaki or Bromic)
Best For:
- Seafood displays
- Butcher shops
- Salad bars & buffets
- Smoothie bars
Why choose it:
- Keeps produce fresher for longer (great surface contact)
- Easy to shape or pack around items
- Ideal for presentation and cold storage displays
- Low melting point, so it doesn’t damage delicate foods
- Tip: If you’re in retail or food service where food safety and appearance matter, flake ice is your best friend.
Cube Ice (Full or Half)
What it is
Classic square or rectangular ice cubes used in drinks and cocktails. Comes in full cube or half cube size. Produced by: Modular or underbench cube ice machines (like Manitowoc, Blizzard, or Brema)
Best For:
- Bars & pubs
- Restaurants
- Hotels & events
- Cafés and function venues
Why choose it:
- Slow melting, perfect for keeping drinks cold longer without dilution
- Professional presentation for cocktails, spirits & soft drinks
- High clarity = better aesthetics
- High-volume output available
- Tip: Cube ice is ideal if you’re in hospitality and want crisp, clean, long-lasting ice for beverages.
Nugget Ice (a.k.a. Chewable Ice or Pearl Ice)
What it is
Small, soft, chewable ice pellets that are crunchy but don’t hurt your teeth. Produced by: Nugget ice makers (e.g. Hoshizaki, Scotsman)
Best For:
- Juice & smoothie bars
- Aged care or healthcare
- Convenience stores
- Fast-food outlets
Why choose it:
- Highly chewable and enjoyable—a hit with kids and seniors
- Blends well in frozen drinks and slushies
- Energy-efficient—less dense, so easier on machines
- Absorbs flavour, enhancing beverage taste
- Tip: Nugget ice is a customer favourite for comfort and convenience—especially in healthcare and takeaway drink spots.
Quick Ice Comparison Table
| Ice Type | Best For | Melting Speed | Texture | Noise Level | Cost of Machine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flake | Displays, food prep | Fast | Soft & snowy | Quiet | Mid-High |
| Cube | Drinks, bars, restaurants | Slow | Solid & clear | Low-Mid | Medium |
| Nugget | Smoothies, health care, fast food | Medium | Soft & chewable | Quiet | Medium-High |
Which ice type should you choose?
Still not sure which one’s right for your venue? Here’s a quick guide:
- Choose Flake Ice if you’re displaying seafood, salads, or chilled produce.
- Go for Cube Ice if you serve lots of cold drinks, cocktails, or need professional drink presentation.
- Pick Nugget Ice if your customers love chewable ice or you’re serving smoothies, health drinks or operate in aged care.
Need Help Choosing the Right Ice Machine?
At BENDGS Catering Kitchen Equipment, we stock top-quality commercial ice makers from trusted brands like Hoshizaki, Bromic, Manitowoc and more. Shop by sub categories: under counter ice makers, large modular ice machines, nugget ice makers
Whether you need cube, flake or nugget ice, we’ve got you sorted with:
- Expert advice
- Fast Australia-wide shipping
- Competitive pricing
- Lease-to-own options available
📞 Call us on 1300 434 125 or browse our full range of commercial ice makers for sale in Australia
