Short answer
Commercial ice machines have commonly used R-404A, an HFC blend. Others use R-134a (often in smaller units), R-410A, R-407C or, in newer designs, R-290 (propane). Older equipment may contain R-22 or even older CFC refrigerants. The only reliable way to know what your machine uses is to read the serial or data plate on the unit. Do not guess.
Handling refrigerant requires training and certification. This guide helps you identify the type and understand the terms, not service the sealed system yourself.
How to find your ice machine’s refrigerant type
- Unplug the machine or turn off its power before you open any panel.
- Find the data plate. It is typically a metal or foil label with the model number, serial number, electrical ratings and refrigerant information. Locations vary by brand. Common spots include the back, a side panel, or inside the front panel. Check your manual.
- Look for the refrigerant name and charge amount. You will usually see something like “R-404A” and a weight in ounces, grams or pounds.
- Write down the model and serial numbers. If the label is missing or unreadable, the manufacturer or a technician can look up the specification from the model and serial numbers.
- Check the manual or the manufacturer’s website if you cannot read the label.
Do not trust a quick online guess based only on the machine’s age or brand. Manufacturers have changed refrigerants over time, even within a single product line.
Common refrigerants in ice machines
| Refrigerant | Type | Where you may find it |
|---|---|---|
| R-404A | HFC blend | Long a common choice in commercial ice machines |
| R-134a | HFC | Often seen in smaller or undercounter units |
| R-410A | HFC blend | Used in some modern commercial models |
| R-407C | HFC blend | Used in some specific models |
| R-290 (propane) | Hydrocarbon | Newer, lower-GWP designs, typically smaller units |
| R-22 | HCFC | Older legacy equipment |
| R-12 / R-502 | CFC | Very old equipment |
This list is general. The correct refrigerant for any machine is the one printed on its data plate.
Why the types have changed
Refrigerants have moved through several generations. Early ones, the CFCs, were phased out because they damage the ozone layer. HCFCs such as R-22 were a transition step and were also phased out. HFCs, such as R-134a, R-404A and R-410A, do not harm the ozone layer, but many have a high global warming potential (GWP). Regulators in the United States have been phasing down HFC production and use under the AIM Act, and manufacturers are moving toward lower-GWP options.
One trade-off is that many lower-GWP refrigerants are more flammable. Safety classifications like A1 (non-flammable), A2L (mildly flammable) and A3 (highly flammable) come with different rules, including limits on how much refrigerant a unit can hold. Manufacturers such as Manitowoc have publicly discussed using R-290, a flammable hydrocarbon, in some newer ice machines. This is one reason servicing a modern unit requires current training.
What refrigerant does a Manitowoc ice machine use?
It depends on the model and the year. Manitowoc has said it converted some of its modular models from R-404A to R-410A, so older units may still use R-404A, and some newer machines use R-290. Because it varies, check the data plate on your specific machine or contact the manufacturer with your model and serial numbers.
What are the three types of refrigerants?
People usually mean one of two groupings:
- By chemistry and ozone impact: CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs. A newer category, HFOs, has lower global warming potential. Natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons (propane, isobutane), CO2 and ammonia are also used in some systems.
- By safety class: non-flammable (A1), mildly flammable (A2L) and highly flammable (A3).
Do they still use Freon in freezers?
“Freon” is a brand name that people often use for refrigerants in general. Modern household freezers and refrigerators typically do not use the older ozone-depleting types. Many use R-600a (isobutane) or R-134a, depending on the model and region, but the label on your unit tells you for sure. Older freezers may contain older refrigerants. If a household fridge or freezer has stopped cooling, see bad refrigerator compressor symptoms and condenser vs compressor in a refrigerator before assuming the refrigerant is the problem. If you are disposing of an old freezer or ice machine, the refrigerant must be recovered by a certified person and not released into the air.
Can you charge an ice machine yourself?
No. This is one of the most common questions, and the safe answer is that you should not.
- In the United States, handling refrigerant generally requires EPA Section 608 certification, and releasing refrigerant into the air is prohibited. Check current rules and local regulations.
- Many ice machines are critically charged, meaning the correct amount of refrigerant, by weight, is essential. Adding refrigerant by pressure alone, or “topping off”, can cause poor performance and damage.
- Refrigerant does not get used up. If the charge is low, there is a leak that needs to be found and fixed first.
- Tutorials online often skip these points. Professional technicians recover the old refrigerant, repair the leak, evacuate the system and weigh in the exact charge.
So a question like “how do I charge my ice machine with 404A” is better answered by “call a certified refrigeration technician”. If your machine is making little or no ice, the cause is often not refrigerant at all. Common causes include a dirty condenser, scale buildup, a water supply problem or a failed part, and a technician can check those first.
Why you should not mix refrigerants
Different refrigerants and blends are not interchangeable. Each system is designed for a particular refrigerant and its oil. Mixing types can lead to poor lubrication, abnormal pressures and damage to the compressor and other components. Never add a different refrigerant to a system that was built for another.
Safety and when to call a professional
- Always call a certified technician for any task involving refrigerant: leaks, low ice production suspected to be refrigerant-related, charging, or replacing sealed-system parts.
- Treat R-290 and other flammable refrigerants with extra care. Do not use open flames or create sparks near a suspected leak. Ventilate the area and call a qualified technician.
- Electrical safety: ice machines combine water and electricity. Disconnect power before any inspection beyond wiping surfaces.
- If you smell something unusual, hear hissing, or see oily residue near refrigerant lines, turn the machine off at the power source and contact a service professional.
- Do not cut or puncture refrigerant lines.
Things you can usually do yourself, if the manual allows: clean the exterior and the air filter, check the water supply, and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and sanitizing schedule.
FAQ
Where is the refrigerant listed on my ice machine? On the serial or data plate. Your manual and the manufacturer can also confirm it by model number.
Is R-404A being phased out? Under the AIM Act, HFC use is being reduced in the United States, and many manufacturers have moved to other refrigerants. Availability and cost of older refrigerants can change, so check current rules and supply with your technician.
Can I switch my ice machine to a different refrigerant? Not as a do-it-yourself project. A conversion involves compatibility, oil, safety and regulatory issues, and should only be considered with the manufacturer’s guidance and a certified technician.
Does a home ice maker use the same refrigerants? Compact and home units may use different refrigerants than commercial machines. Always check the label on your specific unit.