How Much Does a Zamboni Cost? – Average Zamboni Prices

Last Updated on October 31, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Zamboni, in ice hockey, is a machine that resurfaces the ice. These ice resurfacers are used so that when the players return to the ice at the start of the next game round, they have a smoother and easier surface to skate on. This prevents any “jumping” or scraping sensation that players may have on the ice.

A Zamboni has a driver on top who controls the various functions and drives all over the ice. Zamboni cleans the ice after warm-ups and after each round ends.

Additionally, the Zamboni company is just one brand of ice makers, but it has become such a well-known brand that all ice makers are commonly referred to as Zambonis. So how much does a Zamboni cost?

How Much Does A Zamboni Cost?

The cost of a Zamboni is anywhere between $10,000 and $260,000 in the United States, depending on the exact model you’re getting. There are several different types of Zamboni machines on the market and each of them has its own price tag and different features, as you will see in the following lines.

The cost of Zamboni Model 100

The Model 100 Zamboni is a small tractor-pulled unit, that is classic fuel-powered. Expect to pay up to $12,000 or more for it. On the other hand, the price of a full-sized unit would be up to or just under the lower six figures.

This model is ideal for small areas, up to five thousand square feet. You will be able to get the perfect ice resurfacing without having to spend a lot of money for a full-sized model, thanks to its down-pressure and optimal weight.

The cost of Zamboni 552

The price for a Zamboni 552 starts at around $162,000 and goes up to $255,000 or even more. It has such a high cost because it has environmentally sustainable characteristics. This machine is operated with a Lead Acid battery.

Zamboni 552 is one of the top choices, with a motor that has 17.5 horsepower and reaches a speed of 60 miles per hour.

Zamboni Model 700 Price

Depending on the specifications, the average cost of Model 700 Zamboni is anywhere between $105,000 and $205,000, or even more. For example, HSBC Arena in Buffalo purchased the new Model 700 Zamboni for almost $226,000.

You might also like our articles on the cost of hockey equipment, curling stones, or ice skating rink.

Thanks to its doubled ice-making mechanism and wider blade, you will be able to reduce your workload to the bare minimum and handle large ice sheets with the 700 Zamboni.

The cost of Zamboni Olympia

This model of Zamboni is operated electrically and is similar to model 552. However, these models are less agile but wider. You can even learn how to cut in lesser passes as time passes by and you improve your skills. Usually, these are used in professional ice rinks.

The cost of a Zamboni Olympia would be anywhere between $205,000 and $255,000.

Why are ice resurfacing machines called “Zambonis”?

In hockey, the ice resurfacing machine is usually called a Zamboni. The reason for this is that the most commonly used type of ice resurfacer is made by the Zamboni brand. It is named after the inventor of the ice resurfacer, Frank Zamboni.

In 1949, Frank Zamboni invented the machine that bears his name, which can restore the ice on an ice rink in a maximum of ten minutes. In 1953, he obtained a patent for his invention, which was in such demand that Zamboni had to open another factory, in Ontario, but also another branch of his company, in Switzerland.

Although best known for the Zamboni machine, Frank Zamboni also invented a machine that removes water and paint stains from artificial turf, and another that rolls the turf.

How does a Zamboni work?

There are four different functions/stages in what a Zamboni does to resurface the ice. The first step is to scrape the ice, as the Zamboni cuts off an inch of ice from the top with a sharp blade 1/16. Then the machine washes the ice using a water tank with a conditioner that removes dirt, debris, and occasionally blood from the top of the ice.

This dirty water is then sucked back into a separate dirty water tank. After this, a mop deposits clean water on the ice, which is usually hot to melt the remaining top layer of ice. Gaskets at the back of the machine then ensure that the water is evenly spread over the ice.

Final words on Zambonis

As you can see, the cost of a Zamboni machine depends greatly on its features and size, but also on the specific needs of each ice arena. These vehicles are used in all NHL arenas. When deciding which model to purchase, you will have to choose between a cheaper normal Zamboni, which is fueled by unrenewable energy and has a lower shelf life, and a bigger investment in a better-equipped model, which offers a better service for a longer period of time and is environmentally friendly.