Are there any other key ice machine trends or developments that dealers should be aware of?

Environmentally friendly and efficient machines will undoubtedly lead the way in 2024, however, the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic has also brought hygiene issues to the fore. Much of the recent media attention on ice contamination has been attributed to a lack of personal hygiene by operators, however, some ice machine manufacturers have developed a range of hygiene-led features to ensure a hygienic ice-making process.

“Our range of ice machines benefit from a special ‘sealed’ feature that produces ice in a sealed environment, preventing the ingress of airborne bacteria during the freezing process,” says Roz Scourfield. “An automatic fresh water rinse cycle after each harvest further ensures the cleanliness of the equipment,” she adds.

Self-service functionality is an increasingly popular feature on ice machines. With many businesses having to deal with labour shortages, equipment that reduces staff workload will be of great help.

“Operators are also becoming more aware of the importance of using the right type of ice, and how these different types of ice can be used to improve and expand menus,” says Hubbard’s Rees.

“For example, Cube Ice can be made quickly, making it ideal for businesses that require large quantities of ice throughout the day. As the ice is very soft, it blends easily, making it ideal for coffee shops and cafes that serve mixed drinks.

“Similarly, the hard, clear nature of the most popular ice cube, Super Cube, makes it ideal for premium spirits, as its slow-melting nature reduces the dilution effect on the drink. This also makes it ideal for other uses that require longer cooling, such as producing cold brew coffee.”

Mark Hogan of FEM said the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly ice-making technology will play an increasingly important role across the industry.

“In the coming years, we expect further advances to make ice machines even more energy and water efficient, helping businesses and operators to minimise their carbon footprint and reduce operating costs.”