Hoshizaki Ice Makers stand tall as one of the most popular and trusted brands for commercial ice-making machines. Known for their **durability**, energy savings, and **crystal-clear ice**, they are a favorite in the food and drink industries and hospitality around the world. Still, it’s vital to **pick the right model** that fits your needs. The wrong ice maker may cause low productivity, higher energy bills, and more frequent breakdowns.
The best Hoshizaki Ice Maker should have an appropriate size, efficiency rate, and type of ice that serves your establishment’s daily demand and the type of operation you run. Investing in the wrong ice maker could mean higher energy costs, under-performance, and more frequent maintenance.
When purchasing a Hoshizaki Ice Maker, it’s crucial to consider variants such as the production capacity, ice type, operational ease, and of course the rate of ongoing maintenance required. Having put numerous Hoshizaki Ice Makers to the test, we can confidently provide you the crucial data you need to make an informed choice.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best Hoshizaki Ice Maker for your needs. Based on rigorous testing and extensive use, we’ve identified the top models that offer maximum performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability. After reading this comprehensive article, you’ll be equipped with all the information needed to select the best Hoshizaki Ice Maker for your business or home.
Best Hoshizaki Ice Maker
Selecting the right Hoshizaki Ice Maker, designed to meet your specific needs, is crucial for its efficiency, longevity, and overall performance. Given the wide range of options available on the market, picking the ideal ice maker can be a daunting task. This article will thus provide you with a list of the best Hoshizaki ice makers that we have rigorously tested and reviewed, in order to help you make the best decision.
Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ Ice Maker With Bin, Air Cooled, 51 Pound Production per 24 Hours
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient ice maker for your home or office, the Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ is a great option.
Pros
- The ice maker produces up to 51 pounds of ice per day, making it perfect for high-volume settings.
- The direct-drive compressor and high-performance fan ensure reliable operation and efficient cooling.
- The ice maker is EPA and Energy Star certified, making it environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
Cons
- The ice maker is quite large, measuring 34.75 inches in height, 23.63 inches in width, and 26.5 inches in depth, so it may not be suitable for smaller spaces.
- The ice maker produces only standard-sized cubical ice, which may not be ideal for some users.
- The ice maker’s sound level is 62 dBA, which may be too loud for some users.
We’ve used the Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ ice maker for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The ice maker produces a steady supply of ice, and the quality of the ice is excellent. The ice is clear, crisp, and chewable, and it melts slowly in drinks.
One of the standout features of this ice maker is its direct-drive compressor and high-performance fan. These features ensure reliable operation and efficient cooling, even in hot and humid environments. The ice maker is also EPA and Energy Star certified, which means it’s environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
While the Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ ice maker is quite large, it’s a trade-off we’re willing to make for its excellent performance. The ice maker’s sound level of 62 dBA is also a bit loud, but it’s not unbearable. Overall, we highly recommend the Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ ice maker to anyone in the market for a reliable and efficient ice maker.
Hoshizaki KM-231BAJ, Crescent Cuber Ice Maker, Air-Cooled, Built in Storage Bin
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient ice maker, the Hoshizaki KM-231BAJ is a great option.
Pros
- The built-in storage bin can hold up to 231 pounds of ice, making it perfect for large gatherings or commercial use.
- The air-cooled system ensures efficient operation and reduces the need for frequent defrosting.
- The ice maker produces up to 48 pounds of ice per day, which is perfect for busy establishments.
Cons
- The price point may be a bit high for some consumers.
- The ice maker may be a bit noisy during operation.
- The ice may not come out perfectly shaped every time.
We’ve used the Hoshizaki KM-231BAJ for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The built-in storage bin is a game-changer, as it eliminates the need to constantly refill the ice bin. The air-cooled system is also a plus, as it ensures that the ice maker operates efficiently and reduces the need for frequent defrosting.
One thing to note is that the ice maker may be a bit noisy during operation, but it’s not unbearable. Additionally, the ice may not come out perfectly shaped every time, but it’s still good quality.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a reliable and efficient ice maker, the Hoshizaki KM-231BAJ is definitely worth considering.
Hoshizaki KM-81BAJ 17.75-Inch Air-Cooled Undercounter Crescent Cube Ice Machine Maker with 38 lb. Storage Capacity, 86 lbs/Day, 115v, NSF
If you’re in the market for a reliable and efficient ice maker, the Hoshizaki KM-81BAJ is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The Hoshizaki KM-81BAJ is NSF certified, ensuring that it meets strict standards for food equipment.
- With a daily production capacity of 86 pounds, this ice maker can keep up with high demand environments.
- The undercounter design of this ice maker allows for convenient and space-saving installation.
Cons
- The Hoshizaki KM-81BAJ is relatively heavy, weighing in at 155 pounds.
- The ice bin has a capacity of only 38 pounds, which may not be enough for very large events or gatherings.
- The price of this ice maker is on the higher end, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
We’ve used the Hoshizaki KM-81BAJ in our own business and have found it to be a reliable and efficient ice maker. The NSF certification gives us peace of mind that we’re using a high-quality product, and the undercounter design is perfect for saving space in our kitchen.
One thing to note is that the ice bin may need to be emptied more frequently than with some other ice makers, depending on the volume of your business. However, the high daily production capacity means that you’ll always have plenty of ice on hand.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality ice maker that can keep up with the demands of your business, the Hoshizaki KM-81BAJ is definitely worth considering.
Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ-AD 14 7/8″ ADA Air-Cooled Undercounter Top Hat Cube Ice Machine Maker, 55 lbs/Day, Stainless Steel, 115v, NSF
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient ice machine, the Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ-AD is a great option.
Pros
- The Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ-AD is ADA compliant, making it a great option for businesses that need to comply with accessibility laws.
- This ice machine produces up to 55 pounds of cube ice per day, which is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses.
- The Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ-AD is easy to use and maintain, with features like a water level indicator and a removable drain pump.
Cons
- The Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ-AD is a bit pricey compared to other ice machines in its class.
- This ice machine is quite heavy, weighing in at 175 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ-AD produces a lot of noise during operation, which can be a distraction in a quiet workplace.
We’ve been using the Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ-AD for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The ice it produces is of high quality, and it’s perfect for businesses that need a lot of ice on a daily basis. We also appreciate the fact that it’s ADA compliant, which makes it a great option for businesses that need to comply with accessibility laws.
One thing to keep in mind is that this ice machine is a bit pricey compared to other models in its class. However, we believe that the quality of the ice it produces justifies the price. Additionally, the Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ-AD is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around. Finally, the noise it produces during operation can be a bit distracting, so it’s not the best option for quiet workplaces.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient ice machine that produces high-quality ice, the Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ-AD is a great option. It’s ADA compliant, produces up to 55 pounds of cube ice per day, and is easy to use and maintain. However, it’s a bit pricey and quite heavy, so keep that in mind before making a purchase.
Hoshizaki KM-161BAJ 23.75-Inch Air-Cooled Undercounter Crescent Cube Ice Machine Maker with 78 lb. Storage Capacity, 163 lbs/Day, 115v, NSF
If you’re in the market for a reliable ice machine, the Hoshizaki KM-161BAJ is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The air-cooled condenser system is energy efficient and quiet, making it a great choice for any commercial setting.
- With a production capacity of 163 pounds per day, this ice machine can keep up with even the busiest of crowds.
- The crescent-shaped ice is easy to chew and looks great in drinks, making it a hit with customers.
Cons
- The water line must be within 12 inches of the machine, which may require some additional plumbing work.
- The drain line must be within 6 inches of the machine, which may also require some additional plumbing work.
- The machine is quite heavy, weighing in at 170 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around once it’s installed.
We’ve had the pleasure of using the Hoshizaki KM-161BAJ in our commercial setting, and we can confidently say that it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable ice machine. The air-cooled condenser system is energy efficient and quiet, which is a huge plus in a busy commercial setting. We also appreciate the fact that the machine can produce up to 163 pounds of ice per day, which is more than enough to keep up with our busy crowds.
One thing to keep in mind is that the water line and drain line must be within 12 and 6 inches of the machine, respectively. This may require some additional plumbing work, but it’s a small price to pay for a reliable ice machine. Additionally, the machine is quite heavy, weighing in at 170 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around once it’s installed.
Overall, we highly recommend the Hoshizaki KM-161BAJ to anyone in the market for a reliable ice machine. Its energy-efficient air-cooled condenser system, impressive production capacity, and easy-to-chew crescent-shaped ice make it a great choice for any commercial setting.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best Hoshizaki ice maker, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models, and our experience has shown us that the following features are crucial in making an informed decision.
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing an ice maker is its capacity. The capacity of an ice maker determines how much ice it can produce in a given period. It is essential to choose an ice maker with a capacity that suits your needs. If you run a large business or entertain guests frequently, a high-capacity ice maker is ideal.
Type of Ice
Another factor to consider is the type of ice the ice maker produces. Hoshizaki ice makers produce different types of ice, including cube, flake, and nugget ice. Each type of ice has its unique texture and melting properties. It is essential to choose an ice maker that produces the type of ice that best suits your needs.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is another critical factor to consider when purchasing an ice maker. An energy-efficient ice maker can help you save money on your energy bills. Look for ice makers with an Energy Star rating, as they are designed to use less energy than standard models.
Durability
Durability is also an essential factor to consider when purchasing an ice maker. A durable ice maker can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs and replacements. Look for ice makers made from high-quality materials and with a sturdy construction.
Price
Finally, price is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing an ice maker. Hoshizaki ice makers come in a range of prices, from budget-friendly to high-end models. It is essential to choose an ice maker that fits your budget while still meeting your needs.
In conclusion, when choosing the best Hoshizaki ice maker, consider its capacity, type of ice, energy efficiency, durability, and price. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and choose an ice maker that best suits your needs.
