Half dice vs full dice ice comes down to cube size, not machine price or output. On Manitowoc’s chart, a half dice cube is about 3/8 by 1-1/8 by 7/8 inch, with 96 cubes per pound. A full dice cube is 7/8 inch on every side, with 48 per pound. A regular cube is 1-1/8 by 1-1/8 by 7/8 inch, with 32 per pound. Our matched Manitowoc listings carry the same price and nearly the same daily output for half dice and full dice, so pick the shape that fits your drinks.
Cube ice sizes: half dice, full dice and regular compared
These figures come from Manitowoc’s ice shape guide (manitowocice.com/info). All three are hard, clear cubes with what Manitowoc calls a “rhomboid” shape, and it describes each as giving “maximum cooling with nearly 100% ice to water ratio.” What changes is the size of each piece.
| Cube type | Size (Manitowoc) | Cubes per pound | Manitowoc model letter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half dice | 3/8 x 1-1/8 x 7/8 inch | 96 | Y (for example IYP, UYP) |
| Full dice (Dice) | 7/8 x 7/8 x 7/8 inch | 48 | D (for example IDP, UDP) |
| Regular | 1-1/8 x 1-1/8 x 7/8 inch | 32 | R (for example IRP) |
The second letter of a Manitowoc model number tells you the cube. An IDP0500A makes full dice, an IYP0500A makes half dice and an IRP0500A makes regular cubes. The rest of the number (the 0500 frame and the A for air cooled) is the same platform, so check that letter before you buy.
Half dice vs full dice ice: same machine, same price
We carry several Manitowoc Indigo NXT heads in matched full dice and half dice versions. At the time of writing, both versions of each frame cost the same:
| Frame | Full dice listing | Half dice listing | Price each (at time of writing) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iP0500, 30 inch, air cooled, 208-230V | IDP0500A-261, 515 lb per day | IYP0500A-261, 516 lb per day | $4,487 |
| iP0600, 30 inch, air cooled, 208-230V | IDP0600A-261, 662 lb per day | IYP0600A-261, 672 lb per day | $4,851 |
| iP0600, 30 inch, water cooled, 208-230V | IDP0600W-261, 605 lb per day | IYP0600W-261, 650 lb per day | $5,199 |
| iP0450, 30 inch, water cooled, 115V | IDP0450W-161, 456 lb per day | IYP0450W-161, 464 lb per day | $4,266 |
| iP0420, 22 inch, water cooled, 115V | IDP0420W-161, 442 lb per day | IYP0420W-161, 466 lb per day | $4,356 |
In every pair we list, the half dice version is rated at the same or slightly higher pounds per day than the full dice version. The gap ranges from 1 pound on the iP0500 to 45 pounds on the water cooled iP0600. That rarely changes which size you need, so choose half dice for the cube, not the output.
Regular cube versions are close too. The Manitowoc IRP0500A-261 regular cube head is listed at 509 pounds per day for $4,595 at the time of writing. That is about $108 more than the IDP0500A-261 full dice or IYP0500A-261 half dice versions of the same frame, and 6 to 7 pounds per day lower.
All of these are ice machine heads, so you will need a separate bin or dispenser. If that is new to you, our guide to modular vs undercounter ice machines explains how heads and bins go together. If you have not settled on a production size yet, start with what size ice machine you need and come back to choose the cube.
How cube size changes a drink
Surface area and melting
A pound of half dice is cut into 96 pieces. The same pound of regular cubes is 32 pieces. More, smaller pieces give the same weight of ice more exposed surface. Wikipedia’s ice cube article notes that crushed ice melts faster than solid ice because its greater surface area speeds heat transfer. The same principle applies, more mildly, to half dice versus larger cubes: smaller ice tends to chill faster and dilute faster. Whether that helps depends on the drink, so we are not naming one cube as best for cocktails.
How ice fills a glass
Smaller, thinner cubes generally settle into a glass with fewer gaps, so a glass of half dice tends to hold more ice and less liquid than a glass of regular cubes. If you sell drinks by the cup, that changes how much beverage goes into each serving. Fill a few of your own glasses with each cube type before you decide.
Blending and dispensing
Manitowoc’s shape guide links half dice and full dice to its hotel ice dispensers, but not regular cubes. If you plan a dispenser on top of the head, check its spec sheet for accepted cube types. Smaller pieces are also easier to run through a blender.
Best ice for cocktails and other uses: matching cube to service
A practical starting point, based on the tradeoffs above. Your menu and glassware should have the final say.
- Half dice: blended drinks, smoothies and high volume fountain soda.
- Full dice: general use when one machine covers water, iced tea, sodas and mixed drinks. It is the middle size.
- Regular: drinks served on the rocks where slower melting matters, and coolers or ice chests where you want ice to last longer.
If you have room for only one machine, full dice is a reasonable middle ground. Half dice makes sense when blended drinks or fountain soda make up most of your volume.
Undercounter options in each cube
At the time of writing we list the Manitowoc UYP0190A-161BX NEO, a 26 inch air cooled half dice machine with a 90 lb bin rated at 200 lb per day, for $3,332. We also list the Manitowoc UDP0310A-261ZG NEO, a 30 inch full dice machine with a 119 lb bin rated at 315 lb per day, for $4,133. They differ in capacity and width as well as cube. For more undercounter picks, see our guide to the best commercial ice makers for small restaurants.
For a narrow 22 inch space, the IDP0620A-261 full dice head (482 lb per day, 208-230V) and the IRP0620A-161 regular cube head (493 lb per day, 115V) share the iP0620 frame but run on different voltages. A licensed electrician and plumber, along with your local code, have the final word on power, water and drain connections. To see more models, browse the Manitowoc brand page or the commercial kitchen equipment guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between half dice and full dice ice?
Manitowoc lists half dice at 3/8 by 1-1/8 by 7/8 inch, with 96 cubes per pound. Full dice is 7/8 inch on each side, with 48 cubes per pound. So each half dice cube weighs about half as much as a full dice cube.
Does a half dice ice machine cost more than a full dice one?
Not in the matched Manitowoc pairs we carry. The IDP0500A-261 and IYP0500A-261 are both $4,487, and the IDP0600A-261 and IYP0600A-261 are both $4,851 at the time of writing. Half dice versions are rated at the same or slightly higher pounds per day.
What are the standard cube ice sizes?
For Manitowoc cube machines, there are three: half dice, full dice (called Dice) and regular. Other brands use names like half cube and full cube, so compare published dimensions rather than names.
What is the best ice for cocktails?
There is no single answer. Smaller cubes have more surface area per pound, so they chill faster and dilute faster. Larger cubes melt more slowly. Test with your own recipes and glassware.
Not sure which cube or frame fits your bar or kitchen? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight, and smaller orders ship for a flat $200. See our return and refund policy before you order.
