Where to Find Suppliers for Ice Machines That Make Small Round Ice?

China remains the dominant hub for manufacturing compact ice-making equipment, with key supplier clusters located in Shandong, Guangxi, Zhejiang, and Guangdong provinces. Shandong and Guangdong host specialized industrial zones focused on refrigeration technology and small appliance production, enabling streamlined access to component suppliers and export logistics. These regions benefit from mature supply chains for compressors, evaporators, and food-grade plastics, reducing material lead times by 20–30% compared to non-specialized manufacturing bases.

The concentration of technical expertise in these areas supports both mass production and design innovation. Suppliers typically operate integrated facilities capable of injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, and final assembly under one roof. This vertical integration allows for faster prototyping cycles (7–14 days for sample adjustments) and consistent quality control across batches. Buyers can expect standard order fulfillment within 25–40 days, with OEM/ODM customization available from manufacturers offering in-house R&D teams.

How to Choose Suppliers for Small Round Ice Machines?

Selecting reliable partners requires systematic evaluation across three critical dimensions:

Technical and Operational Compliance
Verify adherence to international safety and performance standards such as CE, RoHS, and UL where applicable. For commercial-grade units, confirm compressor type (e.g., rotary or reciprocating), condenser material (copper-aluminum vs. all-copper), and energy efficiency ratings. Request test reports for noise levels (typically 38–48 dB), ice production capacity (8–25 kg/24h for countertop models), and water consumption per cycle.

Production and Scalability Assessment
Evaluate operational scale through measurable indicators:

• Facility size exceeding 2,000m² indicates established production lines
• In-house tooling and mold-making capabilities support faster customization
• Dedicated quality inspection stations with AQL sampling protocols
  Cross-reference on-time delivery rates (target ≥90%) and reorder frequency to assess reliability. Prioritize suppliers with documented QC procedures, including leak testing, electrical safety checks, and final functional validation.

Procurement Risk Mitigation
Utilize secure transaction methods such as escrow or letter of credit for initial orders. Confirm packaging specifications—double-layer cartons with EPS foam—are suitable for long-haul shipping. Conduct pre-shipment inspections via third-party auditors if order volume exceeds 500 units. Sample testing is strongly recommended to validate ice shape consistency, cycle time, and bin sensor accuracy before scaling procurement.

What Are the Leading Suppliers of Ice Machines That Make Small Round Ice?

Performance Analysis
Shandong Baocheng stands out with a perfect on-time delivery record and 100% reorder rate, indicating strong customer retention and operational stability. Its focus solely on ice machines suggests product specialization and process optimization. In contrast, Foshan Diaking achieves full delivery compliance but imposes a high MOQ of 300 pieces, making it better suited for bulk buyers than small-scale importers.

Ningbo Feter offers the broadest customization scope, supporting tailored branding and design modifications—ideal for private-label buyers. However, its lower on-time delivery rate (50%) warrants closer production monitoring. ZHONGSHAN BAIYIXING provides the lowest entry barrier with 1-piece minimum orders, facilitating low-risk sampling and market testing. Guangxi Nanning Jiaxin serves niche segments with diversified home appliance components but shows limited repeat business, suggesting potential gaps in post-sale support or consistency.

FAQs

What certifications should ice machine suppliers have?

Essential certifications include CE (for EU markets), RoHS (restriction of hazardous substances), and optionally ETL or UL for North American distribution. ISO 9001:2015 indicates formal quality management systems. Verify documentation directly with suppliers and cross-check certification numbers when possible.

What is the typical MOQ and pricing range?

MOQ varies widely: from 1 piece for sample orders to 300+ units for factory-direct pricing. Unit prices for small round ice makers range from $39–$175 depending on capacity, materials, and automation level. Compact portable models (8–15 kg/day) typically fall between $60–$100 at 10-piece MOQ.

Can suppliers customize ice shape and size?

Yes, many manufacturers offer mold adjustments to produce bullet-shaped, crescent, or spherical ice. True "round" ice often refers to cylindrical or hemispherical cubes (18–22mm diameter). Custom molds may require a one-time fee ($300–$800) and extend lead time by 10–15 days.

What are standard lead times for production and shipping?

Production lead time averages 20–30 days after deposit and sample approval. Air freight takes 5–10 days for express delivery (suitable for samples); sea freight requires 25–40 days depending on destination port. Factor in additional time for customs clearance and inland transport.

Do suppliers offer after-sales technical support?

Support varies significantly. Some provide English manuals, spare parts kits, and remote troubleshooting. Others may lack dedicated international service channels. Clarify warranty terms (typically 1 year), availability of replacement compressors or control boards, and whether firmware updates are supported for smart models.