Ice makers are indispensable appliances for kitchens in families who are on a constant surge for chilled drinks. As summer is approaching, a vast majority of people are looking for large ice makers that are capable of rendering a constant supply of fresh ice for drinks and water. When we are on a hunt for large ice makers, the under counter ice machine is our ideal choice. And the Ice-O-Matic self-contained ice machine is a highly versatile under counter ice maker and is even more special as it makes pearl-shaped ice cubes for diverse cocktails and mocktails.
This GEMU090 ice maker is ideal for small spaces and can be tucked even in tight kitchen spaces. It is great for residences, break rooms, entertainment venues, and cafes. These self-contained ice machines produce chewable pearl shape ice cubes and operate very quietly without any disturbing and annoying noises. Above all, the appliance is easy to install and install with a simple 115 Volt plug-in design.
Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 Ice Machine Review 2022
| 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 |
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Opinion by Sara Wilson
For all the Pearl shape ice lovers, Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 is a genuine choice. Although I would advise you to check for manufacturing defects as soon as you receive the appliance and get it replaced if it has any, otherwise the appliance is perfect, performance is good, easy to use, and clean.
Specifications
- Width of the appliance: 15 inches
- Depth of the ice maker: 24 inches
- Produce weight: 133 pounds
- Air making capacity: 85 lbs./24 hours
- Storage capacity: 22 lbs.
- Ice bin and ice scoop: Included
- Air filter and pump: not included
- Installation type: Freestanding under counter appliance
Ice Producing Capacity of the Ice-O-Matic GEMU090
This appliance produces high-quality pearl-shaped ice cubes that add a lot of ambience and flavor to the drinks. This ice maker machine is capable of producing about 85 pounds of sonic ice over 24 hours. The appliance easily fits in even tight spaces under the counter, where every inch counts. It also has a built-in storage compartment that is capable of producing about 22 pounds of ice at a time. As the ice is been removed from the bin, the unit continues to make ice. It thus produces ice at the rate of 3.5 pounds every hour. This helps the bartenders and the restaurant workers to keep up with the orders.
It is also great for parties as we will be able to cater to the needs of a huge volume of guests in the least possible time. The ice-making capacity of this appliance is subjected to optimal air and water temperature condition, which is roughly 70 F air temperature and 50 F water temperature. Its self-contained condenser is air-cooled and is thus energy and water-efficient.
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Installation Options with the Ice Maker
This appliance features a slim-fit design and can thus be tucked under tight spaces. This feature of this appliance makes it great for under-counter installation in hotel hospitality suites, stadiums, office breakrooms, and even behind the counter at a coffee shop. The appliance is also approved for outdoor too, thanks to its tough design and ambient construction. Thus, it is highly recommended for outdoor bars, kiosks, cabanas, and also smoothie stands. It only requires a 115V electrical connection and water connection for operation. It is also easy to install as it comes with a plug and cord for simple installation.
Must Check: Best Undercounter Ice Machines
External Features of the Pearl Ice Maker
The ice maker has a slim profile as it is just 15 inches wide and just over 33 inches tall. Thus, this appliance allows easy installation in almost any location, as long as is water and electrical connection nearby. Some good reasons why this appliance can be placed under the counter is that its intake and exhaust vents for the condenser are present at the front of the unit, beneath the door of the appliance. Its custom equipment configuration, allows it to be built into any cabinetry.
The elegant stainless steel cabinet of the appliance allows it to be installed as a free-standing unit as well. This is indeed a very quiet ice maker and thus can be put into operation without having to worry about disturbing the guests and customers. The appliance comes with adjusting legs of length of one inch, making it easy for the appliance to be kept on any surface as a free-standing appliance.
Connection Requirements for Installation
This ice maker comes with a standard NEMA 5-15 three-prong plug and a 115 Volt power cord along with a 6mm water connection. These features make it very easy to install. It’s 5/8” drain tube is located at the bottom back of the unit. If the installation location of the appliance, doesn’t offer access to the floor drain, there is an optional drain pump kit that aids in the draining process. This drain pump, the KPU 090 is sold separately and has to be bought for easy installation of the appliance.
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The Energy Efficiency of the Appliance
This appliance doesn’t have an energy star rating, but it is being certified by the AHRI and the ANSI for efficient operation even under tough conditions. This appliance is also ETL-S approved and meets the standards of the NSF-7. It is listed by the UL for safe use in both residential and commercial applications. For every hundred pounds of ice that is been produced in this machine, it makes use of about 12 gallons of water. It makes use of 10.7 kWh of energy and the minimum circuit amps for this appliance is about 5 Amps. The minimum water pressure that this appliance makes use of is 20 PSIG and its maximum water pressure is about 80 PSIG.
Pros & Cons of Ice-O-Matic GEMU090
What do we like about Ice-O-Matic GEMU090?
- Its included ice scoop that comes with the machine makes it easy to retrieve ice quickly from the bin.
- Makes ice quietly and efficiently, as advertised by the manufacturers.
- This machine has an impressive quiet operation, offering it the ability to place it anywhere without any disturbance.
- The unit is approved for outdoor use, but it can be placed anywhere in both the indoor and outdoor kitchen.
- Owing to its front ventilation, the unit can be placed under the counter, or built-in with the cabinetry.
What do we don’t like about Ice-O-Matic GEMU090?
- The drain motor of the appliance gets a little loud at times.
- The ice will melt fast during the initial cycles. In the summer months’ ice tends to melt faster than recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the ice be chewed and eaten raw?
This ice maker appliance makes soft and chewable ice that is not harsh on the teeth. Its pure ice technology makes sure that every single piece of ice that is produced is clear and free from impurities.
How should I restart the appliance after shutting it down for a few days?
You should refer to the user manual for the restart procedure after closing it for a few days or months, perhaps in the winter season. You can also contact customer service on queries related to this procedure.
Does this ice maker appliance form pearl-shaped ice cubes?
This is an expert under counter ice maker that is great for small entertainment venues, cafes, and offices and this is an expert appliance that forms pearl ice, that is chewable, and is also great for making a variety of mixed drinks.
What is the type of drain that this appliance possesses?
There is a drain tube at the back bottom of this appliance to drain the waste and excess water from this unit. At times when your gravity drain is higher than the drain connection at the back of your ice maker, you make require optional pumps to drain the water seamlessly. In many instances, gravity drain works perfectly for many installations.
Does the ice form melt quickly?
The appliance forms soft and chewable pearl-shaped ice cubes. There can be some melting, particularly during the startup. But once the ice bin gets full, then the ice will keep the storage bin cool enough, so that there is minimum melting. But make sure that the appliance is not exposed to the overt outside temperature as it can cause the ice to melt faster.
Is this appliance approved for outdoor use?
This ice maker appliance is intended for use in climate-controlled areas, between 60 and 80 F. It is not recommended for outdoor use as this appliance is predominantly air-cooled. With a high ambient temperature, it becomes mandatory for this unit to work harder to keep the ice-cold. This can tremendously reduce the life of its motor.
Should I use a water filter with this ice maker appliance?
This appliance doesn’t come with a self-contained water filter. Some users wish to connect an in-line water filter on its water line that is fed into the freezer. This can help in enhancing the quality of the ice cubes, especially if you live in areas where the quality of water is not too good.
Does this appliance come panel ready? Will it blend with the kitchen cabinetry?
No, it doesn’t come panel ready and this appliance comes only with a stainless steel door, which is not suitable for cabinet door installation. But you can paint it if you wish If you want to integrate it with the kitchen cabinetry.
Will my pet be annoyed by the noise of this ice maker?
This ice maker is very quiet. Its condenser works pretty quietly and even when the ice is dropping, it doesn’t make any distracting noises. Thus, it is great to use in the kitchen and office spaces.
Is the storage bin of this appliance removable, and does it have lights?
The ice bin does not have lights and the storage bin is not removable. The appliance doesn’t have an interior light either. You can easily scoop out the ice from the bin with the help of the ice scoop that comes with this appliance.
How much ice does this appliance hold?
The GEMU090 pearl ice maker is capable of forming about 85 lbs. or 39 kg. of ice in a day and this appliance is capable of storing about 22 lbs. or 10 kg. of ice at a time.
Is this appliance ideal for usage in small places?
This under-counter ice maker is ideal for installation in small spaces and is thus great for suites, entertainment venues, break rooms, offices, cafes, etc. It is approved for temperature-controlled outdoor spaces as well. The dimensions of this appliance are about 22.62 x 14.87 x 33.37 inches, and thus it can easily fit in small spaces.
Can I have this ice maker as a freestanding installation?
As this appliance features a front ventilation system, we can keep this appliance under the counter or also build it flush with the cabinetry. Its completely furnished cabinet allows the appliance to be installed as a freestanding appliance as well.
Does this have leveling legs?
Yes, it has leveling legs for freestanding installation. These leveling legs also help in elevating the ice maker for about 2 inches above the ground level, so that it is kept free from moisture and dirt on the ground. This also helps in an efficient gravity draining system.
Alternatives of Ice-O-Matic GEMU090
Here are some of the best alternatives to Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 that you can consider in 2022 if you want a quality ice machine.
Final Verdict
The Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 is a versatile machine & one of the best ice makers that help to stock the hospitality suite, restaurant, bar, and other service areas with high-quality ice at all times. It is ideal both as a freestanding appliance and as an under-counter machine. A perfect addition to create high-quality ice at any moment without a long waiting time.