Buyers Guide: Choose The Right Ice Maker

1. Why the right ice maker matters

The right ice maker delivers the ice type and volume you need reliably, keeps drinks tasting their best, supports food safety, and keeps you compliant. Choose well and you reduce waste, improve service flow, and minimise power and water costs while safeguarding product quality.

SKOPE Promise: Quality you can trust, energy-smart performance, and expert support that stays with you for the life of the equipment.

 

2. Define your needs

Use this checklist before you compare models.

a. Ice type and use

What will you serve most? Choose gourmet cube for premium spirits and cocktails, dice (full or half) for fast drink cooling and post-mix, or granular/flaked for seafood displays, food transport and healthcare.

b. Production and storage

Estimate peak demand and 24-hour production requirement. Decide between self-contained (built-in bin) and modular (pairs with a storage bin) solutions.

c. Site conditions

Check ambient temperature (up to 43 °C options available), ventilation clearances, drainage (gravity or drain pump), and water supply pressure and quality.

d. Compliance and records

Confirm any HACCP or record-keeping needs, water filtration requirements, and sanitation routines.

e. Running costs

Consider power and water consumption, natural refrigerant preferences, and servicing access. Factor in bin handling and transfer efficiency to reduce labour.

What are your top priorities?

• Perfect serve: crystal-clear, slow-melting ice for premium drinks
• Speed & volume: rapid production and recovery in high-traffic periods
• Hygiene & reliability: anti-scale systems, easy cleaning, food-safe storage
• Space fit: compact footprints, front-breathing options, or modular with bins
• Lower running costs: efficient operation with natural refrigerants and smart design

 

3. Understand the main ice maker types

Ice maker type	Description	Best for	SKOPE fit
Self-contained gourmet cube	All-in-one units that make and store top-hat, crystal-clear cubes	Premium bars and restaurants needing slow-melting ice	GALA self-contained ALFA compact cube
Self-contained half or full dice	All-in-one units with half or full dice for fast cooling and post-mix	QSR, pubs, clubs, high-turnover drink service and dispensers	SPIKA self-contained (half or full dice)
Self-contained granular/flaked	All-in-one ice makers that produce dry, granular flaked ice	Seafood and deli displays, food transport, healthcare	ICE QUEEN self-contained
Modular machines with bins	High-output heads paired with storage bins and carts	Large venues and multi-station service needing bulk ice	GALA, SPIKA, ICE QUEEN modular + SILO bins

 

4. Explore SKOPE ice maker ranges at a glance

These ranges are engineered for real-world hospitality. You get commercial build quality, high performance in hot climates, and designs that simplify hygiene and servicing.

ALFA

Compact self-contained cube maker for tight spaces. Produces up to 23 kg/24 h with built-in 6 kg storage in a premium AISI 304 stainless build using R290 natural refrigerant.

GALA

Self-contained or modular machines that create elegant, crystal-clear top-hat cubes for premium drinks. Strong output with anti-limescale spray systems and front-breathing self-contained options.

SPIKA

Self-contained or modular dice makers for speed service. Choose full or half dice for rapid cooling, high production and robust stainless steel construction.

ICE QUEEN

Self-contained or modular flakers producing granular ice for displays and transport. Hygienic, reliable and built for high ambient environments.

 

Range	Best for	Energy efficiency	What stands out
ALFA	Compact sites needing quality ice cubes	★★★★	Small footprint, 6kg integral storage, R290 natural refrigerant, 43°C operation
GALA	Premium bars and restaurants	★★★★★	Top-hat shaped cube clarity, slow melt, anti-scale spray system, high output
SPIKA	Fast-serve venues, post-mix and dispensers	★★★★	Half or full dice, rapid cooling, strong stainless construction
ICE QUEEN	Displays, food transport and healthcare	★★★★	Granular/flaked ice, reliable output, hygienic storage options

 

5. Match scenarios to products

6. Plan for installation and lifetime value

Think about the below requirements before making your decision

7. Questions to ask before you buy

Here are six outcome-focused questions that keep the conversation simple and practical.

1. Which ice type will best support my menu and service style?
2. How will this machine perform in my ambient conditions and affect my bills over time?
3. What do I need on site for smooth delivery, installation and drainage?
4. How easy will it be for my team to clean, sanitise and maintain?
5. If something goes wrong, what is the warranty and who will help me and how quickly?
6. Why is this the best choice when I consider total cost of ownership?

 

8. Next steps

• Talk to a SKOPE expert about ice type, production volume and bin pairing
• Compare models on SKOPE website
• Get a tailored quote

 

Why SKOPE

Quality and reliability proven in busy venues. Energy-smart technology with natural refrigerants. Innovation that makes daily operation simpler. Partnership and support from a local team.