If you're in need of ice but don't have the counter space for a bulky machine, an undercounter ice maker might be just what you need! These bad boys work quietly and efficiently, and they fit into those tricky spaces where other appliances just won’t go.
Finding the right undercounter ice maker can be a bit of a task though. You’ve got to think about things like how much space you’ve got, how much ice you need, and what kind of features you want. But once you find the right one, it's totally worth it.
What Is an Undercounter Ice Maker?
It’s basically a machine that makes cube-shaped ice and stores it in a bin underneath your countertop. No ceiling installation needed, and they don’t take up valuable counter space. People usually get them to solve storage issues and make sure they always have ice on hand, whether at home or in a business.
Types of Undercounter Ice Makers
There are three main types of undercounter ice makers: bin, pan, and bucket style. All of them make the same kind of ice, but they differ in storage and setup.
a) Bin-Style Undercounter Ice Makers
These guys store ice in a removable bin, and some even have lids to keep the ice fresh. They can hold a lot—up to 300 pounds if you get a bigger model, which is great for places like restaurants or convenience stores.
b) Pan Style Undercounter Ice Makers
This type uses a removable stainless steel pan for storing ice. They’re great for places where you need a lot of ice but don’t have the space for a huge bin. Plus, they come with baskets to make it easy to change out the water trays when they’re full.
c) Bucket Style Undercounter Ice Makers
These look like mini-fridges and are perfect for heavy use, like in big kitchens or restaurants. They’ve got a large insulated bin and some even come with dispensers so you can grab ice without touching anything.
Benefits of Undercounter Ice Maker
An undercounter ice maker is a popular choice because of its incredible benefits. These are the top six benefits.
- Built-in design: An under-counter ice maker is designed to be built into your kitchen cabinetry. Its sleek design allows it to seamlessly blend in and be a natural fixture in the room.
- Automatic shutoff: Once the ice maker hits its max capacity, it shuts off on its own. No more worrying about ice spilling everywhere and making a mess.
- Easy to install: You don’t need to call a pro to get one of these up and running. A few tools, an hour or so, and you’re good to go.
- Convenience: You get ice on demand—no waiting around for cubes to freeze or rushing to the store when you’re running low.
- Energy Efficient: Undercounter ice makers use less energy than their larger free-standing counterparts, saving you money and helping the environment.
- Space Saving: Undercounter ice makers are conveniently placed under the counter where they can create ice without using up valuable floor space.
List of 5 Best Undercounter Ice Makers Reviews
Check out this blog post for more information on the best undercounter ice makers available today! The article will cover important features such as size, storage options, and noise level in addition to a buyer’s guide with helpful tips about the different types of machines available.
1. Upgraded Commercial Stainless Steel Ice Maker
- 𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐃 𝐈𝐂𝐄-𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 &...
- 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 &...
- 𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈-𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋...
We picked up this stainless steel ice maker recently, and it’s been such a great addition to our kitchen. It cranks out ice crazy fast, which is awesome for parties or when we’re filling up a cooler. The sleek stainless steel design looks great and fits right under the counter, so it doesn’t take up much space. Plus, the big storage bin means we’re never scrambling for ice when we need it.
On the flip side, it’s a bit loud when it’s running—not unbearable, but you’ll notice it. Also, setting it up was a little trickier than we expected. Took us a bit to figure it out, but once it was running, it’s been smooth sailing. Definitely worth it if you need a lot of ice!
Pros
Cons
2. DUURA DI50P 65Lb Premium Clear Ice Cube Maker
This ice maker is seriously next level. It makes up to 65 pounds of super clear ice every day, and the cubes are perfect for cocktails—slow-melting and fancy-looking. Cleaning it is a breeze, and it even comes with a cleaning kit and scoop, which is a nice touch. It’s sleek, efficient, and great if you’re all about hosting.
The only downside? It’s on the pricey side, so it’s more of an investment. And while it’s not super loud, you’ll definitely hear it when it’s running. But honestly, if you’re into top-notch ice and want a machine that can keep up, this one’s totally worth checking out.
Pros
Cons
3. EdgeStar IB450SS 50 Lb. 15 Inch Wide Undercounter Clear Ice Maker
This EdgeStar ice maker has been a solid addition to our bar setup. It makes up to 50 pounds of crystal-clear ice every day, and the thin cubes are great—they chill drinks fast without hogging space in the glass. The stainless steel finish looks awesome and is super easy to wipe down. Plus, the self-cleaning system is a huge win—less work for us!
It is a little bulky, so double-check your space before buying. Also, the thinner ice melts a bit quicker, so if you’re sipping slowly, your drink might water down. But overall, it’s been a reliable and stylish choice for our home bar.
Pros
Cons
4. Whynter MIM-14231SS 14” Undercounter Ice Makers
This Whynter ice maker has been awesome for our small kitchen. It makes up to 56 pounds of crescent-shaped ice every day, which is way more than we usually need. The reversible door made installation super flexible, and the push-button controls are really easy to figure out. We also love the overflow prevention—it’s a small thing, but it’s super handy.
The ice bin isn’t huge, so you’ll need to use the ice pretty quickly if you’re hosting a big crowd. And while it’s quieter than some others, you’ll still hear it running. But honestly, it’s been a solid, hassle-free addition to our setup.
Pros
Cons
5. KoolMore – CIM266 Undercounter Ice Maker Machine
We grabbed the KoolMore ice maker for our smaller kitchen, and it’s been a great fit. Even though it’s compact, it cranks out 26 pounds of ice daily, which is more than enough for us. The adjustable bin is cool—it holds between 6 and 12 pounds, depending on what we need. Installing it was super easy, and the sleek stainless steel design looks amazing with our other appliances.
Downsides? It’s not the fastest ice maker out there, so if you’re hosting a big group, you might have to wait for it to catch up. Also, the stainless finish scratches pretty easily, so we’ve been extra careful. Still, it’s a stylish, budget-friendly option that gets the job done.
Pros
Cons
Buying Guide for the Best Undercounter Ice Maker
Looking for an undercounter ice maker but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide takes all the guesswork out of the process and helps you figure out exactly what to look for so you can find the best one for your needs. We’ve condensed all the important info into a quick read, so you won’t waste time trying to figure it all out yourself.
Storage/Size
When it comes to undercounter ice makers, size matters. These things are designed to fit under your counter, but you’ve gotta measure your space carefully, making sure there’s room for the wires and tubes that come out of the machine. Keep in mind, the amount of ice it can store varies too. Some smaller models hold as much ice as they make in a day, while bigger ones may only store half of what they make. Most standard ice makers hold about 20 pounds of ice per hour, which is perfect for a family or a small get-together.
Ice Quality
The quality of your ice depends a lot on the water you use and the machine itself. If your water has impurities, your ice cubes will look cloudy, which isn’t ideal. Some ice makers come with a built-in water filter to help with this. Clear ice is considered top-tier, and if you can see it disappearing in your drink, you know you’ve got quality ice. Plus, clear cubes melt slower, keeping your drinks cooler for longer. The shape of the ice varies, but whether it's a cube, crescent, or nugget, it all depends on the machine you pick.
Cooling System
There are two types of cooling systems: air-cooled and water-cooled. Air-cooled systems use fans to circulate cool air around the condenser, while water-cooled ones use cold running water to do the job. Most undercounter ice makers use air-cooled systems because they’re more practical. Just keep in mind that air-cooled systems can get a bit noisy.
Drainage
Ice makers need to get rid of the leftover water, and you’ve got two options for that: gravity drains or drain pumps. Gravity drains are super simple and work well if your ice maker is close to a standard drain. But if it’s farther away, you’ll need a drain pump to push the water to the drain. Not all ice makers come with a pump, so make sure to check before you buy.
Water Supply
You’ll need a dedicated water line for your undercounter ice maker. The water line is usually pretty small, so it’s important to make sure it’s installed correctly and isn’t damaged. Most models can handle water temperatures between 45°F and 85°F, with a minimum water pressure of 15 PSI (some models need 30 PSI). You’ll also want to keep the pressure below 80 PSI for safety.
Maintenance
Keeping your ice maker in good shape is all about regular cleaning and inspection. Clean the cooling elements, check for any exposed wires, and make sure the condenser grill is free from debris. If your machine has a water filter, remember to clean or replace it when needed. Regular maintenance will help keep your ice maker running smoothly for a long time.
Capacity
Ice makers come in all shapes and sizes, and the amount of ice they make in 24 hours varies. Smaller units might make about 12 pounds a day, while bigger ones can make up to 80 pounds. If you’re looking for quality, remember that higher-end models might produce fewer cubes per cycle, but they’ll be much better quality, melting slower and keeping your drinks chilled longer.
How to Install the Undercounter Ice Maker
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are undercounter ice makers so expensive?
There are many factors that determine the price of your built-in ice maker. Some brands, such as Samsung and GE, have a strong reputation for quality products that carry more weight in pricing decisions than others do. Other models come with extra features like water filters or nugget ice capability which can also affect cost.
2. How long do undercounter ice machines last?
There are many factors that affect the lifespan of an ice machine. If it is used every day, rarely will a new model last more than 10 years since they usually grow old quickly and don’t have as much time to develop problems in their parts before breaking down altogether. The average life expectancy would be 4-5 years or within the warranty period depending on how well you maintain your equipment at home.
3. Does undercounter ice maker need a drain?
Yes! An undercounter ice maker does need a way to get rid of the water. You’ve got two options: a gravity drain, which works by using the weight of the water to pull it down to a drain, or an electric pump that moves the water into the sink. The gravity drain is great for most homes, but if your plumbing is a bit off, you might need a pump instead.
4. How far can ice maker be from sink?
If you’re using a gravity drain, the ice maker shouldn’t be more than 12 inches away from the drain outlet. If it’s farther than that, you’ll need a pump to get the water where it needs to go.
5. Are under-counter icemakers portable?
No, undercounter ice makers aren’t portable. They’re bigger and heavier than portable ones and are built to stay put under your counter. Plus, they can make way more ice than the portable ones, so they’re designed to stay in one place.
Conclusion
This blog post has offered some helpful insights into the best undercounter ice makers on the market today. If you’re looking for a unit that is energy-efficient, or if you want to find an option with plenty of storage space and without too much noise, then this article may have just what you need! We hope we’ve been able to help make your decision easier when it comes time to buy an undercounter ice maker by providing all the necessary details in one place. Thank you so much for reading!
