Chick-fil-A is known for their chicken sandwiches, but Chicago customers love their chewable ice as well. Chick-fil-A ice makers (also known as nugget ice makers) produce a soft, easy to chew ice cube that’s great in drinks – and won’t harm teeth.
Nugget ice makers are one of our most popular offerings here at Automatic Icemakers. However, fast-food and quick-serve establishments are not the only ones who benefit from these machines. Chicago hospitals, offices, and markets also use nugget ice for many reasons.
What Makes Chick-fil-A Ice Makers So Popular?
It’s all about the ice! Chick-fil-A ice goes by many other names: Sonic ice (also named after a popular food chain, cubelet ice, chewblet ice, and pellet ice. No matter the name, Chick-fil-A ice is a soft and chewable type of ice that accompanies sugary drinks, like sodas and soft-drinks, well.
Chick-fil-A ice is popular in Chicago fast-food and soda establishments for the same reason people enjoy a good snow cone. Nugget-style ice absorbs liquid, so after customers finish sugary drinks, they have a sugary snack leftover.
Aside from taking on the flavor of their favorite drinks, many people simply enjoy chewing on ice. Chick-fil-A ice allows customers to do just that without harming their teeth.
Chick-fil-A Ice Machines are Not Just for Fast Food
Chick-fil-A ice was designed with hospitals in mind.
Nugget ice is prevalent in Chicago hospitals because many patients may be too weak to swallow liquids. Nurses and healthcare workers will offer a cup of nugget ice to keep patients hydrated without risking choking. Patients can chew on ice throughout the day, making it easy to hydrate without choking.
Chick-fil-A ice makers are also used in Chicago hospitals and physical therapy clinics to treat injuries. Nugget ice’s texture has the added bonus of being easily moldable. This allows healthcare workers to apply ice to elbows and knees and provide maximum coverage. When placed in a bag, the ice wraps around these areas, producing a more even cooling surface.
Chicago elementary schools also use Chick-fil-A ice makers for many of the same reasons hospitals do. Children enjoy chewing on ice, but hard, traditional cubes can pose a choking hazard. Soft nugget cubes allow kids to enjoy ice without choking or damaging teeth.
Many Chick-fil-A ice dispensers, like the Hoshizaki DCM-300BAH, make for great countertop ice makers. Chicago office break rooms and waiting rooms can install these ice dispensers on top of a countertop or customer stand. These setups allow employees or guests can grab ice whenever they need it.
What Types of Chick-fil-A Ice Makers Are Available?
Many types of ice makers can produce Chick-fil-A ice, and Automatic Icemakers has a full lineup! We have machines that come in all shapes and sizes to address the needs of any Chicago business.
Countertop Chick-fil-A ice makers can produce between 200-500 lbs. of ice a day. These are perfect for smaller businesses. Even larger businesses can benefit! Nugget ice makers are often used as an additional ice machine to support a large ice maker.
There are also larger Chick-fil-A ice machines for bigger Chicago businesses that need the soft type of ice these machines produce. Models like our Hoshizaki F-801-C MAJ produce up to 690 lbs. of ice a day. Keep in mind, these machines are too big to install on a countertop since they sit on top of a 4-foot ice bin.
Looking for a Chick-fil-A Ice Machine for Your Business?
Automatic Icemakers has a huge selection of Chick-fil-A ice makers available to buy or lease. We also carry the best commercial ice equipment from the leading manufacturers in the industry.
Under our all-inclusive ice machine leases, we include preventive maintenance, cleaning, and repairs – all for a low, monthly cost.
Need a new nugget ice maker for your Chicago business? Our Ice Machine Experts are ready to help! No matter your industry, we have years of experience helping Chicago business owners choose the perfect ice machine. Contact us today!