Ever found yourself staring at a nearly empty ice bin right before a party starts? It’s a universal kitchen panic moment, but it doesn’t have to be yours. That’s where a reliable machine like a hoshizaki ice maker comes into play. These units are kinda legendary in foodservice for their durability and output, and now they’re a top choice for serious home enthusiasts too. If you’re tired of weak, cloudy ice or machines that quit on you, you’re in the right place to learn more.
In this review, we’re going to get into the nitty-gritty of what makes this brand stand out. We’ll look at how it performs in a real home setting, not just a commercial kitchen, and see if it’s truly worth the investment for someone like you who just wants ice, on demand, without the fuss.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Hoshizaki Ice Maker
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
 |
EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/24H Stainless Steel Under…
|
9.5 |
Read Review |
 |
680LBS/24h Commercial Ice Maker Machine with 560 LBS Storage…
|
9.3 |
Read Review |
 |
Hoshizaki DCM-271BAH Cubelet Ice Machine and Water Dispenser
|
9.2 |
Read Review |
 |
Hoshizaki DCM-300BAH-OS, 321 Lbs Ice/24Hr Cubelet Ice Machine and…
|
9.0 |
Read Review |
 |
Hoshizaki F-330BAJ 24-Inch Air-Cooled Undercounter Flake Ice Machine Maker…
|
8.8 |
Read Review |
 |
Hoshizaki KML-325MAJ Air Cooled Low Profile Ice Machine
|
8.7 |
Read Review |
 |
Hoshizaki AM-50BAK Air-Cooled Ice Machine with Built-in Storage Bin
|
8.5 |
Read Review |
 |
Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ-AD 14 7/8″ ADA Air-Cooled Undercounter Top Hat…
|
8.3 |
Read Review |
 |
Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ Gourmet Ice Maker with Bin, Air Cooled,…
|
8.2 |
Read Review |
 |
Hoshizaki C-80BAK-AD Ice Machine, Air-Cooled, ADA-Compliant
|
8.0 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Hoshizaki Ice Maker
EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/24H Stainless Steel Under Counter ice Machine with 33lbs Ice Storage Capacity, Freestanding Ice Maker.
The EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine is built for situations where you need a lot of ice, reliably. It’s a stainless steel under-counter unit that can also work freestanding, designed to handle demanding use in both homes and businesses.
Its core strength is high-volume production. This machine makes up to 100 pounds of ice every 24 hours. Each cycle produces 45 clear cubes in about 11 to 15 minutes.
You also get a sizable storage bin right inside the unit that holds 33 pounds of ice. This means you have a ready supply during busy times, and the automatic overflow prevention adds a layer of safety and peace of mind. It’s suited for large gatherings, busy kitchens, or any spot with constant demand.
You can trust its build and safety. It’s ETL certified for commercial and household use, which is a step above many standard models.
This certification means it’s been tested for safety in different settings. Its versatile design fits into indoor or outdoor kitchens, bars, cafes, and more. Whether your hosting a party or serving customers, it’s built to perform.
Operation is straightforward thanks to the intuitive LCD control panel. From here, you can monitor the temperature and, importantly, adjust the ice-making time.
680LBS/24h Commercial Ice Maker Machine with 560 LBS Storage Bin, Ice Ready in 8-15 Min, ETL Approval Self Cleaning Stainless Steel Industrial Ice Machine for Bar Restaurant Cafe
The ‘680LBS/24h Commercial Ice Maker Machine with Storage Bin’ is designed for high-demand environments where a reliable ice supply is critical. It combines serious production capacity with practical features to keep your operation running smoothly. Let’s start with its core function: making ice. This unit uses a top-grade titanium compressor and advanced refrigeration technology. This means it can produce up to 680 pounds of ice in a 24-hour period.
You won’t be waiting long for the first batch, either—it can create 210 ice cubes in as little as 8 to 15 minutes. You have control over the ice with 12 adjustable thickness settings, so you can match the ice to your specific drinks or presentation needs. Once the ice is made, it needs to be stored properly. This machine includes a massive 560-pound capacity storage bin. It’s built with a three-layer construction: an alloy shell, a high-density insulation layer, and food-grade plastic liner.
This design keeps ice fresh for up to 12 hours and ensures hygiene. You won’t have to worry about rapid melting or contamination. Operation is streamlined through an intelligent LCD control panel. You can set a 24-hour production schedule to match your busiest periods. A key convenience is the 3-second automatic self-cleaning function, which saves significant time on maintenance.
Hoshizaki DCM-271BAH Cubelet Ice Machine and Water Dispenser
The Hoshizaki DCM-271BAH Cubelet Ice Machine and Water Dispenser is a versatile, all-in-one unit that combines reliable ice production with convenient chilled water access. Its designed for spaces where both are in high demand but floor space is at a premium.
As a countertop model, it comes with included legs for secure placement right on your counter or a sturdy stand, making it a great fit for beverage stations, office breakrooms, or customer-facing counters where you need service without taking up a lot of room.
This machine produces cubelet-style ice, which is a smaller, chewable nugget thats highly popular. It cools drinks quickly without displacing too much liquid, and its soft texture is preferred by many.
The air-cooled system is self-contained, meaning all the components are built into the unit for straightforward installation—you mainly just need to plug it in and connect it to a water line. You dont have to worry about arranging separate remote condensers or complex plumbing setups.
With a production capacity of up to 257 pounds of ice every 24 hours, it can keep up with consistent demand throughout your busiest day.
Hoshizaki DCM-300BAH-OS, 321 Lbs Ice/24Hr Cubelet Ice Machine and Dispenser
The Hoshizaki DCM-300BAH-OS is a high-volume cubelet ice machine and dispenser designed for businesses that need a reliable, high-output ice supply. This model is an all-in-one unit, meaning it both makes and stores ice, ready for you to dispense with the push of a button. It’s built for the demands of a busy service environment, from restaurants and bars to cafeterias and healthcare facilities.
One of the key features of this machine is it’s impressive production capacity.
It can produce up to 321 pounds of cubelet ice every 24 hours. That’s a substantial amount of ice, ensuring you’re unlikely to run out during peak service times. The cubelet ice shape is a popular choice because it offers excellent cooling efficiency. It chills drinks quickly without displacing too much liquid, and it’s versatile enough for use in beverages, salad bars, or food presentation.
This unit is an air-cooled model.
This means it uses the surrounding air to cool its condenser, which is a common and efficient setup for most kitchens with adequate ventilation. It’s important to consider your space, as air-cooled models do expel warm air and need a bit of clearance around them for optimal operation. But this design generally makes for a simpler installation compared to water-cooled alternatives.
A significant point for many buyers is that the Hoshizaki DCM-300BAH-OS is made in America.
Hoshizaki F-330BAJ 24-Inch Air-Cooled Undercounter Flake Ice Machine Maker with 80 lb. Storage Capacity, 332 lbs/Day, 115v, NSF
The Hoshizaki F-330BAJ is a professional-grade undercounter flake ice machine designed for businesses that need a reliable, high-volume supply of ice in a compact footprint. If your bar, restaurant, clinic, or hotel needs a steady stream of ice without taking up valuable floor space, this model is built to meet that demand day in and day out.
Let’s start with its core performance. This unit produces up to 332 pounds of flaked ice every 24 hours.
That’s a significant output, ensuring you’re unlikely to run out during a busy service. The ice it makes is the versatile flake type. Flake ice is soft, moldable, and cools rapidly, making it ideal for presenting seafood, chilling salad bars, blending into smoothies, or for use in therapeutic applications. It’s the workhorse style of ice for many commercial settings.
Alongside its impressive production, the F-330BAJ has a built-in storage bin that holds up to 80 pounds of ice at a time.
This means you have a ready-to-use reserve right there in the unit, so staff aren’t waiting for ice to be made during peak times. The bin capacity is about 2.7 cubic feet, which is substantial for its compact overall size. Speaking of size, the unit is designed to fit neatly under a standard counter. Its dimensions are 24 inches wide, 26 inches deep, and 39 inches high.
Hoshizaki KML-325MAJ Air Cooled Low Profile Ice Machine
The Hoshizaki KML-325MAJ Air Cooled Low Profile Ice Machine is a compact powerhouse designed for operations where space and reliable ice production are both critical. Its 30-inch wide, low-profile cabinet makes it an ideal fit under counters or in tight spots where a standard ice machine wouldn’t fit, giving you back valuable floor space in your kitchen or bar area.
This self-contained unit is air-cooled, meaning it expels heat directly into the surrounding air, so you’ll want to ensure it has adequate ventilation for optimal performance. When it comes to making ice, this machine is built for consistency. It produces up to 380 pounds of ice every 24 hours under ideal conditions of 70°F ambient air and 50°F water.
For a more standardized measure, its AHRI certified rating is 300 pounds per day at 90°/70°, which gives you a reliable benchmark to plan your inventory around. That’s a substantial output for its size, capable of supporting the demands of busy restaurants, cafes, or healthcare facilities. The ice it makes is Hoshizaki’s signature crescent cube style.
Hoshizaki AM-50BAK Air-Cooled Ice Machine with Built-in Storage Bin
The Hoshizaki AM-50BAK Air-Cooled Ice Machine with Built-in Storage Bin is a compact, all-in-one unit designed for reliable ice production in tight spaces. Its undercounter design, standing at less than 34 inches tall, allows it to fit neatly beneath counters or bars, making it ideal for small kitchens, offices, or outdoor serving areas.
With the ability to produce up to 54 pounds of ice every 24 hours and store 27 pounds in its integrated bin, it provides a steady supply for daily needs without taking up valuable floor space.
This machine produces classic top hat ice cubes. These are the clear, hard cubes that melt slowly, perfect for keeping drinks cold without diluting them to quickly. The unit is built for durability and simple upkeep.
Its water circuit is designed to be easily disassembled, which helps you perform routine cleaning and maintenance without much hassle. Clean ice and regular maintenance are key to extending the life of the machine, and this design makes that process straightforward. It also uses environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant.
One of the standout features of the AM-50BAK is its flexibility in placement.
Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ-AD 14 7/8" ADA Air-Cooled Undercounter Top Hat Cube Ice Machine Maker, 55 lbs/Day, Stainless Steel, 115v, NSF
The Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ-AD is an undercounter ice machine designed for reliability and space efficiency. It’s a self-contained unit that both makes and stores ice, which is perfect for bars, cafes, office pantries, or any spot where you need a steady, clean ice supply without taking up valuable floor space.
This model fits neatly under a standard counter, giving you a professional look while keeping the ice production close at hand.
This machine produces up to 51 pounds of ice every 24 hours. That’s a substantial output for its compact size, capable of supporting a consistent demand during your busiest hours. It also holds up to 22 pounds of ice in its built-in storage bin, so you have a ready reserve when you need it. The ice it makes is a classic top hat cube shape.
These cubes are clear, hard, and melt slower than some other types, making them ideal for chilling drinks without quickly diluting them. They’re the preferred choice for many beverage applications.
A standout feature of this Hoshizaki is its UL approval for outdoor use.
Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ Gourmet Ice Maker with Bin, Air Cooled, 51 Pound Production per 24 Hours
The Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ Gourmet Ice Maker with Bin is a reliable, high-capacity appliance designed for anyone who needs a steady supply of ice without taking up much space. It’s built to perform consistantly in a variety of settings, from a busy home kitchen to a commercial bar or outdoor patio.
Its primary strength is its impressive output. This unit produces up to 55 pounds of gourmet top hat ice cubes every 24 hours.
That kind of volume means you won’t be running out during a gathering or in the middle of a service shift. The ice itself is the classic, hard-melting top hat shape, which is excellent for chilling drinks without diluting them to quickly. It’s the preferred ice for many bars and restaurants for good reason.
Alongside its making power, it includes a built-in storage bin that holds up to 22 pounds of ice. This means you always have a reserve ready to go.
You can be using ice from the bin while the machine is quietly making more in the background. It’s a seamless system that ensures your ice supply is replenished automaticly.
Space is often a premium, and the Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ addresses this with its compact, undercounter design. Standing at under 34 inches tall, it slides neatly beneath standard countertops. This makes it a perfect fit for tight spots in a home wet bar, a coffee station, a pool house, or even on a covered patio.
Hoshizaki C-80BAK-AD Ice Machine, Air-Cooled, ADA-Compliant
The Hoshizaki C-80BAK-AD Ice Machine is a compact, air-cooled unit designed to fit seamlessly into tight spaces while meeting accessibility standards. Its undercounter design stands at less than 32 inches tall, making it fully ADA compliant. This means it can be installed in a variety of locations, from a small office kitchenette to a busy bar setup, without obstructing access for anyone.
You get reliable ice production with this model.
It can make up to 92 pounds of ice every 24 hours and store up to 27 pounds in its built-in bin. The ice it produces is the popular mini cubelet, or nugget-style, ice. This type of ice is soft, chewable, and cools drinks quickly without diluting them to fast, which is why it’s a favorite for healthcare, dining, and beverage service.
Installation flexibility is a key strength here.
The unit features front-in and front-out airflow, so you don’t need extra clearance at the sides or back for ventilation. It’s even UL approved for outdoor use in covered areas, like a protected pool bar. The swing-style door is field reversible, allowing you to configure it to open from either the left or right to suit your space.
Hoshizaki Ice Maker Buying Guide
Reliable ice production is crucial for any busy operation, from a restaurant bar to a hospital cafeteria. A Hoshizaki ice maker is built for this kind of demanding, all-day use. These machines are known for their durability, energy efficiency, and consistent ice quality. Knowing what to look for helps you get teh right model for your specific needs without overspending.
Ice Type and Shape
First, decide what kind of ice you need. Hoshizaki mainly makes two types. Their crescent-shaped ice is popular for drinks; it’s clear, hard, and melts slowly. They also produce cubelet ice, which is smaller and excellent for salad bars or quick beverage cooling. The shape affects how you use it and how much storage bin capacity you’ll need.
Daily Production Capacity
This is a big one. Don’t just guess your needs. Check your busiest day’s ice usage and add a little buffer. A model producing 50 pounds a day is very different from one making 500. Undersize it, and you’ll run out during a rush. Oversize it, and you’re wasting energy and money. Consider your peak service times carefully.
Space and Installation
Measure your available space—twice. You need room for the machine itself, plus clearance for air flow around the sides and back for proper operation. Also, check your water line and drain access. Some units are air-cooled, others are water-cooled, which affects where they can be installed. A little planning here prevents major headaches later.
Efficiency and Maintenance
These machines are an investment, so operating costs matter. Look for Energy Star certified models to save on electricity. Also, consider the self-cleaning function, which is a huge time-saver. It helps prevent scale buildup and keeps your ice tasting clean. Regular maintenance is simpler when the machine helps do some of the work for you.
Budget and Long-Term Value
While the upfront price is important, think about the total cost. A slightly more expensive, efficient model can save you money on utilities over several years. Hoshizaki’s reputation for reliability means less downtime and fewer repair costs, which is vital when your business depends on a steady ice supply. It’s often worth paying for that peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hoshizaki Ice Maker
What type of ice does a Hoshizaki make?
Most Hoshizaki machines make clear, crescent-shaped ice cubes. They’re often called “cubelets.” This shape is great for drinks becuase it melts slower and doesn’t water things down to quick. Some models also produce full cubes or flaked ice.
Are Hoshizaki ice makers reliable?
Yes, they are known for being very reliable. They are built for commercial use, like in restaurants or hotels. This means they are designed to run for long hours and last for many years with proper care.
How do I clean and maintain it?
Regular cleaning is key. You should sanitize the ice-making parts and clean the air filter often. The machine will usually have a light to remind you. Always follow the manual’s steps and use recommended cleaners to keep it running smooth.
Will it fit in my space?
You need to check the dimensions carefully. Hoshizaki makes undercounter and freestanding models. Remember to leave space for air flow around the unit, especially at the back. This helps it work efficiently and prevents overheating.
What’s the difference between an air-cooled and water-cooled model?
Air-cooled models use a fan and are more common. They vent heat into the room. Water-cooled models use running water to cool and are very efficient, but they use more water. Your choice depends on your location and utility costs.
How much ice can it produce in a day?
Production is listed in pounds per 24 hours. A smaller undercounter model might make around 50 lbs, while a large freestanding one can make over 500 lbs. Think about your busiest day to decide what capacity you really need.
Where should I place the ice maker?
Put it in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Keep it away from hot appliances like ovens. The area should be clean to prevent dust from clogging the machine. Make sure the floor is level, too.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right equipment for your kitchen is a big decision. It’s about finding something reliable that fits your specific needs, whether you run a busy restaurant or just want a steady ice supply at home. Think about how much ice you really use and the space you have available. That’s the best place to start looking.
For many people, reliability is the most important feature. A dependable machine saves you from headaches and lost business. A well-made hoshizaki ice maker is built to last through heavy use, giving you one less thing to worry about during a busy day. It’s a solid choice for keeping your drinks cold and your operation running smooth.