When you’re selecting ice machines for your facility—whether it’s a hospital, VA clinic, office breakroom, or restaurant—the type of ice you choose makes a big difference. Two of the most popular ice types on the market today are bullet ice and nugget ice. Each offers distinct advantages depending on your application.
Here’s a straightforward look at the differences to help you decide what’s best for your needs.
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What is Bullet Ice?
Bullet ice gets its name from its shape. It’s typically a cylindrical piece of ice with a rounded end and a hollow or dimpled center (much like a small bullet casing). You’ll often see this ice type produced by compact countertop ice makers or undercounter machines.
Key benefits of bullet ice:
- Faster production: Bullet ice is usually made by freezing water on the outside of metal rods. This process is quick, so machines can produce ice rapidly to keep up with demand.
- Gentler on dispensers: Because of its smooth shape, bullet ice tends to be easier on dispensers and augers, minimizing jams.
- Good for drinks and moderate cooling: It melts slower than crushed ice but faster than cubes, making it ideal for offices, small cafes, or patient hydration stations.
Common uses:
- Office breakrooms
- Healthcare waiting areas
- Small-scale beverage service
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What is Nugget Ice?
Nugget ice is sometimes called chewable ice or Sonic ice (after the popular drive-in chain). It’s made by compacting flaked ice into small, soft, irregular nuggets.
Key benefits of nugget ice:
- Highly chewable: Patients and customers love its soft, crunchy texture. It’s easier on teeth and more pleasant to chew than hard cubes.
- Excellent for hydration: Nugget ice holds onto liquid, so each bite carries flavor, encouraging patients or customers to drink more.
- Rapid cooling: With lots of surface area, nugget ice chills drinks quickly.
Common uses:
- Hospitals and long-term care facilities for patient hydration
- Cafeterias and beverage stations
- Smoothie and blended drink prep
- Bars or restaurants that want a signature drink experience
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Quick Comparison: Bullet vs. Nugget Ice
Which Should You Choose?
It comes down to your priorities:
✅ For healthcare or senior facilities: Nugget ice is often the top choice. It’s easier to chew, gentle on teeth, and encourages hydration—important for patient care.
✅ For staff breakrooms or small offices: Bullet ice machines are affordable, compact, and provide ice quickly, making them great for daily use without specialty requirements.
✅ For bars, specialty cafés, or anywhere looking to create a memorable drink experience: Nugget ice gives that signature crunch that customers talk about.
Who Makes Nugget and Bullet Ice Machines?
There are several trusted manufacturers known for producing high-quality nugget and bullet ice machines for commercial applications. Some of the most recognized include:
- Follett: Widely used in healthcare for their high-capacity, sanitary nugget ice dispensers. Popular in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
- Scotsman: Inventors of the original nugget ice, offering a full range of machines for restaurants, bars, and healthcare.
- Ice-O-Matic: Known for reliability and straightforward maintenance, with options for nugget and cube ice.
- Hoshizaki: Offers bullet-style ice (often called “cubelet”) with robust engineering ideal for heavy use.
- Manitowoc: Produces a variety of ice types, including nugget and small cube machines suitable for a wide range of industries.
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Let Us Help You Decide
Not sure which brand or ice type is right for your facility? As a trusted commercial equipment dealer and GSA MAS contract holder, Aldevra can help you compare models, pricing, and features—so you get exactly what fits your operation and budget.
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