Home › Commercial Refrigeration Guide › Ice Machine Guide › R-290 Ice Machines and the 2026 Refrigerant Rules
Updated October 14, 2026
Quick answer
Under EPA's Technology Transitions rule, new self-contained ice machines making up to 1,000 lb per day (batch) or 1,200 lb per day (continuous) must use refrigerants with a GWP under 150 from 1 January 2026, which in practice means R-290 (propane) for most models. Remote and larger self-contained machines follow from 1 January 2027. Existing machines can still be repaired.
What changed and when
| Ice machine type | Restriction | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Self-contained, ≤1,000 lb/day batch or ≤1,200 lb/day continuous | GWP limit 150 | 1 Jan 2026 |
| Larger self-contained | Listed substances restricted | 1 Jan 2027 |
| Remote condensing ice machines | Listed substances restricted | 1 Jan 2027 |
Source: EPA's Technology Transitions sector table. Check EPA's page for the exact substances and any later amendments.
What R-290 means for you
- Efficiency. Propane is an efficient refrigerant, and many R-290 machines use small charges.
- Flammability. R-290 is flammable (class A3). Machines are designed and certified for it, with small charges and sealed systems. Service requires technicians trained for flammable refrigerants and the right tools.
- Repairs. R-290 systems are typically sealed, so leak repairs and component swaps follow different procedures. Ask your service company whether they service R-290 equipment.
Your existing machine
The rules apply to new equipment, not to the machine already in your kitchen. You can keep repairing an R-404A machine. Refrigerant for older systems may get more expensive over time as HFC production is phased down, which is one input to a repair-or-replace decision.
Energy rules
Separately, the DOE sets maximum energy and water use for automatic commercial ice makers. The current standards date from a 2015 rule with compliance in 2018.
Buying a new machine in 2026
- Ask which refrigerant the model uses and confirm it is compliant for your install date.
- Ask your service company whether they are trained on that refrigerant.
- Compare DOE-listed energy and water use.
- Plan ventilation and clearances to the manufacturer's install guide.
What changes for service
| Topic | R-404A machine (existing) | R-290 machine (new) |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant safety class | A1 (non-flammable) | A3 (flammable) |
| Typical system | Serviceable with access ports | Often sealed, small charge |
| Leak repair | Find, repair, recharge | Procedures for flammable refrigerants; may involve component replacement |
| Who can work on it | EPA-certified technician | EPA-certified technician trained for flammable refrigerants |
| Future refrigerant cost | Expected to rise with HFC phasedown | Low |
Step by step: buying a compliant machine
- Confirm the model's refrigerant and that it meets the EPA date for your install.
- Ask whether it is sealed-system and what that means for repairs.
- Ask your service company about R-290 training.
- Check ventilation and clearance requirements in the installation guide.
- Compare DOE-listed energy and water use.
- Plan your cleaning schedule; refrigerant does not change hygiene rules.
Bay Area notes
- California has its own refrigerant rules (CARB) for larger systems; they do not stop you from repairing an existing ice machine.
- Inland heat raises head pressures on air-cooled units; R-290 machines still need clean condensers and airflow.
- Hard water does not change with refrigerant: descale on the same schedule.
Brand availability
Major brands including Manitowoc, Hoshizaki, Scotsman, Ice-O-Matic and Follett offer R-290 self-contained models. Check the current spec sheet; refrigerant can vary by model and production date.
What a technician checks on an R-290 machine
Electrical connections and components near the sealed system, condenser and airflow, water system and scale, and refrigeration performance using procedures and tools rated for flammable refrigerants.
Why the rules exist
The AIM Act directs EPA to phase down production and consumption of HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases. Technology Transitions rules set which refrigerants new equipment may use by sector and date. EPA revised several dates in a reconsideration rule published 26 May 2026 and effective 27 July 2026; ice machine dates are listed on EPA's sector page.
Common questions from owners
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Must I replace a working R-404A ice machine? | No |
| Can I still buy R-404A refrigerant for repairs? | Yes, for servicing existing equipment; price may rise over time |
| Can I buy a new self-contained R-404A cuber in 2026? | Not for most sizes manufactured after the compliance date |
| Is an R-290 machine harder to repair? | Different, not necessarily harder, with trained technicians |
Cleaning does not change
Refrigerant type does not change hygiene rules. The FDA Food Code still requires ice makers and bins to be cleaned at the manufacturer's frequency or often enough to prevent soil and mold. See cleaning and the health code.
Planning a replacement around the rules
If your machine is old and a major repair is coming, the refrigerant rules are one more reason to plan rather than wait for a breakdown. A planned replacement lets you choose the right size and ice type, schedule installation around service, and confirm your technician can maintain the new refrigerant. See repair vs replace and lease vs buy.
Ask before you sign
When buying, ask the dealer for the refrigerant type, the charge size, and the warranty terms for the sealed system, and get the installation guide before the unit arrives.
When to call a technician
Never let anyone without proper certification and training open the sealed system on an R-290 machine. Refrigerant work requires an EPA-certified technician.
Open 7 days, 8 AM to 5 PM, with emergency service until 9 PM. CA Lic. #776244.
Frequently asked questions
Are R-290 ice machines safe?
They are designed and certified for propane with small charges. Service must be done by technicians trained for flammable refrigerants.
Do I have to replace my R-404A ice machine?
No. The EPA rules apply to new equipment. Existing machines can be serviced.
When did the rule start for ice machines?
1 January 2026 for most self-contained machines; 1 January 2027 for remote and larger self-contained units.
Can any tech repair an R-290 ice machine?
Not safely. Use a technician with EPA certification and training for flammable refrigerants.
Will R-404A get more expensive?
As HFC production is phased down, prices for high-GWP refrigerants are generally expected to rise. That is one input to repair-or-replace decisions.
Related guides
Sources
- EPA: Technology Transitions HFC restrictions by sector
- Federal Register: Technology Transitions reconsideration final rule (26 May 2026)
- DOE energy conservation standards for automatic commercial ice makers (2015 final rule)
- EPA Section 608 technician certification
- FDA Food Code 2022 (§1-201.10 "Food" includes ice; §3-202.16; §3-303.11; §4-602.11(E)(4))
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