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 nine types of ice

There are nine types of commercial ice. Each type is defined by its shape and melt rate, and has its own unique advantages. While some types melt faster and are more chewable because they’re made from shaved ice, others melt more slowly and are ideal for keeping beverages cool for longer.

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

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. Classic dice ice is ice that’s square in shape and very dense, resembling game dice. It has a high water-to-ice ratio, meaning you can cool a large volume of water with fewer pieces of ice. This makes it 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
• Best industry uses: Restaurants, bars

2. Half classic / Half-dice ice

As the name suggests, half-dice ice is just like dice ice, but half the size. Half-dice ice is a smaller, smoother type of ice that 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 restaurants, hotels and convenience stores because, like classic dice ice, it melts moderately slowly and keeps beverages cool.

• 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
• Best industry uses: Restaurants, hotels and convenience stores

3. Nugget ice / Chewable ice / Chewblet® ice

Nugget ice — also known as chewable ice, chewblet ice or “Sonic” ice — is a consumer favorite because it’s so easy to chew. Nugget ice makers form this type of ice using compressed flake ice, making it porous and smoother to melt. 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.

• Also called: Chewblet ice, cubelet ice, pellet ice, Sonic ice or the “good ice”
• Shape: Compressed flake ice with a chewable texture
• Melt rate: Moderate
• Application: Blended drinks, cooling soft drinks and chewing
• Best industry uses: Offices, cafes, convenience stores, healthcare facilities, sports centers,  restaurants and bars

4. Flake / Shaved ice

Shaved ice, also called flake ice, is made up of small shavings of ice. It cools quickly thanks to its high surface area (the more surface area touched by ice, the cooler something gets). 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
• Best industry uses: Seafood markets, sports venues and healthcare facilities

5. Tulip ice

Tulip 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. This makes tulip ice 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 hollow ends
• Melt rate: Moderate
• Application: Mixed drinks, blended cocktails
• Best industry uses: Hotels, self-serve dispensers

6. Half moon / Crescent ice

Half moon ice, or crescent ice, is ice that’s in a semi-circle shape and designed to reduce splashing. You’ll find that it 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 because of its high density and low air content, 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
• Best industry uses: Bars, restaurants and convenience stores

7. Full cube / Square ice

Hosting an office party? Full ice, also known as square ice, is great for entertaining because of its impressively sleek, stylish look. You’ll often find square ice in restaurants, bars and convenience stores. Like classic and half-moon ice, square ice offers excellent cooling because it melts slowly, making it ideal for bagging and dispensing. 

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

8. Bullet ice

Image Courtesy: 360 Connect 

Bullet ice 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
• Best industry uses: 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 its high density ensures 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
• Best industry uses: Nice bars, high-end restaurants

Compare types of ice by industry application.

While all nine types of commercial ice serve a purpose, certain options are better suited for your workplace depending on your use – whether that’s serving customers, showcasing food or impressing every guest. Here’s a recap of the industries that best fit each type of ice:

How to choose the right ice type for your business 

Finding the best commercial ice maker 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 or employees 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 ice maker 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, half-dice ice and crescent ice. Culligan Quench ice machines also feature advanced filtration and purification technologies, ensuring clean and great-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.

Questions & Answers

What type of ice do restaurants typically use?

Full-service restaurants typically use ice that melts slowly so it keeps your drinks cool for longer, like half-dice ice, gourmet ice, tulip ice and full cube ice. On the other hand, quick service restaurants have adopted nugget ice makers serving chewable nugget ice as it tends to be a customer favorite.

Which ice melts the slowest?

Ice with a high density and low air content melts the slowest. This includes classic dice ice, crescent ice, full cube ice and gourmet ice. You’ll often see restaurants and bars use these types of ice because they’re great for cooling drinks without diluting their flavor.

Is chewing nugget ice bad for your teeth?

The small shape and softer texture of nugget ice make it fun to chew. However, chewing it frequently has the potential to damage the enamel on your teeth. So it’s smart to use caution if you have sensitive teeth or you know you have weakened enamel.