When it comes to entertaining guests or simply enjoying a refreshing drink, ice is an essential component. While refrigerators with built-in ice makers are convenient, they often don’t produce enough ice for larger gatherings. That’s where undercounter ice makers come in. These compact appliances fit seamlessly into your kitchen and can produce a large amount of ice quickly and efficiently.
In this article, we’ll be looking specifically at the best undercounter ice makers. These machines are designed to be installed beneath your countertop, making them an ideal choice for those who want a permanent ice solution without sacrificing valuable counter space. When choosing an undercounter ice maker, there are a few key factors to consider, such as the size of the machine, the amount of ice it can produce in a day, and its energy efficiency.
One critical thing to pay attention to when purchasing an undercounter ice maker is the type of ice it produces. Some machines produce crescent-shaped ice, while others make bullet-shaped or square-shaped ice. The type of ice you prefer may depend on personal preference or the type of drinks you’ll be serving. No matter what your preferences are, we’ve done the research and testing to identify the best undercounter ice makers on the market.
Best Undercounter Ice Makers
We understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient undercounter ice maker for your home or business. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best undercounter ice makers available on Amazon. Our team has thoroughly researched and tested each product to ensure they meet our high standards for quality and performance. Whether you’re looking for a compact option for your home bar or a commercial-grade machine for your restaurant, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
SPT Undercounter Ice Maker
If you’re looking for an undercounter ice maker that’s easy to install and requires no drain, the SPT Undercounter Ice Maker might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The powerful freezer inside keeps ice from melting, even if you don’t use it for a while.
- The front exhaust fan allows for undercounter or freestanding application, depending on your needs.
- The removable bin holds up to 6 lbs of ice, which is enough for most small gatherings.
Cons
- The installation requires a licensed plumber, which may add to the cost.
- The machine is a bit loud, so it’s not recommended for quiet spaces.
- Sometimes it doesn’t make ice, which can be frustrating.
We recently purchased the SPT Undercounter Ice Maker for our small office, and we’re quite satisfied with its performance. The installation process was straightforward, but we had to hire a licensed plumber to make sure everything was done correctly.
Once the machine was up and running, we were impressed with how quickly it made ice. The crescent-shaped ice cubes are perfect for most drinks, and the 6 lb bin is enough for our needs. We also like the fact that we don’t need to drain the machine, which makes it easier to use in our small kitchenette.
However, we did notice that the machine is a bit loud, especially when it’s making ice. It’s not a big deal for us since we’re in a busy office, but it might be an issue if you’re using it in a quiet space. We also had a few instances where the machine didn’t make ice, but it started working again after we unplugged it and plugged it back in.
Overall, we think the SPT Undercounter Ice Maker is a good choice for small offices or homes with limited space. It’s easy to use, makes ice quickly, and doesn’t require a drain. However, if you’re looking for a quiet machine or don’t want to hire a plumber for installation, you might want to consider other options.
Upgraded Commercial Ice Maker 130LBS/24H with 35LBS Storage Bin
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient undercounter ice maker, the Upgraded Commercial Ice Maker 130LBS/24H with 35LBS Storage Bin from SOZT is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- This ice maker can produce up to 130 lbs of ice in 24 hours, making it perfect for commercial use or for large families who love to entertain.
- The large storage capacity of 35 lbs ensures that you’ll always have plenty of ice on hand.
- The LCD panel makes it easy to adjust the ice-making time and size to meet your specific needs.
Cons
- The initial setup can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with plumbing and electrical connections.
- The ice maker is quite large, so make sure you have enough space to accommodate it.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other undercounter ice makers on the market.
Overall, we highly recommend the Upgraded Commercial Ice Maker 130LBS/24H with 35LBS Storage Bin. It’s a high-quality, durable machine that produces plenty of ice quickly and efficiently. The LCD panel is easy to use, and the large storage capacity means you’ll never run out of ice when you need it.
The stainless steel construction is sleek and modern, and the scratch-resistant protective film ensures that the machine will look great for years to come. The front air vent design allows for effective heat dissipation, and the adjustable feet make it easy to install the ice maker in any space.
Whether you’re a business owner looking for a reliable ice maker for your restaurant or bar, or a homeowner who loves to entertain, the Upgraded Commercial Ice Maker 130LBS/24H with 35LBS Storage Bin is definitely worth considering.
SPT IM-150US Stainless Steel Undercounter Ice Maker with Freezer, No Drain Required
If you’re looking for a reliable undercounter ice maker, the SPT IM-150US Stainless Steel Undercounter Ice Maker with Freezer, No Drain Required is a great choice that won’t disappoint.
Pros
- The powerful freezer inside keeps ice from melting, ensuring that you always have a steady supply of fresh ice.
- The front exhaust fan allows for undercounter or freestanding application, making it easy to install in your kitchen or bar area.
- The unit makes up to 12 lbs of crescent-shaped ice per day and stores up to 6 lbs of ice, with an auto shut-off feature when the ice bin is full.
Cons
- While no drain is required, installation by a licensed plumber is necessary.
- The stainless steel door with black cabinet and reversible door may not fit everyone’s aesthetic preferences.
- Some users have reported issues with the ice maker freezing up and requiring manual defrosting.
Overall, we highly recommend the SPT IM-150US Stainless Steel Undercounter Ice Maker with Freezer, No Drain Required for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient undercounter ice maker. It’s easy to install and use, and produces plenty of ice to keep your drinks cold and refreshing.
COTLIN Undercounter Ice Maker
If you’re looking for a compact, undercounter ice maker that produces crystal-clear, slow-melting crescent-shaped ice, then the COTLIN Undercounter Ice Maker might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The COTLIN ice maker produces up to 22lbs of ice per day, making it perfect for large families, parties, and entertaining.
- The crescent-shaped ice produced by the COTLIN ice maker is crystal-clear and odorless, ensuring that your beverages taste exactly as they should.
- The COTLIN ice maker is compact and freestanding, making it easy to transport and install in any room of your house.
Cons
- The COTLIN ice maker can freeze up if not defrosted regularly, which can be a hassle.
- The COTLIN ice maker can be noisy when it’s producing ice, which can be annoying if you’re trying to watch TV or have a conversation.
- The COTLIN ice maker can be expensive, so it might not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the COTLIN Undercounter Ice Maker, and we were impressed with its performance. The ice maker is easy to install and comes with everything you need to get started, including an ice scoop, water line, and removable ice bin.
One of the things we liked most about the COTLIN ice maker is its unique crescent-shaped ice. The ice is crystal-clear and slow-melting, which makes it perfect for premium liquor and mixed drinks. We also appreciated the fact that the ice maker has a powerful freezer inside, which keeps the ice frozen from 21.2-32℉ and prevents it from melting.
Another thing we liked about the COTLIN ice maker is its compact size. The ice maker is only 14.8” x 21.3” x 27.8” in size, which makes it easy to fit under a standard kitchen bar counter. The door and hinge are also reversible, so you can install the ice maker on the left or right side depending on your needs.
Overall, we think the COTLIN Undercounter Ice Maker is a great option for anyone looking for a compact, undercounter ice maker that produces crystal-clear, slow-melting crescent-shaped ice. While it can be noisy and expensive, we think the pros outweigh the cons, and we would definitely recommend it to anyone in the market for an ice maker.
EdgeStar IB250SS 15 Inch Wide 20 Lb. Built-in Ice Maker
We highly recommend purchasing the EdgeStar IB250SS 15 Inch Wide 20 Lb. Built-in Ice Maker because of its excellent performance and convenience.
Pros
- The crescent-shaped ice lasts longer than other types of ice, so you don’t have to worry about it melting quickly.
- The unit also functions as a freezer, so you can keep your ice frozen for longer periods of time.
- The reversible door can be mounted in either a left or right hinge opening direction, so it’s adaptable to your kitchen’s layout.
Cons
- The ice maker doesn’t have a drain line, which means you’ll have to manually drain it periodically.
- The product is a bit heavy, weighing in at 68 pounds, so it may be difficult to install on your own.
- Some customers have reported issues with the unit breaking down after a year or two of use.
We were impressed with the EdgeStar IB250SS 15 Inch Wide 20 Lb. Built-in Ice Maker’s performance. The crescent-shaped ice it produces lasts longer than other types of ice, which is a huge plus. Additionally, the unit doubles as a freezer, meaning you can keep your ice frozen for longer periods of time.
One thing to note is that the ice maker doesn’t have a drain line, so you’ll need to manually drain it periodically. Additionally, the unit is a bit heavy, so it may be difficult to install on your own. Finally, some customers have reported issues with the unit breaking down after a year or two of use.
Overall, we highly recommend the EdgeStar IB250SS 15 Inch Wide 20 Lb. Built-in Ice Maker for its excellent performance and convenience.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best undercounter ice maker, there are a few important factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of features to look for to help you make an informed decision.
Capacity
The first thing to consider is the capacity of the ice maker. How much ice do you need to produce in a day? Make sure to choose a model that can keep up with your demand. A good rule of thumb is to choose an ice maker that can produce at least 50 pounds of ice per day.
Size and Installation
Undercounter ice makers come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that fits your available space. Measure the space where you plan to install the ice maker and make sure to choose a model that fits. Additionally, consider the installation process. Some models require a water line and drain, so make sure you have the necessary hookups in place.
Type of Ice
Another important factor to consider is the type of ice produced by the machine. Some models produce standard cube-shaped ice, while others produce nugget or bullet-shaped ice. Consider your personal preference and the intended use of the ice when choosing a model.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Choose an ice maker that is easy to use and maintain. Look for models with intuitive controls and easy-to-clean components. Additionally, consider the warranty and available customer support to ensure that you can get help if needed.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the ice maker. Undercounter ice makers can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Determine your budget and choose a model that fits within your price range while still meeting your needs.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best undercounter ice maker for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in an undercounter ice maker?
When looking for an undercounter ice maker, some key features to consider include the production capacity, storage capacity, type of ice produced, and ease of installation and maintenance. Additionally, some models may offer features such as built-in water filters or self-cleaning functions.
What is the average lifespan of an undercounter ice maker?
The average lifespan of an undercounter ice maker can vary depending on the brand, model, and usage. However, with proper maintenance and care, undercounter ice makers can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
Who are the top manufacturers of undercounter ice makers?
Some of the top manufacturers of undercounter ice makers include Scotsman, Hoshizaki, and Manitowoc. These brands are known for their quality and reliability in the commercial and residential ice maker market.
Do all undercounter ice makers require a drain?
Yes, most undercounter ice makers require a drain to remove excess water produced during the ice-making process. This helps to prevent water from accumulating and potentially damaging the unit.
Are there any undercounter ice makers that do not require a drain pump?
Yes, some undercounter ice makers are designed to be used with gravity drains instead of drain pumps. These models can be more affordable and easier to install, but may not be suitable for all installation locations.
Can an undercounter ice maker be used in a residential setting?
Yes, undercounter ice makers can be used in residential settings, such as home bars or kitchens. They offer a convenient and efficient way to produce ice for entertaining or everyday use.
