Choosing the right-sized ice maker is one of the most important decisions for any business that depends on a continuous supply of ice for cooling, storage, or processing. Industrial operations—such as seafood processing, produce cooling, meat and poultry facilities, and large retail environments—can require anywhere from 2,500 to 10,000 pounds of ice per day.
Understanding your production requirements and selecting the appropriate machine capacity will help you maintain efficient operations, prevent shortages, and prepare for long-term growth.
Holiday Ice, Inc. is here to guide you through choosing the ideal industrial ice maker size for your business.
Consider Ice Production Requirements and Future Business Plans
Each business has unique ice production needs. Evaluating your operational demands will help you determine the correct size and model family.
Peak Demand Periods
Analyze your busiest times of day, week, and season. Ice machines should be sized to meet peak production, not average usage.
Daily Usage Patterns
Track your daily ice consumption and add a 30% buffer to account for fluctuations or unexpected increases in demand.
Storage Capacity
Many large-scale operations benefit from having 24 hours of ice storage, allowing machines to run during off-peak hours when energy use is optimized.
Business Growth Projections
If you expect expansion within the next 3–5 years, choose a model that supports increased output without requiring immediate replacement.
Maintenance & Downtime
Extra production capacity ensures you maintain supply during cleaning cycles, maintenance, or unexpected service needs.
Understanding Arctic-Temp® Model Size Tiers
Holiday Ice manufactures four primary Arctic-Temp® industrial ice maker capacities, each designed for specific operational needs. If your facility depends on consistent, high-volume ice production, our high-capacity industrial ice machines deliver reliable, long-term performance.
500 Series: ~2,500 lbs/day
750 Series: ~4,500 lbs/day
1000 Series: ~6,500 lbs/day
1500 Series: ~10,000 lbs/day
Each series is available in both skid-mounted (SM-L) and remote condensing (AR-L / RCU) configurations to match different installation layouts and environmental conditions.
Evaluate Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
Choosing the right-sized industrial ice maker impacts more than output—it influences long-term operating expenses. Arctic-Temp® machines are engineered with:
High-efficiency Copeland compressors
Water recirculation systems
Optimized insulation
Smart harvesting cycles
Type-304 stainless steel construction
These features help reduce electricity and water usage while maintaining reliable performance.
Assess Machine Dimensions and Installation Requirements
Before selecting a model, evaluate your facility’s:
Available floor space
Ventilation and airflow needs
Electrical service and load capacity
Water line access and drainage
Floor weight capacity for machine + full ice storage
Industrial ice makers producing 2,500–10,000 lbs/day require careful planning to ensure safe and efficient installation.
Holiday Ice, Inc. Provides the Perfect Ice Maker for Your Business
With over 60 years of experience, Holiday Ice, Inc. manufactures industrial-grade, high-capacity ice makers built for continuous operation. Whether your business needs a 500, 750, 1000, or 1500 series unit, our experts will help you choose the right-sized machine for your operational demands.
Explore our full line of industrial ice machines
Learn the key factors in choosing the right ice machine for your business
For personalized recommendations or a custom quote, call (800) 362-3243 today.