Hoshizaki FM-80KE-HCN Nugget Ice Machine (75kg/24hr)

The Hoshizaki FM-80KE-HCN is a self-contained nugget ice machine producing up to 75kg of chewable, compacted ice in a 24-hour cycle. Nugget ice — sometimes called pellet or granular ice — is softer and more porous than conventional cube ice. It chills drinks quickly, absorbs flavour, and is the format of choice in a wide range of bar and beverage applications. The self-contained design means the storage bin and ice-making head are built into a single unit, removing the need to specify separate components or manage connections between them.

In a busy bar or beverage service environment, nugget ice performs reliably across the shift. Its softer texture means it dispenses and portions easily, reducing staff time at the ice station and minimising waste from breakage. Because the ice is porous, it chills the drink rapidly without over-diluting — a quality that makes it particularly well regarded in cocktail service, where dilution balance matters. The machine is designed to maintain consistent output across a full day's service rather than front-loading production and struggling to recover during peak periods.

Practical advantages of this unit include:

• Soft, chewable nugget format accepted well in both drinks service and blended applications
• Self-contained build simplifies installation and reduces footprint compared to modular setups
• Consistent ice quality across the production cycle, even under sustained demand
• Hoshizaki's established reliability record in commercial refrigeration and ice equipment
• Suitable for counter-level placement in bar and beverage service layouts

As a self-contained unit, installation requires a cold water supply, a drain connection, and an appropriate electrical supply — all of which should be confirmed before ordering. Adequate ventilation around the unit is important for efficient operation, particularly in warm or enclosed back-bar environments. The built-in storage bin has a fixed capacity, so operators running continuous high-volume service should consider whether that storage suits the pace of their operation, or whether a larger-capacity model would be more appropriate.

This machine is well suited to cocktail bars, hotel bars, soft-drink-focused venues, and any site where nugget ice is preferred over cube or flake formats. At 75kg per 24 hours it sits in the mid-range of commercial production output — appropriate for a busy single-bar operation. For higher-volume sites serving multiple points of dispense, or where back-up storage capacity is a concern, a heavier-duty or higher-output model may be worth considering.

If you're unsure whether this output level matches your expected service volumes, or you'd like to talk through installation requirements before committing, the team is happy to help you work through it.