Square ice cubes have been a popular choice with whiskey and scotch lovers for decades. Over the last few years, mixology has gained in popularity. Bars are taking their cocktails seriously and many of them use the same whiskey and scotch aficionados love. This makes the need for a large ice cube maker even more vital.
Why Square Ice Cubes Make a Drink
Both Hoshizaki and Manitowoc manufacture the most reliable square ice cube makers on the market. Both crescent ice machines and half-dice ice makers are popular in fast-casual and quick-serve restaurants. The smaller cubes are perfect for most beverages because they help reduce splashes and displace liquid, making drinks look fuller. Unfortunately, smaller cubes are not a favorite for customers who want a fancier, yet classic, drink. Big, square ice cubes are much more popular.
The fact is, square ice cubes help cool drinks longer and won’t water down the flavor of top-shelf spirits. The downside is square ice cubes take more time to freeze. Many high-volume bars need a large square ice cube maker to satisfy their customers but need a lot of them on hand.
Hoshizaki and Manitowoc make square ice cube machines that produce enough large, square ice cubes to serve mid to large crowds.
The Types of Square Ice Cube Makers
Hoshizaki produces two square cube ice machines: the Hoshizaki IM-200BAB ice machine and the Hoshizaki IM-500SAA ice machine. Both produce solid, square cubes that measure 1” x 1” x 1.25”.
The IM-200 Hoshizaki ice maker is the smaller of the two. It produces 200 lbs of ice a day and is self-contained, so it doesn’t require an additional Hoshizaki ice bin. It also fits underneath your bar, so bartenders have quick and convenient access to ice. This model measures 33” high, making it an ADA ice maker as well.
The IM-500 square ice cube maker produces the same sized cube as the IM-200 but increases production to 500 lbs of ice a day. The IM-500 is a stackable ice machine that allows you to install 3 units on top of one another to accommodate bars that need 1000 – 1500 lbs of ice per day. Unlike the IM-200, this model requires an ice bin to store ice. It’s won’t fit underneath a countertop, so you’ll need to find a room to install it in.
Manitowoc makes a large ice cube maker that delivers between 500-1900 lbs of ice a day. The IR-series include machines like the Manitowoc IRF-0900A ice machine which produce, what Manitowoc calls “Regular” cubes. Like square cubes, regular cubes are a large ice cube, but more rectangular than square. They also have a slight “tilt” to them like a rhomboid. Regular cubes measure 1 1/8” x 1 1/8” x 7/8”.
We Have Plenty of Square Ice Cube Maker Options
All these machines are available through Automatic Icemaker’s ice machine lease program:
- The IM-200BAB is available with 1” x 1” x 1 ¼” cubes.
- The IM-500SAA is available with 1” x 1” x 1 ¼” cubes.
- Manitowoc IR-series machines are also available with 1” x 1” x 1 ¼” cubes.
Ice bins are available for all compatible models for a low additional monthly fee.
Get a Square Ice Machine for Your Bar or Restaurant
If your customers want a solid, square ice cube for their cocktails, it’s best to deliver! A square ice maker lease is the preferred choice for smart restaurateurs and bar owners who are looking to control the ice machine’s price and not encounter the surprise costs of an expensive ice machine repair. If you’re looking for the best ice machine for perfect square ice cubes, contact us for a quote!
Remember, it’s cool to be square!