If you find yourself constantly running out of ice during a simple get together, party, or just any occasion, then you probably need an under-counter ice machine to help solve your problem. An under-counter ice maker can fit seamlessly in your kitchen without taking up too much of your floor space.
If you think you can make good use of an under-counter ice maker, then this guide will help you choose the best under counter ice maker in the market.
We have highlighted some of the best brands including their features and advantages and disadvantages and the factors that you need to consider before you make a buying decision.
Top 10 Best Undercounter Ice Makers
1. KUPPET Stainless Steel Commercial Ice Maker-Under Counter
For your ice party needs, KUPPET Stainless Steel Commercial Ice Maker-Under Counter can help you with it. With its ability to produce 100 pounds of ice in a day, you surely won’t be needing to buy a supplement bag of ice from the store. Plus, you get to have ready-made ice within 11-16 minutes.
This commercial under-counter ice maker has a simple and easy to use control panel to help you manage the ice-making process. It also comes with an LCD window that displays the ice making time and the ambient temperature of the machine. It also has an indicator light that directs you when to add water or freeze.
This ice maker also has an ETL certification and automatic overflow protection that assures you of the safety of this machine. Plus, it automatically turns off when there is no water, and the ice sensor will also stop working when there is already too much ice, making you save energy.
Gains
- Easy to install
- Keep the ice frozen in the storage compartment
- Runs quietly
- Excellent customer service
- Makes plenty of ice for about 15 minutes
Drawbacks
- The drain needs improvement
- Ice is very thick and clumps up together
2. SPT Stainless Steel Under-Counter Ice Maker
Supentown Ice makers are commonly used in many top hotels, resorts, and restaurants because of its functionality and ease of use. It can produce about 50 pounds of commercial-quality ice cubes that can be stored in its removable bin that has a capacity of 25 pounds. The door is made of stainless steel ensuring that it will not wear off and rust easily.
The machine automatically shuts-off when the ice bin is already full. Plus, you can easily regulate the ice making process through its user-friendly, computerized controls.
Aside from the removable ice bin, it also comes with a water supply hose, gravity drain hose, and an ice scoop.
Gains
- Constructed with durable materials
- Easy installation process.
- Decent price
- Easily complements in the kitchen interior
- Stores a good amount of ice
Drawbacks
- Produces loud noise constantly
- Needs to break the ice manually
3. Manitowoc NEO Air Cooled Undercounter Ice Machine
If you are overly concerned about energy consumption, thein this energy-star rated UDF0140A NEO Air Cooled Undercounter Ice Machine by Manitowoc is perfect for you. This ice machine has an easy glide door with a slanted bin front, making it easier to do maintenance works without having to move the machine out.
This under-counter ice maker has a storage capacity of 90 pounds and can produce up to 132 pounds of either half, regular, or full dice cubes. This also has a fingerprint-resistant panel that lets you control the ice making process easily and conveniently.
Gains
- easy setup
- produces ice quickly
- strong and sturdy built
- compact
- works quietly
- the visual display tells you when something is wrong
Drawbacks
- Ice clumps together
- Needs a professional installer that knows to plumb for the installation
4. Scotsman Undercounter Ice Maker
Our next under-counter ice maker is the Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Maker that is designed for commercial use but can also be utilized inside or outside the home. It can produce crystal clear ice with unique shapes that are guaranteed to be odorless and slow melting, ensuring that it won’t alter the taste of your drinks.
This ice maker has a control panel that also notifies you about the water condition. It is also equipped with a water quality sensor that helps extend time in-between cleanings. This is available with a drain pump for low -cost and easy installation.
Gains
- Produces plenty of ice
- Makes crystal clear ice
- Produces ice quickly
- Quick and easy installation
Drawbacks
- Creates noise when working
- Expensive
5. U-Line Undercounter Crescent Ice Maker
Another ice maker that helps you save not only electricity but also water consumption, is this U-Line Undercounter Crescent, Ice Maker. U-Line Undercounter Crescent Ice Maker has been trusted across the globe for its reliable and durable appliance.
This machine can produce up to 23 pounds of ice daily that will only require approximately less than three gallons of water, helping you save on electricity and water.
Gains
- Works quietly
- Produces a good amount of ice
- Makes ice quickly
- Installation is easy and can be done in a snap
- Fits well under the counter
- Looks great and easily blends in the interiors of the kitchen
- Makes unique half-moon shaped cubes
Drawbacks
- Doors don’t close well
- Ice form around the door area
6. EdgeStar Undercounter Clear Ice Maker
Do not miss out on the ice during your parties or special occasions with this EdgeStar Stainless Steel Undercounter Ice Maker (IB450SS). This under-counter ice maker can produce an impressive 50 pounds of restaurant-quality ice daily.
This machine also features a reversible stainless steel wrapped door, that swings either to the right or to the left, along with its elegant curved handle to easily complement the interiors of your kitchen.
It also has a removable store bin that can store about 25 pounds of ice, making it great for hosting large dinner parties or any occasion.
For your added convenience, the machine already comes with a removable ice bin, a gravity drain line, and an ice scoop.
Gains
- Gravity drain works great
- Easy installation
- Ice production is quick
- You have the option to adjust the ice anyway you want
- Customer service was great
Drawbacks
- Ice usually comes in sheets that needs require breaking
- Creates noise
7. Costzon Commercial Ice Maker Under Counter Ice Machine
Made out of high-quality stainless steel, this Costzon Commercial Ice Maker Under Counter Ice Machine is guaranteed to be durable and stronger, perfect for daily use. This machine can make ice quickly for about 20 minutes.
Also, the machine has a full-automatic design from the filling of water to making of the ice to releasing of excess water and up to the dropping of ice.
No worries, for it will also automatically stop ice production and proceed to the cold preservation stage when the storage bin has reached its maximum. The design also has a flip-type hatch cover which makes removing ice easier and more convenient.
All this comes with an ice scoop, a water line, a drain line, and an instruction manual to help ease the installation process.
Gains
- Built well
- Looks good
- Affordable
- No frost build-up
- Compact
- Makes a lot of ice
- Economical to use
Drawbacks
- some parts are leaking
8. Whynter Undercounter Automatic Stainless Steel
If you want to conserve space without sacrificing on the aesthetics, then WhynterUndercounter Automatic Stainless Steel is ideal for you. The 14-inch width of the under-counter ice maker makes it ideal for cabinet installation with the appropriate clearance on each side.
The marine-grade components along with its stainless-steel housing make this icemaker durable and corrosion-resistant and at the same time creates a seamless appearance, making it easier to complement in your kitchen.
Also, it also has a reversible door that can open either from the left or right, whatever complements the flow of your space. It is also equipped with a latch-lock to keep it securely closed under mobile conditions.
With less than 3 gallons of water, this ice machine could already produce an impressive 23 pounds of crescent-shaped ice cubes in a day. This doesn’t require any drain as the melted ice will be recycled into new ice for a more convenient and fast installation process.
Gains
- Produces plenty of ice
- Quick ice production
- The water line was very easy to hook up
- Ice does not melt
- Reasonable price
Drawbacks
- Produces loud noise
9. UNDERCOUNTER ICE MAKER STAINLESS STEEL DOOR
UNDERCOUNTER ICE MAKER STAINLESS STEEL DOOR is considered Amazon’s choice for a built-in ice machine. This machine has a stainless-steel door with a black cabinet that can easily blend in your kitchen counter.
This can be used as a built-in machine or on a free-standing application, whatever suits you best. This machine can make up to 12 pounds of ice daily. It also has a reversible door which means you can either slide it to the right or to the left, whatever is more convenient for your space.
Gains
- Installation was easy
- Made of durable stainless material
- Makes a decent amount of ice
- Quick ice production
Drawbacks
- Creates loud noise
- Cubes are a little small and tend to melt easily
10.Smad Portable Ice Maker Under Counter
Smad Portable Ice Maker Under Counter is a compact built-in ice machine that has a sleek stainless-steel door with a black cabinet that brings together the whole concept of your kitchen design.
This ice maker can make 12 pounds of ice in a day that can be stored in its ice bin which can accommodate up to 6 pounds of ice. No worries, for the model also operates as a freezer which will keep your ice hard as solid rock, thus no need to attach the machine to a drain line.
It also has automatic overfill prevention that automatically shuts off the ice making cycle when the ice bin is already full.
The package comes with a 25-feet connection hose, an ice scoop, and an ice bucket for added convenience.
Gains
- Makes ice fast
- Works quietly
- Affordable
- Makes two different sizes of ice
- Produces clear ice cubes
- Compact and takes up little space
Drawbacks
- Capacity is not that large
- Hard to clean
Buying Guide
What is an under-counter ice maker?
An under-counter ice maker, also known as a built-in ice machine, is an appliance used to produce ice designed to fit seamlessly underneath countertops.
This ice maker can be installed into your cabinetry, just like your cooking range or dishwasher, to avoid foot traffic while yielding a good amount of ice to keep up with your needs.
How to choose the best under-counter ice maker?
Before you decide to buy an under-counter ice maker, you must try to consider some factors first. These factors will help you determine which built-in ice machine will fit perfectly in your kitchen and suits your needs and wants.
Here are some of the factors to consider:
- Placement
Before you try to look out the options we have thoroughly selected, you should first determine where you want to place your ice maker. Knowing where you want it installed will help you decide the right size of the under-counter ice machine.
- Production rate
One vital information that you must also consider is the under-counter ice maker’s production rate; this will ensure that the model you get will meet your expectations.
If the ice maker that you choose makes ice slowly, then you will need to supplement with bags of ice or store some ice in your fridge, which defeats the whole point of purchasing an ice maker.
You should check out the specs on the production rate of the ice maker. This is usually based on the quantity of ice the model can make within 24 hours.
The production rate will also depend if the ice maker is on an optimal environment correctly installed and properly ventilated. If your ice maker is placed somewhere that easily gets hot, then you should expect it to produce less.
- Capacity
Aside from the production rate, you must also take into account how much ice can be stored in the machine. This is important if you want to supplement a huge amount of ice for big events or parties.
- Size
Because under-counter ice makers are usually installed in cabinetry, then it is important to choose the right size of the ice maker that will fit perfectly into it.
Make sure you get the right measurements on the space you plan to put-up your under-counter ice maker, so you can be assured that it will fit seamlessly in the kitchen.
- Drain options
Ice makers need a drain to move out excess fluid to prevent condensation. There are two drain options that you could choose from – drain pumps and gravity drains. If you happen to have a drain nearby, then you can have a gravity drain.
However, if you don’t have a drain nearby or water will not be moving downwards, then you should consider drain pumps to empty out excess water. Some built-in ice machine already comes with drain pumps, but for some, you have to buy it as an external attachment.
- Installation
It is also important to consider the ease of installation of an under-counter ice maker because it is a crucial part of the process. If you are DIY-savvy, then you can do it by following instructions.
However, if you want to make sure that everything is right from the drain pipes to the water lines up to the electrical demands, then it is best to hire an expert to do the job for you.
- Energy efficiency
If you are ultimately concerned with your electrical bills rising up, then you should look for a built-in ice machine that has an Energy Star certification. Also, to ensure that you don’t waste up too much energy, you should choose an ice machine with storage capacity and production rate that will suit your needs
- Look and style
Although, this is not really a very crucial factor to think about, choosing an under-counter ice maker that will easily blend in or complement the style of your kitchen will definitely make you feel good and happy.
Usually, built-in ice machines come in black, gray, white, or stainless steel; thus, it will not be difficult to blend it inside the kitchen.
FAQs Of Undercounter Ice Makers
- Does an under-counter ice maker need to be connected to a water-line?
Yes, it needs to be connected to the water line for it to be able to produce ice.
- Can I do the installation myself?
In all honesty, anyone can do the installation of the appliance as long as they follow the instructions carefully and have at least an idea on how to connect it properly to a water line and drain line.
If you aren’t that confident, then it is best to get a professional to do the installation for you to help save you time and effort and to avoid problems in the future.
- Are water filters necessary for an ice maker?
Water filters are not really required; however, it is best to have one. That is because having filters will remove impurities from the water making it taste better and prolonging the life span of your appliance.
- Do all built-in ice machines require a drain?
Not all machine requires a drain; some units already have freezers which means that the ice can be kept frozen inside. For models that don’t have a freezing feature, it will need a drain to empty out the excess water from melting ice.
- How do I prolong the life of my icemaker?
In order to prolong the life of your ice maker, you need to clean it according to the instruction manual. Also, adding a water filter will help prolong the life span of your machine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an under-counter ice maker will help solve your ice problems either during day-to-day use or when hosting parties or events in your house. A built-in ice machine is perfect to help you save up some space, especially if you only have a limited area in your kitchen.
Choosing the best under counter ice maker is hard; however, we have made it easier for you by citing out all the necessary factors that you need to consider, some of the frequently asked questions you might have, and the best under counter ice maker in the market.