In the hospitality and restaurant sector, ice is much more than an accessory. Its shape, texture, and durability influence customer experience, food preservation, and operational efficiency.
At ITV, we explain the main types of ice used in bars, restaurants, and hotels, and their real applications.
Cube Ice: the hospitality standard
Cube ice is one of the most recognizable and widely used types in the HORECA sector. Professionally produced cubes are solid, clear, and odorless, ensuring that the taste of the drink remains unaltered.
They also balance cooling and dilution, melting slowly and evenly, cooling the beverage without watering it down.
This type of ice is ideal for:
- Soft drinks, mixed drinks, and long beverages
- White or rosé wine glasses
- General use in bars and restaurants
- Food and sanitary applications, such as cooling or transporting products
Additionally, their regular shape makes storage and handling easier during service.
Nugget or chewable ice: trendy in cocktails and leisure
Nugget ice, also known as chewable ice, is between cube ice and crushed ice. It has a compact but porous structure with low moisture content, making it crunchy on the outside and pleasant to chew.
This type of ice has become a growing trend in modern cocktails and leisure venues because it cools quickly without overpowering the drink’s flavor.
It is commonly used in:
- Mixed and premium cocktails
- Smoothies, slushies, and specialty soft drinks
- Self-service areas and events
- Cold food displays like juices or yogurts
Its texture and aesthetics add a distinctive value to presentation.
Crushed ice: versatility and speed
Crushed ice stands out for its ability to cool immediately due to its larger contact surface. Although it melts faster than other types, its efficiency makes it very practical for specific uses.
It is commonly found in:
- Classic and tiki cocktails
- Slushies and frozen drinks
- Food transport and display
- Sanitary and therapeutic applications
In professional settings, crushed ice is a highly functional tool when speed and adaptability are required.
Flake ice: preservation and industrial processes
Flake ice comes in thin, flat sheets with very low water content. This type is designed for product preservation and protection rather than direct consumption.
It is commonly used in:
- Display and transport of fish and seafood
- Food and agro-industrial industries
- Hospitals and sanitary facilities
- Agriculture and distribution processes
By fully covering the product, it maintains a uniform temperature without damaging it, making it a safe and efficient option.
Why Choose the Right Type of Ice?
Every business has different needs, so the same type of ice does not suit all. A cocktail bar is different from a hotel, a fish market, or a healthcare center.
Choosing the correct ice type allows you to:
- Improve service quality
- Optimize energy consumption
- Reduce waste
- Adapt to the actual work pace
ITV ice machines are designed to provide specific solutions based on your business’s use and needs, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and consistent performance.
Knowing the different types of ice and their uses not only helps make better purchasing decisions but also makes a difference in the final customer experience and daily operations. If you want to acquire an ice machine and need assistance, contact us here.