Commercial Ice Machine Selection Guide: CHINENG Countertop & Split Models from 30 kg to 600 kg/Day

CHINENG Commercial Kitchen Equipment  |  June 2026  |  6 min read

  Table of Contents

  1. Two Product Lines: Which One Fits

  2. Countertop Series (30–140 kg/day)

  3. Split Series (200–600 kg/day)

  4. Key Features Across All Models

  5. How to Calculate Your Daily Ice Requirement

  6. Installation Checklist

  7. FAQ

  8. Request a Quotation

Ice production is not a luxury in food service — it is a utility. Whether you operate a café serving iced beverages, a seafood restaurant displaying fresh catch, or a hotel running multiple bars and buffets, the question is not whether you need an ice machine, but how much capacity and which type.

CHINENG offers two distinct commercial ice machine lines: a compact countertop series producing 30–140 kg per day, and a split-unit series delivering 200–600 kg per day. This guide walks through the specifications, helps you calculate your requirement, and matches the correct model to your operation.

1. Two Product Lines: Which One Fits

2. Countertop Series (30–140 kg/day)

Eight models. All 220 V, air-cooled, integrated construction. Designed for under-counter or countertop placement in compact commercial kitchens.

3. Split Series (200–600 kg/day)

Seven base models, each available in air-cooled (FL) or water-cooled (SL) configuration. Separate ice-making head and storage bin — ideal for operations where ice demand is high and continuous.

Air-cooled (FL): lower installation complexity, requires adequate ventilation. Water-cooled (SL): higher efficiency, recommended for high-ambient-temperature environments.

4. Key Features Across All Models

· One-touch automatic operation: All CHINENG ice machines feature fully automatic ice-making cycles. No manual adjustment required. The unit automatically stops when the storage bin is full.

· Blue light sterilisation: Integrated on models with 70 or more ice cells. Provides continuous antibacterial protection for stored ice.

· High-efficiency compressor: Wanbao compressors on countertop models; Haili/Qingan and Midea compressors on split models — proven reliability for commercial duty cycles.

· Warranty: 12-month comprehensive warranty on all models.

5. How to Calculate Your Daily Ice Requirement

A practical formula for food service operations:

· Beverage service: ~1.5 kg of ice per customer during peak hours.

· Seafood/fresh display: ~3-5 kg of ice per square metre of display area, replenished twice daily.

· Food processing (rapid cooling): ~1 kg of ice per 3 kg of product.

Example: a café serving 200 iced drinks per day requires approximately 300 kg/day. Recommendation: Z500 split unit (300 kg output) or a pair of 118F countertop units (140 kg × 2).

6. Installation Checklist

· Electrical: All models 220 V / 50 Hz. Split models require a dedicated circuit. Verify panel capacity.

· Water supply: Potable water connection with minimum inlet pressure per specification.

· Drainage: Gravity drain or built-in pump. Confirm drain height does not exceed pump lift capacity.

· Ventilation (air-cooled): Minimum 15 cm clearance on all sides. Ambient temperature not to exceed 38°C.

· Water-cooled models: Require cooling water inlet and outlet connections in addition to potable water supply.

7. FAQ

Q: What is the difference between air-cooled and water-cooled?

Air-cooled models use ambient air for heat rejection — simpler installation, suitable for most environments. Water-cooled models use a water loop — higher efficiency, recommended for kitchens where ambient temperature regularly exceeds 32°C. Water-cooled units require a dedicated water supply line for the condenser.

Q: How long does one ice-making cycle take?

Depending on the model and ambient conditions, a complete cycle ranges from 15 to 25 minutes. The ice grid is harvested when fully formed, and the next cycle begins automatically.

Q: Can these units be exported?

Yes. The standard voltage is 220 V / 50 Hz. For markets requiring different voltage/frequency configurations, contact CHINENG for customisation options.

Q: What maintenance is required?

Routine maintenance includes cleaning the water filter every 1-3 months (depending on water hardness), sanitising the ice bin monthly, and inspecting the condenser fins quarterly for dust accumulation.

8. Request a Quotation

CHINENG ice machines cover the full spectrum from 30 kg/day countertop units to 600 kg/day split systems. Whether you are outfitting a single café or a multi-site hotel group, we can specify the correct model for your requirement.

   Contact CHINENG for commercial pricing and specification sheets

   Sales enquiries: +86 135-2862-7820

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