The Right Ice Machine Can Make or Break Your Summer
Summer heat brings big business — and even bigger demand for ice. Whether you’re pouring cocktails on a rooftop, serving iced coffee in a café, prepping seafood for display, or managing patient hydration stations, one thing’s for sure: you need ice, and plenty of it.
The Ferri Group represents trusted, operator-approved solutions from Icetro, Follett, and Kloppenberg — three powerhouse brands offering reliable, efficient, and smart ice systems to help you stay cool and in control all season long.
What You’ll Learn in This Blog
In this post, you’ll discover how the right commercial ice machine can transform your summer foodservice operation. You’ll learn:
- Why choosing the right ice solution is critical for summer success
- The unique strengths of Icetro, Follett, and Kloppenberg ice machines
- How to match your operation’s needs to the right equipment
- The benefits of hands-on equipment testing at The Ferri Group’s Culinary Experience
- Practical steps to ensure your beverage and foodservice programs stay cool, clean, and efficient all season
Whether you’re running a restaurant, office, or commissary, this guide will help you find the perfect ice solution for your unique needs—so you can keep your operation cool, compliant, and ready for anything summer throws your way.
Why Ice Matters More Than Ever
Beverages are the heartbeat of any foodservice operation, especially when the heat rises. The right ice machine isn’t just a convenience — it’s a necessity for quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. A missed batch of ice can mean warm drinks, wilted seafood, or unhappy guests. In healthcare, it’s even more critical: clean, reliable ice is non-negotiable for patient hydration and safety.
But not all ice — or ice machines — are created equal. The right system for a busy cocktail bar isn’t the same as what a hospital hydration station or a seafood commissary needs. That’s where The Ferri Group’s expertise comes in: matching your unique operation to the best-in-class equipment that delivers, day in and day out.
Consider this: the commercial ice equipment and supplies market is projected to reach nearly $8.8 billion in 2025, driven by surging demand from foodservice, healthcare, and hospitality sectors, as well as the rising popularity of specialty beverages and strict hygiene requirements.2 This rapid growth underscores just how essential reliable, high-capacity ice systems have become for modern operations.
With demand this high, investing in the right ice solution isn’t just about keeping cool — it’s about staying competitive, compliant, and ready for anything summer throws your way.
The Holiday Inn Revolution: How Free Ice Became a Hotel Staple
The story of hotel ice machines wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a pivotal moment in hospitality history. Legend has it that Charles Kemmons Wilson, the founder of Holiday Inn, was frustrated by being charged for ice at other hotels. When he launched Holiday Inn in 1952, he installed free ice machines as a perk for guests—sparking a trend that quickly spread throughout the industry. As Holiday Inns multiplied, so did the expectation of complimentary ice, leading other hotel chains to follow suit and making free ice a standard amenity for travelers across America
Meet the Brands That Keep You Cool
Icetro: Sleek, Fast, and Flexible
Icetro is known for compact, high-output machines that deliver cube, nugget, and flake ice — perfect for restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, and hospitality venues. Their machines are engineered for speed and consistency, with models designed to fit tight back counters, bar stations, and quick-serve setups.
Easy to operate and simple to clean, Icetro keeps your drinks flowing without slowing down your team. Whether you need a steady stream of cubes for cocktails or soft nugget ice for sodas, Icetro’s flexibility shines. Let’s explore more about what makes Icetro equipment stand out.
Undercounter Ice Machines
Icetro’s undercounter ice machines are built for reliability and efficiency in compact spaces. These units are constructed with high-quality 304 stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. They’re specifically designed for easy cleaning and maintenance, minimizing downtime and the cost of ownership. The undercounter models are ideal for operations that need dependable ice production without sacrificing valuable workspace
Key features1:
- Constructed with 304 stainless steel for long-lasting durability
- Compact footprint, perfect for fitting underneath counters
- Designed for easy cleaning and maintenance, reducing service time and costs
Nugget/Flake Ice Machines
For operations that need specialty ice, Icetro’s nugget and flake ice machines deliver both high capacity and consistent quality. These machines utilize high-grade materials like thick ABS plastic and stainless steel for maximum reliability. They are engineered for easy access, cleaning, and maintenance, making them suitable for busy environments where hygiene and uptime are critical.
Key features1:
- Made with high-quality stainless steel and thick ABS plastic for reliability1
- Easy to clean and maintain, supporting food safety and operational efficiency1
- Designed to produce nugget or flake ice ideal for beverages, displays, or healthcare use1
Storage Bins
Icetro’s ice storage bins are designed for durability and ease of use. Constructed from stainless steel, these bins are built to withstand demanding commercial environments. The design focuses on easy access and cleaning, ensuring your ice remains sanitary and readily available during peak hours.
Key features1:
- Stainless steel construction for strength and cleanliness
- Easy-access design for quick scooping and minimal handling
- Simple to clean and maintain for ongoing food safety
Follett: Clean Ice at Scale
Follett is a pioneer in touchless dispensing and the original creator of Chewblet® ice, offering hygienic, energy-efficient solutions for healthcare, corporate, and high-traffic foodservice environments. Their dispensers feature antimicrobial components and are thoughtfully engineered for everything from patient hydration stations and beverage counters in c-stores or QSRs to office break rooms.
Follett understands that each industry faces its own unique challenges—whether it’s maintaining strict hygiene standards in healthcare, meeting high-volume demand in foodservice, or providing convenient, sanitary hydration in modern workplaces. That’s why they design a range of specialized products to address these specific needs, delivering ice you can trust without sacrificing speed or sanitation. Let’s take a closer look at how Follett’s innovative equipment rises to the occasion across different industries, providing targeted solutions where they matter most.
Foodservice: Horizon Elite™ Ice Machine
Industry Challenge: Restaurants, cafes, and foodservice operations face high-volume beverage demand, especially during peak periods. The risk of running out of ice, slow production, or sanitation issues can impact service speed and customer satisfaction.
Follett Solution: The Horizon Elite™ ice machines can produce anywhere from 759-2039 lbs of customer-preferred Chewblet® or flake ice per day, with a self-contained air-cooled condenser and a compact, top-mount design that fits a variety of environments. Its industry-exclusive ice-through-a-tube configuration (RIDE®) allows ice to be delivered up to 75 feet away, maximizing space and workflow efficiency. The machine’s advanced sanitation features and easy-to-clean design help ensure food safety and reduce maintenance time.3
Healthcare: Symphony Plus™ Ice & Water Dispenser
Industry Challenge: Hospitals and clinics require ice that is not only plentiful and easy to access, but also safe for patients. Cross-contamination and the risk of choking are major concerns, and equipment must be reliable for hydration stations and patient care.
Follett Solution: The Symphony Plus™ ice and water dispenser is the top choice in healthcare, offering patient-preferred soft Chewblet® ice and touchless dispensing to minimize cross-contamination. Its antimicrobial components and easy-to-clean surfaces address infection control, while the chewable ice is safer for patients with swallowing difficulties. Symphony Plus™ dispensers are available in various sizes to fit nurse stations, patient floors, and waiting areas, ensuring hydration is always available where it’s needed most.4
Workplace: Symphony Plus™ Ice and Water Dispensers
Industry Challenge: Modern workplaces and office breakrooms need to provide employees with convenient, sanitary hydration options. Traditional ice machines can be noisy, take up too much space, or require frequent cleaning and maintenance.
Follett Solution: The Symphony Plus™ Ice and Water Dispenser line is designed for today’s office and workplace environments, offering a range of models that fit countertop, freestanding, and undercounter spaces. These dispensers produce up to 425 lbs of Chewblet® ice per day and offer storage capacities from 12 to 90 lbs, making them suitable for offices of any size. SensorSAFE™ touchless dispensing or lever options promote sanitary use, while the compact footprint and quiet operation make them ideal for shared spaces. Available as ice and water or ice-only, Symphony Plus™ dispensers are easy to clean and maintain, helping reduce downtime and support employee wellness.
Kloppenberg: Built for Bulk
When you need industrial-grade storage, flake ice, or bulk transport systems, Kloppenberg is your go-to. Their modular stainless steel bins and ice handling equipment are built to last — perfect for seafood displays, commissaries, institutional kitchens, or banquet prep. Kloppenberg’s customizable systems integrate with a wide range of commercial ice makers, offering the durability and workflow optimization serious operations rely on. Let’s take a closer look at three of Kloppenberg’s standout products and the features that set them apart.
Single Door Upright Bins
Kloppenberg’s Single Door Upright Bins are designed for efficient ice storage and easy access in high-volume environments. These bins are ideal for restaurants, hotels, and institutions needing reliable, sanitary, and accessible ice storage.
Key features:
- Large opening for scoop dispensing: Makes it quick and easy for staff to access ice, even during peak hours.
- 1 ½” foamed-in-place polyurethane insulation: Ensures excellent thermal efficiency, keeping ice colder for longer and reducing melt.
- Stainless steel baffle: Prevents ice overflow and supports a first-in, first-out scooping system, so your operation always uses the freshest ice.
- Durable stainless steel construction: Built to withstand the rigors of busy commercial kitchens and foodservice operations.
Slope Front & Marine Bins
Kloppenberg’s Slope Front & Marine Bins are engineered for maximum durability and easy access, making them a smart choice for environments where space, sanitation, and reliability are critical—such as commercial kitchens, seafood displays, and marine applications.
Key features:
- Stainless steel baffle prevents ice overflow and promotes orderly dispensing, ensuring you always have fresh ice ready when you need it.
- Adjustable feet provide stability and allow for a custom fit on uneven surfaces, making installation straightforward in any setting.
- Factory-installed 1” IPS plastic drain ensures efficient water removal and helps maintain sanitary conditions.
- Spring-loaded door hinge allows for smooth, secure opening and closing, even in fast-paced environments.
Double Door Upright Bins
For larger operations requiring greater storage capacity and accessibility, Kloppenberg’s Double Door Upright Bins are the ideal solution. These bins are particularly well-suited for banquet halls, institutional kitchens, and any operation where large volumes of ice need to be stored and accessed quickly.
Key features:
- Two large openings for scoop dispensing: Allow multiple staff members to access ice simultaneously, improving workflow during busy periods.
- 1 ½” foamed-in-place polyurethane insulation: Provides the same superior thermal efficiency as the single door model.
- Stainless steel baffle and first-in, first-out scooping system: Ensure ice is always fresh and prevent overflow.
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction: Guarantees long-term durability and easy cleaning.
How to Choose the Right Ice Machine for Your Operation
Every operation is different — and every ice application has its own demands. Here’s how to start narrowing down your options:
- Type of Ice: Do you need cube, nugget, or flake? Each has its own best uses: cubes for cocktails, nuggets for sodas, flakes for displays and healthcare.
- Volume: How many pounds of ice do you go through on a busy day? Underestimating can lead to shortages; overestimating means wasted energy.
- Hygiene: Do you need touchless features for safety and sanitation, especially in healthcare or high-volume environments?
- Space & Storage: Is space, storage, or ventilation an issue? Some machines are designed for tight spaces or integrate with bulk storage.
- Workflow: Are you producing ice only, or do you need to store and transport it too? Modular and mobile solutions can streamline your operation.
If you’re unsure, The Ferri Group’s team is ready to help you assess your menu, footprint, and flow to find the best fit.
Experience the Equipment in Action
There’s no substitute for hands-on experience. At The Ferri Group’s Culinary Experience, you can see, touch, and test equipment from Icetro, Follett, and Kloppenberg before you commit. Our experts will walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you find the right solution before the summer rush hits.
Don’t let the heat catch you off guard. The right ice solution isn’t just cool — it’s essential. Visit our Culinary Experience, schedule a demo, or contact a The Ferri Group beverage specialist today to make this your smoothest, most successful summer yet.
Why Partner with The Ferri Group?
With over fifty years of industry experience, The Ferri Group combines deep operational knowledge with a portfolio of best-in-class manufacturers. We don’t just sell equipment — we help you solve problems, optimize your workflow, and deliver memorable experiences to your customers. From concept development to installation and ongoing support, we’re with you every step of the way.