Where to Find Ice Maker Suppliers?

China remains the global epicenter for ice maker manufacturing, with key production clusters in Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces driving innovation and scale. Guangdong—home to Shenzhen and Guangzhou—hosts advanced electronics-integrated appliance manufacturers specializing in compact and portable ice makers. Jiangsu and Zhejiang leverage mature refrigeration technology ecosystems, producing commercial-grade undercounter, freestanding, and industrial ice machines with high energy efficiency and durable cooling systems.

These regions benefit from vertically integrated supply chains, where compressors, evaporators, molds, and control panels are sourced within localized industrial networks, reducing component lead times by up to 30%. Suppliers in these zones typically operate automated assembly lines supported by in-house R&D teams, enabling rapid prototyping and customization. Buyers gain access to scalable production capacity, with average monthly outputs ranging from 5,000 to over 20,000 units depending on model complexity. Logistics infrastructure in major ports like Ningbo and Guangzhou ensures efficient FOB shipping to global markets, with standard lead times of 25–40 days for containerized orders.

How to Choose Ice Maker Suppliers?

Effective supplier selection requires rigorous evaluation across technical, operational, and transactional dimensions:

Technical & Production Capabilities
Verify that suppliers possess core competencies in refrigeration engineering, including expertise in air-cooled and water-cooled systems, refrigerant types (e.g., R134a, R404A), and compressor integration (rotary or reciprocating). Prioritize manufacturers with documented experience in both consumer-grade countertop models and commercial units producing 100–1,000+ kg of ice per 24 hours. Confirm availability of design flexibility for output capacity, ice shape (cube, bullet, flake, nugget), and power specifications (110V/220V).

Quality Assurance Protocols
While formal ISO 9001 certification is not universally listed, consistent on-time delivery rates (≥97%) and low reorder rates (<15%) indicate stable quality control. Look for suppliers offering product testing documentation, such as condensation resistance, cycle durability, and temperature performance reports. CE, RoHS, or ETL compliance should be confirmed for North American and European market entry. Response time ≤2 hours and 100% on-time delivery records correlate strongly with disciplined internal QA processes.

Customization and Branding Options
Leading suppliers support OEM/ODM services including:

• Custom color finishes and cabinet materials (stainless steel, ABS plastic)
• Logo imprinting and packaging label design
• Power plug type adaptation (US/EU/AU/UK standards)
• Graphic interface and control panel modifications
• Output size and ice thickness adjustments
  Assess minimum order quantities (MOQs) for customization—typically starting at 50–100 units depending on scope.

Transaction Reliability Indicators
Use verifiable metrics to assess trustworthiness:

• On-time delivery rate ≥98%
• Response time ≤3 hours
• Reorder rate below 20% suggests broad customer acquisition rather than dependency on repeat buyers, indicating market competitiveness
• Online revenue exceeding US $100,000/year reflects sustained export activity and order volume

What Are the Best Ice Maker Suppliers?

Performance Analysis
Jiangsu Eternity stands out for extensive product range and deep customization capabilities, backed by strong responsiveness and proven export volume. Guangzhou Desen leads in commercial equipment with one-piece MOQs and high online revenue, though its 41% reorder rate may reflect pricing sensitivity or niche targeting. Shenzhen Aurotech excels in small portable units with fast response times and flexible sampling, ideal for e-commerce and retail buyers. Suzhou Seitek offers structured commercial designs but slower communication, while Shanghai Kendall focuses on high-capacity industrial systems with limited service data transparency.

FAQs

What is the typical MOQ for ice maker suppliers?

MOQs vary significantly: portable models start at 100 units, while commercial units often require 48–90 sets. Some suppliers offer single-unit trials for high-value industrial machines. Negotiation is possible based on long-term partnership potential.

How long does production and shipping take?

Production lead time averages 25–35 days after deposit confirmation. Air freight takes 5–10 days for samples; sea freight requires 20–35 days depending on destination. Expedited production (15–20 days) may be available at premium cost.

Can suppliers provide CE or other certifications?

Certification availability must be explicitly confirmed per model. Reputable suppliers can provide CE, RoHS, or ETL test reports upon request. Third-party verification or pre-shipment inspection is recommended for regulatory compliance.

Do ice maker suppliers support private labeling?

Yes, most suppliers listed offer OEM services including custom branding, user manuals, and packaging. Minimum order thresholds apply, typically starting at 100–500 units depending on complexity.

What payment terms are common in ice maker sourcing?

Standard terms include 30% T/T deposit with 70% before shipment. Letters of Credit (L/C) are accepted by larger exporters. Trade Assurance or escrow-based transactions are advised for first-time partnerships to mitigate risk.