In the world of hospitality and home entertainment, having a reliable source of ice can make all the difference.
Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, running a restaurant, or simply enjoy chilled beverages, an undercounter ice maker can be a game-changer.
This article will guide you through the top 17+ undercounter ice makers on the market, providing comprehensive reviews to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Top Picks of The Best Undercounter Ice Makers of 2024
What’s an Undercounter Ice Maker?
An undercounter ice maker is a compact appliance designed to fit neatly underneath your kitchen or bar counter.
It’s a dedicated machine that produces ice much faster than a standard refrigerator, capable of churning out ice in various sizes and shapes depending on the model.
An undercounter ice maker ensures you always have plenty of fresh ice on hand, whether for chilling drinks, serving seafood, or catering to any situation that requires ice.
List Of 18 Best Undercounter Ice Maker Reviews
1. VEVOR 110V Commercial Ice Maker
Product Overview
The VEVOR 110V Commercial Ice Maker is a top-of-the-line model known for its impressive ice production and durability.
Designed for commercial use but equally suitable for large households, this machine can produce up to 100 lbs of ice per day.
It comes with a storage bin that can hold up to 33 lbs of ice, ensuring you always have a substantial amount of ice on hand. The stainless steel construction provides a sleek look while ensuring longevity and easy cleaning.
Key Features
- High-capacity ice production: Capable of producing up to 100 lbs of ice per day.
- Large storage bin: Comes with a 33-lb storage bin to keep your ice fresh and ready to use.
- Durable and sleek design: Constructed from high-quality stainless steel for longevity and easy cleaning.
- Auto operation: Features an automatic operation function, allowing the machine to make ice while you focus on other tasks.
- Rapid ice making: Produces ice in just 12-18 minutes, ensuring you always have ice when you need it.
- Energy-efficient: Designed to consume less energy compared to other models, helping you save on utility bills.
2. Whynter MIM-14231SS 14” Undercounter Automatic Ice Makers
Product Overview
Whynter MIM-14231SS is a compact yet powerful undercounter ice maker that’s perfect for small to medium-sized households or offices. With the ability to produce up to 23 lbs of ice per day and a storage capacity of 12 lbs, this machine ensures you never run out of ice. The sleek stainless steel door and black cabinet give it a modern look that fits seamlessly into any kitchen decor.
Key Features
- Compact size: At just 14 inches, it’s perfect for smaller kitchens or bars.
- High production capacity: Capable of producing up to 23 lbs of ice per day.
- Ample storage: Comes with a storage bin that can hold up to 12 lbs of ice.
- Sleek design: Features a stainless steel door and black cabinet, adding a modern touch to your kitchen.
- Auto shut-off: Automatically shuts off when the ice bin is full, preventing overflow and wastage.
3. Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Maker
Product Overview
The Scotsman CU50GA is a high-end undercounter ice maker known for its reliability and high-quality ice production.
This machine can produce up to 65 lbs of gourmet ice cubes per day, perfect for cocktail parties or high-demand environments. It also includes a built-in water quality sensor to ensure the ice produced is always of the highest quality.
Key Features
- High production capacity: Can produce up to 65 lbs of gourmet ice cubes per day.
- Water quality sensor: Includes a built-in water quality sensor to ensure optimal ice quality.
- Large storage capacity: Comes with an ice bin that can store up to 26 lbs of ice.
- Energy-efficient: Uses less energy and water compared to other models, making it a more sustainable choice.
- User-friendly controls: Features a control panel that’s easy to use, allowing you to adjust settings as needed.
4. EdgeStar IB120SS Built in Ice Maker
Product Overview
The EdgeStar IB120SS is a compact and versatile built-in ice maker that can fit under most counters. It’s capable of producing up to 12 lbs of crescent-shaped ice per day and has a storage capacity of 6 lbs. Its front venting allows for a seamless built-in application.
Key Features
- Compact size: Ideal for small spaces or undercounter installation.
- Efficient production: Produces up to 12 lbs of ice per day.
- Storage capacity: Can hold up to 6 lbs of ice at any given time.
- Easy operation: Features simple on/off switch, no drain required.
5. Sunpentown UNDERCOUNTER ICE MAKER STAINLESS STEEL DOOR
Product Overview
The Sunpentown undercounter ice maker features a stainless steel door and black body for a sleek look. It can produce up to 12 lbs of ice daily and store up to 6 lbs of ice. It’s also designed with front exhaust fan for built-in installation.
Key Features
- Stylish design: Features a stainless-steel door and black body for a modern appeal.
- Efficient production: Capable of producing up to 12 lbs of ice per day.
- Front exhaust fan: Allows for built-in installation.
6. Manitowoc SM-50A 14 3/4″ Air Cooled Undercounter Octagonal Cube Ice Machine
Product Overview
The Manitowoc SM-50A is a powerful undercounter ice machine capable of producing up to 53 lbs of octagonal ice cubes per day. It has a storage capacity of 25 lbs.
Key Features
- High production: Capable of producing up to 53 lbs of octagonal ice cubes daily.
- Large storage: Comes with an ice bin that can store up to 25 lbs of ice.
- Air-cooled: Ensures efficient operation and longevity of the machine.
7. Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker Machine
Product Overview
The Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker Machine is a high-capacity machine capable of producing 100 lbs of ice per day and storing 33 lbs at a time. It’s equipped with an energy-saving feature and easy-to-use controls.
Key Features
- High production: Capable of producing up to 100 lbs of ice per day.
- Large storage: Comes with a storage bin that can hold up to 33 lbs of ice.
- Energy-saving: Uses less energy compared to similar models.
8. hOmeLabs Freestanding Commercial Ice Maker
Product Overview
The hOmeLabs Freestanding Commercial Ice Maker is a powerful and efficient machine, capable of producing 99 lbs of ice per day and storing 29 lbs. It features intuitive controls and easy installation.
Key Features
- High production: Produces up to 99 lbs of ice per day.
- Ample storage: Comes with a storage bin that can hold up to 29 lbs of ice.
- Intuitive controls: Equipped with an easy-to-use control panel.
9. EdgeStar 50 lb. Undercounter Clear Ice Maker
Product Overview
The EdgeStar 50 lb. Undercounter Clear Ice Maker is a high-capacity ice maker capable of producing up to 50 lbs of clear ice per day. It comes with a reversible door and adjustable leveling legs for easy installation.
Key Features
- High production: Can produce up to 50 lbs of clear ice daily.
- Versatile installation: Features a reversible door and adjustable leveling legs.
- Sleek design: Stainless steel door and black body add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
10. Whynter UIM-155 Stainless Steel Built-In Ice Maker
Product Overview
The Whynter UIM-155 is a stylish and compact built-in ice maker with a sleek stainless steel door. It can produce up to 12 lbs of crescent-shaped ice daily and store up to 6 lbs of ice.
Key Features
- Compact size: Ideal for undercounter installation.
- Efficient production: Produces up to 12 lbs of crescent-shaped ice per day.
- Easy operation: Simple to use with an auto shut-off when the ice bin is full.
11. Manitowoc UDF0140A NEO 26″ Air Cooled Undercounter Dice Cube Ice Machine
Product Overview
The Manitowoc UDF0140A NEO is a robust undercounter ice machine that can produce up to 135 pounds of dice cubes in a day. It comes with a self-contained bin that can store up to 90 pounds of ice. The machine features a self-contained air-cooled condenser.
Key Features
- High production: Capable of producing up to 135 lbs of dice ice cubes daily.
- Large storage: Comes with a self-contained bin that can store up to 90 lbs of ice.
- Air-cooled: Features a self-contained air-cooled condenser for efficient operation.
12. Linsion Commercial Ice Machine 100lbs/24h with 33lbs Storage
Product Overview
The Linsion Commercial Ice Machine is a high-capacity machine, capable of producing 100 lbs of ice per day and storing 33 lbs at a time. It’s designed for commercial use but can also be used for large households.
Key Features
- High production: Can produce up to 100 lbs of ice per day.
- Large storage: Comes with a storage bin that can hold up to 33 lbs of ice.
13. SMETA 15 Inch Wide Built-In Undercounter Ice Maker
Product Overview
[Product link needed] The SMETA 15 Inch Wide Built-In Undercounter Ice Maker is a compact and efficient machine, perfect for small kitchens or bars. Despite its size, it’s powerful and capable of producing a substantial amount of ice daily.
Key Features
- Compact size: Perfect for small kitchens or undercounter installation.
- Efficient production: Produces a significant amount of ice daily.
14. COSTWAY Commercial Ice Machine
Product Overview
[Product link needed] The COSTWAY Commercial Ice Machine is a high-capacity machine known for its efficiency and reliability. It’s designed to be easy to use and maintain, making it a great choice for restaurants, hotels, or large households.
Key Features
- High production: Capable of producing a large amount of ice per day.
- Easy to use and maintain: Designed with user-friendly controls and easy maintenance in mind.
15. Whynter UIM-502SS Built-in/Freestanding Ice Makers
Product Overview
[Product link needed] The Whynter UIM-502SS is a versatile ice maker that can be used as a built-in or freestanding unit. It’s known for its high production capacity and sleek stainless steel design.
Key Features
- Versatility: Can be used as a built-in or freestanding unit.
- High production: Capable of producing a large amount of ice daily.
- Sleek design: Features a stylish stainless steel design.
16. Smad Portable Commercial Ice Maker
Product Overview
[Product link needed] The Smad Portable Commercial Ice Maker is a compact and portable machine, perfect for small businesses or personal use. Despite its size, it’s capable of producing a significant amount of ice daily.
Key Features
- Portability: Compact size makes it perfect for small businesses or personal use.
- Efficient production: Produces a significant amount of ice daily.
17. Luma Comfort Portable Clear Ice Maker
Product Overview
[Product link needed] The Luma Comfort Portable Clear Ice Maker is a compact and efficient machine, known for producing clear ice cubes. It’s easy to use and maintain, making it a great choice for small businesses or households.
Key Features
- Compact and efficient: Perfect for small businesses or households.
- Clear ice cubes: Known for producing clear ice cubes.
- Easy to use and maintain: Designed with user-friendly controls and easy maintenance in mind.
FAQs
Why does the machine make half or incomplete cubes?
Incomplete or half ice cubes usually result from a lack of water in the machine. Ensure your water supply is sufficient and the water line isn’t blocked. If the problem persists, it could be due to a defective water inlet valve, which may need to be replaced.
Which is the quietest undercounter ice maker?
The quietest undercounter ice maker largely depends on the specific model and its features. However, models with insulated interiors tend to operate more quietly than others. Always check the product specifications or customer reviews for information about the noise level.
Which size ice machine do I need?
The size of the ice machine you need depends on your daily ice requirements. For small households or offices, a compact undercounter ice maker that produces up to 12 lbs of ice per day might be sufficient. For restaurants or large gatherings, a commercial-grade machine that can produce over 100 lbs of ice daily would be more suitable.
Why did the ice production capacity suddenly drop?
A sudden drop in ice production could be due to several reasons, including a clogged filter, low water flow, high room temperature, or mechanical issues. It’s best to consult with a professional or contact the manufacturer’s customer service for troubleshooting.
Are under-counter icemakers portable?
Most under-counter ice makers are designed to be installed in a specific location and are not portable. However, there are compact and portable ice makers available in the market that can be moved around easily.
Who makes the best under the counter ice maker?
There are several reputable manufacturers of under-the-counter ice makers, each offering unique features and benefits. Some of the top brands include EdgeStar, Manitowoc, and Whynter. The “best” would depend on your specific needs like capacity, ice shape, speed, and budget.
Are undercounter ice makers worth it?
Undercounter ice makers can be a valuable addition to your kitchen or bar, especially if you frequently host gatherings or simply enjoy chilled beverages. They offer convenience, produce ice consistently, and save space in your freezer for other items. However, they do require an upfront investment, so whether they’re “worth it” would depend on your individual needs and lifestyle.
What should I look for in an undercounter ice maker?
When shopping for an undercounter ice maker, consider the following factors: production capacity (how much ice it can make in a day), storage capacity (how much ice it can store at once), size (whether it fits under your counter), type of ice it produces (cubed, nugget, etc.), energy efficiency, noise level, and ease of installation and maintenance.
What is the best ice maker for a home bar?
The best ice maker for a home bar would depend on your specific needs. If you frequently host parties, a high-capacity model like the Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker Machine could be a good fit. If you have limited space, a compact model like the EdgeStar IB120SS Built-in Ice Maker may be more suitable.
What kind of ice do bartenders use?
Bartenders typically use different types of ice depending on the drink. For example, crushed ice is often used for cocktails like mojitos and mint juleps, while larger cubes or spheres are used for drinks like whiskey or scotch to melt slower and dilute the drink less.
How long do home ice makers last?
Home ice makers typically last between 5 to 10 years, depending on the brand, model, usage, and how well they’re maintained. Regular cleaning and timely repairs can extend the lifespan of an ice maker.
Should I use plastic or copper line for ice maker?
Both plastic and copper lines can be used for ice makers, but copper is often preferred due to its durability and reliability. However, plastic lines are generally easier to install and less expensive.
What is the difference between an ice maker and an ice machine?
“Ice maker” and “ice machine” are often used interchangeably, but there can be a slight difference. An ice maker is typically a smaller appliance that’s part of a refrigerator or a standalone unit for home use. An ice machine is usually a larger, commercial-grade appliance that can produce a large amount of ice quickly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right undercounter ice maker depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize production capacity, noise level, design, or portability, there’s an ice maker out there for you. Always consider the product’s specifications, customer reviews, and after-sales service before making a purchase.
