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Dispenser or undercounter ice machine?
| Option | Best for | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countertop ice and water dispenser | Breakrooms, lobbies, clinics, gyms | No scoop and no open bin; also gives water; touchless options | Needs a sturdy counter or stand and a drain |
| Undercounter ice maker with bin | Office kitchens and coffee bars | Hidden under the counter; larger bin; good for filling pitchers | Staff use a scoop; open-bin hygiene |
Most offices choose a dispenser, because people serve themselves and never touch the stored ice. Read ice and water dispensers for offices for a deeper comparison.
Office ice and water dispensers
| Model | Ice | Rated lb/day | Storage | Dispensing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotsman Meridian HID207AX-1 | Nugget | 196 | 7 lb | Touch-free (infrared) |
| Hoshizaki DCM-271BAK | Cubelet | 286 | 10 lb | Push button; ADA-compliant |
| Hoshizaki DCM-271BAK-OS | Cubelet | 286 | 10 lb | Opti-Serve touchless |
| Manitowoc CNP0201A | Nugget | 285 | 10 lb | Push |
| Manitowoc CNP0202A | Nugget | 285 | 20 lb | Push |
| Scotsman Meridian HID312AX-1 | Nugget | 320 | 12 lb | Touch-free |
| Hoshizaki DCM-300BAK-OS | Cubelet | 343 | 40 lb | Opti-Serve touchless |
The Hoshizaki DCM-271BAK is 16-5/8 inches wide, has a 10-1/4 inch cup clearance and plugs into a standard 115V NEMA 5-15 outlet. That makes it one of the easiest dispensers to fit into an existing breakroom.
How much ice does an office need?
A practical starting point is about 1 lb of ice per person per day, the same planning figure used for cafeterias. Use more in hot climates or if people fill water bottles with ice.
| Office size | Daily ice estimate | Good fit |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 75 people | 75-150 lb | Scotsman HID207AX-1, undercounter nugget unit |
| 75-200 people | 150-300 lb | Hoshizaki DCM-271BAK, Manitowoc CNP0201A |
| 200+ people or several floors | 300+ lb | Scotsman HID312AX-1, Hoshizaki DCM-300BAK-OS, or one dispenser per floor |
Storage matters at peak times like lunch. A dispenser with 20-40 lb of storage handles a rush better than one with 7-10 lb.
Undercounter options for office kitchens
If you'd rather keep the counter clear, an undercounter nugget or cubelet machine works well. Options include the 15-inch ICETRO IU-0090-ANP with a built-in drain pump for spaces with no floor drain, the Hoshizaki C-80BAK, and the Hoshizaki F-330BAK-C (300 lb/day, 80 lb bin) for large offices. See all undercounter nugget ice makers.
Installation checklist
- Potable water line and a water filter; filters keep ice clear and machines scale-free.
- A drain. Dispensers drain the machine and the drip tray, so plan this before you pick a spot. Use a drain pump kit if needed.
- A dedicated 115V outlet nearby.
- Ventilation space. Scotsman's Meridian dispensers need 6 inches at the left, back and right.
- A counter or stand rated for the full weight of the machine with ice.
Related collections
- Countertop ice makers: every countertop dispenser we sell
- Healthcare ice machines for clinics and medical offices
- Hotel ice machines for lobbies and fitness centers
- Small commercial ice machines for small offices that need only a little ice
- Cubelet ice makers: Hoshizaki's soft, chewable cubelet ice