Hoshizaki FM-80KE-HC Flake Ice Machine (85kg/24hr)

The Hoshizaki FM-80KE-HC is a self-contained flake ice machine with a production capacity of up to 85kg per 24 hours. It produces soft, flat flake ice using a rotating evaporator drum and multi-blade cutter head — a design Hoshizaki has refined over many years of commercial ice production. Unlike cube or nugget ice, flake ice conforms closely around the product it contacts, making it a practical choice wherever consistent surface coverage and gentle chilling matter.

Flake ice is widely used in fishmongers, fish and chip shops, seafood restaurants, deli counters, and food preparation environments where product presentation and safe temperature management are equally important. The soft texture means it will not bruise or mark delicate produce, and because it melts gradually and evenly, it maintains stable temperatures across a display without creating localised cold spots. In busy kitchen prep areas, it is also a reliable medium for rapid chilling of ingredients between service periods.

From an operational standpoint, flake ice offers some practical advantages worth noting:

• Moulds closely around irregular-shaped produce, maximising contact and cooling efficiency
• Soft texture reduces the risk of damage to delicate food items during display or transport
• Even melt rate supports consistent surface temperatures across food displays
• Self-contained design keeps the installation footprint manageable
• Hoshizaki's build quality is well regarded for reliability under continuous commercial use

As a self-contained unit, the FM-80KE-HC houses the refrigeration system within the machine itself, which simplifies installation compared to remote-condenser configurations. That said, adequate ventilation around the unit is important — restricted airflow will reduce output and put unnecessary strain on the condenser. Water supply and drainage connections are required, and the quality of the incoming water supply can affect both ice quality and long-term machine health, so a water filter is worth considering as part of the installation. The unit is designed for indoor installation in a controlled environment and is not suitable for outdoor use or unheated spaces.

At 85kg per 24 hours, this machine is well suited to small-to-medium food retail counters, independent fish and chip operations, or kitchen prep environments with moderate daily ice demand. Sites with larger display runs or higher-volume production needs may find a higher-capacity model more appropriate, while smaller operations with limited counter space may be better served by a lower-output unit.

If you're weighing up whether flake ice is the right type for your operation, or want to talk through installation requirements before committing, our team is happy to help you work through it.