Ice Machines
Whether for cooling or presentation purposes, ice is indispensable in the catering industry. Soft drinks, liqueurs and mixes are at their best when served with ice. Maxima offers a variety of ice machines to cater to any industry requirement — from crushed or flaked ice to bullet shapes. We also offer water and air-cooled ice machines as well as compact tabletop models.
Many food businesses need a sufficient supply of ice. require ice maker machines to ensure a continuous flow of ice cubes for beverages. Supermarkets and butcheries find crushed ice makers useful for product presentation and to keep items fresh. Additionally, every restaurant or cafe should have an ice maker as an essential component of their kitchen and .
What are the features of Maxima’s ice makers?
Maxima provides a variety of ice makers to cater to the needs of any food business. With different capacities available, finding one that meets your requirements is easy.
Each of our commercial ice makers includes the following standard features:
- Robust stainless steel housing
- Easy to clean
- Equipped with a water valve
- Quick and easy installation
- Four adjustable feet for stable placement
- Good insulation and hygiene
- Protected against overloading
What should you look for when purchasing a professional ice maker?
There are several factors to consider before purchasing a commercial ice maker. It’s important that you first determine the intended environment for the machine. This will help determine the size and type of cooling required. Your choice will also depend on the desired ice production and format.
Production capacity
Ice makers can produce a large amount of ice quickly, ensuring a continuous supply for busy bars and restaurants. Smaller venues like cafes or sports canteens that don't need large amounts of ice may opt for smaller machines, while larger establishments may require higher production capacities. For example, a bar would need a machine with a large capacity to meet the demands of thirsty customers.
Storage capacity
Ice makers not only create ice but also store it, ensuring you always have a ready supply. This saves time and frees up space in your freezer. It’s important to determine how much ice you’ll need and how much should be readily available.
Shape of ice cubes
Cube or bullet-shaped ice cubes are ideal for serving with drinks like soft drinks, liqueurs or cocktails to keep them cool. Ice flakes are useful for preserving and presenting food in supermarkets. They're also useful for salad bars, smoothies, keeping bottled drinks cool and displaying fresh fish.
What are the benefits of using an ice maker?
Having an ice maker or crushed ice machine offers many benefits for bars, restaurants and hotels.
Increased productivity
With an ice maker, you can produce a large amount of ice in a short period. This means your employees don't have to spend hours making ice manually, allowing them to focus on other important tasks. Having a consistent and reliable supply of ice also reduces the risk of running out during busy times, ensuring smooth operations.
Versatility
Ice makers can produce different types of ice, such as cubes, bullets and flakes. This allows you to choose the type of ice that best suits your business's needs. For example, bars might want to consider an ice cube maker for serving cocktails and spirits with cubes.
Cost Savings
Buying pre-packaged ice can be expensive in the long run. By investing in an ice cube machine, you can produce your ice at a much lower cost. This will save you money and ensure that you always have enough ice on hand without spending too much.
What types of ice makers does Maxima offer?
Maxima offers a range of ice machines in different sizes, making them incredibly versatile. We offer compact versions that fit perfectly in the kitchen or behind the bar. For higher capacity needs, we have machines capable of producing up to 130kg of ice cubes or 400kg of flaked ice within 24 hours.
Ice machines can also be categorised based on the type of ice produced. There are ice makers for cubes or crushed/flaked ice, also known as shaved ice machines. There are also ice makers suitable for different environments. Air-cooled ice makers are ideal for indoor use, while water-cooled models can be used in hotter environments like clubs or outdoor terraces.
Ice makers for cubed ice
Ice cubes are perfect for bars, cafes or any establishment that serves many drinks. They are commonly used for chilling drinks served in a glass. These types of ice makers are mostly found in restaurants, hotels and fast-food service providers.
Ice makers for flaked ice
Flaked or crushed ice has multiple uses. This ice can be added to cocktails and smoothies for a refreshing drink or used to enhance the presentation of products. Crushed ice makers are suitable for businesses that prioritise presentation. For example, it's ideal for showcasing different kinds of fish at a fish shop or keeping salads cool at a buffet.
Air-cooled ice makers
Air-cooled ice makers should be placed in an area where they can operate optimally. They are best suited for indoor use in areas with consistent temperatures. Enough space should be provided around an air-cooled ice maker for proper air supply and exhaust.
Water-cooled ice makers
Water-cooled ice machines are more suitable for use in higher ambient temperatures, such as hot cafes, discos, outdoor terraces or events. These machines can also be used as built-in equipment since no extra space is required around them.
How much ice will I need for my catering business?
When determining the required amount of ice for your business, you must consider several factors. Firstly, consider whether your drinks are pre-chilled and the desired serving temperature. Also take into account the ambient temperature, preferred ice cube size, available glass sizes and desired amount of ice per glass.
While there are a few general guidelines to consider, such as using two ice cubes for most drinks in glasses, it's important to assess your specific needs. For most establishments like restaurants, hotels and cafes, approximately 1kg of ice cubes can fill around 15 glasses.
Cocktails, on the other hand, typically require about five ice cubes on average.
However, some cocktails may utilise crushed ice for presentation purposes. To determine the needed amount of crushed ice, divide the container's content by two to obtain the required weight in kilograms.
For a wide selection of commercial , including , , refrigerated display cases and , you can explore our website.
How to clean an ice maker
Our ice makers feature a casing and door made from 18/8 stainless steel, ensuring effortless cleaning. First, switch the machine off and remove any leftover ice. To clean, simply wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent. The interior is made from ABS, another easy-to-clean material. Use a damp cloth and detergent to clean the inside. After cleaning, make sure to dry the appliance with a soft cloth before turning it on again.