Countertop ice machines are those that are small enough to fit on top of your counter. They provide easy accessibility and much like the undercounter ice machine, save space. These are also very popular in offices and work settings. Our personal favorite is the Ice-O-Matic Pearl Ice Machine.
Countertop ice machines will typically require a foot of space. The most important factor is ensuring that the ice machine is able to expel hot air in the opposite direction of the machine. You can see our selection of countertop ice machines here.
Undercounter ice machines are exactly what they sound like — compact machines that can be installed underneath a counter to maximize an establishment’s space. These are most popular with bars because they allow bartenders to access ice quickly and easily. In addition, they are self-contained. You can see our selection here.
Undercounter ice machines will usually have front ventilation. Because it’s likely to be in a more high-traffic area, it’s important to keep the machine clean and clear away any debris that may get caught in the vent. It will also need one foot of clearance.
Modular ice machines are those that use a bin and dispenser to store ice. These are especially ideal for smaller locations where ice may need to be used by multiple people or shared between back-of-house and front-of-house.
For modular ice machine, it’s important to keep one foot of space on all sides of the machine — or at least where the vents are.
The requirements for smaller commercial ice machine are similar to those of a large one, but there are a few key points to notice.