This ice machine sizing guide is ment to be used as a rule of thumb. It is not an exact science but it can help you plan out the size of machine and the uses it can be put to.

Ice Machine Sizing Guidelines

Food Service
Ice Usage Guide
Restaurant: 2 lbs. per person Cocktails: 3 lbs. per seat Water Glass: 4 oz. per 10 oz. glass Salad Bar: 30 lbs. per cubic foot Quick Service:
5 oz. per 7-12 oz. cup
8 oz. per 12-16 oz. cup
12 oz. per 16-24 oz. cup

Convenience Store
Ice Usage Guide
Beverages:
5oz. per 7-12 oz. cup
8oz. per 12-16 oz. cup
12oz. per 16-24 oz. cup

Cold Plates: 50% more per day Packaged Ice: 10 lbs per bag times bags sold per day

Healthcare
Ice Usage Guide
Patients: 10 lbs. per bed Cafeteria: 1.5 lbs. per person

Lodging
Ice Usage Guide Guest Ice: 5 lbs. per room Catering: 1.5 lbs. per person

Schools Ice Usage Guide
Cafeteria: 1.5 lbs. per student

Manufacturers such as Hoshizaki, Manitowoc, Ice-O-Matic, and Scotsman have helpful and informative websites to further assist you in your choice.