Commercial Ice-Makers

According to the Business Energy Advisor,  there are nearly three million ice-makers in hospitals, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in the United States. Ice machine energy and water use is rated on how much energy and water is used to make 100 pounds of ice. The water and energy efficiency of commercial ice-makers varies significantly among the many equipment models on the market. 

The heat produced by the refrigeration equipment must be removed. Two types of cooling can be used to remove the heat produced, air or water. Currently, all green codes prohibit the use of water cooled ice machines. Many cities and states have incorporated this prohibition into local codes. This section will:

• Describe the types of ice making equipment,
• Examine the energy and water use per 100 pounds of ice produced per day, and
• Show why water cooled equipment is always the most expensive way to make ice.