Sign in
Cubelet (chewable) Ice: When to Choose Hoshizaki F/E series cubelet & dispensers
December 16, 2025
39
If your business thinks that ice that's easy to chew and has a lot of surface area is important, then you need to know about Hoshizaki cubelet ice, which is also known as chewable ice and the F/E series cubelet and dispensers. Choosing the right Hoshizaki cubelet machine is a good idea because it can make your customers happier, make patients more comfortable, and help your business run more smoothly.
This guide will help you figure out when cubelet ice is the choice for you. It will also help you pick the right Hoshizaki cubelet dispenser or machine to go with cubelet ice.
Ice Properties
Soft, chewable texture
Cubelet ice is really soft, softer than the ice cubes we are used to. It is perfect for hospitals and other places where patients need to be careful. The reason cubelet ice is so popular in healthcare is because of how soft it is.
High surface area for fast cooling
Cubelet pieces are really small. Cubelet pieces are just so useful for these kinds of beverages because they chill them rapidly.
Low splash and smooth dispensing
The Cubelet ice is really nice because it flows quietly through the dispensers. The Cubelet ice is great for these types of situations because it is easy to use and does not make a mess.
Ideal Venues
Healthcare and medical facilities
The machines that give out the cubelet ice from Hoshizaki are very clean. They help keep people from getting sick. They are made to stop the spread of germs, and cubelet ice from Hoshizaki is a choice for these places.
Smoothie shops, cafés, and beverage bars
Cubelet ice is great for blended drinks because it creates a texture with less blender strain. You can use cubelet ice for teas and fruit drinks, too.
Quick-service restaurants
People really like cubelet ice at food places because it looks good and does not make a lot of noise when it comes out. The cubelet ice is small, so it does not make a loud noise as the bigger ice cubes do.
Commercial kitchens and back-of-house support
Even if you usually use a kind of ice cubelet, ice still works well. If you want to try something, you can look at crescent KM Edge models, square cube machines, or flakers.
Model Families
Hoshizaki F Series (high-volume cubelet)
The F Series is made for jobs that require a lot of cubelet output. You can find the F Series in hospitals, fast food chains like QSR, and big beverage programs. The F Series is really good at handling heavy-duty applications.
Hoshizaki E Series (dispenser-focused cubelet)
These machines are perfect for places like nurse stations and cafeterias or anywhere that needs ice without people having to touch it because the E Series improves safety and efficiency with its hands-free ice delivery, from the E Series.
Available dispensers
Hoshizaki cubelet dispensers are really good at reducing the risk of contamination. They keep the ice supply sealed so that customers and staff cannot touch it. If you want to see Hoshizaki cubelet machines, you can visit our cubelet machine collection. We have paired systems that work together, so you can explore those too.
Sizing
Determine daily ice demand
The usage of Cubelet ice really varies by the industry that uses Cubelet ice:
• Healthcare: 7–12 lbs per patient per day
• QSR beverage service: 1.5–2 lbs per drink
• Smoothie and juice bars: 3–4 lbs per blended drink
• Cafeterias: 1 lb per guest
Match production to peak demand
Cubelet machines are really good at making ice, so you should get a Cubelet machine that works well with your needs and your busiest hour.
Use a sizing tool for accuracy
If you do not know what production level you need, you should go to the Size Calculator to get an estimate that is based on your environment. The Size Calculator will help you figure out the production level you need for your environment.
Care
Filtration improves reliability
Filtration is very important for reliability. With filtration, the chances of something going wrong are much lower. So filtration is very good for making things reliable. Browse compatible options in our water filter collection.
Sanitizing schedules matter
Sanitizing schedules is something we should do every day to keep our schedules running. Sanitizing schedules can make a difference in how we plan our time and get things done.
Monitor airflow and production changes
Doing checks every month can help the air conditioner work well for a long time, and it can also reduce the costs of getting it serviced.
Explore matching models: see our collections and use the Size Calculator.
Cubelet (Chewable) Ice: When to Choose Hoshizaki F/E Series Cubelet & Dispensers
Intro
If your business values chewable, high-surface-area ice, understanding Hoshizaki cubelet (chewable) ice, F/E series cubelet & dispensers benefits is essential. Cubelet ice—sometimes compared to nugget ice—offers a softer texture, rapid cooling, and excellent versatility across healthcare, beverage service, and high-volume operations. Choosing the right cubelet machine can help improve customer satisfaction, patient comfort, and operational efficiency.
Cubelet ice is one of the most requested ice types in both healthcare and foodservice, especially in environments where soft chewability matters. Many operators comparing cubelet vs nugget ice discover that Hoshizaki’s F and E series models provide better durability, cleaner ice production, and more consistent output. This guide helps you understand when cubelet ice is the best choice and how to match it with the right Hoshizaki cubelet dispenser or machine.
Ice Properties
Soft, chewable texture
Cubelet ice is softer than traditional cubes, making it easy to chew and ideal for patient environments, specialty drinks, and high-turnover beverage programs. This softer structure is a major reason cubelet ice for healthcare has become a standard.
High surface area for fast cooling
Because cubelet pieces are small and porous, they chill liquids rapidly without over-diluting them. This makes them practical for smoothies, mocktails, teas, and flavored beverages.
Low splash and smooth dispensing
Cubelet ice flows quietly through dispensers, reduces splashback in cups, and performs well in automated ice delivery systems—ideal for front-of-house beverage stations and nurse stations.
Ideal Venues
Healthcare and medical facilities
Cubelet ice is widely used in hospitals, clinics, senior living centers, and rehabilitation facilities. Patients prefer chewable ice because it’s easier on teeth and comfortable for hydration. Hoshizaki’s sanitary dispensers support infection-control needs and reduce contamination risk.
Smoothie shops, cafés, and beverage bars
For blended drinks, cubelet ice creates a smoother texture with less blender strain. It also offers a unique drinking experience for teas and fruit drinks.
Quick-service restaurants
Many fast-casual chains use cubelet ice for its high customer appeal and quiet dispensing. Its small size also reduces the loud clatter that comes with larger cubes.
Commercial kitchens and back-of-house support
Even if your main beverage ice type is different, cubelet ice works well for food prep, ingredient cooling, and production stations. For alternative ice types, you can explore crescent KM Edge models, square cube machines, or flakers.
Model Families
Hoshizaki F Series (High-volume cubelet)
The F series is designed for heavy-duty applications that need maximum cubelet output. These modular units pair with bins or dispensers and are common in hospitals, QSR chains, and large beverage programs.
Hoshizaki E Series (Dispenser-focused cubelet)
The E series integrates cubelet production with sanitary dispensing options. These machines are designed for nurse stations, cafeterias, and any area where hands-free ice delivery improves safety and efficiency.
Available dispensers
Hoshizaki cubelet dispensers reduce contamination risks and keep the ice supply sealed from customers and staff. Visit our cubelet machine collection to explore paired systems.
Sizing
Determine daily ice demand
Cubelet ice usage varies by industry:
- Healthcare: 7–12 lbs per patient per day
- QSR beverage service: 1.5–2 lbs per drink
- Smoothie/juice bars: 3–4 lbs per blended drink
- Cafeterias: 1 lb per guest
Match production to peak demand
Cubelet machines produce ice gradually over 24 hours. Select a unit that supports both your busiest hour and your full daily demand. Pairing with an appropriately sized bin prevents shortages.
Use a sizing tool for accuracy
If you’re unsure what production level you need, visit the Size Calculator for a precise estimate based on your environment.
Care
Filtration improves reliability
Cubelet ice machines rely on clean water to maintain texture and production consistency. Using proper filtration protects internal components and reduces scale buildup. Browse compatible options in our water filter collection.
Sanitizing schedules matter
Cubelet machines, especially dispensers, benefit from regular cleaning to reduce microbial growth and maintain ice quality. Hoshizaki designs F and E series units for easy access during routine maintenance.
Monitor airflow and production changes
Low airflow or clogged condenser fins can reduce output. Simple monthly checks help maintain long-term performance and reduce service costs.
Explore matching models: see our collections and use the Size Calculator at /pages/size-calculator.
Featured Product
Recent Posts
Login and Registration Form