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Hoshizaki Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Commercial Ice Machine
The right Hoshizaki ice machine comes down to four decisions: the ice shape your drinks or food need, how many pounds you use on your busiest day, whether you need a self-contained unit or a modular head on a separate bin, and how much electricity and water you are willing to pay for over the machine's life. This guide answers each one with manufacturer-verified numbers.
Shop Hoshizaki Ice Machines by Ice Type
Hoshizaki builds four main ice shapes for U.S. foodservice. Crescent cubes are its signature shape; cubelet is its compressed, chewable nugget-style ice.
|
Ice type |
Hoshizaki series |
Best for |
Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Crescent cube |
KM (undercounter & modular) |
Restaurants, bars, soda fountains — the curved shape lets liquid flow around the ice and limits splash |
|
|
Cubelet (nugget-style) |
F-…-C heads, C-80, DCM dispensers |
Healthcare, offices, smoothies, blended drinks, chewable ice fans |
|
|
Top hat / gourmet cube |
AM-50BAK |
Upscale bars, hotels, banquets — slow-melting, clear cubes |
|
|
Specialty clear cube & sphere |
IM-50BAA-LM, IM-50BAA-Q, IM-200BAK |
Craft cocktails, whiskey bars, premium spirits |
IM-50BAA-LM large cube · IM-50BAA-Q sphere · Crystal clear ice makers |
Popular Hoshizaki Models at a Glance
Prices below are Ice Maker Supply sale prices as of October 12, 2026 and can change — the product page always shows the current price. Production figures are maximum AHRI-rated output per 24 hours.
|
Model |
Type |
Ice / 24 hr |
Storage |
Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Undercounter crescent, 17.75" wide |
98 lb |
38 lb built-in |
$2,955 |
|
|
Undercounter crescent |
156 lb |
78 lb built-in |
$3,555 |
|
|
Undercounter crescent |
223 lb |
80 lb built-in |
$3,850 |
|
|
Undercounter crescent |
285 lb |
100 lb built-in |
$4,500 |
|
|
Undercounter cubelet |
92 lb |
27 lb built-in |
$4,610 |
|
|
Countertop cubelet ice & water dispenser |
286 lb |
10 lb built-in |
$6,250 |
|
|
30" modular crescent head |
545 lb |
Bin sold separately |
$4,790 |
|
|
22" modular crescent head, ENERGY STAR |
673 lb |
Bin sold separately |
$5,460 |
|
|
22" modular cubelet head, ENERGY STAR |
653 lb |
Bin sold separately |
$7,665 |
|
|
30" modular crescent head |
1,181 lb |
Bin sold separately |
$8,500 |
|
|
48" modular crescent head |
1,365 lb |
Bin sold separately |
$9,375 |
|
|
48" modular crescent head |
1,875 lb |
Bin sold separately |
$11,800 |
*Sale price as listed on icemakersupply.com, October 12, 2026. Modular heads need a matching Hoshizaki storage bin or dispenser, sold separately.
BAJ vs BAK: What Changed in the New Hoshizaki Models
Short answer: Hoshizaki has replaced its "J" generation ice machines (model numbers ending in BAJ or MAJ) with a "K" generation (BAK, MAK, MAK2). The K models switch from R-404A or R-134a refrigerant to low-global-warming R-290 propane on most units (R-448A on the KM-1130MAK2), use 5–36% less electricity per 100 lb of ice, and in several undercounter models use noticeably more water. Hoshizaki America lists each J model below as "Discontinued – Replaced by" its K model.
If you are replacing an older Hoshizaki — for example a KM-301BAJ — the table shows exactly which current model is its official successor and how running costs change.
|
Discontinued model → Replacement |
Refrigerant (old → new) |
Ice / 24 hr |
Electricity per 100 lb |
Water per 100 lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
KM-81BAJ → KM-81BAK |
R-134a → R-290 |
86 → 98 lb (+14%) |
7.95 → 5.6 kWh (-30%) |
18.2 → 22 gal (+21%) |
|
KM-116BAJ → KM-116BAK |
R-134a → R-290 |
125 → 130 lb (+4%) |
8.1 → 5.2 kWh (-36%) |
20 → 20 gal (0%) |
|
KM-161BAJ → KM-161BAK |
R-134a → R-290 |
163 → 156 lb (-4%) |
8.6 → 5.5 kWh (-36%) |
23 → 22 gal (-4%) |
|
KM-231BAJ → KM-231BAK |
R-404A → R-290 |
213 → 223 lb (+5%) |
8.4 → 6.2 kWh (-26%) |
23.5 → 34 gal (+45%) |
|
KM-301BAJ → KM-301BAK |
R-404A → R-290 |
290 → 285 lb (-2%) |
7.1 → 6 kWh (-15%) |
22 → 31 gal (+41%) |
|
KMD-505MAJ → KM-530MAK |
R-404A → R-290 |
500 → 545 lb (+9%) |
5.55 → 5.3 kWh (-5%) |
24.1 → 25 gal (+4%) |
|
F-801MAJ-C → F-822MAK-C |
R-404A → R-290 |
632 → 653 lb (+3%) |
5 → 4.45 kWh (-11%) |
12 → 12 gal (0%) |
|
KM-1100MAJ → KM-1130MAK2 |
R-404A → R-448A |
1,087 → 1,181 lb (+9%) |
4.9 → 4.55 kWh (-7%) |
19 → 22 gal (+16%) |
Source: Hoshizaki America product pages; energy and water rated at 90°F air / 70°F water. Percentages calculated by Ice Maker Supply.
What this means when you buy
-
Lower electric bills. Running a KM-301BAK at 285 lb/day uses about 6,242 kWh a year versus about 7,386 kWh for the KM-301BAJ making the same ice — roughly 1,144 kWh less (about $149 a year at $0.13/kWh).
-
Plan for water. The same KM-301BAK uses about 9,362 more gallons of water per year at full output. In high water-cost cities, compare total utility cost, not electricity alone — and add a Hoshizaki water filter to protect the evaporator.
-
Same footprint. The KM-301BAK and KM-301BAJ share the same 30" W x 28" D x 39" H cabinet, so a K model drops into the old space.
-
Smaller charge, simpler future service. The KM-301BAK holds 4.8 oz of R-290 versus 13.4 oz of R-404A in the KM-301BAJ. R-290 is flammable, so service should be done by a technician certified for hydrocarbon refrigerants.
The EPA refrigerant deadlines behind the change
Under the EPA's Technology Transitions HFC restrictions, self-contained batch ice machines producing up to 1,000 lb per 24 hours must use refrigerants with a global warming potential of 150 or less for units manufactured or imported from January 1, 2026. Self-contained batch machines above 1,000 lb/day may no longer be manufactured or imported with listed refrigerants such as R-404A from January 1, 2027, and the same refrigerants are restricted for newly installed remote ice machines from January 1, 2027. Hoshizaki's 48-inch R-404A heads such as the KM-1301SAJ and KM-1900SAJ fall in the over-1,000 lb group, which is why buyers planning a 2027 project should confirm availability early.
Compliance note: EPA states its summary tables are for information only; the binding rule is 40 CFR Part 84, Subpart B. This section explains context and is not legal advice.
How to Size a Hoshizaki Ice Machine
Short answer: add up the ice you use on your busiest day, add a 20% buffer, and choose a machine whose AHRI-rated output covers that number. Hoshizaki rates production at 90°F room air and 70°F incoming water, so a machine in a hot kitchen makes less ice and a machine in a cool room makes more.
-
Estimate peak-day use in pounds (drinks served × ice per drink, plus food display, bagged ice and blended drinks). Our daily ice capacity guide has per-business worksheets.
-
Add 20% for growth, events and summer heat.
-
Check the conditions. If your kitchen runs above 90°F, read how hot kitchens reduce ice production and size up.
-
Match storage to your rush. Built-in bins on undercounter models hold 27–100 lb; modular heads need a separate bin — see the pairing table below and our bin sizing guide.
-
Confirm utilities: 115V models such as the KM-301BAK plug into a standard 15A circuit, while large heads such as the KM-1130MAK2 need hardwired 208–230V service. See 115V vs 208–230V requirements and water pressure requirements.
Undercounter vs Modular Hoshizaki Ice Machines
Hoshizaki undercounter ice machines (ice maker + bin in one)
Self-contained undercounter models fit under a bar or counter and need no separate bin. They are the fastest install for bars, cafés and small restaurants using under about 300 lb a day. Options run from the 17.75-inch-wide KM-81BAK to the 100 lb-bin KM-301BAK, plus ADA-height versions such as the C-80BAK-AD and AM-50BAK-AD. Shop all undercounter ice makers.
Hoshizaki modular ice machine heads (head + bin or dispenser)
Modular heads sit on top of a storage bin or ice dispenser and let you size production and storage separately — the right choice from roughly 400 lb/day upward. Hoshizaki heads come in 22-, 30- and 48-inch widths. Compare layouts in self-contained vs modular ice machines or shop modular ice machines.
Hoshizaki bin pairing (verified): Hoshizaki lists the B-800, B-900, B-1150, B-1300, B-1500 and B-1650 bins as compatible with both the KM-1301SAJ and KM-1900SAJ 48-inch heads. Bins are sold separately.
|
Hoshizaki bin |
Width |
Storage capacity |
Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
22" |
300 lb |
$1,555 |
|
|
30" |
500 lb |
$1,725 |
|
|
44" |
700 lb |
$2,140 |
|
|
48" |
800 lb |
$2,310 |
|
|
52" |
900 lb |
$2,430 |
|
|
48" |
1,148 lb |
$5,010 |
|
|
48" |
1,304 lb |
$5,185 |
|
|
60" |
1,500 lb |
$5,655 |
|
|
60" |
1,605 lb |
$5,840 |
*Sale price as of October 12, 2026. Some head-and-bin combinations need a bin top kit (for example HS-2131 for KMD, KMS and FD equipment on B-800SF bins). Check the head's spec sheet or ask us before ordering. Shop ice storage bins.
Hoshizaki Ice & Water Dispensers for Offices and Healthcare
Hoshizaki DCM dispensers make cubelet ice and dispense ice and water from one countertop unit — a sanitary choice for hospitals, clinics, break rooms and self-serve stations. The DCM-271BAK makes up to 286 lb/day, has a 10-1/4" cup clearance, is ADA compliant, and runs a CleanCycle24 two-second purge every hour. Touchless "Opti-Serve" versions such as the DCM-271BAK-OS and DCM-500BAH-OS reduce shared touch points. Shop healthcare ice machines.
What a Hoshizaki Ice Machine Costs to Run Each Year
Short answer: a Hoshizaki undercounter cuber uses roughly 2,000–6,200 kWh a year at full rated output, and a large modular head uses roughly 10,500–28,000 kWh. The table converts Hoshizaki's published efficiency ratings into yearly figures so you can compare true cost of ownership, not just purchase price.
|
Model |
Configuration |
kWh / year |
Electric cost / year** |
Water gal / year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Undercounter crescent, 38 lb bin |
2,003 |
$260 |
7,869 |
|
|
Undercounter crescent, 53 lb bin |
2,467 |
$321 |
9,490 |
|
|
Undercounter crescent, 78 lb bin |
3,132 |
$407 |
12,527 |
|
|
Undercounter crescent, 80 lb bin |
5,046 |
$656 |
27,674 |
|
|
Undercounter crescent, 100 lb bin |
6,242 |
$811 |
32,248 |
|
|
Undercounter cubelet, 27 lb bin |
2,854 |
$371 |
4,030 |
|
|
Cubelet ice & water dispenser |
5,533 |
$719 |
12,527 |
|
|
30" modular crescent head |
10,543 |
$1,371 |
49,731 |
|
|
22" modular crescent head |
12,896 |
$1,677 |
41,760 |
|
|
22" modular cubelet head |
10,606 |
$1,379 |
28,601 |
|
|
30" modular crescent head |
19,613 |
$2,550 |
94,834 |
|
|
48" modular crescent head |
21,274 |
$2,766 |
104,627 |
|
|
48" modular crescent head |
28,059 |
$3,648 |
128,663 |
**Calculated by Ice Maker Supply from Hoshizaki America ratings: daily rated output × kWh (or gallons) per 100 lb at 90°F/70°F × 365 days, at an illustrative $0.13 per kWh. Real use is usually lower because machines stop when the bin is full. Replace the rate with your utility's commercial rate. Dispenser water figures cover ice making only.
ENERGY STAR reports that certified cube-type ice makers are about 10% more energy efficient and 20% more water efficient than standard models, saving about $1,200 over the product's lifetime (ENERGY STAR). Among the models above, Hoshizaki lists the KM-622MAK and F-822MAK-C as ENERGY STAR qualified. For filters, cleaning and service costs, read our full commercial ice machine operating cost guide.
Hoshizaki Warranty Coverage by Series
Hoshizaki warranty terms depend on the product series. The table summarizes the manufacturer's published terms; the full conditions are in each Hoshizaki warranty statement.
|
Series |
Entire machine (parts & labor) |
Evaporator |
Compressor & air-cooled condenser coil |
|---|---|---|---|
|
KM Crescent Cubers (incl. KMD) |
3 years |
5 years parts & labor |
5 years parts |
|
Cubelet & flakers (F, -C) and DCM dispensers |
3 years |
— |
5 years parts |
|
IM specialty ice makers |
3 years |
— |
5 years parts |
|
AM & C undercounter models |
2 years |
— |
— |
|
Storage bins under 1,000 lb |
3 years |
— |
— |
|
Storage bins over 1,000 lb |
5 years |
— |
— |
Register your new machine with Hoshizaki warranty registration after installation. Learn what voids coverage in our commercial ice machine warranty guide.
Hoshizaki Model Numbers Decoded
Hoshizaki model numbers tell you the ice type, layout, cooling method and generation. Use this key to read any listing in this collection.
|
Code |
Meaning |
Example |
|---|---|---|
|
KM |
Crescent cube ice machine |
KM-301BAK |
|
KMD |
Crescent cuber built to pair with a dispenser or bin |
KMD-355MAJ |
|
F … -C |
Cubelet (nugget-style) ice machine head |
F-822MAK-C |
|
DCM |
Cubelet ice & water dispenser |
DCM-271BAK |
|
AM |
Top hat (gourmet) cube undercounter |
AM-50BAK |
|
IM |
Specialty square cube or sphere |
IM-50BAA-Q |
|
B / BD |
Ice storage bin (number ≈ pounds of storage) |
B-800SF |
|
B in model (e.g. 301B) |
Self-contained unit with built-in bin |
KM-301BAK |
|
M / S in model |
Modular head; S on 48" heads |
KM-530MAK, KM-1301SAJ |
|
A / W / R |
Air-cooled / water-cooled / remote-cooled |
KM-1340MAJ vs KM-1340MWJ |
|
Last letter J vs K |
Generation — K replaces J on many models (see BAJ vs BAK above) |
KM-231BAJ → KM-231BAK |
|
-AD / -ADDS |
ADA-compliant height / ADA custom-cabinet version |
C-80BAK-AD, C-80BAK-ADDS |
|
-OS |
Opti-Serve touchless dispensing |
DCM-500BAK-OS |
Why Buy Hoshizaki from Ice Maker Supply
-
Free shipping across the contiguous U.S., with most eligible orders arriving in an estimated 4–6 business days after shipment (shipping policy).
-
Freight handled for you — larger machines ship by freight with a scheduled delivery appointment.
-
30-day return request window on eligible unused, uninstalled products (refund policy).
-
Manufacturer warranty on qualifying machines, plus model-by-model buying guides written from Hoshizaki spec sheets.
-
Flexible payment — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Shop Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Explore ice machine financing and leasing options.
-
Real people — call (727) 285-2572 or contact us for a quote on multiple units.
Ready to Order Your Hoshizaki Ice Machine?
Filter the collection above by ice type, daily production or layout, or start with our most-requested models: the KM-301BAK undercounter, the ENERGY STAR KM-622MAK modular head and the DCM-271BAK ice and water dispenser. Need help matching a head to a bin, or replacing a discontinued model? Call (727) 285-2572 and we'll size it with you. Looking beyond Hoshizaki? Browse all commercial ice machines, restaurant ice machines or ice machines for bars.