a cold plate system for an ice dispenser is characterized by an ice pan in communication with a potable ice hopper through an ice feed conduit . a cold plate is in the ice pan , and the arrangement is such that ice in the hopper is transported through the conduit to the ice pan to surround the cold plate . this maintains the ice in the hopper free from any contamination by the cold plate and in a sterile condition for dispensing into beverages , yet ensures that the cold plate will be continuously surrounded by ice , without manual intervention , to properly cool beverages flowing therethrough .