Ice Machine Refrigerant Changes: What to Know in 2026
If you’re shopping for a new commercial ice machine or comparing replacement options, you may be noticing updated model numbers or specifications in 2026. These changes are part of an industry-wide refrigerant transition affecting commercial ice machines across all major manufacturers.
To help our team stay ahead of these changes and better support customers through the transition, Dave Boxhorn, Burkett’s Product Manager, recently presented the change to our team. Dave helped develop our team's knowledge on the refrigerant change, while teaching us how we can better support future and current customers.
He walked the team through what’s changing, why it’s happening, and what it means for operators. His presentation focused on keeping the details clear, practical, and customer-focused.
At a high level, ice manufacturers are moving away from legacy refrigerants and introducing next-generation alternatives designed for long-term compliance. Refrigeration manufacturers made this change previously in 2025. Ice production, reliability, and quality will all remain consistent. What’s changing is the refrigerant behind the scenes, similar to the refrigerant change refrigeration manufacturers made a couple years ago.
Key Takeaways:
- Beginning in 2026, modern, EPA-compliant refrigerants will be used in new commercial ice makers.
- Current ice makers are not prohibited and do not require replacement.
- Reliability, performance, and ice quality all stay consistent.
- Over time, maintaining older refrigerants may become more costly.
- New refrigerants are not interchangeable with existing systems.
What’s Changing with Ice Machine Refrigerants?
The biggest change is simple: the refrigerant used inside new commercial ice machines is being updated.
Manufacturers are moving away from older refrigerants and adopting newer, lower-GWP alternatives that comply with current EPA regulations for commercial ice machines. While this mostly happens behind the scenes, it can affect how equipment is listed and compared.
What May Change:
- Updated model numbers - Small changes to model numbers are often used to indicate a new refrigerant.
- Temporary overlap - Old and new versions of similar ice machines may be available at the same time.
- Spec sheet differences - Even when capacity and ice type stay the same, specifications may vary slightly.
- Availability changes - Older refrigerant models may become limited or discontinued without much notice.
What Stays the Same:
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- Ice quality and output
- Core performance and reliability
- Manufacturer warranty support
Why Are Ice Machine Refrigerants Changing?
At its core, this change is about meeting new EPA requirements and avoiding future disruptions.
EPA rules finalized under the AIM Act are now in effect and driving changes across newly manufactured commercial ice machine equipment. The regulation that went into effect January 1, 2026, will limit which refrigerants can be used in newly manufactured commercial ice machine equipment.
Here’s the simple version:
- New EPA rules are setting limits on refrigerants
- Refrigerants with higher environmental impact are being restricted in new equipment.
- Manufacturers are planning ahead
- Ice machines being designed today must comply with these updated rules.
- Older refrigerants will be harder and more expensive to support
- As supply tightens, costs for legacy refrigerants are expected to rise.
- New refrigerants offer long-term stability
- They’re more readily available and less likely to face future restrictions.
Commercial restaurant equipment have been striving for suitable refrigerants for the last year or so. Going forward, new ice makers will be better positioned for availability, long-term serviceability, and regulatory compliance. This shift helps manufacturers and buyers avoid surprises down the road.
For more details on the EPA’s refrigerant management rules taking effect in 2026, see this overview from the Environmental Investigation Agency.
“The primary drivers are environmental regulations… and the ultimate goal is long-term refrigerant availability and compliance.” 
How This Impacts Pricing and Availability
As supply tightens, service and recharge costs for older refrigerants are expected to rise.
Ice Machine Refrigerant Changes at a Glance:
- Existing ice machines are not being banned or shut down
- There is no requirement to replace current equipment
- If your ice machine is working properly, no immediate action is needed
- In some cases, newer models may be priced slightly differently due to redesigns or availability
"Starting next year, there’s going to be a tax that will basically make that old refrigerant three to four times the price that you see it today."
Ice Machine Refrigerant Compatibility:
*New refrigerants are not interchangeable with old systems
Existing ice machines cannot be retrofitted to a new refrigerant, which means a refrigerant change typically requires a different model rather than a simple upgrade.
Will Performance or Ice Quality Change?
For most operators, the good news is simple: performance and ice quality stay the same.
While refrigerants are changing, manufacturers are designing new models to deliver the same output, consistency, and reliability customers expect from commercial ice machines.
What to know:
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Ice quality remains consistent
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Cube shape, clarity, and production rates are comparable to previous models.
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Day-to-day operation feels the same
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Cleaning, use, and overall functionality remain familiar.
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While refrigerants are changing, ice clarity and consistency are still primarily influenced by water quality. Learn why filtered water plays a key role in producing clear, high-quality ice.
How to Shop Ice Makers During the Transition
If you're buying a new ice machine in 2026 (or comparing models), use this quick checklist to avoid confusion during the changeover:
- Compare ice production + bin capacity first
- Double-check the exact model number / SKU before ordering
- Expect overlap between “old” and “new” versions
- Review spec sheets carefully (even for similar-looking models)
- If you’re replacing an older unit, confirm footprint + utility requirements
Talk with a Burkett equipment specialist to navigate refrigerant changes with confidence. Our team will help you choose compliant ice machines that fit your operation today and protect you moving forward.
