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Choosing the Right Commercial Ice Machine For Your Operation

Written by The Sam Tell Companies | Feb 25, 2026 8:13:09 PM

Choosing the right commercial ice machine is about more than just ice production, it's about finding a solution that fits your space, supports daily volume demands, and aligns with how your operation runs. The right machine helps keep service moving, supports beverage quality, and ensures ice is always available when you need it most.

Ice plays a critical role in foodservice operations, impacting everything from drink presentation to efficiency behind the bar during peak hours. With a wide range of solutions available from Manitowoc Ice, operators can choose reliable, efficient ice machines designed for their environment, whether that's a cafe, restaurant, bar, hotel or healthcare facility.

Why Choosing the Right Commercial Ice Machine Matters

The right ice machine does more than produce ice, it supports workflow, service speed, and consistency across your operation.
 
Key factors to consider include:
  • Available space in front- or back-of-house areas
  • Daily ice volume and peak demand periods
  • Type of operation, from cafes to full-service restaurants and hotels
  • Ease of cleaning, efficiency, and long-term reliability

Matching your operation with the right machine helps avoid downtime, wasted space, and unnecessary operating costs. 

Compact & Efficient Ice Solutions - NEO™ Undercounter Machines

Designed for small to medium-sized operations, NEO undercounter ice machines deliver dependable ice production in a compact footprint, making them ideal for locations where space, efficiency, and simplicity matter.

Who purchases NEO machines:
  • Small to medium-sized restaurant owners
  • Cafes and coffee shops
  • Operators seeking a simple, reliable ice solution with minimal maintenance
Why NEO works for compact operations:

Built for Quality & Sustainability

  • ENERGY STAR® qualified models available
  • Eco-conscious R290 refrigerant with low global warming potential
  • Improved energy and water efficiency to help reduce operation costs

Integrated Water Filtration for Better Ice

  • Cleaner, clearer, better-tasting ice
  • Helps optimize machine performance
  • Reduces maintenance needs by keeping internal components cleaner

Designed for Easy Use & Maintenance

  • Intuitive touchpad controls with on/off, delay, cleaning, filter replacement, and service alerts
  • Front-venter airflow for flexible undercounter or adjacent installation
  • Slide-out storage bin allows easy access for service, no need to move the unit

Operator-Friendly Details

  • Angled door design for improved visibility and easier scooping
  • Ergonomic scoop with flexible placement inside the bin
  • AlphaSan® antimicrobial agent helps improve sanitation and reduce cleaning frequency

Best for cafes, coffee shops, small restaurants & bar service stations.


Ice Shapes Designed for Restaurants, Bars & Coffee Shops

Choosing the right ice shape is just as important as selecting the right machine. When deciding which ice shape works best for your operation, two key factors should be considered: how the ice will be used and how much ice your operation requires each day. Different ice shapes support different beverage styles, service speeds, and presentation needs.

Common ice shapes include:

  • Half Dice: Smaller, clear cubes that cool drinks quickly with minimal dilution, ideal for iced coffee and fast-paced service

  • Dice: Classic, clear cubes perfect for cocktails, mixed drinks and bar service

  • Regular: Larger cubes that melt more slowly, making them well-suited for general beverage service and soft drinks

  • Gourmet: Crystal-clear cubes designed to elevate premium cocktails and upscale drink presentations

  • Nugget: Soft, chewable ice popular for healthcare, hospitality, and self-serve beverage stations.

  • Flake: Small, soft ice commonly used for product displays and hand-scooped applications.

Choosing the right ice shape ensures your ice supports both operational efficiency and the overall guest experience.

High Capacity Meets Smart Design: Indigo® NXT 22” Ice Machines

For higher-volume operations that still need to maximize space, Indigo NXT 22" wide ice machines deliver powerful ice production in a streamlined, easy-to-service design.

Why Indigo NEXT 22" stands out:

  • 22" wide footprint: Space-saving design ideal for tight back-of-house layouts and hotel applications
  • EasyTouch® display: Intuitive touchscreen with machine status, diagnostics, and guided cleaning
  • Built-in sanitation options: Designed for easy cleaning with optional LuminIce® II to help keep the food zone cleaner longer
  • Energy-efficient performance: Many models are ENERGY STAR® qualified to help reduce operating costs
  • Proven reliability: Engineered for consistent, high-demand ice production with long-term performance in mind

Best for: Bars, restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, & high-volume operations

 

From compact undercounter solutions to high-capacity, space-saving modular machines, Manitowoc offers ice machines designed to fit the unique needs of every operation. By considering space, volume, and how ice is used day to day, operators can confidently choose a machine that delivers consistent performance and long-term value.

To learn more about Manitowoc ice machines, contact your Sam Tell representative to determine the best solution for your operation.
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