Where to Find Spherical Ice Maker Suppliers?

China remains the primary manufacturing hub for spherical ice makers, with key suppliers concentrated in Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Henan provinces. These regions host vertically integrated supply chains that support rapid prototyping and scalable production of compact, electrically powered ice-forming appliances. Zhejiang’s Ningbo and Yuyao clusters specialize in small-to-midsize countertop models, leveraging proximity to component manufacturers for molds, compressors, and food-grade stainless steel chambers. Guangdong’s Shenzhen and Guangzhou zones offer advanced injection molding and PCB integration capabilities, enabling faster time-to-market for smart-enabled or auto-cleaning units.

The industrial ecosystem supports both OEM/ODM customization and standard model fulfillment, with many factories operating end-to-end production lines—from sheet metal fabrication to final assembly and packaging. This integration reduces lead times to 25–40 days for bulk orders and allows flexibility in design modifications. Suppliers in these hubs typically maintain online transaction volumes exceeding $80,000 annually, indicating established export readiness and compliance with international electrical safety norms.

How to Choose Spherical Ice Maker Suppliers?

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

Quality & Certification Compliance
Prioritize suppliers whose products carry CE, ETL, or RoHS markings, especially for entry into EU and North American markets. Confirm documentation for temperature control systems, compressor efficiency, and material safety (e.g., BPA-free plastic or 304-grade stainless steel contact surfaces). Independent lab reports verifying ice clarity and cycle consistency enhance reliability assessment.

Production Capacity and Customization
Evaluate core competencies through available metrics:

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) ranging from 1 piece (sample) to 500+ units for cost-optimized batches
• Customization options including color, logo printing, voltage (110V/220V), ice size (50mm–70mm spheres), and packaging design
• In-house R&D teams capable of modifying control boards or adding features like automatic cleaning cycles
  Cross-reference MOQs with unit pricing tiers to assess scalability. Factories advertising “1-piece MOQ” often cater to distributors testing market demand, while high-volume producers require 200–500-unit commitments for competitive rates.

Transaction Reliability Indicators
Analyze performance data such as on-time delivery rates (target ≥95%), average response time (ideally ≤2 hours), and reorder frequency. Low reorder rates (<15%) may indicate niche specialization rather than customer dissatisfaction. Use sample orders to evaluate build quality, instruction clarity, and after-sales communication before scaling procurement.

What Are the Best Spherical Ice Maker Suppliers?

Performance Analysis
Xiamen Beiruikang leads in transaction volume and responsiveness, supporting single-unit sampling with full OEM customization—ideal for private-label buyers. Guangzhou Chashimi offers the broadest customization scope, including material finishes and branding elements critical for differentiated retail offerings. Yuyao Haohong and Shenzhen Xingpeng demonstrate strong reliability with 100% on-time delivery and sub-2-hour response times, making them suitable for urgent reorders. Jiaozuo Forward focuses on commercial-grade units priced above $250/set, suggesting engineering rigor for durability under frequent use. Buyers seeking low MOQs should prioritize suppliers offering “1 piece” minimums without sacrificing certification compliance.

FAQs

What is the typical MOQ for spherical ice makers?

MOQ varies by supplier and model type. Standard consumer units range from 100 to 500 pieces for optimal pricing, while select manufacturers allow 1-piece orders for samples or dropship testing. Commercial-grade machines may require full-set purchases but support mixed-model bundling.

How long does production and shipping take?

Manufacturing lead time averages 25–35 days post-deposit. Air freight delivers samples within 5–10 days; sea freight for container loads takes 25–40 days depending on destination port and customs processing.

Can I customize the ice sphere size?

Yes, most suppliers support diameters between 50mm and 70mm. Guangzhou Chashimi and Xiamen Beiruikang explicitly list 50mm–55mm options. Custom mold development may incur NRE fees for non-standard sizes outside this range.

Do suppliers provide product certifications?

Leading suppliers declare CE and ETL compliance for electrical safety. Request test reports for insulation resistance, leakage current, and thermal cutoff functions. Verify authenticity via certification body databases to avoid counterfeit documentation.

Are spare parts and technical support available?

Supplier support varies. High-volume exporters typically provide basic troubleshooting guides and replacement components (e.g., trays, filters). For long-term maintenance, negotiate service agreements or secure spare compressor units during initial procurement.