Focusun China

10 - 2 - 2026

In industries that require large quantities of ice, such as catering, supermarkets, and seafood processing, tube ice machines are a familiar name. Tube ice machines are the workhorses behind these operations, keeping everything running smoothly. But with so many options out there, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At Focusun, we want to help you cut through the noise and make a decision you won’t regret.

Step One: Understand the Cooling Types of Tube Ice Machines

Before making your decision, it's helpful to understand the different types of tube ice makers. There are two main types: water-cooled and air-cooled.
Water-cooled ice makers use water for cooling. Because they handle high temperatures better, they are more efficient at making ice in warmer climates. If you live in a warm climate, a water-cooled ice maker might be a better choice.

Air-cooled tube ice machines use fans to blow air to cool the machine. These units typically consume less electricity, meaning they save both electricity and water. This is beneficial for the environment, as it means less resource consumption.

Step Two: Assess your ice needs

Next, you need to match the tube ice machine to your daily demand. Do you need a steady stream of ice, or massive batches all at once? If speed and volume are your priorities, you’ll likely need a robust industrial unit. Don't forget to measure your floor space. A ice machine that's too big for its room is a recipe for disaster. If you cram a powerful machine into a tight closet, it can't breathe. Poor ventilation leads to overheating, shutdowns, and eventually, a blown compressor. Make sure your ice making machine has room to work.

Step Three: Assess the machine's energy consumption

Energy consumption is crucial. Try to buy energy-efficient industrial tube ice machines, as they will save you on electricity and water bills in the long run. You can refer to the following two key parameters:

. COP value: This measures cooling output versus electricity input. Standard machines hover around 2.8 to 3.2. High-end models? They’ll hit 3.5 or higher. Higher is better.

. Water consumption rate: Tube ice makers produce wastewater during the ice-making process. Inferior models can have a water consumption rate as high as 1:3 (i.e., producing 1 kg of ice consumes 3 kg of water), while models that meet national standards can control the water consumption rate to within 1:1.5.

In addition, tube ice machines equipped with a circulating cooling system are more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, such as the tube ice makers from the Focusun brand.

Step Four: Material Safety of Core Components

Tube ice often goes directly into drinks or onto food, so safety is non-negotiable. Cheap materials can lead to "secondary contamination" over time. Stick to tube ice machines where the core parts—evaporator, water pipes, tank liners—are made of food-grade 304 stainless steel. This prevents bacterial growth and rust. Also, verify that valves and piping are FDA-certified. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in food safety compliance.

Step Five: Maintenance and After-Sales Support

Another factor to consider is the ease of cleaning the machine. Choosing a machine that is easy to clean and maintain is crucial. Additionally, ensure you receive good and timely customer support from the machine manufacturer, and that the machine comes with a warranty. A warranty means the company will provide assistance if the machine malfunctions.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Q1: What is the product's capacity?
You can choose different ice block sizes (5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg, etc.) and production capacity (ranging from 1 ton to 30 tons per day) according to needs.
Q2: Can it be used in the food industry?
Absolutely. Focusun's globally unique "Pre-Purify" patented water purification technology ensures clean water from the source pretreatment stage. The overall hygienic design of the tube ice machine strictly adheres to international HACCP and FDA certification standards. The produced tube ice can directly contact food or be used in high-end beverages.
Q3: Is tube ice machine energy efficient?

Yes. Each model is engineered to reduce power and water consumption, helping businesses save on long-term operational costs.

Conclusion

Cooling type, ice consumption, energy consumption, and material safety are usually the main factors to consider when choosing a tube ice maker. If you still have questions about any details, please contact us! As a professional tube ice machine supplier, we can provide customized ice-making solutions ranging from small-scale to industrial-grade, ensuring the success of your core business.