When summer approaches, the need for ice increases tremendously. The best option to have a non-stop source of ice is a built-in ice maker that can be easily tucked in the kitchen under the counter, boat, or recreational vehicle. The EdgeStar IB120SS Built-in ice maker is one of the best under counter ice makers that features a front ventilation system for freestanding or built-in installation. Let us discuss the appearance and performance of this ice maker in detail.
EdgeStar IB120SS Review 2022
| 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 |
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Opinion by Douglas Casius
EdgeStar IB120SS is a complete value-for-money ice maker that helps with the constant supply of ice for a small gathering at home. It can also be a commercial ice maker for small convenience stores and small cafes and restaurants. With this appliance in place, the need to deal with pesky ice will never occur.
Though it is a built-in ice maker by design, its compact design enables it to be placed in any tight space. And its attractive stainless steel exteriors make sure that it complements any home décor easily. This appliance is not only rated highly by the icemakercage team, but it also ranks at no 15 of the best ice makers of the year 2022, by best reviews.
Check out: Best Commercial Ice Makers
Best Features of the EdgeStar IB120SS Ice Maker
The EdgeStar IB120SS is a compact built-in ice maker that features a front ventilation system and can be installed under the counter, requiring no clearance space for the sides and rear. Thus, this appliance can be installed even in tight spaces in the kitchen. But, its integrated freezers are the best feature of this appliance that is capable of storing ice for as long as possible, without melting. The other unique features of this ice maker are as follows.
1. Design
This appliance has an attractive design and can appeal to any home interior. Its integrated storage bin makes sure that the ice will stay longer in this appliance. And also, there is no need to drain the excess water from the appliance. This ice maker is about 25 inches tall and requires very minimal installation. It can be a great addition to a kitchen, bat, RV, office, and boat owing to its compact design and appealing aesthetics. The dimensions of this appliance are about Dimensions: 25 1/4″ H x 15″ W x 18 1/2″ D.
2. Ice Producing Capacity
This appliance is capable of producing crescent-shaped ice that chills drinks efficiently. It is capable of making about 12 pounds of crescent-shaped ice per day and can easily fit to engage a small group with high-quality chilled drinks.
3. Easy to Install
This ice maker is very easy to install, though it needs to be tucked under the counter. The ice reservoir or storage basket is capable of storing about 6 pounds of ice at a time and is easily removable. Thus we need not strain much to remove ice from this unit. It includes a ¼ inch water line and has to be hooked into a water supply hose directly. There is no need to connect the drain as the refrigerated freezer compartment will maintain the ice frozen for a very long duration. There is no ice melting, and thus there is no need for a drain unit.
4. Easy to Operate
This ice maker appliance is pretty easy to operate and comes with everything to make delicious ice instantly. Just by simply manipulating the on and off switch, it is possible to start making ice in this appliance. When the ice bin is full, the unit will shut off automatically. Its reversible door makes sure that it is possible to use and remove ice easily from the appliance.
5. Accessories
The appliance comes with an ice scoop, water hose, a one-year manufacturer warranty for parts, and 90 days’ warranty on labor. It is beneficial to add a water filter to the waterline, to filter the minerals and particles efficiently, and to form clear and high-quality ice.
6. Condenser
The appliance has a dedicated condenser with a fan at the bottom of the device. This is different from other models of ice makers, that have their condensers on the outside. This is a key feature that differentiates EdgeStar from the rest of the under-counter ice makers.
7. Defrosting
This unit doesn’t have a self-defrosting function, but we can do manual defrosting pretty easily. To perform this, turn off the appliance and empty the machine. Leave the machine idle with the door open for a couple of hours. This should defrost the appliance, and this can be repeated every six weeks in this method.
Performance of the EdgeStar IB120SS
The appliance forms high-quality ice cubes that are slightly different than what is formed in the refrigerator. The ice cubes are small and nice and the ice bin will get filled in 24 hours. For huge ice requirements, we may have to plan and fill a couple of ice bags, to be stored in the refrigerator. One of the best features of this ice maker is that it operates pretty quietly. But it will not defrost on its own and the ice tends to accumulate faster than anticipated.
This is a highly dependable ice making appliance from a well-recognized and credible manufacturer. It is a basic model with no frills and weighs 54 pounds. It doesn’t fall under the portable category of ice makers and can deliver a reasonable volume of ice every time.
Check out: Best Ice Maker Under $500
Pros & Cons of EdgeStar IB120SS
What do we like about the Edgestar IB120SS ice maker?
- The stainless steel door against the black door will match most interiors.
- Features a reversible hinging for easy operation
- The door of this appliance is reversible
- The production capacity of this appliance is 12 pounds and its storage capacity is about 6 pounds.
- The width is only 15 inches and thus can be tucked in tight spaces.
- Forms lovely crescent-shaped ice for different drinks.
- Very quiet ice maker.
What do we don’t like about the Edgestar IB120SS ice maker?
- Forms cloudy ice and not clear ice.
- The appliance has to be defrosted manually.
- Doesn’t have an energy star rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a built-in ice maker or can it be installed as a freestanding unit?
The EdgeStar IB120SS is advertised to be a built-in ice maker, and it has a front venting system. Thus it can be considered both as a freestanding or a built-in ice maker. The appliance also features a reversible door for both left and right-hand swings. It requires no clearance space for the sides and rear and this appliance can be installed even in tight spaces in the kitchen
What is the ice-making capacity of this ice maker?
This is an expert ice maker that is capable of forming about 12 pounds of ice in a day and it can store about 6 pounds of ice at a time.
Does it keep the ice frozen?
Yes, the EdgeStar IB120 SS also behaves as a freezer and would thus maintain the ice frozen until you remove it for use. Thus, it doesn’t require any drain line.
What are the dimensions of this ice maker appliance?
This ice maker is about 25 inches tall and requires very minimal installation. It can be a great addition to a kitchen, bat, RV, office, and boat owing to its compact design and appealing aesthetics. The dimensions of this appliance are about Dimensions: 25 1/4″ H x 15″ W x 18 1/2″ D.
What is the type of ice that this ice maker forms?
This appliance produces crescent-shaped ice that chills drinks efficiently. It is capable of making about 12 pounds of crescent-shaped ice per day and can easily fit to engage a small group with high-quality chilled drinks.
Does this appliance have a water inlet hose and a drain line?
It includes a ¼ inch water line and has to be hooked into a water supply hose directly. There is no need to connect the drain as the refrigerated freezer compartment will maintain the ice frozen for a very long duration. There is no ice melting, and thus there is no need for a drain unit.
Does this have auto shut down features?
This ice maker appliance is pretty easy to operate and comes with everything to make delicious ice instantly. When the ice bin is full, the unit will shut off automatically. Its reversible door makes sure that it is possible to use and remove ice easily from the appliance.
What are the accessories that we get from this appliance?
The appliance comes with an ice scoop, water hose, a one-year manufacturer warranty for parts, and 90 days’ warranty on labor. You can choose to add a water filter to the water line to filter the particles effectively.
Will this ice maker appliance defrost on its own?
This unit doesn’t have a self-defrosting function, but we can do manual defrosting pretty easily. To perform this, turn off the appliance and empty the machine. Leave the machine idle with the door open for a couple of hours. This should defrost the appliance and you can repeat this as frequently as possible.
How much clearance does this appliance require at the rear for built-in installation?
If you choose to install it under-counter, then a rear clearance of one foot and a side clearance of two feet is mandatory.
Does this ice maker meet the American ADA requirements?
Yes, it does. It has been designed by keeping the people with disabilities in mind, to easily reach the ice maker to grab their share of the ice.
Does this appliance recycle water?
No, this ice maker doesn’t recycle water as it doesn’t melt the ice. It keeps them frozen until they are removed for use.
Does it make sonic ice?
No, it doesn’t form sonic ice, it forms chewable crescent-shaped ice cubes to chill drinks efficiently.
Is this ice maker loud?
Yes, this ice maker is loud and its compressor makes a decent sound while it is running, but the sound is not annoying and doesn’t disrupt other work at home.
Can I install the appliance by myself?
It is strongly recommended to seek professional help and to install this appliance by a licensed professional.
Alternatives of EdgeStar IB120SS
If you want an alternative to EdgeStar IB120SS for some reason, then here are some options that you can consider in 2022.
Final Verdict
The Edgestar IB120SS is one of the highly efficient, easy to use, and one of the best ice makers that doesn’t require complex installation. With a simple on and off button, it is possible to start making ice in this appliance and its compressor works very quietly. It is also easy to maintain and requires regular cleaning and defrosting at frequent intervals.
