Understanding Ice Types: Finding the Perfect Ice for Your Commercial Application

The Coast Team on 6th May 2025

Are you looking to purchase a commercial ice machine but not sure which style of ice is best for your business? While production rate and space considerations are important, understanding that each style of ice has unique benefits is crucial for making the right choice for your specific application.

At Coast Distributors, Australia's exclusive importer of Ice-O-Matic, Follett, and Grant ice systems, we know that selecting the right ice type can significantly impact customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and even your bottom line. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different types of commercial ice, their formation processes, and help you determine which is best suited for your business needs.

How Commercial Ice is Formed

Before diving into specific ice types, let's understand how commercial ice is created. Though the basic principle remains the same—freezing water—different formation methods produce distinctly different ice types with varying characteristics.

The Basic Ice Formation Process

Commercial ice machines use a refrigeration system with four main components:

Compressor - Pressurises and heats the refrigerant
Condenser - Cools the refrigerant, transforming it from vapour to liquid
Expansion valve - Rapidly expands the refrigerant, causing a significant temperature drop
Evaporator - Where the water freezes into ice

However, the design of the evaporator and the water delivery system creates the different ice types we'll discuss below.

Cube Ice Varieties

Half Cube Ice

Characteristics:

Measures 10mm × 22mm × 22mm
Fresh, crystal-clear appearance
Easier to handle than full cubes
Perfect for blending applications

Ideal Applications:

Cafes and quick-service restaurants
Blending for smoothies and cocktails
Dispenser applications
Healthcare facilities

Advantages:

Breaks down easily in blenders for smoother drinks
Better liquid displacement in glasses
Faster cooling effect
More efficient in dispensers

Product Spotlight: Check out our Self-Contained Cube Ice Maker Range featuring these versatile half cubes.

Full Cube Ice

Characteristics:

Measures 22mm × 22mm × 22mm
Fresh, crystal-clear appearance
Slow melting rate (high ice-to-water ratio)
Classic, solid structure

Ideal Applications:

Restaurants and bars
Cocktails and mixed beverages
Ice bagging operations
Bulk cooling applications

Advantages:

Maximum cooling power
Preserves beverage flavour by minimising dilution
Visually appealing in glassware
The most popular choice for large-volume applications

Product Spotlight: Our Ice-O-Matic Modular Cube Ice Makers produce these classic cubes that cool drinks while preserving beverage flavour.

Grande Cube Ice

Characteristics:

Measures 22mm × 29mm × 31mm
Larger than standard cubes
Exceptionally slow melt rate
Premium appearance

Ideal Applications:

Fine dining establishments
Cocktail lounges and premium bars
Whiskey and spirit service
Premium beverage service

Advantages:

Melts slower than standard cubes
Creates a memorable visual impression
Elevates presentation of premium beverages
Makes every sip seem more sophisticated

Product Spotlight: Ice-O-Matic's grande cube is perfect for restaurants, fine dining, and cocktail lounges where presentation matters.

Specialty Ice Types

Gourmet Ice

Characteristics:

Measures 34.5mm × 30.5mm × 29.5mm
Unique conical shape
Ultra-clear appearance
Hard, slow-melting structure

Ideal Applications:

Upscale bars and lounges
Fine dining establishments
Top-shelf cocktails
Premium beverage service

Advantages:

Unique visual appeal
Slow melting preserves beverage flavour
Adds sophistication to presentations
Creates a memorable impression

Product Spotlight: Explore our Gourmet Ice Makers for these distinctive ice pieces.

Chewable Ice Varieties

Chewblet Ice

Characteristics:

Approximately 2.54cm long
Soft, chewable texture
Absorbs beverage flavours
Long-lasting, crunchy texture

Ideal Applications:

Restaurants and beverage dispensing
Office spaces and business firms
Hospitals and aged care facilities
Fresh produce displays

Advantages:

Highly preferred by consumers for its chewable texture
Versatile for multiple applications
Excellent for blending applications
Ideal for healthcare settings

Product Spotlight: Check out our Follett Chewblet Ice Makers for this consumer-preferred ice type.

Micro Chewblet Ice

Characteristics:

Approximately 0.95cm long
Smaller version of standard Chewblet
Soft, chewable texture
Easy to dispense

Ideal Applications:

Foodservice operations
Healthcare applications
Restaurants, bars, and cafes
Aged care facilities

Advantages:

Easier to chew than standard ice
Fits smaller cups and containers
Popular with patients and seniors
Versatile for multiple applications

Product Spotlight: Explore our Follett Horizon Elite Series for these versatile ice makers.

Flake Ice Varieties

Granular Flake Ice

Characteristics:

Small, irregularly shaped flakes
Soft and moldable texture
Fast cooling properties
High surface area

Ideal Applications:

Seafood and fresh produce displays
Bakeries and food presentation
Perishable food transport
Healthcare applications

Advantages:

Ideal for both presentation and preservation
Extends shelf life of perishable items
Creates attractive food displays
Gentle on delicate items

Product Spotlight: Check out our Ice-O-Matic Flake Ice Machines for this versatile ice type.

Sub Zero Flake Ice

Characteristics:

Colder than standard flake ice (-9°C)
Thin, shard-like pieces
Extended cooling capacity
Highly efficient heat transfer

Ideal Applications:

Seafood preservation
Food processing facilities
Supermarkets and butcheries
Industrial applications

Advantages:

Superior preservation capabilities
Extends shelf life of highly perishable items
Creates attractive food displays
Excellent for rapid cooling requirements

Product Spotlight: Explore our Grant Sub Zero Flake Ice Machines for these specialised flake ice solutions.

Selecting the Right Ice Type for Your Business

When choosing the ideal ice type for your business, consider these key factors:

Industry-Specific Requirements

Different industries have established preferences:

Hospitality (restaurants, bars, cafes)

Front of house: Full cube, half cube, gourmet, or crescent ice for beverages
Kitchen: Flake ice for food preparation and display

Healthcare

Patient care: Chewblet or Micro Chewblet ice for easy chewing
Food service: Various cube types for beverages

Food Retail and Display

Seafood/produce: Flake or Sub Zero Flake ice
Prepared foods: Various ice types depending on presentation needs

Customer Experience Considerations

Think about how the ice impacts your customers:

Premium venues benefit from Grande Cube or Gourmet ice
Fast-casual establishments might prefer Half Cube or Chewblet ice
Healthcare facilities need to consider ease of chewing and safety

Operational Factors

Consider practical aspects:

Required production capacity
Available space for equipment
Energy and water efficiency needs
Specific application requirements

Maintenance Considerations for Different Ice Types

Each ice type requires specific maintenance considerations to ensure optimal performance and longevity:

Cube Ice Machines

Regular cleaning of evaporator plates, water distribution systems, and thickness probes is essential for maintaining clear, properly formed cubes. Scale buildup can affect cube clarity and shape.

Chewblet Ice Machines

These require attention to compression components and transport mechanisms. Regular cleaning of extrusion openings ensures consistent ice formation and prevents blockages.

Flake Ice Machines

Pay special attention to auger components and bearings. These machines benefit from regular lubrication and cleaning of the freezing barrel to prevent scale buildup.

For detailed maintenance information, visit our comprehensive Ice Machine Maintenance Guide.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Ice Solution

The right ice type can significantly impact your business operations, customer satisfaction, and bottom line. Whether you need crystal-clear cubes for premium cocktails, chewable nuggets for healthcare applications, or efficient flake ice for food displays, understanding the unique properties of each ice type is essential.

At Coast Distributors, we offer Australia's most comprehensive range of ice solutions. From Ice-O-Matic's premium cube and gourmet ice makers to Follett's innovative Chewblet technology and Grant's industrial-grade Sub Zero Flake ice systems, we have the perfect ice solution for your application.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Ice Solution?

Contact Coast Distributors today to speak with our team about your specific ice requirements. Our ice experts can help you select the right system for your needs.