Hello-

Just reviewing options for the block ice and wanted to get an idea of how many people purchase ice from a distributor versus making their own block ice. What are the pros and cons of each. Also, are their distributors that provide the round ice blocks?

Thanks for an advice you can offer.

I make my own block ice with a 12 blocker. I keep a good supply on hand in a couple of chest freezers. I find it takes about 12 hours or so for a batch to freeze. Hope this helps. In my area I could not find a supplier that did solid block ice.

It really depends. Some counties require you to purchase commercial block ice due to health regulations while some do not. In Hawaii, most of the big shave ice stores purchase commercial block ice simply cause their freezers are not able to meet the demand of their store. Commercial block ice also tend to be frozen at a lower temperature and consistency which creates a even freeze that lasts longer without melting as opposed to homemade ones.

Having a problem with making ice ,the water at the top of the mold tends to rise and freeze unevenly so it does not sit in the machine evenly making it almost imposible to shave. Note I use manual hand crank machines. Any suggestions?

The reason that the ice is uneven at the tops has alot to do with the temperature changes. When you open or close the doors to the freezer or frige, it causes movements to the unit which causes the uneven freezing. Try freezing the ice at night and it should usually be okay by the next day.