Different types of ice: Why it’s not as straightforward as you think

Not all ice is created equal. You’ve got round ice, cubed ice, and even crushed ice — each with its own benefits. Some ice melts slowly, while other types are better for chewing. When selecting a commercial ice machine for your business, it’s important to weigh your options carefully. Why? Because the right type of ice depends on your specific needs, and its shape and size can significantly impact your customer experience. 

Read on to explore different types of ice, including their shapes, sizes, and functionalities, to help you make the best choice for your business.

Why the type of ice you use matters 

Selecting the perfect ice type for your business isn’t just a small detail — it’s crucial. Each type of ice, from classic cubes to chewable nuggets, has unique features that impact the taste and texture of beverages. Your choice of ice can cater to diverse customer preferences, boost satisfaction, and even enhance your brand’s image. Plus, it’s not just about the initial investment; different ice machines and types come with unique setups and ongoing costs. So, you want to pick a commercial ice maker that suits both your brand and budget — making every drink a standout experience for your employees, guests, and customers. 

Discover 9 types of ice

Let’s break down some of the most popular ice types to find out which could be the best fit for your specific needs and preferences:

1. Classic / Dice ice

You’ve probably come across classic dice ice before. It’s like the old-fashioned ice tray ice but made in bigger batches by a filtered ice machine. With a high water-to-ice ratio, this ice is perfect for chilling beverages and bagging. If you’ve ever enjoyed a drink at a restaurant, you’ve likely seen this ice shape in action. Classic dice ice keeps drinks cool for longer because it melts slowly, which also means you’ll use less of it and save on costs.

• Also called: Cube ice, full cube, or game night ice
• Shape: Small, square cubes
• Melt rate: Slow
• Application: Chilling beverages, bagging, and bulk cooling
• Setting: Restaurants, bars

2. Half classic / Half-dice ice

As the name suggests, half-dice ice is just like dice ice, but half the size. This smaller, smoother ice type is especially enjoyable to chew. It’s a great choice for a filtered ice machine, ideal for soft drinks, bagging, and self-service environments like offices, restaurants, hotels, and convenience stores. Half-dice ice is also popular in healthcare settings because it provides excellent cooling and has a moderate melt rate. 

• Also called: Half cube ice or mini cube ice
• Shape: Smaller, half-size cubes
• Melt rate: Moderate
• Application: Soft drinks, blended drinks, bagging, and self-service
• Setting: Offices, restaurants, and healthcare facilities

3. Nugget / Chewable ice

Nugget ice — also known as chewable ice or “Sonic” ice — is a consumer favorite because it’s so easy to chew. This cylindrical ice shape not only absorbs the flavors of your drink but is also perfect for blending. Some variations even have a hole in the center, so it’s an excellent choice for making blended or frozen drinks and cooling soft drinks. Just keep in mind that nugget ice melts faster than other types. 

• Also called: Chewblet ice, cubelet ice, pellet ice, Sonic ice, or the “good ice”
• Shape: Compressed flake ice with a chewable texture
• Melt rate: Fast
• Application: Blended drinks, cooling soft drinks, and chewing
• Setting: Cafes, convenience stores, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and bars

4. Flake / Shaved ice

Flaking out is usually not a good thing, but when it comes to ice, it’s a different story. Shaved ice, also called flake ice, cools quickly thanks to its high surface area. Unlike many other ice types, it’s perfect for showcasing foods like meat or seafood and making blended drinks or frozen desserts. Its soft texture is gentle on produce and great for transporting delicate items. Plus, here’s a fun fact: Flake ice is ideal for treating sports injuries because it molds easily around body parts.

• Also called: Soft ice or snow ice 
• Shape: Soft, flaky, and shard-like pieces
• Melt rate: Fast
• Application: Showcasing foods, blended drinks, and first aid

Setting: Seafood markets, sports venues, and healthcare facilities

5. Tulip ice

A glass of tulip ice might not sound as romantic as a bouquet of roses, but on a sweltering summer day, it’ll quickly steal the show. This ice gets its name from its tubular shape, featuring a hollow center and a rounded tip. The hollow design helps chill your drink more evenly since the liquid touches both the inside and outside of the cube. Tulip ice is perfect for mixed drinks and blended cocktails. You’ll often find it in self-serve dispensers and commercial ice makers in hotels.

• Also called: Tube ice
• Shape: Tubular with a hollow center
• Melt rate: Moderate
• Application: Mixed drinks, blended cocktails

Setting: Hotels, self-serve dispensers

6. Half moon / Crescent ice

Also known as crescent ice, it’s designed to reduce splashing and floats effortlessly through your drink. Its unique shape keeps the ice from clumping together, providing optimal cooling without crowding the glass. Ideal for soft drinks, mixed drinks, dispensing, and bagging, half-moon ice also melts slowly, similar to classic dice ice.

• Also called: Half moon ice or ice crescents
• Shape: Curved, half-moon shape
• Melt rate: Slow
• Application: Soft drinks, mixed drinks, and dispensing
• Setting: Bars, restaurants, and convenience stores

7. Full cube / Square ice

Hosting a party? Full ice cubes, also known as square cubes, are sure to impress. These cubes are great for entertaining because they look sleek and stylish. You’ll often find square ice in restaurants, bars, and convenience stores. Like classic and half-moon ice, square ice offers excellent cooling with minimal melting, making this ice type ideal for bagging and dispensing. 

• Also called: Square ice
• Shape: Large, clear cubes
• Melt rate: Slow
• Application: Entertaining, cooling beverages
• Setting: Bars, restaurants, and parties

8. Bullet ice

Image Courtesy: 360 Connect 

Bullet ice, often considered nugget ice’s cousin, is compact and cylindrical with a hollow center. Its small size and shape make it a great option for cooling beverages quickly and efficiently. Unlike other ice types, bullet ice is less likely to stick together, ensuring it remains loose and easy to dispense. It’s a popular choice in fast-paced environments like convenience stores and cafes due to its versatile use and rapid cooling capabilities.

• Also called: Ice chips
• Shape: Small, cylindrical with a hollow center
• Melt rate: Moderate
• Application: Rapid cooling of beverages
• Setting: Cafes and convenience stores

9. Gourmet ice

Gourmet ice, or luxury ice, stands out with its crystal-clear, perfectly formed cubes. This type of ice is designed for premium beverages, as it melts slowly and dilutes drinks less — preserving their flavor. Its clarity and size make it ideal for cocktails and spirits, so they’re often found in upscale bars and restaurants. Gourmet ice adds a touch of sophistication to any drink. 

• Also called: Luxury ice, top hat ice, culinary ice, and crystal ice
• Shape: Crystal-clear, perfectly formed cubes
• Melt rate: Slow
• Application: Premium cocktails, spirits
• Setting: Nice bars, high-end restaurants

How to choose the right ice type for your business 

Finding the best commercial ice machine for your business involves considering several key factors, including: 

• Industry needs: Tailor your ice choice to your industry. Restaurants and bars might go for ice that looks great and keeps drinks cold, while healthcare facilities may need softer, chewable ice for patient comfort.
• Customer preferences: Pay attention to what your customers like. Do they prefer chewable nugget ice or slow-melting classic cubes? Their choice can make or break their drink experience.
• Production and storage: Ensure you have the right amount of ice on hand. Choose an ice type that meets your production and storage needs to avoid running out or overstocking. 
• Cost considerations: Factor in both the initial investment and long-term operational costs. Different ice types and machines come with varied price points and maintenance needs.
• Space requirements: Evaluate your available space. Larger ice types and machines may require more storage and operational space, so choose accordingly to fit your setup.

Find your ideal workplace ice machine with Culligan Quench

The right commercial ice dispenser can enhance your office, restaurant, hotel, or other spaces. Whether you need optimal cooling, an attractive design, or a specific ice shape, there’s a filtered ice machine that fits your needs. You can explore a range of ice types and cutting-edge dispensers with Culligan Quench. 

Our filtered ice machines produce different types of ice, including chewable ice, tulip ice, and half-dice ice. Culligan Quench ice machines feature advanced filtration and purification technologies, ensuring the cleanest and best-tasting ice. We provide a variety of dispensers to meet your capacity needs, from freestanding units to countertop models and undercounter bins.

To find out more about Culligan Quench’s products and discover which filtered ice machine is right for you, try our product finder or get a free estimate to get started.