Hoshizaki FM-120KE-50-HC Flake Ice Maker 125Kg/Day 57kg Bin

Hoshizaki FM-120KE-50-HC Flake Ice Maker

The Hoshizaki FM-120KE-50-HC Flake Ice Maker is a commercial self-contained ice machine engineered for the premium Australian hospitality, seafood retail, and medical sectors. Producing Hoshizaki’s signature light, soft-textured flake ice, this high-performance unit blends automated cleaning innovation with industry-leading thermal efficiency. Built specifically to withstand demanding ambient environments, it is the premier choice for upscale establishments looking to lower operational costs while elevating their fresh product presentation.

Premium Flake Ice Production for Australian Food Preservation

The modern Australian commercial landscape demands visual perfection and flawless temperature control. The Hoshizaki FM-120KE-50-HC is a premium solution crafted for seafood markets, supermarket displays, buffet stations, and medical facilities across Australia. Standard commercial ice cubes present sharp edges that can bruise delicate produce or leave large gaps that cause uneven cooling. Hoshizaki’s premium soft flake ice forms a gentle, highly packable bed that cools quickly and evenly. Its flat shape maximizes contact area with food items, preventing freezer burn while maintaining a consistent, hydrated temperature environment for fresh seafood, catering platters, and cold produce displays.

Designed as an extended self-contained unit with an integrated, high capacity 57kg storage bin, it features an optimized footprint that maximizes ice reserve space. This layout provides kitchen and retail teams with direct, convenient access to a substantial volume of premium presentation ice during intense service spikes.

Operational Advantages & Efficiency Benefits

Investing in the Hoshizaki FM FLAKER generation means putting long-term efficiency and operational resilience at the centre of your venue.

• Optimised Environmental Sustainability: Utilising eco-friendly R290 natural refrigerant, this unit complies with stringent modern environmental codes. It dramatically minimizes greenhouse gas impact while driving down baseline utility bills.
• Intelligent Utility Management: Engineered with a specialized worktime-based component replacement system, the machine tracks mechanical wear directly. Operators can monitor service intervals via an intuitive display to perform smart preventive maintenance.
• Flawless Presentation with Automatic Rinsing: The system features an innovative, automated water circuit rinse cycle. This continuous cycle prevents mineral buildup, blocks calcification, and flushes the hydraulic system to maintain exceptional sanitary conditions.
• Advanced Sealed Hygiene Protection: The combination of a fully closed water circuit and water-lubricated bearings shield the ice-making process from airborne lint and bacteria. Every batch is formed safely without the risk of lubricant contamination.

Key Engineering Features

• Bearing less Auger Technology: Built with carbon graphite bushings instead of traditional steel ball bearings for a completely grease-free operation.
• Reduced Mechanical Wear: The elimination of complex moving parts scales down friction, drastically lowering long-term maintenance costs.
• Premium Marine-Grade Build: Clad in premium AISI 441 stainless steel with a galvanized steel rear panel to ward off corrosion in humid, high-salinity Australian back-of-house environments.
• Tool-Free Component Access: The internal water circuit components and mechanical assembly are designed for quick accessibility, simplifying routine inspections and technical servicing.
• Expanded Under-Bench Storage: Features a wider chassis design to accommodate a larger internal ice bunker, minimizing the need for external modular storage bins.

Technical Specifications

• Nominal Daily Production: Rated up to 125kg per 24 hours at optimal 10°C Air / 10°C Water.
• Realistic Kitchen Scaling: Produces approx. 105kg per 24 hours at standard 21°C Air / 15°C Water; outputs approx. 82kg per 24 hours at peak 32°C Air / 21°C Water.
• Ice Format Size: Soft, high-hydration Flake Ice format.
• Integral Storage Bin Capacity: Maximum capacity of approx. 57kg when levelled (with a bin control safety setting of approx. 41kg).
• Electrical Draw: 1 Phase, 220–240V, 50Hz with a standard pre-fitted 10 Amp Australian Plug.
• Power Consumption: Energy-minimised 355W draw under typical operation.
• Exterior Shell Construction: Commercial-grade AISI 441 Stainless Steel face and sides with galvanized backing.
• Standard Accessories Included: Complete professional installation kit and an ergonomic ice scoop.

Dimensions & Operational Requirements

• Product Width: 940 mm
• Product Depth: 600 mm
• Product Height: 800 mm (adjustable legs support a range of 798mm to 833mm)
• Net Product Weight: 76 kg
• Packed Weight: 88 kg
• Ambient Operating Temperature Range: 5°C to 40°C
• Incoming Water Supply Temperature: 5°C to 35°C
• Water Supply Pressure Range: 0.05 to 0.8 MPa
• Voltage Range: Rated Voltage ±6%

Warranty & Regulatory Compliance

The Hoshizaki FM-120KE-50-HC is fully GEMS Approved (GEMS Number: AIM0023) for energy efficiency and compliance across all Australian territories. It carries a premium manufacturer warranty framework:

• 3 Years parts and labour warranty covering the entire self-contained ice maker unit.
• 5 Years parts-only warranty covering the advanced commercial compressor and air-cooled condenser coil.

Why This Machine Excels in Busy Commercial Kitchens

Australian commercial kitchens are notoriously harsh environments, subject to elevated temperatures, grease vapor, and tight floor plans. Sizing an ice machine based on a mild winter day is a recipe for summer shortfalls. Industry experts emphasize that the 32°C ambient benchmark is the metric that matters most when planning for Australian kitchens. The Hoshizaki FM-120KE-50-HC delivers an impressive 82kg of soft flake ice daily even when internal kitchen temperatures spike to 32°C.

Its layout features a wide, low-profile configuration that fits neatly into under-counter cabinetry cutouts alongside fish fileting stations or cold production benches. Additionally, the grease-free carbon graphite design removes standard bearing wear during slower periods. This keeps the unit running dependably for years past cheaper, less robust alternatives.

Proactive Cleaning & Maintenance Routine

To secure premium flake ice and protect your factory warranty, simple preventative upkeep is essential:

1. Automated Water Rinse: Benefit from Hoshizaki’s automated rinse technology. This built-in sequence clears residual minerals from the internal lines, keeping your ice completely sanitary.
2. Accessible Air Filters: Slide out the front-facing air filter at regular intervals to wash out grease and airborne dust. Clean filters keep the cooling system efficient and reduce avoidable service call-outs.
3. High-Volume Storage Bin Care: Clean down the interior walls of the large 57kg bin weekly using food-safe sanitizer to eliminate potential bacterial film in high-moisture environments.
4. Water Treatment Requirement: This unit requires a dedicated water filtration system (such as the compatible HLF10G Water Filter Kit, sold separately). Proper filtration removes heavy chlorines and sediment, protecting the internal auger assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How does the FM-120KE-50-HC differ from the standard FM-120KE-HC model?
A: While both models feature the exact same internal ice-making engine and 105kg daily production capacity, the FM-120KE-50-HC features a wider 940mm chassis. This structural change expands the internal storage capacity from 26kg up to a massive 57kg, making it perfect for businesses that need a larger reserve of ice on hand before peak service hours.

Q2: What are the installation clearance restrictions for this low-profile under-bench machine?
A: Because this unit features an under-counter style height profile (800mm), it requires adequate breathing room for the air-cooled condenser. It is recommended to leave a clear gap around the air vents to prevent heat recycling, which ensures the unit hits its rated ice production capacity even in hot weather.

Q3: Can the adjustable legs be completely removed to fit a lower under-counter opening?
A: The height can be dialled down to approximately 798mm with the legs retracted. Removing the legs entirely is generally not advised, as a small ground clearance is essential to protect the chassis floor and ensure correct gravity alignment for drainage lines.

Q4: Does the worktime display tell me exactly when to change specific components?
A: Yes. The intuitive dashboard tracks the runtime of major mechanical elements like the auger motor and gear assembly. Instead of guessing, it signals proactive maintenance flags so your technician can swap parts during planned downtime rather than responding to emergency breakages.

Q5: Is it possible to use standard commercial ice machine cleaner in this unit?
A: Flake ice machines utilize a continuous freezing cylinder rather than a flat evaporator plate. It is vital to use only Hoshizaki-approved, non-corrosive scale removers and sanitizers during cleaning cycles to safeguard the precision water-lubricated bearings and stainless-steel auger mechanism.

Why Buy from Snowmaster?

Selecting the right commercial ice machine requires specialized, technical industry knowledge. At Snowmaster, we provide over 80 years of hospitality supply experience to catering projects, hotels, and bars across Australia. We don’t just ship boxes; we act as dedicated Hoshizaki product partners, guiding you through specific utility configurations, ambient heat ratings, and delivery coordination.

Our team ensures you receive the exact footprint your layout requires, backed by competitive pricing, transparent national freight routing, and flexible commercial financing pathways. Trust your kitchen’s ice production to Australia’s proven refrigeration specialists.