Tube Ice Machine — For Ice Factories & Beverage Business
Crystal-clear, hollow tube ice with a slow melting rate — the preferred ice type for retail ice sales, beverage shops, and ice factory operations. Our tube ice machines range from 1 to 30 tons per day, built for continuous 24-hour production in tropical climates.
What is Tube Ice and Why Is It a Profitable Business?
Tube ice is a type of hollow, cylindrical ice produced by freezing water inside vertical stainless steel tubes. Water flows through the tubes while a refrigerant circulates around the outside, creating a thick ice shell. Once the ice reaches the desired thickness, hot gas is briefly injected to release the ice, which is then cut into uniform cylinders by a rotating blade at the top.
Tube ice has become one of the most commercially profitable ice types — especially in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Its crystal-clear appearance, slow melting rate, and hygienic production process make it the top choice for retail ice sales, beverage cooling, and drink shops. Many entrepreneurs start ice factory businesses specifically around tube ice machines because of the high profit margins: the production cost per ton is low, while the retail selling price is high.
Key Advantages
✅ Crystal clear & hygienic — consumer-grade ice for direct use in drinks
✅ Slow melting rate — retains cooling power longer than flake or crushed ice
✅ High profit margin — low production cost, strong retail demand
✅ Fully automatic — 24-hour continuous production with minimal labor
✅ Adjustable ice length — cut to your preferred size (2-5cm typical)
Tube Ice Machine Models — Choose Your Capacity
All models feature SUS304 stainless steel tubes, automatic ice harvesting, and PLC touch screen control. Designed for 24-hour continuous operation in ambient temperatures up to 45°C.
| Model | Daily Capacity | Power | Cooling | Tube Diameter | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICM-T10 | 1 Ton/Day | 4.2 kW | Air / Water | 22mm / 29mm | Small ice business, drink shops | View Details → |
| ICM-T20 | 2 Ton/Day | 7.5 kW | Air / Water | 22mm / 29mm | Startup ice factories | View Details → |
| ICM-T30 | 3 Ton/Day | 10.5 kW | Water | 22mm / 29mm / 35mm | Growing ice businesses | View Details → |
| ICM-T50 | 5 Ton/Day | 16 kW | Water | 22mm / 29mm / 35mm | Medium ice factories | View Details → |
| ICM-T100 | 10 Ton/Day | 30 kW | Water | 29mm / 35mm | Commercial ice plants | View Details → |
| ICM-T200 | 20 Ton/Day | 56 kW | Water | 29mm / 35mm | Large ice factories | View Details → |
| ICM-T300 | 30 Ton/Day | 80 kW | Water | 29mm / 35mm | Industrial ice production | View Details → |
Need a custom capacity? We can configure tube ice systems from 500kg to 50+ tons per day, including multi-unit installations for large ice plants. Contact us with your requirements.
Where is Tube Ice Used?
1: Ice Factory Business
Tube ice is the most profitable ice type for retail sale. Starting a tube ice factory requires relatively low investment compared to other ice types, while generating strong returns — especially in tropical markets like the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Nigeria where demand for packaged ice is year-round. We provide complete ice factory setup support from machine selection to plant design.
2: Beverage & Drink Shops
Milk tea shops, juice bars, coffee chains, and beverage kiosks across Southeast Asia and the Middle East rely on tube ice for daily operations. Its crystal-clear appearance and slow melting make it the premium choice for drinks served directly to consumers.
3: Restaurants & Hotels
Hotels and restaurants in hot climate regions prefer tube ice for buffet beverage stations, room service, and bar operations. Tube ice is often chosen over cube ice in markets where consumers expect clear, cylindrical ice in their drinks — particularly in Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern hospitality.
4: Ice Retail & Distribution
Entrepreneurs and distributors buy tube ice in bulk from ice factories and resell it in bags to restaurants, street food vendors, wet markets, and households. The ice retail business is a proven model across the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and parts of Africa — with consistent daily demand and strong profit margins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tube Ice Machines
How profitable is a tube ice factory business?
Tube ice production is one of the most profitable ice business models. Production cost is typically $8 to $15 per ton (electricity + water), while retail price ranges from $30 to $80 per ton depending on your market. A 5-ton tube ice machine running 24 hours can generate a gross profit of $75 to $325 per day. Actual profit depends on your local electricity rate, ice selling price, and operating hours. We can help you build a detailed ROI calculation for your specific market.
What tube diameter should I choose — 22mm, 29mm, or 35mm?
The tube diameter determines the size of each ice cylinder. 22mm tubes produce smaller, thinner ice pieces — popular for drink shops and milk tea stores where ice needs to fit through straws or blend easily. 29mm tubes produce the standard size used in most ice factories and beverage service — the most versatile option. 35mm tubes produce larger, thicker ice pieces preferred for retail bags and long-lasting cooling. Most customers start with 29mm.
Can a tube ice machine operate in hot tropical climates above 40°C?
Yes. All our tube ice machines are designed for tropical operation. Standard models work at ambient temperatures up to 40°C. For extremely hot environments (above 40°C, common in the Middle East and parts of Africa), we offer a tropical version rated for up to 45°C. Water-cooled models are strongly recommended for hot climate installations.
How much space do I need to install a tube ice machine?
Space requirements depend on the capacity. A 1-ton tube ice machine needs approximately 2m x 1.5m of floor space. A 5-ton machine needs about 3m x 2m. A 10-ton machine needs about 4m x 3m. Additional space is needed for the ice storage bin, water tank, and condenser. We provide a complete plant layout drawing when you confirm your order.
What is the warranty and after-sales support for your tube ice machines?
Standard warranty is 12 months for the complete machine, with 18 months for the compressor. We provide full documentation including installation manuals, operation guides, and maintenance schedules. Our technical team offers remote support via WhatsApp and video call. Common spare parts are kept in stock and can be shipped within 48 hours.
Ready to Start Your Tube Ice Business?
Whether you’re launching a new ice factory or expanding your existing production, we provide the right tube ice machine and full project support. Tell us your target capacity and market — we’ll prepare a customized proposal.
✓ Free ice factory ROI calculation · ✓ CE & ISO certified · ✓ 12-hour response guarantee