The right ice machine for food truck service is usually a compact, air-cooled undercounter unit that runs on a standard 115V, 15 amp circuit, makes roughly 50 to 100 pounds of ice a day in hot conditions, and has a drain pump so wastewater can reach your grey tank. Before you buy, check four things on the spec sheet: the circuit and running amps, the water used per 100 pounds of ice, the drain type, and the ambient temperature limit.
For general sizing, see our what size ice machine guide.
Why an ice machine for food truck use is different
A restaurant ice maker has city water, a floor drain, and an air-conditioned room. A truck has a fresh water tank, a grey water tank, a generator or shore power, and an interior that gets hot next to the griddle and fryer. WebstaurantStore’s food truck equipment checklist leans on worktop and undercounter refrigeration because space is tight, and the same logic applies to ice: the unit has to fit under a counter and breathe from the front.
115V undercounter ice machine power: what the spec sheets say
Both compact machines we checked are built for an ordinary 115V circuit:
- Manitowoc UDP0065A: 115/60/1, factory wired with a 6 ft cord and NEMA 5-15P plug. The Manitowoc 65/80 Series spec sheet lists a minimum circuit ampacity of 2.6 amps and a 15 amp maximum fuse, with a 1/5 hp compressor.
- Icetro IU-0090-AN and ANP: 115V/60Hz/1 phase with a NEMA 5-15 plug and a 15 amp minimum breaker, per the Icetro IU-0090 spec sheet. The sheet allows plus or minus 10% from rated voltage.
On a generator or inverter, the running amps are only part of the picture. Compressors draw more current for a moment when they start, and neither spec sheet we opened publishes that start-up figure, so ask the generator or inverter supplier to size for compressor starting, not just running load.
Two manual notes matter on a truck. The Icetro IU-0090-AN owner’s manual says not to use extension cords or 2-prong adapters, and it says a GFCI is not recommended because it may stop the machine. Electrical codes can require GFCI protection in some locations, so this is a conflict for a licensed electrician to resolve against the National Electrical Code and your local requirements. They have the final word on wiring.
Fresh water, pressure, and the grey tank
Every gallon the machine uses comes out of your fresh tank, and the water that does not become ice goes to your grey tank.
- Pressure: the Icetro manual calls for a continuous potable supply at 20 to 80 psi, and the Manitowoc sheet lists 20 to 80 psi inlet pressure. Your pump must hold that while the sinks run.
- Water use: the Manitowoc UDP0065A sheet lists 66.88 gallons of potable water per 100 lb of ice at 90 degree air and 70 degree water. Making its rated 48 lb on a hot day works out to about 32 gallons. The Icetro nugget machine lists 12 gallons per 100 lb, so its 67 lb hot weather output uses about 8 gallons.
- Drain: the standard Icetro IU-0090-AN is a gravity drain model that needs the drain line to drop 1/4 inch per foot. The ANP version has an integrated drain pump that the manual says can lift water about 8 ft. With a grey tank under the floor, a pump model is often simpler.
Plumbing on a mobile unit is often inspected, so have a licensed plumber or your truck builder confirm the hookup and any air gap requirements.
Heat and ventilation in a hot truck
Both manufacturers rate these compact air-cooled units for an ambient range of 50 to 100 degrees F. Icetro’s manual adds that the machine performs best at 50 to 75 degrees F and should not sit near a heat source such as a stove. Manitowoc’s sheet says the machine must be installed indoors and recommends 5 inches of clearance at the top, sides, and back.
Production drops as the air warms. The UDP0065A is rated at 62 lb a day at 70 degree air but 48 lb at 90 degree air, and the Icetro falls from 91 lb to 67 lb. Size from the 90/70 number, because that is your summer service. Keep the front grille clear and mount the unit away from the cook line. Our air vs water cooled guide explains why water-cooled units rarely suit a tank-fed truck.
Vibration, securing, and leveling
Neither manufacturer we checked writes guidance for road use, so treat these as installation basics rather than a mobile rating. The Icetro manual says the bottom must be level, recommends shimming it, and says to shut or fix the door when moving the unit so it cannot swing open. Strap or bracket the cabinet to the truck frame, and drain or empty the bin before driving.
Best ice machine for food truck menus: compact options
Compact machines in our catalog with stated specs. Production is shown at 70/50 and 90/70.
| Model | Ice type | Ice per 24 hr | Bin | Stated power | Our price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manitowoc UDP0065A | Dice cube | 62 lb / 48 lb | 31 lb | 115V, 2.6 A min circuit | $2,319 |
| Icetro IU-0090-ANP | Nugget | 91 lb / 67 lb | 24.3 lb | 115V, 15 A breaker, drain pump | $4,466 |
| Manitowoc USE0050A | Clear square cube | 45 lb / 35 lb | 25 lb | Cord with NEMA plug | $3,802 |
| Manitowoc USP0100A | Clear square cube | 100 lb / 85 lb | Not listed | Not listed | $2,963 |
| Manitowoc UCP0050A (scratch and dent) | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | 115V, 15 A, NEMA 5-15P | $2,795 |
| Icetro IU-0070-OU (used) | Gourmet cube | 60 lb / 48 lb | 26 lb | Not listed | $4,355 |
| Manitowoc UNP0200A | Nugget | 213 lb / 164 lb | 20 lb | Not listed | $4,818 |
Prices are as listed at the time of writing. The Icetro is 14.9 inches wide on its spec sheet, the narrowest here, while the UDP0065A is 19 11/16 inches wide. You can browse every model on our Icetro brand page, and our Icetro ice machine review covers the brand in more depth.
Food truck ice maker or bagged ice?
An onboard machine saves ice runs and keeps beverage ice under your control, but it costs power, fresh water, grey tank space, and counter room. Many trucks that sell a handful of drinks per service do fine with bags. A machine makes more sense when ice is part of the menu, such as shaved drinks or nugget ice beverages, or when you park at long events where restocking is hard.
Local health departments set the rules for mobile food units, including water tank sizes, ice handling, and whether ice must come from an approved source. Check with yours before you plan the layout.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 115V undercounter ice machine run on a generator?
The compact models above are rated for a standard 115V circuit, and the Manitowoc UDP0065A lists a 2.6 amp minimum circuit ampacity. Size the generator for compressor start-up as well as running load, and let a licensed electrician wire it.
How much ice does a food truck ice maker need to make?
Estimate the ice per drink times drinks per day, then compare to the 90/70 rating, not the 70/50 one. Our sizing guide walks through the math.
Do I need a drain pump?
If the drain outlet cannot fall to your grey tank at 1/4 inch per foot, yes. The Icetro ANP version includes one rated to lift water about 8 ft.
Is nugget or cube ice better for a truck?
It depends on your drinks. On water use, the Icetro nugget model lists 12 gallons per 100 lb of ice versus 66.88 gallons for the Manitowoc dice cuber, which matters with a fixed fresh tank.
Questions about fitting a machine to your truck? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday through Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship with free freight, and smaller orders ship for a $200 flat rate. Review our return and refund policy before ordering.
