Ice Bins

Best Ice Bins for Commercial Ice Machines

Ice bins provide the essential storage component for modular ice machine systems, holding the ice produced by top-mounted ice makers until it's needed for service. These insulated bins keep ice frozen and ready for use while providing easy access for staff to scoop ice throughout busy shifts. For restaurants, bars, hotels, healthcare facilities, and any operation with significant ice demands, the right ice bin ensures you always have enough ice on hand without running short during peak service.

Modular ice machines produce ice continuously and drop it into the bin below for storage. The bin's capacity determines how much ice you can accumulate between uses, which matters most during overnight hours when ice machines run but staff aren't scooping. A properly sized bin fills during slow periods and provides reserve capacity to get through rushes without the ice machine needing to keep pace with real-time demand.

At GoFoodservice, we offer ice bins from industry-leading brands including Atosa, Follett, Hoshizaki, Ice-O-Matic, Icetro, Kold-Draft, Koolaire, Manitowoc, Scotsman, and True.

Why Choose the Right Ice Bin?

Capacity matching is critical for efficient ice operations. An undersized bin fills up and causes the ice machine to shut off, wasting production capacity. An oversized bin takes up unnecessary floor space and budget. The ideal bin holds enough ice to bridge the gap between production and peak demand, typically sized to store roughly one day's ice usage so the machine can refill overnight what was used during service.

Insulation quality affects ice retention and operating costs. Well-insulated bins keep ice frozen longer with minimal melt loss, even in warm kitchen environments. Poor insulation leads to faster melting, wet ice, and wasted production. Quality bins use thick foam insulation and tight-sealing doors to maintain cold temperatures and maximize the usable ice from each production cycle.

Sanitation features make daily maintenance easier. Smooth interior surfaces without seams or crevices are easier to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria or mold. Sloped bottoms direct meltwater to drains, keeping ice dry and preventing standing water. Removable components and accessible interiors allow thorough cleaning, which is essential for food safety and ice quality.

What to Look for in Ice Bins

Choosing the right ice bin depends on your ice machine's production capacity, your daily ice usage, and your available space. Matching these factors ensures efficient operation without shortages or wasted capacity.

Some things to consider when shopping for ice bins include:

• Storage capacity (230 to 4,600+ lbs)
• Compatibility with your modular ice machine brand
• Bin width to match ice machine dimensions
• Exterior material (stainless steel, coated steel, plastic)
• Insulation thickness and quality
• Door style and accessibility
• Interior surface for easy cleaning
• Drainage design
• Height for ergonomic scooping
• And more!

The right ice bin completes your modular ice system and ensures you have adequate storage for your operation's demands. Matching bin capacity to ice machine production and daily usage keeps ice available when you need it.

Shop Ice Bins Today

Ice bins are the foundation of any modular ice machine system, providing the storage capacity that keeps your operation running smoothly. From compact 230-pound bins for smaller operations to high-capacity units storing over 4,000 pounds, the right bin ensures you never run short during service.

Explore all your options, or browse our ice machines for modular ice makers, our ice bins and dispensers for additional storage options, or our underbar ice bins and ice chests for bar setups. Have questions? Drop us a line through our contact page today. We're always happy to help you find the right ice storage for your operation!