Flake Ice Machines

What Are Flake Ice Machines and Why Are They Indispensable in the Laboratory?

Flake ice machines continuously produce fresh, dry flake ice with a uniquely large cooling surface and a low temperature of approximately –0.5°C. Unlike block ice or crushed ice, flake ice completely surrounds the object being cooled, making heat transfer maximally efficient and ensuring that sensitive samples, preparations and biological materials are cooled rapidly and evenly without mechanical damage. This makes flake ice the preferred choice in clinical laboratories, hospitals, biobanks and research institutions worldwide.

Applications of Flake Ice in Laboratory and Healthcare Settings

Flake ice machines are used across a wide range of professional environments where cooling and precision go hand in hand:

• Temporary cooling of blood samples, serum and plasma during transport and processing
• Cooling of reagents, enzymes and other temperature-sensitive liquids at the workbench
• Stable cooling during centrifugation and other laboratory processes
• Cooling of tissue preparations and biopsy material in pathology laboratories
• Use in operating theatres and intensive care units for local cooling during medical procedures
• Transport and presentation of sensitive pharmaceutical products and vaccines

As flake ice is soft and flexible, it adapts to any shape without exerting pressure on the material. This is crucial in applications where the integrity of the sample or preparation must not be compromised.

Advantages of Professional Flake Ice Machines

• Continuous supply of fresh flake ice, always immediately available
• Hygienic and food-safe: closed production system without hand contact
• Low water consumption and energy-efficient operation
• Compact design suitable for placement on the workbench or as a freestanding unit
• Easy to clean and maintain in accordance with laboratory hygiene standards
• Quiet operation for use in environments where staff are present for extended periods

Hoshizaki: the Standard in Professional Flake Ice Machines

Poly Temp supplies flake ice machines from Hoshizaki, a world leader in professional ice production for medical and laboratory applications. Hoshizaki is renowned for exceptional reliability, hygienic design and efficient operation. The machines are specifically developed for demanding professional environments and meet the strict requirements applicable to use in hospitals, laboratories and pharmaceutical institutions. View the full Hoshizaki flake ice machine range for all available models and capacities.

Advice and Service

Not sure which capacity or configuration best suits your application? Our specialists are happy to help you make the right choice, from compact benchtop models to larger freestanding units. Poly Temp also provides maintenance and periodic cleaning of your flake ice machine, ensuring the system always performs optimally and meets the hygiene standards of your institution. Get in touch for personalised advice.