Top 5 Undercounter Ice Makers: Your Buying Guide

Imagine this: you’re hosting a summer barbecue, and your ice bin is already looking a little sad. Or maybe you’re a busy restaurant owner, and your current ice maker just can’t keep up with the demand. We’ve all been there, right? Running out of ice is more than just an inconvenience; it can really put a damper on your good times or your business.

That’s where undercounter ice makers come in. These handy machines tuck neatly away, providing a steady supply of perfectly formed ice right where you need it. But with so many different types and features out there, how do you pick the one that’s just right for you? It can feel overwhelming, like trying to sort through a giant bag of ice cubes to find the one that fits your glass!

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about undercounter ice makers. We’ll explore the different styles, what to look for in terms of capacity and ice type, and how to make sure you’re getting the best value. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to choose an ice maker that will keep your drinks perfectly chilled, no matter the occasion.

Our Top 5 Undercounter Ice Makers Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Undercounter Ice Makers Detailed Reviews

1. EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine

EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/24H Stainless Steel Under Counter ice Machine with 33lbs Ice Storage Capacity, Freestanding Ice Maker.

Rating: 9.1/10

The EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine is a powerful and versatile solution for all your ice-making needs. Whether you’re running a busy restaurant or just want plenty of ice for family gatherings, this machine delivers. It boasts a high production rate and ample storage, ensuring you’re never short on ice cubes.

What We Like:

  • Impressive Ice Production: Makes a whopping 100 lbs of ice per day, perfect for high-demand situations.
  • Generous Storage: Holds up to 33 lbs of ice, so you’ll always have enough on hand.
  • Versatile Use: ETL certified for commercial use, it’s great for homes, kitchens, restaurants, and bars.
  • User-Friendly Control Panel: The smart LCD panel makes it easy to adjust ice size and activate the self-cleaning function.
  • Efficient and Quiet Operation: The powerful compressor works quickly without making a lot of noise.
  • Energy Efficient: An energy certificate helps save on electricity bills.
  • Automatic Overflow Prevention: Keeps your ice from spilling out.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Requires Water Supply and Drain: Needs to be connected to a water source and have a drain available.
  • Regular Cleaning Recommended: To keep it working well, you need to clean it regularly.
  • Upright Before First Use: Must remain upright for 24 hours before its first use.

Overall, the EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine offers excellent performance and convenience for both commercial and home use. It’s a reliable choice for anyone needing a steady supply of ice.

2. EUHOMY 15″ W Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker Machine

EUHOMY 15" W Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker Machine, 90 Lb/Day Auto-Cleaning & 24H Timer, Gravity Drainage,Stainless Steel Built-in Freestanding Ice Maker, 24 Lb Bin, Ideal for Commercial & Home

Rating: 8.5/10

The EUHOMY 15″ W Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker Machine is a fantastic addition for anyone needing a steady supply of ice. It makes a lot of ice quickly, perfect for parties or busy businesses. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen or bar.

What We Like:

  • It makes 90 lbs of ice every day, which is a lot!
  • You get 40 clear ice cubes every 10-18 minutes.
  • The 24 lb ice bin holds plenty of ice.
  • It fits nicely under counters but can also stand alone.
  • The door can open from either the left or right side.
  • The ice stays frozen longer because of its special insulation.
  • You can change the size of the ice cubes.
  • It has a helpful 24-hour timer.
  • The auto-cleaning feature makes it easy to keep clean.

What Could Be Improved:

  • It needs a water supply to work.
  • You must keep the machine upright for 24 hours before using it the first time.
  • The drain pipe needs to be lower than the machine’s drain.

This ice maker is a powerful and convenient choice for both homes and businesses. It offers fast ice production and smart features that make life easier.

3. Commercial Ice Maker

Commercial Ice Maker, 110LBS/24H Undercounter/Freestanding Ice Machine with Self-Priming Gallon Water& Facuet Water Inlet, Self-Cleaning, 3 Ice Thickness,16LBs Storage Bin for Home, Office,Garage

Rating: 8.8/10

This Commercial Ice Maker is a fantastic addition to any home, office, or garage, providing a steady supply of ice for all your needs. It’s designed for both undercounter and freestanding use, offering flexibility for any space.

What We Like:

  • It makes a lot of ice fast, up to 110 pounds a day.
  • You can choose how thick you want your ice cubes.
  • It’s easy to set up with two different water hookup options.
  • The built-in storage bin holds 16 pounds of ice.
  • The insulation keeps ice from melting too quickly.
  • It has a self-cleaning feature to keep it fresh.
  • The stainless steel design looks good and is easy to clean.
  • It comes with all the hoses you need to get started.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The initial ice-making cycle takes a bit longer as the compressor starts.

This ice maker is a reliable and convenient solution for keeping your drinks perfectly chilled. It’s a smart choice for anyone who needs a consistent supply of ice.

4. COTLIN 15″ W Drainless Under Counter Ice Maker with 22LBS Storage Bin

COTLIN 15" W Drainless Under Counter Ice Maker with 22LBS Storage Bin, Crescent Ice, Free Standing Built-in Ice Maker for Residential Commercial Use, No Drain Required, ETL Approved

Rating: 8.9/10

Tired of running out of ice or dealing with messy drain lines? The COTLIN 15″ W Drainless Under Counter Ice Maker is here to solve your problems. This sleek, stainless steel ice maker makes it easy to have a constant supply of perfect crescent-shaped ice, whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a quiet evening.

What We Like:

  • No drain required, making installation a breeze.
  • Produces unique, slow-melting crescent ice cubes that keep drinks colder longer.
  • Large 22-pound storage bin means you won’t run out of ice.
  • Durable brushed stainless steel construction is easy to clean.
  • Reversible door and adjustable feet allow for flexible placement.
  • ETL certified for safety and reliability.
  • Lifetime service support for peace of mind.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The ice-making speed might be a bit slower than some commercial units.
  • The 22lb storage capacity, while good, might not be enough for very large commercial events without frequent refilling.

The COTLIN drainless ice maker offers a convenient and stylish solution for your ice-making needs. Enjoy perfectly chilled drinks with this user-friendly and reliable appliance.

5. Feelfunn Commercial Ice Maker with Water Pump

Feelfunn Commercial Ice Maker with Water Pump, 85Lbs/Day, Built-in Undercounter Ice Maker with Auto-Cleaning & Timer, Freestanding Stainless Steel Ice Machine for Home Bar Office Restaurant

Rating: 9.1/10

The Feelfunn Commercial Ice Maker is a versatile and powerful machine designed for busy homes, offices, and small businesses. It makes a lot of ice quickly and offers features that make it easy to use and maintain.

What We Like:

  • It makes up to 85 pounds of clear ice every day.
  • You can get fresh ice cubes in as little as 11 minutes.
  • It offers three different ice sizes for any drink.
  • The smart LCD panel lets you set timers and adjust ice thickness easily.
  • The auto-cleaning function keeps the machine clean.
  • It has overflow protection and a full ice bin alert for safety.
  • You can use it as a built-in undercounter unit or as a freestanding machine.
  • The included water pump allows for flexible placement.
  • Customer support is responsive, and it comes with a 1-year warranty.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The initial setup might require some basic plumbing knowledge for the water connection.
  • While it makes ice quickly, the bin capacity might need monitoring for very high usage.

This Feelfunn ice maker offers a great balance of performance and user-friendly features, making it a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable ice supply.

Your Guide to the Coolest Kitchen Upgrade: Undercounter Ice Makers

An undercounter ice maker is a fantastic addition to any home, especially if you love entertaining or just enjoy having a constant supply of fresh ice. These sleek appliances fit neatly under your counter, offering convenience and style. Let’s dive into what you need to know before you buy.

Key Features to Look For

When you’re shopping for an undercounter ice maker, several features make a big difference. Think about how you’ll use it most.

  • Ice Production Rate: This tells you how much ice the machine can make in a 24-hour period. Consider how many people you usually serve or how much ice you use for drinks and chilling.
  • Ice Storage Capacity: How much ice can the bin hold? A larger bin means you won’t have to run the machine as often.
  • Ice Shape: Most undercounter ice makers make crescent-shaped ice. Some offer different shapes like cubes, nuggets, or even clear ice. Clear ice melts slower and looks great in drinks.
  • Water Filter: A built-in water filter is a big plus. It removes impurities, giving you cleaner-tasting ice and protecting the machine from mineral buildup.
  • Drainage System: Ice makers need to drain melted ice. Some have a gravity drain, which needs to be lower than the machine. Others have a drain pump, which is more flexible.
  • Reversible Door: This allows you to hang the door on either the left or right side, making installation easier in different kitchen layouts.
  • Energy Efficiency: Look for models with good energy ratings to save on electricity bills.

Important Materials

The materials used in an ice maker affect its durability and how clean it stays.

  • Stainless Steel: Many high-quality undercounter ice makers use stainless steel for their exterior. This material is strong, looks great, and is easy to clean. It resists rust and fingerprints.
  • Plastic: Inside the ice maker, food-grade plastic is common for ice bins and parts that touch the ice. Ensure this plastic is durable and safe for contact with food.
  • Copper or Aluminum Coils: These are used in the refrigeration system. Copper is generally more durable and efficient.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Certain aspects of an ice maker’s design and build can either make it a top-notch appliance or a disappointing one.

  • Build Quality: A well-built ice maker feels solid. Doors should open and close smoothly, and all parts should fit together tightly.
  • Insulation: Good insulation in the ice bin helps keep ice frozen longer, even when the machine isn’t actively making ice.
  • Noise Level: Some ice makers can be quite noisy when they’re running. Look for models that are designed to operate quietly.
  • Ease of Cleaning: Removable ice bins and accessible internal parts make cleaning much simpler. Regular cleaning prevents mold and mildew.
  • Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have better customer support and longer warranties, which can be a sign of quality.

User Experience and Use Cases

Using an undercounter ice maker is usually straightforward, but a good user experience makes all the difference.

  • Installation: Most undercounter models are designed to be installed under a standard counter. You’ll need a water line and a drain connection. Some require electrical connections.
  • Everyday Use: Once set up, you simply turn it on, and it starts making ice. You’ll need to empty the ice bin periodically, especially if you’re not using a lot of ice.
  • Entertaining: For parties, an undercounter ice maker is a lifesaver. You’ll always have enough ice for guests’ drinks, chilling bottles, or serving food.
  • Home Bar: If you have a home bar, this appliance keeps your favorite spirits perfectly chilled with fresh ice.
  • Busy Families: Even for everyday use, having a constant supply of ice for water bottles, smoothies, or iced coffee can be a real convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much ice can an undercounter ice maker make?

A: Most undercounter ice makers can produce between 25 to 50 pounds of ice per day. Some larger models can make even more.

Q: Do I need a special drain for an undercounter ice maker?

A: You’ll need a way for melted ice to drain. This can be a direct connection to your home’s drain system or a separate pump if a gravity drain isn’t possible.

Q: How often do I need to clean my ice maker?

A: It’s best to clean your ice maker every 6 months. This helps keep the ice tasting fresh and prevents buildup.

Q: Can I use tap water in my ice maker?

A: Yes, but using a water filter is highly recommended. It improves the taste of the ice and helps prevent mineral buildup inside the machine.

Q: Will an undercounter ice maker fit in any cabinet?

A: They are designed to fit under standard cabinets. Always check the specific dimensions of the ice maker and compare them to the space you have available.

Q: Are undercounter ice makers noisy?

A: Some can be, especially when the ice is dropping into the bin. However, many newer models are designed for quieter operation.

Q: How much electricity do they use?

A: Their energy use varies, but they are generally comparable to a small refrigerator. Look for energy-efficient models.

Q: What kind of ice do most undercounter models make?

A: The most common shape is crescent-shaped ice. Some models offer different shapes.

Q: Can I install one myself?

A: Installation requires plumbing for a water line and a drain. If you’re comfortable with basic plumbing, you might be able to do it. Otherwise, it’s best to hire a professional.

Q: How long do undercounter ice makers last?

A: With proper maintenance and cleaning, an undercounter ice maker can last 10 to 15 years or even longer.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

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