Ice machines

Professional ice machines: unlimited ice for your bar

The professional ice machine continuously produces the ice essential to bars, restaurants, hotels and nightclubs. Thanks to its built-in storage bin, it guarantees a reserve of fresh ice immediately available at the counter, even in the middle of a rush.

This guide helps you choose the ice machine suited to your volume and use.

What is an ice machine?

An ice machine is an appliance that automatically makes ice from water, then stores it in an insulated bin until use. It is characterised by its daily output (kg/24 h), the capacity of its bin and the type of ice produced. Condenser cooling can be by air or water.

Made from stainless steel, it is robust, hygienic and designed for intensive use.

Why equip your bar with an ice machine

Ice is a strategic consumable in hospitality: it is used in cocktails, soft drinks, wines and mocktails. An ice machine makes you self-sufficient, avoids buying bags of ice and guarantees impeccable hygiene. It secures service during busy periods by ensuring continuous production.

Ice type: full, hollow, flake or ball

The ice type directly influences the tasting experience. The dense full cube melts slowly and cools without diluting, ideal for cocktails and spirits. The hollow cube, faster to produce, suits fast service and soft drinks. Flake ice is used to present fish and seafood or to make blended drinks. Ball ice adds a premium touch to cocktails.

How to choose your ice machine: the key criteria

• Daily output (kg/24 h): sized according to your consumption.
• Storage bin capacity: to absorb service peaks.
• Ice type: full, hollow, flake or ball depending on use.
• Cooling: air (simple) or water (suited to hot rooms).
• Dimensions: to fit under or on the counter.
• Stainless steel: for hygiene and durability.

Air or water cooling

Air cooling is the most common: simple to install, it suits most situations as long as the room is properly ventilated. Water cooling is preferable in hot or poorly ventilated environments, where air is not enough to dissipate heat. Check the condensation mode on the product sheet.

Hygiene, maintenance and ice quality

Ice quality depends directly on maintenance. Clean and descale the machine regularly, change filters if necessary and monitor the quality of the supply water. A well-maintained machine produces clear, taste-free ice while preserving its performance and lifespan. Stainless steel makes cleaning the bin and surfaces easier.

HENDI ice machines at Horeca Mat Pro

At Horeca Mat Pro, we offer reliable HENDI ice machines, from the small countertop model to high-output versions. Each product sheet details the daily output, bin capacity, ice type and dimensions. Enjoy trade prices excluding VAT, dispatch within 24-48 h and delivery throughout Belgium.

Different needs for different establishments

A small bar or café will be satisfied with a compact, moderate-output machine. A busy restaurant, hotel or nightclub will need a high-output machine with a generous bin to absorb peaks. Estimate your daily ice consumption to choose the right capacity.

Right-sizing to control your budget

An undersized machine runs constantly and wears out quickly; an oversized one consumes needlessly. Estimate your consumption peak and choose a suitable daily output and bin. Compare the technical sheets of our HENDI ice machines to find the right balance between output, footprint and price.

Frequently asked questions

What ice output should I plan for?

It is expressed in kg/24 h and is chosen according to your consumption: a small bar uses little, a busy establishment much more.

Which ice type should I choose?

Full cubes for cocktails (slow melting), hollow for fast service, flake for presentation, ball for a premium touch.

Air or water cooling?

Air for most well-ventilated installations, water for hot or poorly ventilated rooms.

How to guarantee quality ice?

Regular cleaning and descaling, along with good water quality, ensure clear, taste-free ice and a durable machine.

Installing and supplying your ice machine

An ice machine needs a nearby water supply and drainage, as well as a well-ventilated location to dissipate condenser heat. Install it away from heat sources and leave enough space around the appliance. The quality of the supply water directly influences that of the ice: in hard-water areas, a softener or filter protects the machine from limescale and guarantees clear ice cubes. Careful connection from installation avoids many later problems.

Common mistakes to avoid

The first mistake is underestimating the output needed: a machine that is too small runs constantly and wears out quickly. The second is neglecting descaling, especially in hard water, which degrades ice quality and performance. Finally, installing the appliance in a hot, poorly ventilated room without opting for water cooling reduces efficiency. Anticipating these points guarantees quality ice continuously.

Maintenance and ice quality

Clean and disinfect the storage bin and water circuit regularly, descale according to your water hardness and replace filters if necessary. Check that the drain is not blocked. Regular maintenance ensures clear, taste- and odour-free ice while preserving the machine's performance and lifespan, an essential point for hygiene in hospitality.

Our expert advice

Choose the daily output and bin capacity according to your consumption peak, and select the ice type suited to your use (full for cocktails, hollow for fast service). Opt for water cooling if your room is hot. At Horeca Mat Pro, we select reliable HENDI ice machines and advise you on the model best sized for your establishment.

Professional refrigeration and the energy transition

The professional refrigeration sector is rapidly moving towards greater energy efficiency. Natural refrigerants such as R290 (propane) are gradually replacing older high-global-warming gases, offering better efficiency and a reduced environmental impact. On the insulation side, high-density foams and high-performance gaskets limit heat loss. Investing today in a recent, well-rated ice machine means lastingly reducing your electricity bill while adopting a responsible approach. The energy class shown on each product sheet lets you objectively compare the operating cost over the appliance whole lifespan, often far higher than the initial purchase price.

Why choose Horeca Mat Pro

Having a continuous supply of fresh ice is essential to bar service. A specialist in hospitality equipment, Horeca Mat Pro selects HENDI references proven for their reliability and value for money. You benefit from trade prices excluding VAT, detailed product sheets to compare transparently, fast dispatch within 24-48 h and delivery throughout Belgium. Our team understands the realities of the field and remains at your disposal to guide you towards the model best suited to your activity, volume and budget. Making the right choice from the start means equipping yourself with peace of mind for many years.

Key points to remember

To choose your ice machine well, carefully compare the technical sheets, check compatibility with your space and organisation, and favour a model with a good energy rating. Anticipate your real needs to avoid undersizing, which saturates quickly, as well as oversizing, which increases consumption. Finally, plan for regular maintenance from commissioning: cleaning, gasket checks and condenser dusting.

A well-chosen, well-maintained ice machine will serve you faithfully for many years, preserving the quality of your products, the food safety of your establishment and control over your operating costs. Investing in reliable equipment also means gaining peace of mind day to day and avoiding costly breakdowns in the middle of service.

What are the delivery times?

Our HENDI equipment is dispatched within 24 to 48 hours and delivered throughout Belgium, for equipment quickly operational in your kitchen or point of sale.

Are the prices suited to professionals?

Yes, all our prices are shown excluding VAT and designed for hospitality professionals, with excellent value for money across the entire HENDI range.