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

China remains the dominant manufacturing hub for compact and commercial ice makers producing pebble (nugget) ice, with key suppliers concentrated in Zhejiang, Henan, and Guangdong provinces. These regions host vertically integrated production ecosystems specializing in small to mid-sized refrigeration appliances, enabling competitive pricing and scalable output. Ningbo and Yuyao in Zhejiang province are recognized for high-volume consumer-grade countertop units, leveraging localized supply chains for compressors, evaporators, and injection-molded components. Zhengzhou in Henan focuses on larger portable and semi-commercial machines, often integrating stainless steel construction and higher daily yield capacities (100–1000 kg/day).

The industrial clusters support rapid prototyping and mass production, with many manufacturers operating facilities exceeding 5,000 m² and maintaining in-house tooling, assembly lines, and quality testing labs. This integration reduces component lead times and allows for MOQ flexibility—ranging from 1 set for commercial models to 100–1,000 pieces for consumer units. Average production lead times range from 25–45 days, depending on order complexity and customization level. Export infrastructure is well-developed, with most suppliers experienced in FOB Shenzhen, Ningbo, or Qingdao shipping terms and compliant with international electrical and safety standards.

How to Choose Pebble Ice Maker Suppliers?

Selecting reliable suppliers requires a structured evaluation of technical capability, production capacity, and transaction reliability:

Technical & Quality Compliance
Verify adherence to international safety and performance standards such as CE, RoHS, and UL listings where applicable. For food-contact components (e.g., ice trays, water pumps), confirm use of FDA-compliant materials. Demand documentation for compressor efficiency (typically R600a or R134a refrigerants), condenser types (air-cooled), and IP ratings for moisture resistance. Request test reports on cycle durability, ice hardness, and energy consumption per kilogram of ice produced.

Production Capacity Assessment
Evaluate supplier infrastructure based on the following benchmarks:

• Facility size exceeding 3,000 m² for stable volume output
• In-house molding and sheet metal processing capabilities
• Dedicated R&D teams for product iteration and customization
• Monthly production capacity of at least 5,000 units for consumer models

Cross-reference online revenue metrics and reorder rates: suppliers with reorder rates above 15% and on-time delivery performance at 100% demonstrate operational consistency. Response time under 3 hours indicates strong customer service infrastructure.

Procurement Safeguards
Utilize secure payment methods such as trade assurance or escrow services until product inspection is completed. Prioritize suppliers offering sample units with lead times under 15 days. Conduct factory audits via video tour to verify automation levels, QC checkpoints, and inventory management systems. Insist on pre-shipment inspections (PSI) for bulk orders, especially for customized voltage (110V/220V) or plug configurations.

What Are the Leading Suppliers of Ice Makers That Make Pebble Ice?

Performance Analysis
Zhengzhou Baopin Machinery stands out for commercial-grade equipment, offering high-capacity pebble ice machines (up to 1000kg/day) with a robust 50% reorder rate, indicating strong client retention in the foodservice sector. In contrast, Ningbo-based suppliers (Wing Smart, Wing Precision, Haohong) focus on consumer and smart home segments, providing competitively priced countertop models with flexible MOQs and lower entry barriers for new buyers. Yuyao Haohong distinguishes itself with the lowest MOQ (1 piece), making it ideal for sampling and niche market testing. Despite lower reorder rates across several Zhejiang suppliers, their 100% on-time delivery and substantial online revenues reflect consistent export execution. Buyers seeking customization should engage Ningbo Wing Smart, which explicitly lists color, material, logo, and packaging options.

FAQs

How to verify pebble ice maker supplier reliability?

Validate certifications (CE, RoHS) through official databases or third-party inspectors like SGS or TÜV. Request factory audit reports or live video tours to assess production lines and quality control procedures. Analyze transaction history, focusing on dispute resolution outcomes and customer feedback related to product consistency and after-sales support.

What is the typical sampling timeline?

Standard sample production takes 7–14 days for off-the-shelf models. Customized units (e.g., dual-voltage, OEM branding) require 15–25 days. Air freight adds 5–10 days for international delivery. Sample costs typically range from 1.5x to 3x unit price, sometimes refundable against future orders.

Can suppliers ship globally?

Yes, all listed suppliers have established export operations. Confirm Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP) and ensure compliance with destination-country regulations for electrical appliances. Most support containerized shipping for bulk orders and express courier services (DHL, FedEx) for samples and small batches.

Do manufacturers offer customization?

Many suppliers provide OEM/ODM services including custom colors, logos, packaging, and control panel interfaces. Voltage adaptation (110V/220V), plug types (US/EU/UK/AU), and ice bin capacity modifications are commonly available. Minimum order thresholds for customization vary—typically 500–1,000 units depending on complexity.

What are standard payment terms?

Common terms include 30% deposit with balance before shipment, supported by trade assurance or LC at sight. Established buyers may negotiate longer payment windows. Escrow services are recommended for first-time transactions to mitigate risk.