Flake Ice Makers

💡 Important: All three ITV IQF models are modular heads — they produce ice but have no built-in storage. Each pairs with a separate ITV storage bin or dispenser (S-series bins or SCS/SCD dispensers), so you can size storage to your demand and scale later. Ask us to spec the right head-and-bin combination for your space.

✅ NSF and ETL (cETLus) listed · AISI 304 stainless steel build · Warranty: 3 years parts & labor, 5 years on the auger, 5 years on the compressor.
Need help choosing? Get a free sizing recommendation →

Quick Buying Guide

Use this 60-second overview to narrow your options before you read the detailed sections below.

• Daily production capacity. Estimate your peak daily ice use, then add ~20% headroom. The ITV IQF line covers ~772, 860, and 1,250 lb/day. Most single-location seafood counters and restaurants land in the 700–900 lb range; processors and distribution sites move toward 1,200+ lb.

• Cooling type. All current ITV IQF flakers are air-cooled, which is simple to install and efficient in climate-controlled rooms. Make sure the space has airflow and stays under 109°F. (Water-cooled and remote condenser options exist across the broader market for hot or tight rooms — ask us if your environment is unusual.)

• Storage options. These are modular heads, so budget for a matching ice storage bin (S400-22, S500, S750, S900, S1050) or a dispenser (SCS/SCD). Size the bin to hold at least your peak service volume.

• Installation. Plan for a cold water line (3/8" inlet), a gravity drain (3/4"), a dedicated circuit (115V for IQF 700/900, 220V for IQF 1200), and clearance for airflow and service.

• Recommended industries. Seafood and fresh-food display, supermarkets, restaurants, healthcare and labs, food processing, breweries, and concrete/industrial cooling.

🧊 Best for most buyers: the ITV IQF 700 R290 — high output, low-GWP natural refrigerant, standard 115V power, and the easiest to install of the three.

Best Flake Ice Makers (Our Expert Picks)

We carry three ITV IQF flake heads. Here's which one wins for each priority, and why — so you can match your situation to a specific machine in seconds.

💡 Quick read: Most buyers should start with the IQF 700. Step up to the IQF 900 for busy seafood/grocery volume, or the IQF 1200 when you need 1,000+ lb/day. All three need a separate storage bin.

Who Should Buy Each Flake Ice Maker?

Honest fit guidance for each model — including who should not buy it.

ITV IQF 700 R290 — 772 lb/day (Best Overall / Best Value)

✓ Ideal for

• Restaurants and commercial kitchens serving roughly 300+ meals/day

• Seafood retailers and fish counters with steady (not peak-extreme) volume

• Grocery and supermarket fresh departments

• Hospitals, clinics, and laboratories needing NSF-listed flake ice

• Operations that want low-GWP refrigerant and standard 115V power

✗ Not recommended for

• Small offices or residential kitchens (far too much capacity)

• Coffee shops or low-demand bars (cube/nugget is a better fit)

• Sites needing 1,000+ lb/day (size up to the IQF 1200)

ITV IQF 900 — 860 lb/day (Best for Seafood Markets)

✓ Ideal for

• High-turnover seafood markets and fish/meat counters

• Busy supermarkets and multi-station commercial kitchens

• Small-to-mid food processing operations

• Healthcare facilities with higher per-zone demand

✗ Not recommended for

• Low-volume cafés, bars, or small restaurants (oversized)

• Residential or light-commercial use

• Buyers who only need beverage ice

ITV IQF 1200 — 1,250 lb/day, 220V (Best Heavy-Duty)

✓ Ideal for

• Food processors and food manufacturing lines

• Large fish houses, fisheries, and seafood distribution

• Concrete cooling and industrial cooling jobs

• High-volume supermarkets and multi-department stores

✗ Not recommended for

• Any site without a 220V circuit (this model requires it)

• Restaurants, cafés, and small markets (capacity far exceeds need)

• Buyers who can't accommodate a large matching storage bin

Best Flake Ice Makers by Industry

Flake ice isn't one-size-fits-all. Here's why it wins in each setting and how to size it.

Restaurants & Commercial Kitchens

Flake ice molds around plated seafood, packs raw bars and cold wells, and chills prep ingredients fast. It's also gentle on blenders for frozen drinks and smoothies. For most full-service restaurants, an air-cooled modular head in the 772–860 lb/day range paired with a 400–750 lb bin covers prep, display, and bar service. Pair with a commercial ice machine for beverage cube ice if you also need drink ice.

Healthcare & Hospitals

Hospitals and clinics use flake ice for therapy, cold packs, and patient cooling because it's soft, conforms to the body, and is gentle to handle. Specify NSF-listed equipment and add water filtration to support sanitation. Our Healthcare Ice Machines collection includes the same ITV IQF flakers configured for care settings. Match capacity to bed count and therapy demand; many facilities do well with 700–900 lb/day per zone.

Seafood Markets & Fish Counters

This is flake ice's home turf. Soft flakes bed fish and shellfish without bruising, hold display temperature, and drain cleanly as they melt — keeping product moist and presentable. High-turnover counters and fish houses should look at the IQF 900 or IQF 1200 with a large bin so you never run dry during a delivery rush.

Food Processing & Food Manufacturing

Processors use flake ice to chill product during grinding, mixing, and packing, and to hold temperature through the line. The dry, sub-cooled flakes from the ITV vertical evaporator incorporate cleanly into batches. For continuous lines, the IQF 1200 (1,250 lb/day) plus a dispenser keeps ice flowing; large operations run multiple heads.

Concrete Cooling & Industrial Use

Large concrete pours use flake ice to control the temperature of the mix and prevent cracking in hot weather. Industrial sites value high daily output and rugged stainless construction. The IQF 1200 is the workhorse here; very large jobs stage multiple machines and bins.

Supermarkets & Grocery

Flake ice merchandises fresh fish, shellfish, and produce on open display, signaling freshness to shoppers while protecting product. Mid-size stores typically run a 772–860 lb/day head; multi-department or high-traffic stores step up to the IQF 1200.

Laboratories & Pharmaceutical

Labs use flake ice for sample preservation, reagent cooling, and maintaining cold chains on the bench. Soft flake packs tightly around vials and containers. Prioritize NSF-listed equipment, consistent water quality, and reliable output; a 700–900 lb/day head suits most labs.

Bars & Breweries

Bars use flake (and the related nugget) ice for blended cocktails and raw-bar display; breweries use it for rapid wort cooling and temperature control. If chewable beverage ice is the priority, also consider our Commercial Nugget Ice Machines. For cooling and display, the ITV IQF flakers are the right call.

What Is Flake Ice?

Flake ice is soft, small, irregular ice made by freezing a thin layer of water onto a chilled cylinder or plate and then scraping it off with a stainless steel auger. The result is light, sub-cooled flakes rather than solid cubes.

How it's produced. In the ITV IQF flakers, water freezes against a vertical cylindrical evaporator, and a rotating stainless auger shaves it into compact flakes. ITV's design produces "dryer" flakes with roughly 15% residual water content (about 85% ice content) — drier ice holds temperature better and is easier to handle and dispense.

Texture & temperature. Flake ice is soft and moldable, with a very high surface area relative to its mass. It is sub-cooled (colder than 32°F at the moment of production), which is part of why it pulls heat out of product so quickly.

Advantages. Its high contact surface and conforming shape cool faster and more evenly than cube ice, and its softness protects delicate product like fish fillets and produce.

Food safety. When made on NSF-listed equipment, maintained on a regular cleaning schedule, and fed with filtered water, flake ice supports compliance with the FDA Food Code and standard sanitation practices for ice that contacts food.

Commercial applications. Fresh-food and seafood display, food processing, healthcare therapy, lab cooling, blended beverages, and industrial/concrete cooling.

Benefits of Flake Ice

• Rapid cooling. High surface area means flake ice draws heat out of product faster than cube or crescent ice — critical for fresh fish and quick food chilling.

• Large contact surface. Flakes nestle into every gap, surrounding product evenly with no warm pockets.

• Reduced product damage. Soft, edge-free flakes won't bruise or pierce delicate items the way hard cubes can.

• Food presentation. A clean bed of flake ice signals freshness and makes seafood and produce displays look their best.

• Medical & therapeutic use. Soft, conforming ice is comfortable against the body for cold therapy and packs.

• Energy efficiency. ITV's high-efficiency evaporator and (on the IQF 700) low-GWP R290 refrigerant lower energy use per 100 lb of ice produced.

• Operational efficiency. Drier flakes flow and dispense cleanly, reducing clumping, waste, and labor at the counter.

📌 Summary: Flake ice cools faster, protects product, and presents better than cube ice — which is exactly why seafood, healthcare, and food-processing operations specify it.

Flake Ice vs. Other Ice Types

Different ice shapes solve different problems. Here's how flake compares — and which businesses should pick which.

Flake vs. Cube Ice

Recommendation: Choose flake for cooling, display, and processing; choose cube for beverage-forward operations. Many businesses run both.

Flake vs. Nugget Ice

Recommendation: Flake for display and product cooling; nugget for drink-forward and patient-beverage use.

Flake vs. Crescent Ice

Recommendation: Crescent suits high-volume beverage dispensing; flake suits cooling and presentation.

Flake vs. Gourmet (Top-Hat/Octagon) Ice

Recommendation: Gourmet ice is for premium drinks; flake is for everything cooling- and display-related.

Flake vs. Crushed Ice

Recommendation: Purpose-built flake ice beats crushed cube ice for display and product safety, and it's more consistent and lower-labor.

How to Choose the Right Flake Ice Maker

Work through these factors in order. Our team can confirm your spec in a quick call.

• Daily production capacity. Calculate peak daily demand and add ~20% buffer. Remember that rated output assumes mild conditions — production drops in hot rooms or with warm water.

• Storage bin size. Modular heads need a bin. Size it to hold your peak service draw plus a safety margin. Pair ITV heads with S400-22 / S500 / S750 / S900 / S1050 bins or SCS/SCD dispensers.

• Air-cooled vs. water-cooled. All current ITV IQF flakers are air-cooled (simplest, efficient in cool rooms). Water-cooled units exist across the market for hot/cramped spaces but use more water — ask us if your room runs hot.

• Remote condenser. Remote condensers move heat and noise outside; useful for tight or temperature-sensitive rooms. Not part of the current ITV IQF air-cooled lineup — contact us for remote options.

• Undercounter vs. modular vs. self-contained. Undercounter units fit under a 40" counter for low volume. Self-contained units combine head and bin. Modular heads (the ITV IQF line) deliver the highest output and let you size storage independently.

• Water filtration. A filter (ITV CS-101 K cartridge system) reduces scale and chlorine, improving ice quality and extending machine life — strongly recommended in hard-water areas.

• NSF certification. Specify NSF-listed equipment (all ITV IQF models qualify) for any ice that contacts food, and to satisfy most health inspectors.

• ENERGY STAR & efficiency. Look for ENERGY STAR where available; note that some high-capacity and specialty machines fall outside the program's scope. The IQF 700's R290 refrigerant and ITV's high-efficiency evaporator reduce energy use.

• Water quality. Hard or heavily chlorinated water accelerates scale and shortens component life. Test your water and filter accordingly.

• Available space & power. Confirm footprint, airflow clearance, and the right circuit — the IQF 1200 requires 220V, while the IQF 700 and 900 run on standard 115V.

• Future growth. Modular heads make it easy to add a second machine or a larger bin later — buy a platform you can scale.

✅ Buyer's checklist: peak daily lbs + 20% → bin size → confirmed power (115V vs 220V) → water line & drain → airflow clearance → water filter → NSF listing. If all seven check out, you're ready to order.

Flake Ice Maker Decision Flowchart

Not sure which way to go? Follow the path.

Step 1 — What's the ice mainly for?

Is the ice PRIMARILY for drinks/beverages?

        │

        ├── YES ──► Flake melts fast and waters drinks down.

        │           Choose CUBE (slow-melt) or NUGGET (chewable) instead.

        │           → See Commercial or Nugget Ice Machines.

        │

        └── NO ───► Continue to Step 2.

Step 2 — Do you need cooling, display, or processing?

Seafood/fresh-food display, food cooling, healthcare, or processing?

        │

        ├── YES ──► FLAKE ICE is the right type. Continue to Step 3.

        │

        └── NO / mixed ──► Talk to our team; you may need flake + cube.

Step 3 — How much ice per day (peak + 20%)?

Daily production needed?

        │

        ├── Over 1,000 lb/day ──────────► ITV IQF 1200  (1,250 lb/day, 220V)

        │

        ├── ~800–1,000 lb/day ──────────► ITV IQF 900   (860 lb/day, 115V)

        │

        └── Up to ~800 lb/day ──────────► ITV IQF 700   (772 lb/day, 115V, R290)

Step 4 — Confirm before ordering

✓ Power confirmed (IQF 1200 needs 220V)

✓ Matching storage bin selected (heads have no built-in storage)

✓ Room stays under 109°F with airflow

✓ Water filter for hard-water areas

        │

        └──► Ready to order. Not sure? → /pages/contact

🧭 Shortcut: No drink-ice need + under ~800 lb/day → IQF 700. Seafood/grocery volume → IQF 900. Processing or 1,000+ lb/day → IQF 1200.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Flake Ice Maker

After helping commercial buyers spec ice systems, these are the costly errors we see most — and how to avoid them.

• Buying too little production capacity. Rated output assumes mild conditions; real output drops in hot rooms and with warm water. Size to your peak day plus ~20%, not your average. Running short during a delivery or rush is the #1 regret.

• Forgetting the storage bin. All ITV IQF models are modular heads with no storage. Budget for a matching bin (or dispenser) up front, and size it to your peak service draw — not just the machine's hourly output.

• Ignoring room temperature. Air-cooled machines reject heat into the room and lose capacity above ~90°F. A hot back-of-house can quietly cut production by 20–30%. Plan ventilation, or ask about water-cooled/remote options.

• Choosing the wrong electrical supply. The IQF 1200 requires 220V — confirm your panel before ordering. Every machine needs a dedicated circuit with the correct wiring and breaker.

• Skipping water filtration. Hard or chlorinated water causes scale that throttles output, raises energy use, and shortens component life. A filter is cheap insurance that pays for itself.

• Underestimating future growth. If you're scaling, buy a modular platform you can add to (a second head or larger bin) rather than re-buying in a year.

• Overlooking maintenance from day one. No descaling/filter plan means premature failure. Budget the time and supplies before, not after, the machine arrives.

⚠️ The expensive lesson: Nearly every "this machine is bad" complaint we investigate traces back to undersizing, a hot room, or skipped maintenance — not the machine. Spec it right and maintain it, and a commercial flaker runs for years.

Production Capacity Guide (Sizing Table)

Rated output assumes mild ambient and water temperatures; real-world output is lower in hot rooms or with warm supply water. Always size to peak demand, not average.

💡 Rule of thumb: Seafood display and processing consume far more ice per square foot than beverage service. When in doubt, size up — running short during a delivery or rush costs more than a slightly larger machine.

Brand Comparison

An objective look at the major commercial ice brands U.S. buyers compare, and where ITV (the brand we carry) fits.

How to read this: Scotsman, Hoshizaki, Ice-O-Matic, Manitowoc, and Follett are all reputable; the right pick depends on capacity, service network, and budget. ITV IQF flakers deliver NSF/ETL-listed, stainless-built flake ice at a strong value, with a modular head-and-bin design that scales — which is why they anchor our flake collection. For your specific application,  tell us your volume and environment and we'll recommend the best available match.

⚖️ We stay objective: We won't tell you a brand is "best" in the abstract. We'll match your volume, space, water, and budget to the right machine — and we carry the ITV IQF line because it delivers on value, build quality, and warranty.

Why Choose ITV Flake Ice Machines Over Other Brands?

This is a feature comparison, not a superiority claim — every brand here is reputable. Use it to evaluate what matters for your purchase.

How to use this: If low-GWP refrigerant, a strong warranty, and value-per-pound matter most, the ITV IQF line is a strong pick — and it's what we stock and support directly. If you have a standing relationship with another brand's service network, factor that in. We're happy to help you weigh it objectively.

Installation Guide

Professional installation is strongly recommended. Plan for these requirements before delivery.

• Water supply. A dedicated cold potable water line to the 3/8" FPT inlet, within the 14.5–87 psi operating range. Add a shutoff valve and, ideally, a water filter.

• Drainage. A 3/4" FPT gravity drain with proper air gap per local plumbing code. The bin also needs a drain.

• Electrical. A dedicated circuit: 115V / 60Hz single-phase for the IQF 700 and 900, 220V / 60Hz single-phase for the IQF 1200. Use the specified wiring (16 AWG, 3-conductor) and a 20A fuse/breaker per the spec sheet and local code.

• Ventilation. Air-cooled units reject heat into the room. Keep ambient below 109°F and ensure adequate airflow so the condenser can breathe.

• Clearance. Leave manufacturer-specified clearance (typically several inches) on the sides and top for airflow and service access. Cabinet footprint is ~22" W × 24.5" D × 28" H for the head.

• Professional installation. Use a licensed refrigeration/plumbing technician to set the head on its bin, connect water and drain, and start up the machine. Proper startup protects your warranty.

🔧 Pro tip: Confirm your room's summer-peak temperature and water hardness before install. Hot rooms cut production; hard water causes scale. Both are solvable — but only if you plan for them up front.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Consistent maintenance is the single biggest factor in ice machine lifespan, ice quality, and food safety. Follow this schedule (and your manufacturer manual).

• Daily: Wipe down exterior and bin door; confirm ice quality and production; check for leaks or unusual noise.

• Weekly: Inspect and clean the bin interior; verify the drain is flowing; check the water filter indicator.

• Monthly: Clean/clear the air-cooled condenser of dust and lint (a clogged condenser kills production); inspect water lines.

• Quarterly: Sanitize the ice-contact surfaces and bin; descale per the manual using an approved cleaner (e.g., Scale Kleen), especially in hard-water areas; replace the water filter cartridge on schedule (e.g., CS-101 K / replacement cartridge).

• Annual: Have a qualified technician perform a full service — inspect the auger, gear motor, evaporator, refrigerant charge, electrical connections, and seals.

🧽 Why it matters: Scale and biofilm reduce output, raise energy use, and create food-safety risk. A clean, descaled machine with a fresh filter produces more ice, uses less power, and lasts years longer. ITV backs the auger and compressor for 5 years — proper maintenance is how you reach and exceed that.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

When to call a technician: persistent low production after cleaning, refrigerant concerns, auger/gear-motor noise, electrical faults, or any repair under warranty. Don't open sealed refrigeration components yourself — it can void coverage. Our team can connect you with warranty support and parts.

Why Buy Your Flake Ice Maker from IceMakerSupply

• Commercial equipment specialists. Ice machines are what we do — we help you spec the right head, bin, and filtration for your industry, not just sell a box.

• Manufacturer-backed products. We carry NSF/ETL-listed ITV IQF machines with full factory warranties (3 years parts & labor, 5 years auger and compressor).

• Competitive pricing. Strong value on commercial-grade equipment, with current promotional pricing on the IQF flake lineup.

• Fast U.S. shipping. Quick, reliable delivery across the United States.

• Expert support. Talk to real equipment people for sizing, installation questions, and accessory selection.

• Business-focused solutions. We serve restaurants, healthcare, seafood, supermarkets, processing, labs, and industrial buyers — and we understand your uptime and food-safety stakes.

• Warranty assistance. We help you register coverage and connect with service when you need it.

🤝 Trusted by U.S. operators. Specialist focus, manufacturer-backed equipment, and real human support — before and after the sale.

Why U.S. Businesses Trust IceMakerSupply

A commercial flake ice maker is a multi-thousand-dollar decision. Here's why buyers across the country buy theirs from us with confidence.

• Expert product consultation — talk to real equipment specialists who size the system to your operation.

• Genuine OEM equipment — authentic ITV machines, not gray-market or refurbished units.

• Manufacturer warranty — 3 years parts & labor, 5 years auger, 5 years compressor — and we help you register and use it.

• Sizing & selection assistance — head, bin, and filtration matched to your industry and volume.

• Commercial equipment specialists — ice machines are our focus, not a sideline.

• Fast nationwide shipping — quick, reliable delivery across the United States.

• Secure checkout — protected payments with major cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Shop Pay.

• Dedicated customer support — real help before and after the sale, including service connections.

🔒 Low-risk, high-confidence buying: genuine equipment, real warranties, secure checkout, and people who know flake ice systems inside out.