Ever wondered why ice comes in different shapes and variations? In the restaurant business, it’s important to learn about this. Ice doesn’t come in different forms, such as cubes or crushed ice, for visual purposes; there is far more to it than this. The ice type you choose should be based on what you’re using it for.
Choosing the right type of ice, from ice flakes to cubes, is important. Read on to learn more about different types of ice, their features, and ideal applications.
Common Ice Variations
Whether bagging, dispensing, creating food displays, or preparing cold drinks, choosing the right ice variation is important. This includes:
Regular Cubes
Regular ice cubes are used in commercial settings and are ideal for large-volume applications. Their melt rate is slow; they offer maximum cooling capacity along with a reduction in ice consumption. The larger size of these cubes means they won’t lead to chilled drinks becoming quickly watered down. If you’re looking for ice to bag or dispense, these cubes are ideal.
Full Cubes
With full cubes, you benefit from a consistent appearance and large size. These cubes also have a slow melt rate, so you can reduce the amount of ice you use; this means cost savings for your business. Perfect for bagging and dispensing, these cubes are used at restaurants and bars for mixed and soft drinks as well as dispensing and bagging. They are very versatile, as they are ideal for a range of applications, and this makes them a popular choice in the catering and restaurant industry.
Half Cubes
Half cubes are popular in many commercial settings, from smoothie outlets to bars and restaurants. They offer maximum cooling and a moderate melt rate, so drinks won’t become watery too quickly. A versatile option, they are perfect for self-dispensing and bagging as well as for drinks, including cocktails. The smaller size offers convenience, making it a popular choice in commercial kitchens.
Ice Nuggets
Nugget ice is perfect for all sorts of beverages, from soft drinks to blended and frozen ones. These nuggets are also ideal for chewing, as they are compact and soft. While the melt rate is quick, they absorb the flavors of drinks perfectly and blend easily. Ice nuggets are used in a range of commercial settings, from catering and bars to healthcare facilities.
Ice Flakes
A very popular option in bars and restaurants, ice flakes are a very versatile type of ice that can be used in various applications. This includes everything from food displays and transportation to creating blended drinks, such as cocktails. It has a soft consistency and is very light and gentle, so it doesn’t cause bruising when used in applications such as chilled displays. It’s even used in the healthcare industry to cool down injuries. The melt rate of flake ice is quick, and it offers rapid cooling capabilities.
Crescent Ice
This Crescent ice is perfect for drinks because of its unique crescent shape, which means that it adapts to the shape of the glass rather than packing together. This makes it easier for customers to enjoy their drinks without the ice getting in the way while still making sure the beverage is chilled. It is also a great choice for dispensing and bagging, and it has a slow melt rate, so drinks won’t become watered down quickly.
Gourmet Ice
With its unique shape, this gourmet ice is perfect if you want to make sure your drinks are beautifully presented and perfectly chilled. It is often used in high-end bars and restaurants as well as banqueting companies. The crystal clarity of this ice makes drinks look stunning, and it has a slow melt rate, so drinks won’t become quickly watered down. The shape of this ice is cylindrical or hexagonal, which further enhances the appearance of the drinks in which it is used.
Choose the Ideal Ice
When choosing the right type of ice for your restaurant business, there are some key factors you should take into consideration. This includes:
- The melt rate/speed
- Size of the ice
- Applications it will be used for
- Appearance of the ice
- Versatility levels
Taking these things into consideration makes it easier to select the perfect ice type for your business. Whether you want ice for packing, dispensing, drinks, food displays, or transportation, you’ll find the ideal solution from the wide range of options available.
An Essential Product for Restaurants
Ice is an essential product for restaurants, bars, and catering businesses, and choosing the right type is important. Fortunately, you can find the ideal option for all sorts of applications, with some variations offering increased versatility. You can even consider finding the best ice maker so you can create the ideal ice for your business with ease, convenience, and speed.
