Are you always in need of extra ice to rejuvenate your tired workdays? Are you someone who runs to the shop often to fetch a bag of fresh ice? Why didn’t you consider buying an ice-making machine for your home to help yourself with fresh ice as you need? Thinking of space constraints? No worries, you can now choose to buy under-counter ice machines, that help you with a steady supply of fresh ice without compromising on your kitchen space.
We are here to help you with the best undercounter ice machines, some with freezer capabilities as well, to keep the ice frozen for days. We hope our recommendation and our buying guide will help you in picking up the ideal appliance for your home.
What Are The Best Undercounter Ice Machines?
Quick Recommendation
Edgestar IB120SS is one of the best undercounter ice machines available in the market as it fulfills most requirements. But in case you need an undercounter ice maker for home, you can also choose Scotsman CU50GA, another high-quality ice maker for undercounter installation.
Things to Consider Before Buying an Undercounter Ice Machine
After you have made your decision to buy an undercounter ice-making machine for your home, it is your foremost responsibility to look for the best appliance that matches your needs pertinently. We have compiled the complete set of features that you need to look for you in your undercounter ice machine. We hope this helps in serving justice for the money spent on the appliance.
1. Quantum of Ice Output
Choose your appliance based on your need, will you require it for your personal or your commercial use? If you are looking for your personal use, you can go with any of the under-counter ice machines, but if it is for commercial use, you have to look for a powerful machine that chunks out a huge volume of ice at a given point in time. The Kuppet Stainless steel commercial ice maker is capable of producing about 100 pounds in 24 hours! the best with under-counter appliances.
2. The Complexity of Installation
Some ice makers can be self-installed while others require help from a trained technician demanding additional cost. Also, some machine gives access to the waterline but does not offer a tank to fill the water. To install such appliances, is required to have access to a water source. Also, if there is no access to a drain on your kitchen counter, then you have to look for an appliance that does not require a drain and is capable of recycling the melted ice. Most of the time, you need assistance from a plumber to install your high-end under-counter ice machine.
3. Abilities to Maintain Ice in Frozen Form
It is always beneficial to choose an under-counter ice machine that also doubles up as a freezer. This helps in keeping the ice cubes frozen indefinitely without melting. Such appliances also take up less water and save on electricity bills, as they don’t recycle ice.
4. Stand-alone or Built-in Undercounter Ice Makers
Some of these appliances need to be built-in under the counter whereas others can be placed on your countertops or in any part of your home. Make sure that you’ve built-in ice makers have front ventilation so that you can install them without the fear of overheating.
5. Quality of Ice
The undercounter ice-making machines can help you with different shapes of ice. Machines like U-Line UBI95BOOA help you with clear gourmet-shaped ice cubes, that you can use to chill your cocktails for a long time, keeping the taste and flavor intact. On the other hand, if you want soft and chewable ice, you can choose your appliance accordingly.
6. Storage bin
Look for an appliance with a large storage capacity, which is at least half the ice production capacity of the appliance. For instance, the Whynter UIM-502SS built-in freestanding ice maker has an ice producing capacity of 50 lbs. and a storage capacity of 25 lbs. check for insulation in the storage bin so that it can maintain the ice in the solid form for the maximum time possible. The refrigerated storage bin is the best, as ice remains in them for days without getting melted.
7. Controls for Cleaning
Some appliances like the U-Line UBI95BOOA have built-in controls for self-cleaning the ice-making appliance. When these controls are used, the appliance will run water through it automatically and drains the stale water, helping in their better maintenance and cleaning.
Must Read: How to Clean an Ice Machine?
8. Reversible Door
If you are planning to install the undercounter ice maker against the walls of the cabins, look for appliances with reversible doors so that there is no hindrance in opening the door properly.
Also Check: Best Ice Makers in the Market
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the accessories that I get with the undercounter ice machine?
Generally, you get an ice dispenser, water filter, drainage pump, and ice bags with the appliance. But it again differs from the manufacturers.
What is the ideal size of the undercounter ice maker?
Undercounter ice makers are available in different size options. You have you choose your unit depending on the space available in your kitchen. Some free-standing ice makers can be used as countertop appliances as well and they are also easily portable.
Which is better? Air-cooled or water-cooled ice makers?
The difference between the two is the way the compressor gets cooled. Water-cooled appliances are efficient and quieter and they consume less electricity. Air-cooled condensers use less water, are eco-friendly, and are less expensive.
Best Undercounter Ice Makers 2022
#1. Edgestar IB120SS Built-in Ice Maker – Best Overall
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.1 |
| Easy to clean | 8.8 |
| Performance | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 9.1 |
| Noise level | 8.5 |
| Flavor | 8.5 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.9 |
| Value for money | 9.1 |
Check Price on Online Stores:
What Do Our Experts Say? (Tested by icemakercage Team)
If you have ample space to stock an under-counter ice maker in your kitchen cabin, then Edgestar should be the appliance brand in your mind. The best feature of this ice machine is that it comprises a refrigerated storage bin to make sure that the formed ice doesn’t melt and get wasted but stays frozen for a long period. Thus, you can be sure to have a constant supply of fresh and frozen ice to delight your guests for a long time.
The appliance is only 25 inches long and requires very minimal installation. Apart from being an integral part of modern-day kitchens, this under counter ice machine finds extensive application in kitchens, bars, offices, restaurants, recreational vehicles, patio kitchens, etc. since it features a beautiful stainless steel design it matches kitchens of all types.
This kitchen undercounter ice maker machine can form about 12 pounds of crescent-shaped ice in a day and does not require a drain to drain unused water. Thus, it is expensive and meets the height requirements of the ADA.
What do we like about the Edgestar IB120SS ice maker?
- Its refrigerated freezer compartment ensures that ice never melts and drains.
- Have a permanent ¼” water hook up line.
What do we don’t like about the Edgestar IB120SS ice maker?
- The ice maker is loud.
Read the complete review here: EdgeStar IB120SS Review 2022
#2. Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Maker – Best for Home
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.3 |
| Easy to clean | 8.9 |
| Performance | 9.7 |
| Build quality | 8.3 |
| Noise level | 7.6 |
| Flavor | 9.2 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.8 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
Check Price on Online Stores:
What Do Our Experts Say? (Tested by Ginni - Gadget expert living in New York)
This ice maker though is a compact appliance is indeed an ice-making giant that you can rely on when you are having a celebration or hosting a party at home. I am not saying this because the appliance produces about 64 lbs. of ice in a day, which is pretty much great to cater to the ice requirements of a medium-sized gathering at home. I am calling this an ice giant, as it produces awesome gourmet ice cubes that float beautifully on the drinks. The gourmet ice as you know takes a lot of time to melt and chills the drink thoroughly.
This machine is indeed a blessing for party birds and those who have unexpected guests as it stores about 26 pounds of ice at any given time. You only have to scoop the ice to the drinks and wait for it to enhance the flavor and consistency of the drinks. The Scotsman CU50 GA is not a portable appliance and looks almost like a mini-fridge, but you can tuck it in compact places, and we have it under the kitchen cabinet at home. It is just 15” wide and can be practically placed in any place where there is a reliable water supply and a drain hose.
We have small children at home and we don’t mind feeding them with this gourmet ice, as they are in their teething stage. The ice it makes is very pure, clear, and odorless and its water quality sensors detect hard water and controls the system from purging in mineral stuffed water. Owing to this function, the appliance is easy to maintain and can wait for two to three weeks to take a deep clean.
What do we like about the Scotsman CU50GA ice maker?
- The intuitive control panel that reminds on water condition
- Easy to use and maintain
- Adjustable legs
- Smudge-proof stainless steel exteriors
What do we don’t like about the Scotsman CU50GA ice maker?
- The appliance is a little noisy when made to work for long
- Very large ice cubes, that won’t fit in the bottle.
#3. Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 Ice Machine – Editor’s Choice
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.2 |
| Easy to clean | 8.9 |
| Performance | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 8.8 |
| Noise level | 8.9 |
| Flavor | 9.1 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.6 |
| Value for money | 9.2 |
Check Price on Online Stores:
What Do Our Experts Say? (Tested by J.J. Shaw - A Mother & Appliance Expert from LA)
We have been using this ice maker for three months now and the best part that we love about this ice maker is its pure ice technology. We can give the ice to the toddlers and elders without any worry, as we know it is free from microbes, scale deposits, and even odor. And this ice maker appliance makes beautiful pearl-shaped ice cubes that look great in any drink. We use them to make squashes, mocktails, and ice tea as well. The appliance also has an enormous ice-making capacity of about 85 lbs. in a day and is capable of storing about 22 lbs. of ice at a time.
Its 115 Volt Plug-in ensures that it can be plugged in almost anywhere and being an undercounter appliance, we can tuck it in any small space.
We have ours installed in our garage as this is approved for outdoor use as well. But fixing the drain was a hurdle as we choose to have our appliance in the garage.
We required a pump to fix the drain tube, but you would not require one if your drain is lower than the drain plug located at the back of the unit.
The unit drains the wastewater by gravity and is shipped with a drain line, water supply hose, and power cord.
Having the appliance in the garage gets the ice to melt faster than expected, though it has some insulation in the ice bin. We learned that though this appliance is approved for outdoor use, it is important to maintain its temperature range at 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. So we prefer removing the ice cubes as soon as they are formed and place them in the refrigerator freezer. But we love the sonic ice that this little appliance makes for our drinks.
What do we like about the Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 ice maker?
- A quiet appliance that is great in the kitchen
- Makes lovely sonic ice
- Easy to install design
What do we don’t like about the Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 ice maker?
- Requires a water pump
- Ice melts faster.
Read the complete review here: Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 Review 2022
#4. Manitowoc SM-50A Air-Cooled Ice Machine – Best Reversible Door
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.4 |
| Easy to clean | 8.8 |
| Performance | 9.4 |
| Build quality | 8.8 |
| Noise level | 8.7 |
| Flavor | 8.9 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.7 |
| Value for money | 9.3 |
Check Price on Online Stores:
What Do Our Experts Say? (Tested by Layla - A casual girl from New York)
We always wished and wondered to have a restaurant or perhaps bar-style ice cubes that are slow melting at home to make our mixed beverages. And when we did our extensive research for such an appliance, we ended up with the Manitowoc air-cooled undercounter ice machine.
The first time we used it, we were confused if this is ice or rock that we have put in our drinks, for it stayed absolutely solid for a very long time.
The cubes that are approximately 1 3/8th of an inch stayed afloat of even the carbonated drinks and were amazing.
The Manitowoc SM-50A makes ice cubes that you get in the commercial stores and its massive ice bin can stock up to 25 lbs. of ice in a day.
Generally, we move the ice to the freezer so that we can keep using them all through the day.
This appliance is also a party companion as it can make about 53 pounds of ice over 24 hours and we were able to save them in the freezer and use it on the day of our anniversary celebrations party. And we didn’t have to worry about the quality of ice that this appliance forms, its built-in water filtration makes sure that we get pristine quality ice every time.
What do we like about the Manitowoc SM-50A ice maker?
- Easily fits in under counter spaces
- Reversible door for easy operation
- Comes with a pump for efficient draining
- There is a water filter to handle the ice quality.
What do we don’t like about the Manitowoc SM-50A ice maker?
- We had our appliance professional installed
#5. Euhomy IM-02 Ice Maker – Best Commercial Undercounter Option
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.5 |
| Easy to clean | 8.9 |
| Performance | 9.3 |
| Build quality | 8.8 |
| Noise level | 9.2 |
| Flavor | 9.2 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.9 |
| Value for money | 9.3 |
Check Price on Online Stores:
What Do Our Experts Say? (Tested by Penelope - Gadget expert from LA)
We recently tested this appliance in the juice shop near our office as they were looking for a small and compact ice maker that could offer them about 80- 100 glasses of chilled drinks in a day and also stay compact to fit in their small store. A friend of ours recommended The Euhomy commercial ice maker and we are overwhelmed with our choice. The first point is that this appliance is affordable and the second is that this mini ice factory is capable of manufacturing about 100 pounds of ice in a day. Its smudge-proof stainless steel exteriors and transparent ice bin made it a point of elegance and attraction in our store as well.
As this appliance from Euhomy is capable of storing about 33 pounds of ice in a day, we can cover the needs of all our customers, no matter at what time of the day they check-in.
We don’t have to worry about ice overflow, water leaks, and other aspects that could make our small store messy, thanks to the automatic overflow prevention feature of this ice maker and as it is ETL certified, it doesn’t bother our utility bills too.
The workers who handle the ice machine more predominantly than us, make the best use of the LCD panel, as it helps them to learn when to remove the ice, to adjust the ice cubes, and also to periodically clean the appliance with weekly use. During the summer months, we increase the size of the ice cubes to cool drinks efficiently, all with the touch of a button in the control panel.
What do we like about the Euhomy IM-02 ice maker?
- Highly efficient and quiet ice maker
- Copper-nickel ice tray that vouches on the ice quality
- We can make ice in three thicknesses
- Adjusting leveling legs to keep the shop floor clean
What do we don’t like about the Euhomy IM-02 ice maker?
- Requires periodic cleaning
- Ice melts quickly
Read the complete review here: Euhomy IM-02 Review 2022
#6. Whynter UIM-502SS Ice Maker – Best for Clear Ice
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.1 |
| Easy to clean | 8.7 |
| Performance | 9.1 |
| Build quality | 8.8 |
| Noise level | 8.2 |
| Flavor | 9.4 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.8 |
| Value for money | 9.1 |
Check Price on Online Stores:
What Do Our Experts Say? (Tested by icemakercage Team)
This Whynter stainless steel undercounter ice maker can be an excellent addition to your kitchen and is capable of producing about 50 lbs. of ice in over 24 hours. Its stainless steel housing avoids prints and smudges on the ice maker, and also keeps it safe from normal wear and tear. It has been certified for energy efficiency and helps with a constant supply of clear ice that is of restaurant quality to chill your food and drinks.
You will get bullet-shaped ice cubes in this machine which is good enough to chill drinks efficiently without altering their taste and flavor. It also can store about 25 lbs. of ice per day. Its powerful compressor ensures efficient cooling and its front venting system ensures that the quality of ice is not affected by the outdoor atmosphere.
What do we like about the Whynter UIM-502SS ice maker?
- Very low ice harvesting current, at 3.6 A
- Produces 50 lbs. of ice and stores about 25 lbs. of ice at a time.
What do we don’t like about the Whynter UIM-502SS ice maker?
- Noisy appliance.
Check out: Best Clear Ice Makers
#7. HOmeLabs 521JS-58 Ice Maker – Alternative Commercial Choice
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.7 |
| Easy to clean | 8.9 |
| Performance | 9.3 |
| Build quality | 8.9 |
| Noise level | 8.9 |
| Flavor | 9.2 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.9 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
Check Price on Online Stores:
What Do Our Experts Say? (Tested by Zoey - Freelance Product Tester from New York)
We knew HOmeLabs 521JS-58 is a commercial ice maker that is meant for hotels, bars, and restaurants, but we still wished to have them in our home for testing purposes as we are a family of 6 with a huge appetite for ice. My children love to chew ice, almost all through the day, and as we live in the hot country, we love to serve ourselves with chilled drinks and juices all through the day. We were thrilled to have the Homelabs ice maker and installed it in our kitchen. Luckily we have a big kitchen with a dedicated water line and a drain for this ice maker.
When we first turned on and used this appliance, we were pretty amazed by the quantum of ice is produced. In one cycle, that lasted for just 15 odd minutes, this giant was able to chunk out about 66 cubes of ice. My kids had an ice shower and wasted all the ice though. It also has a huge water tank to store enough water and make back-to-back ice as per our requirements.
The sleek stainless steel, smudge-proof and rust-resistant design is a value-added addition to the home and we have been hosting parties frequently to brag on our new ice maker.
Its control panel with specific indicators makes the entire process of ice making as easy as a breeze and even my five-year-old loves to operate. Love this appliance, as it has solved all our ice needs.
What do we like about the HOmeLabs 521JS-58 ice maker?
- Stores up to 20 pounds of ice and forms 66 cubes in one cycle
- Easy to install and connect
- Both commercial and residential use
What do we don’t like about the HOmeLabs 521JS-58 ice maker?
- Only for indoor use
- Drains by gravity
Check out: Best Commercial Ice Makers 2022
#8. Kuppet Stainless Steel Ice Maker – Good Choice for High Ice Requirement
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.1 |
| Easy to clean | 8.8 |
| Performance | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 9.1 |
| Noise level | 8.5 |
| Flavor | 8.5 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.9 |
| Value for money | 9.1 |
Check Price on Online Stores:
What Do Our Experts Say? (Tested by icemakercage Team)
This undercounter ice maker machine is capable of producing about 100 pounds of ice in a day. You can forget about going to the shop to get a bag of ice in the future with this appliance at home. And most importantly it takes less than 15 minutes to chunk out one batch of ice.
Its intuitive control panel is easy to use and comes with a timer and on and off functions. Its LCD helps to learn the temperature and the ice-making countdown. There are symbols for de-icing, self-cleaning, and error code display. Its controls help you to know when to add water and when to remove the excess ice that has been formed.
The ice maker machine comes with an ETL certification by Intertek and protects against overflow as well.
The machine also has an automatic shut-off feature, when it runs out of water and when its ice sensor ceases to function.
Its high-quality compressor ensures efficient ice production capacity without much noise.
As this ice maker makes use of thick insulation, it can hold ice for 3-5 hours comfortably, even when there is a power outage.
What do we like about the Kuppet Undercounter ice maker?
- Thick insulation with ETL certification helps in energy-efficient ice making and storage.
- Excellent control panel with controls for all functions.
- Self-cleaning functionality helps in saving time and energy.
What do we don’t like about the Kuppet Undercounter ice maker?
- Though it is an undercounter ice maker, it is very small.
#9. U-Line UBI95BOOA Ice Maker – Great Choice for Undercounter Installation
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 8.9 |
| Easy to clean | 8.7 |
| Performance | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 8.8 |
| Noise level | 8.7 |
| Flavor | 8.6 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.7 |
| Value for money | 8.8 |
Check Price on Online Stores:
What Do Our Experts Say? (Tested by icemakercage Team)
The U-Line UBI95BOOA ice maker machine helps with convenient, easy, and inexpensive installation and matches the height-compliant requirements that have been laid by the ADA. This appliance helps with hours of non-stop ice-making functionality with only a ¼” water line connection. And this ice maker is capable of producing about 23 lbs. of ice with only three gallons of water. It also consumes minimal electricity and can serve as a durable and reliable undercounter ice machine for households.
Its stainless steel body ensures to withstand years of wear and tear and this ice machine also features excellent interior built and soft-close doors.
Its intuitive control panel ensures to make ice in different thicknesses and its thick insulation ensures that ice stays frozen for long periods.
You will get clear, healthy, and gourmet-shaped ice that is sure to add elegance to your glass of drink. Its touch controls help you to switch functions and power off and on the appliance as you desire. Its gravity drain ensures that unused and stale water is removed from the appliance to the drain efficiently.
What do we like about the U-Line UBI95BOOA ice maker?
- There is a three-hour temporary shut off option available to save energy.
- 45-minute self-cleaning cycle to remove slime and mineral built-up.
- The ice maker can be built either under the counter, or free standing.
What do we don’t like about the U-Line UBI95BOOA ice maker?
- Ice maker requires a drain and a pump to remove unused water
- You have to buy the installation guide along with the product to get it to work.
Check out: Best Ice Maker Under $500
#10. Sunpentown IM-150US Undercounter Ice Maker – Alternative Choice
| Features | Rating |
| Easy to use | 9.1 |
| Easy to clean | 8.6 |
| Performance | 9.3 |
| Build quality | 8.3 |
| Noise level | 8.6 |
| Flavor | 8.7 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.8 |
| Value for money | 8.7 |
Check Price on Online Stores:
What Do Our Experts Say? (Tested by icemakercage Team)
This undercounter ice maker comes at just half the cost of several other traditional ice makers. It also carries superior functionalities that are worth the cost spend on these machines. Though their production capacity is lower than other under-counter ice machines, it compensates by holding an excellent freezing functionality.
The Sunpentown ice maker can produce about 12 lbs. of ice per day and has a storage capacity of about 6 lbs. of ice. Its integrated freezer ensures that ice stays frozen until you remove them from the ice bin. As the ice does not melt, this is also an energy-efficient appliance. You also get to save water and enhance the filter life of this appliance.
There is no need to set up the drain hose to this appliance that can be allowed as a standalone appliance on the floor as well. Its stainless steel door and design ensure that the appliance looks very much modern and can blend with any kitchen.
What do we like about the Sunpentown IM-150US ice maker?
- Keeps making ice automatically as and when you scoop them out of the bin.
- Reversible door function.
- Makes thick crescent-shaped ice that is clear at the edges and cloudy at the center.
What do we don’t like about the Sunpentown IM-150US ice maker?
- Low ice production capacity
- Emits a rattling noise while in function.
Check out: Best Ice Maker Under $1000
Final Verdict
Ice makers are the best ways to replenish the hot summer days with some cool and icy drinks. We hope you would have now made up your mind about which of the best undercounter ice machines listed to buy and in case you want to save some money, you can buy them during the sale by checking for deals and offers on theblackfridaycoupons website. In case you are still confused, then we make it easy for you, Edgestar IB120SS and Scotsman CU50GA are two of the best undercounter ice makers that can fulfill the requirements of most people. Happy summer and happy holiday to you. Enjoy your days with chilled drinks served with ready-made ice.
Thank you Sara for your Opinion. It’s difficult to choose an undercounter ice maker with so many options, your recommendation certainly made my life easier.