Where to Find Suppliers for Ice Makers That Make Clear Ice?

China leads global manufacturing of clear ice makers, with key production clusters in Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces. These regions host vertically integrated supply chains specializing in refrigeration technology and small appliance engineering. Guangdong—home to Shenzhen and Guangzhou—is a hub for advanced compressor integration and smart cooling systems, while Jiangsu and Zhejiang offer mature ecosystems for compact, energy-efficient designs used in both residential and commercial applications.

The industrial clusters enable rapid prototyping and scalable production, supported by localized access to critical components such as condensers, evaporators, and food-grade molds. Suppliers benefit from proximity to raw material suppliers and logistics ports, reducing lead times by 15–25% compared to offshore alternatives. Buyers gain access to facilities capable of producing units ranging from countertop consumer models (5–20 kg/day output) to industrial-scale machines (up to 30 tons/24h), with customization options spanning power supply, refrigerant type, and output format (cube, sphere, bullet, or block).

How to Choose Suppliers for Clear Ice Makers?

Selecting reliable partners requires systematic evaluation across technical, operational, and transactional dimensions:

Technical Capabilities
Verify that suppliers support core technologies required for clarity: directional freezing or slow-freeze cycles that expel impurities during crystallization. Confirm compatibility with refrigerants such as R600a or R134a and adherence to electrical safety standards. For export markets, CE, RoHS, or UL certifications are essential for regulatory compliance and market entry.

Production & Customization Capacity
Assess the following indicators of scalability and flexibility:

• In-house design teams offering custom configurations in size, voltage, plug type, and logo branding
• Support for private labeling, packaging variations, and Pantone color matching
• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) typically ranges from 1–100 sets depending on model complexity
• Ability to integrate air-cooled or water-cooled systems based on application environment

Cross-reference product listings with on-time delivery performance (target ≥95%) and response time (ideally ≤2 hours) to gauge operational reliability.

Quality Assurance & Transaction Security
Prioritize suppliers with documented quality control processes, including pre-shipment inspections and batch testing. Utilize secure payment methods where possible, ensuring alignment with order milestones. Request sample units to validate ice clarity, cycle time, noise levels, and energy consumption before scaling procurement.

What Are the Top Suppliers for Ice Makers That Make Clear Ice?

Performance Analysis
Guangzhou Kingwell stands out for high reorder rates (50%), indicating strong customer satisfaction in industrial segments, despite slower average response times. Jinan Robin and Jiangsu Eternity demonstrate consistent delivery performance (100%) and fast communication, making them suitable for time-sensitive orders. Shenzhen Helpcook focuses on mold-based solutions rather than full refrigeration units, catering to niche beverage markets with extensive aesthetic customization. Yuyao Haohong offers mid-range countertop models with competitive pricing and reliable fulfillment. Buyers seeking large-scale commercial systems should prioritize Guangzhou Kingwell or Jinan Robin, while those needing branded consumer accessories may leverage Shenzhen Helpcook’s flexible tooling capabilities.

FAQs

How is clear ice produced in these machines?

Clear ice is formed through directional freezing, where water freezes gradually from one direction, pushing air bubbles and impurities outward. This process requires precise temperature control and often uses circulating water systems or insulated molds to achieve optical clarity.

What are typical MOQs and lead times?

MOQ varies by supplier and model: consumer-grade units may have MOQs as low as 1 piece, while industrial systems require 1–100 sets. Lead times range from 15–45 days post-deposit, depending on customization level and production load.

Can suppliers customize voltage and plug types?

Yes, most manufacturers support dual-voltage configurations (110V/220V) and regional plug standards (e.g., US, EU, UK, AU). Custom electrical specs must be specified early in the ordering process.

Do suppliers provide samples?

Sample availability depends on product type. Countertop ice makers often incur sample fees refundable against bulk orders. Mold-only products typically offer lower-cost sampling. Expect air freight delivery within 5–10 days globally.

What refrigerants are commonly used?

R600a (isobutane) and R134a are standard, selected for efficiency and environmental compliance. Confirm local regulatory acceptance when importing, especially for sealed systems requiring certification.