Ice machine war heats up as South Korea braces for record-breaking summer

With forecasters warning of a record-breaking heat wave this summer, water purifier companies are ramping up their warm-weather campaigns by touting ice-making capacity. Products range from machines capable of producing more than 1,000 ice cubes a day to models that differentiate on mineral content or ultra-slim design.

Coway's newly launched IceStand 3.0, designed with high-traffic commercial venues in mind, shrinks its footprint by 11 percent while boosting ice-making performance. The unit can produce up to 13.6 kilograms — roughly 1,246 cubes — per day and generates a fresh batch every 16 minutes. It also features a combined ice-and-water dispensing function and a four-stage UV sterilization system.

"After expanding our home-use ice purifier lineup to seven models last year — covering everything from compact to large-capacity units — we have reinforced our standing-type model this year to strengthen our grip on the commercial market as well," a Coway official said. "We will continue to solidify our position as the undisputed leader in ice water purifiers, backed by powerful ice-making technology, easy hygiene management and high energy efficiency."

Samsung Electronics has also entered the fray with its Bespoke AI ice water purifier, which can produce up to 8 kilograms — about 1,000 cubes — per day and store up to 100 cubes at a time.

Cheong-Ho Nice has unveiled its new "The M" model, capable of producing up to 6.7 kilograms, or about 770 cubes, daily. The product also offers three selectable ice sizes: 7 grams, 9 grams and 11 grams.

SK Magic, the health platform brand of SK Intellix, is betting on cube size. Its recently launched MEGA ICE water purifier mini pairs a smaller body with larger ice — offering 11-gram cubes, among the biggest in its class — and can produce up to 4.1 kilograms of ice per day.

Kyowon Wells is taking a different angle with its IceOne water purifier, marketing "mineral ice" as its key differentiator. The unit applies the company's proprietary mineral filter system to remove harmful substances while infusing the water with minerals. A mineral ball inside the filter replenishes calcium, potassium and magnesium, delivering what the company describes as a more refreshing and balanced taste. The resulting ice retains visible mineral marbling, the company says, making cold drinks a healthier experience.

"IceOne differentiates both the water and the ice through Kyowon Wells' exclusive mineral filter technology," a company official said. "We will continue to expand our wellness product lineup so customers can live healthier in their everyday lives."

Cuckoo, popular for its value-for-money positioning, is targeting kitchen counter space with its Zero 100 Mini ice water purifier. Measuring just 19 centimeters wide, the unit targets home-cafe enthusiasts and is marketed as "the slimmest ice storage" that fits into the narrowest kitchen gaps. Its compact footprint has made it a steady seller among one- and two-person households and newlyweds. The machine produces up to about 600 cubes a day, generating a new batch in roughly 12 minutes.