Where to Find Suppliers for Small Ice Cubes from Ice Maker?

China remains the global hub for manufacturing ice maker equipment producing small ice cubes, with key industrial clusters concentrated in Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. These regions host vertically integrated supply chains encompassing refrigeration engineering, stainless steel fabrication, and compressor technology. Dongguan and Guangzhou in Guangdong province specialize in commercial-grade ice machines, leveraging proximity to component suppliers and export ports like Shenzhen and Nansha. Ningbo and Cixi in Zhejiang focus on compact, energy-efficient models suitable for retail and household use, benefiting from mature appliance manufacturing ecosystems.

The clustering enables cost efficiencies through localized sourcing of critical materials such as copper condensers, R134a/R600a refrigerants, and food-grade ABS plastic molds. Production facilities typically integrate CNC machining, automated assembly lines, and environmental testing chambers, allowing for rapid prototyping and scalable output. Buyers can expect lead times of 25–40 days for standard orders, with MOQs ranging from 1 set for commercial units to 1,000 pieces for countertop models. The region’s logistics infrastructure supports efficient FOB shipments to global markets, particularly North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

How to Choose Suppliers for Small Ice Cubes from Ice Maker?

Procurement decisions should be guided by structured evaluation criteria to ensure product reliability and supply chain stability.

Technical and Quality Compliance
Verify adherence to international standards including CE, RoHS, and ISO 9001 where applicable. Equipment must utilize food-safe materials (e.g., 304 stainless steel evaporators) and comply with refrigerant regulations (R600a for low-GWP requirements). Demand documentation for compressor performance (e.g., Embraco or Secop equivalents), energy consumption (kWh/24h), and ice yield consistency under variable ambient temperatures (typically tested at 32°C).

Production Capability Assessment
Evaluate supplier infrastructure based on:

• Minimum factory area supporting batch production (≥2,000m² preferred)
• In-house R&D capacity for custom mold design (e.g., bullet, cube, or crescent shapes)
• Access to precision tooling for ice thickness control (10–18mm typical for small cubes)
  Cross-reference claimed output (e.g., 12kg–150kg/24h) with verified transaction data and customer feedback.

Transaction and Risk Mitigation
Prioritize suppliers offering third-party inspection services and escrow payment options. Analyze historical on-time delivery rates (target ≥95%) and response efficiency (≤4 hours). For high-volume contracts, request sample testing to validate ice clarity, freeze cycle duration, and defrost mechanism durability before full-scale ordering.

What Are the Leading Suppliers for Small Ice Cubes from Ice Maker?

Performance Analysis
Dongguan Lanxin and Guangzhou Anhe demonstrate strong reorder metrics (33% and 31%), indicating consistent buyer satisfaction in commercial segments. Ningbo Hiking stands out with a significantly higher online revenue volume (over US $3.4M), suggesting robust export activity and scalability in consumer-oriented production. Its low per-unit pricing and extensive customization capabilities make it a strategic partner for branded retail or private-label procurement.

While Cixi Jirui offers competitive entry-level pricing, its 66% on-time delivery rate presents a supply risk for time-sensitive contracts. In contrast, Shanghai Minyi and Guangzhou Anhe achieve perfect delivery records, reinforcing operational reliability despite higher MOQs. Suppliers with documented customization parameters—particularly Guangzhou Anhe—provide flexibility for voltage adjustments (110V/220V), ice shape modification, and branding integration, essential for market-specific deployments.

FAQs

How to verify supplier reliability for ice maker equipment?

Confirm certifications through issuing bodies and request test reports for noise levels (dB), power draw, and daily ice yield. Review transaction history for consistent order fulfillment and analyze customer reviews focusing on after-sales service and field failure rates.

What is the typical sampling timeline for ice makers?

Standard samples are produced within 15–25 days. Custom configurations involving modified molds or control systems may require 35–45 days. Air freight shipping adds 7–12 days depending on destination.

Can suppliers accommodate global electrical and safety standards?

Yes, leading manufacturers support dual-voltage designs and can integrate CE, CB, or ETL-certified components upon request. Confirm compliance documentation prior to mass production to avoid customs delays.

Do suppliers offer free samples?

Sample fees are typically charged but may be waived against confirmed bulk orders (e.g., ≥10 units). Expect to cover express shipping costs unless otherwise negotiated.

How to initiate customization for small ice cube makers?

Submit detailed specifications including desired ice dimensions (e.g., 12x12x12mm cubes), daily output (kg/24h), power source (AC/DC), and physical constraints (width ≤30cm). Reputable suppliers will provide technical drawings and prototype timelines within 72 hours.