Hoshizaki KM-231BAK Buying Guide: 223 lb Crescent Ice, 80 lb Bin and Undercounter Sizing
Quick answer
The Hoshizaki KM-231BAK combines a 223 lb/day crescent-cube rating with an 80 lb built-in bin in a 24-inch cabinet. Under hotter 90F/70F conditions, production is about 163 lb/day, so this model is best sized as a high-output undercounter station rather than treated like a 223 lb/day machine in every kitchen.
Key Specifications
|
Specification |
Current verified detail |
|---|---|
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Machine style |
Self-contained air-cooled undercounter ice machine with built-in bin |
|
Ice type |
Crescent cube |
|
Production - 70F air / 50F water |
223 lb per 24 hours |
|
Production - 90F air / 70F water |
163 lb per 24 hours |
|
Built-in storage |
80 lb |
|
Dimensions |
24 W x 28 D x 39 H in. |
|
Electrical |
115V/60/1; 5.2A; 15A max; 6.5-ft NEMA 5-15P cord |
|
Energy use |
6.2 kWh per 100 lb at 90F/70F |
|
Potable water use |
34 gal per 100 lb at 90F/70F |
|
Refrigerant |
R290; 4.1 oz charge |
|
Key features |
Front-in/front-out airflow, CycleSaver, EverCheck, removable air filter, ADA-compliant bin opening |
Production and storage solve different problems
KM-231BAK can make up to 223 lb of ice in 24 hours at 70F/50F, but its built-in bin holds 80 lb. Those numbers are not supposed to match. Production tells you how fast the machine can replenish ice; storage tells you how much is ready at one time when a rush begins.
The warmer 90F/70F rating is 163 lb/day. If demand is concentrated into a short lunch or bar rush, the 80 lb bin may matter more than the 24-hour headline. Size both numbers around actual service patterns.
A true self-contained 24-inch solution
Unlike a modular head that requires a separate bin, KM-231BAK combines the ice maker, condenser and storage in one cabinet. It measures 24 inches wide, 28 inches deep and 39 inches high and uses front-in/front-out airflow, which is useful for undercounter placement.
Front ventilation does not mean the machine can be sealed into any cabinet without planning. Keep the front airflow path clear and preserve service access. The water supply, drain and electrical connection still need to be accessible.
Crescent ice works for everyday beverage service
Hoshizaki crescent ice is a hard, curved cube designed for beverage use. It is well suited to water, soda, iced tea, restaurant tables, office breakrooms and hotel or hospitality beverage stations.
If customers are specifically asking for soft chewable ice, compare F-330BAK-C or another nugget/cubelet model. The KM-231BAK is a better choice when a solid cube and general beverage versatility matter more than chewability.
Electrical and plumbing are straightforward but still commercial
The unit runs on 115V/60/1 with 5.2A draw and a maximum 15A breaker. Hoshizaki supplies a 6.5-foot cord with NEMA 5-15P plug, which simplifies electrical planning compared with a hardwired modular head.
The machine still requires a cold potable water line and gravity drain. Hoshizaki lists 10-113 psig water pressure and 45-90F inlet-water range. Verify drain routing before ordering; a machine that fits the cabinet but cannot drain properly is not a workable installation.
KM-231BAK vs F-330BAK-C
Both Hoshizaki machines are 24 inches wide and have 80 lb built-in bins, but they serve different needs. KM-231BAK makes crescent ice and is rated 223/163 lb per day. F-330BAK-C makes mini cubelet ice and is rated 300/250 lb per day.
F-330BAK-C is also two inches shallower at 26 inches deep. Choose KM-231BAK for solid crescent beverage ice. Choose F-330BAK-C when soft cubelet ice, higher output and nugget-style drink experience are more important.
Operating efficiency and water use
Hoshizaki lists 6.2 kWh and 34 gallons of potable water per 100 lb of ice at 90/70 for KM-231BAK. These figures are useful for comparing total ownership cost with other undercounter models, especially where utility rates are high.
Water quality also influences maintenance frequency. A properly sized filter can reduce sediment and taste/odor issues, but it must maintain enough flow and pressure for the machine.
Who should choose KM-231BAK?
This machine fits cafes, bars, offices, hotels and restaurant satellite stations that want a single 24-inch unit with substantial built-in storage and crescent ice. It is particularly attractive where a separate head-and-bin system would be too tall or complex.
If the warm-condition demand is near 163 lb/day or the 80 lb bin is likely to be emptied during a single rush, move up in production/storage or use multiple points of ice production.
KM-231BAK FAQ
How much ice does KM-231BAK make?
It is rated at 223 lb/day at 70F/50F and about 163 lb/day at 90F/70F.
How much ice does KM-231BAK store?
The built-in bin holds up to 80 lb of ice.
Is KM-231BAK front breathing?
Yes. Hoshizaki specifies front-in/front-out airflow, which supports undercounter placement when the front remains unobstructed.
Does KM-231BAK plug into a standard outlet?
It uses 115V/60/1 and includes a NEMA 5-15P cord. The dedicated circuit and local code requirements should still be verified.
Is KM-231BAK ADA compliant?
Hoshizaki lists an ADA-compliant ice bin opening on the current model.
KM-231BAK or F-330BAK-C?
Choose KM-231BAK for crescent cube ice; choose F-330BAK-C for higher-output soft cubelet ice. Both use an 80 lb built-in bin.
Buying takeaway
Choose this model when you need a self-contained 24-inch crescent machine with an 80 lb bin and your warm-condition demand fits below 163 lb/day with reserve.
CTA: Shop the Hoshizaki KM-231BAK or contact the Ice Maker Supply equipment team for sizing, bin and installation guidance.
