Choosing a Hoshizaki ice maker can feel confusing at first, especially when similar model numbers appear with small differences such as PE, WPE, U, F, E, 23, 25 or 32.
This guide explains what the main parts of Hoshizaki ice maker product codes mean, helping you understand the difference between air cooled, water cooled, self-contained, modular and specialist models.
How Hoshizaki Ice Maker Codes Work
A typical Hoshizaki model code may look like this:
IM-65PE-U-25
This can usually be broken down into:
- IM – Ice Maker range
- 65 – model size or capacity range
- PE / WPE / CPE / APE – cooling type and product style
- U / F / E – feature version
- 23 / 25 / 32 – cube size, where shown
Not every model includes every part of the code, but the letters and numbers usually give a good indication of the machine type.
What Does IM Mean?
IM stands for Ice Maker. This is Hoshizaki’s cube ice maker range, designed to produce clear, consistent ice cubes for commercial use.
What Do the Numbers Mean?
The number after IM gives an indication of the model size or production range. For example:
- IM-30 – compact ice maker
- IM-45 – small commercial ice maker
- IM-65 – medium commercial ice maker
- IM-130 – larger commercial ice maker
- IM-240 – high capacity commercial ice maker
The exact ice production can still vary depending on whether the model is air cooled or water cooled, the cube size and the feature version.
Air Cooled vs Water Cooled
One of the most important parts of the product code is whether the model is air cooled or water cooled.
- PE usually means air cooled
- WPE usually means water cooled
For example:
- IM-65PE – air cooled
- IM-65WPE – water cooled
- IM-240APE – air cooled modular ice maker
- IM-240AWPE – water cooled modular ice maker
Which is best?
Air cooled ice makers are the most commonly sold option and are suitable for most commercial sites. They are usually more cost-effective and easier to install.
Water cooled ice makers are less common, but they can be useful in warmer or enclosed areas where air cooled machines may struggle due to limited ventilation. They are usually more expensive and use more water, so they are normally chosen for specific installation requirements.
What Do U, F and E Mean?
Some Hoshizaki models include an extra letter after the main model code. These usually indicate an upgraded feature version.
- U – UltraCUBE, includes UV-C sanitisation
- F – FlexiCUBE, includes an internal drain pump
- E – EliteCUBE, includes UV-C sanitisation and an internal drain pump
For example:
- IM-65PE-U – air cooled UltraCUBE model with UV-C sanitisation
- IM-65PE-F – air cooled FlexiCUBE model with internal drain pump
- IM-65PE-E – air cooled EliteCUBE model with UV-C sanitisation and internal drain pump
What Do 23, 25 and 32 Mean?
Some models include a number at the end of the code to show the cube size.
- 23 – medium 23g cube
- 25 – small 25g cube
- 32 – extra large 32g cube
- No cube size suffix – usually large standard cube
For example:
- IM-130PE-23 – medium 23g cube
- IM-65PE-25 – small 25g cube
- IM-240APE-32 – extra large 32g cube
- IM-65PE – large standard cube
Self-Contained Ice Makers
Self-contained Hoshizaki ice makers have a built-in ice storage bin. This means they do not need a separate ice storage bin.
Examples include:
- IM-30CPE
- IM-45PE
- IM-65PE
- IM-130PE
- IM-240PE
- IM-240WPE
These models are ideal where you want a complete ice machine and storage solution in one unit.
Modular Ice Makers
Modular ice makers do not have a built-in storage bin. They are designed to sit on top of a separate compatible ice storage bin.
Examples include:
- IM-130APE
- IM-240APE
- IM-240AWPE
These models are suitable for higher demand sites that need a larger or more flexible ice storage setup.
Stackable and Extension Models
Some Hoshizaki models are modular and stackable. These are designed for high demand sites where multiple ice machines may be stacked together to increase production.
- DPE models are modular stackable ice makers
- XPE models are stackable extension units
Examples include:
- IM-240DPE – air cooled modular stackable ice maker
- IM-240DWPE – water cooled modular stackable ice maker
- IM-240XPE – air cooled stackable extension unit
- IM-240XWPE – water cooled stackable extension unit
These models require a compatible bin and the correct top kit or stacking setup.
Does the Machine Need a Storage Bin?
A quick way to check is:
- Self-contained models have a built-in bin and do not need a separate storage bin
- Modular models need a separate compatible storage bin
- Stackable models need a compatible bin and top kit setup
- Extension models are designed for stacked installations and need the correct compatible setup
For example, the IM-240WPE-E-23 is self-contained, so it does not need a separate storage bin. The IM-240APE and IM-240AWPE are modular, so they do need a separate storage bin.
Common Hoshizaki Accessories
The right accessories depend on the model, but common options include:
- Water filters
- Replacement filter cartridges
- Internal or external drain pumps
- Scoop holder kits
- Compatible storage bins
- Top kits for modular machines
Water Filters
Smaller self-contained machines usually use a 4HC-H Single Water Filter with a 4HC Replacement Cartridge.
Larger modular and high capacity machines often use a 4HC-H Twin Water Filter with a 4HC Replacement Cartridge.
The replacement cartridge may be common across the single and twin systems, but the filter head/system can differ, so it is important to check the correct filter for each model.
Drain Pumps
Drain pumps should not be added to every machine as a standard accessory.
- F models usually include an internal drain pump
- E models usually include an internal drain pump and UV-C sanitisation
- U models usually include UV-C sanitisation, but not necessarily a drain pump
- Standard models may be suitable for a drain pump if listed as a compatible accessory
If a model already includes an internal drain pump, a separate drain pump should usually only be offered as a spare or replacement part.
Quick Examples
IM-65PE
Air cooled, self-contained ice maker producing large standard cubes.
IM-65WPE-U-25
Water cooled, self-contained UltraCUBE model with UV-C sanitisation, producing small 25g cubes.
IM-130PE-E
Air cooled, self-contained EliteCUBE model with UV-C sanitisation and an internal drain pump, producing large standard cubes.
IM-240APE-32
Air cooled modular ice maker producing extra large 32g cubes. Requires a separate compatible storage bin.
IM-240AWPE-U-23
Water cooled modular UltraCUBE model with UV-C sanitisation, producing medium 23g cubes. Requires a separate compatible storage bin.
IM-240DPE-U
Air cooled modular stackable UltraCUBE model producing large standard cubes. Requires a compatible bin and top kit setup.
IM-240XWPE-23
Water cooled stackable extension model producing medium 23g cubes. Designed for compatible stacked installations.
Other Hoshizaki Ice Machine Ranges
While this guide mainly focuses on Hoshizaki IM ice makers, there are other Hoshizaki ranges available too. These use different product codes because they are designed to produce different types of ice.
KM Range
The Hoshizaki KM range produces crescent-shaped ice. This is Hoshizaki’s distinctive curved ice shape, designed to be clear, hard and slow melting. KM ice makers are often chosen for bars, restaurants and hospitality venues where ice quality and drink presentation are important.
FM Range
The Hoshizaki FM range includes flake and nugget ice machines. These are suited to a wide range of uses including food displays, fish counters, cocktails, healthcare, laboratories and any environment where softer or more mouldable ice is required.
FK Range
The Hoshizaki FK range includes specialist ice machines for businesses that need a different type of ice to standard cubes. These models are less commonly seen than the IM range, but may be suitable for sites with more specific ice requirements.
Why This Guide Focuses on IM Models
The IM range is one of Hoshizaki’s most popular cube ice ranges, and it is also where the product codes can look the most confusing. Codes such as IM-65PE, IM-65WPE, IM-65PE-U or IM-240APE-23 all give useful information about the machine, including size, cooling type, cube style and electrical supply.
That is why this guide focuses mainly on IM model names, while also giving a quick overview of the other Hoshizaki ice machine ranges available.
Need Help Choosing?
If you are not sure which Hoshizaki ice maker is right for your site, our team can help you compare models, cooling types, ice production, cube sizes and compatible accessories.
Please contact us with your expected ice usage, available space, drainage position and whether the machine will be installed in a warm or enclosed area.
