If you run a small-to-mid-sized Chicago business, you may have limited space for a commercial ice maker. A 500 lb ice machine is one of the most popular options for smaller locations because makes enough ice to cover customers without taking up too much space. Both Hoshizaki and Manitowoc make 500 lb ice makers in a range of different models and ice types.

We show you the businesses that get the most out of a 500 lb. ice machine.

What Kind of Businesses Benefit from a 500 lb. Ice Machine?

There are many Chicago businesses that rely on 500 lb ice makers to deliver their days’ worth ice. Aside from drinks, businesses use ice for food prep, product displays, treating injuries, and more. If your Chicago uses ice for multiple purposes, it’s important to properly size your ice machine. Here are some business scenarios where a 500 lb. ice machine is perfectly suited:

• Small restaurants that serve around 250 customers a day
• Cafeterias that serve around 250 customers a day
• Cocktail bars that serve around 100 customers a day
• Construction companies that go through 10-12 5-gallon coolers a day
• Hotels or motels with 80 rooms or less

Hoshizaki 500 lb. Ice Machines

The Hoshizaki KM-series commercial ice machines are their most popular commercial ice equipment offering. KM-series machines produce Hoshizaki crescent ice, a great, “well-rounded” ice cube for any industry. Crescent cubes are clear and slow melting, so they won’t dilute the flavor of drinks.

The KM-520MAJ ice machine is one of our most popular 500 lb. ice machines from Hoshizaki. This unit produces up to 556 lbs of crescent ice a day. The Hoshizaki KM-520 also comes in water cooled and remote cooled ice machine options.

Many Chicago cocktail bars want a solid, square cube for quality drinks. The Hoshizaki IM-500SAA ice machine is ideal for bars that specialize in top-shelf spirits. These models produce a large, 1-inch square ice cube that will elevate the look of cocktails and dazzle customers. Hoshizaki ice makers use only the clearest water, so square ice stays crystal clear, preserve the taste of delicate whiskeys and scotches.

Manitowoc 500 lb. Ice Machines

Manitowoc also makes a 500 lb. ice machine that saves space and delivers a steady amount of ice throughout the day. Manitowoc ice makers have always been some of the most energy-efficient units on the market. Manitowoc’s new NXT-series includes digital touchscreen technology that alerts users if there is an issue within the unit. Manitowoc NXT ice machines can even notify users when their next ice machine service is due.

Manitowoc ice makers easy to service, so routine maintenance and repairs take less time and won’t affect business.

There are three types of ice popular in Manitowoc ice machines: half-dice ice, dice ice, and regular ice.

Half-dice ice is great for bars and restaurants. These narrow cubes make drinks appear fuller by displacing more liquid inside drink ware.

Dice ice is symmetrical and square (about the size of a 6-sided die). These cubes are an excellent choice for all types of beverages. Dice ice looks great in classic cocktail and soft drinks alike.

Finally, Regular Ice is Manitowoc’s largest ice cube offering. These cubes are designed for high-end spirits and cocktails. These cubes are large, so drinks stay cool and hold their flavor.

The Manitowoc IYT-0500A ice machine is versatile 500 lb. ice machine model that produces up to 550 lbs. of half-dice ice. You can also get this size machine in Dice ice and Regular ice models.

Need a 500 lb. Ice Machine for Your Chicago Business?

Automatic Icemakers has been serving Chicago businesses for over 50 years. We have the best commercial ice machines from Hoshizaki and Manitowoc. Buy an ice machine, or choose our revolutionary ice machine leasing program. We keep 500 lb. ice makers in peak performance with biannual preventive maintenance and cleaning. If the machine encounters an issue, we’ll fix it for no additional charge. Everything is included in a low, monthly cost.

If you need a 500 lb. ice machine for your business, our team of Ice Machine Experts will point you in the right direction. Contact us today!