Imagine hosting a summer barbecue. Your guests are thirsty, and you reach for ice, only to find the tray empty. It’s a common kitchen frustration that no one enjoys! Built-in ice makers promise an end to this hassle, offering a steady supply of ice right where you need it. But with so many models available—from under-counter units to smart-enabled fridges—how do you choose the perfect one for your home? The market is full of technical terms and confusing features, making the selection process feel overwhelming.
This guide cuts through the noise. We break down what you need to know about capacity, noise levels, and installation requirements for the best built-in ice makers. By the end of this post, you will understand the key differences between top brands and feel confident selecting an ice maker that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen convenience? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about bringing perfect, effortless ice production into your home today.
Top Built In Ice Makers Recommendations
- HIGH CAPACITY & FAST ICE MAKING – Designed for heavy-duty usage, this commercial ice maker produces up to 100 lbs of ice per 24 hours, crafting 45 clear ice cubes per cycle in just 11-15 minutes. It features a large built-in storage bin holding 33 lbs of ice, ensuring you never run out during peak hours. The automatic overflow prevention system guarantees safe operation, making it perfect for large families, parties, or commercial settings.
- ETL CERTIFIED FOR COMMERCIAL & HOME USE – Safety and quality are paramount. Unlike standard units, the EUHOMY ice maker is ETL certified for both household and commercial applications. Its versatile design allows it to be used in indoor/outdoor kitchens, restaurants, bars, hotels, or grocery stores. Whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ or running a coffee shop, this machine delivers reliable performance.
- INTUITIVE LCD CONTROL PANEL – Take full control with the smart LCD display. It allows you to monitor the ambient temperature and adjust the ice-making time to customize the thickness of your ice cubes—thin for smoothies or thick for drinks. The panel also features a one-touch Automatic Cleaning function, simplifying maintenance and ensuring your ice is always fresh and hygienic.
- EFFICIENT COOLING & QUIET OPERATION – Equipped with a powerful yet quiet compressor, this under-counter ice machine creates ice efficiently without disrupting your environment. The advanced energy-saving technology helps reduce electricity consumption, lowering your operating costs over time. The stainless steel construction not only looks professional but also provides durability and effective heat dissipation.
- INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE TIPS – This unit utilizes Gravity Drainage (requires a floor drain or gravity outlet; strictly no pump included). Please ensure the drain hose is positioned lower than the machine specifically for optimal drainage. IMPORTANT: Before first use, keep the machine upright for at least 24 hours to let the refrigerant settle. We recommend running the self-cleaning cycle twice before consuming the first batch of ice.
- Rapid & Large Ice Production: Our ice maker can produce 100lbs clear ice cubes one day, the average ice making time for each cycle just taking 8 to 16mins, which means that the under counter ice maker can meet your demand for ice efficiently, and let you enjoy the tasty ice cubes easily
- Efficient & Adjustable Ice Cubes: Equipped with an efficient compressor and 3 layer insulation materials, the ice cubes that our under counter ice maker machine produce are clear and refresh, besides, you can also control the thickness of the ice cubes through the button to meet the need of various drinks, like smoothie/cocktail/whisky for daily use. These perfect cubes are ideal for bartending and home hosting
- Simple & User-friendly Design: Because of the LCD panel, there is no need to worry about the machine's operation, and the ice maker also have the reminder of water shortage and ice full, help you replenish water or remove ice cubes promptly, and the design of reversible door also give you the flexible choice to decide which direction to open the door. It comes with an ice scoop so you can easily fill a cup or grab a few cubes directly from the freezer
- Auto-cleaning & Timer Function: Considering the preciousness of your time, we have equipped our under counter ice machine with automatic cleaning, so you can easily clean your ice maker machine by just hold the "Clean" button for 5s, helps maintain the under counter ice maker machine's efficiency and longevity and the 24H Timer function can also help you to make ice according to your schedule
- Wondeful Size & Customer Service: With the size of 20.4"D x 14.96"W x 33.9"H, there are two types of setting style for you to choose, individual placed or under counter, if you have any questions while using the ice maker, please reach out to us promptly, and we will strive to provide you with help
- 【Upgraded Drainless Ice Maker】This under counter ice maker is made of brushed stainless steel, which is more durable and easy to clean. The 22-pound ice storage capacity meets the needs of long-term and large-capacity ice use. The powerful freezing system ensures that the ice cubes are always kept within the range of 26.6-32°F to avoid melting.
- 【Unique Ice Shape】Our crescent ice maker is designed for you who pursue high-quality drinks. It can efficiently produce high-quality, pure, and tasteless crescent-shaped ice cubes. The unique shape and slow melting characteristics can keep drinks cool and delicious for longer, making it the perfect partner for exquisite drinks.
- 【Detailed Design】One-touch switch to start making ice cubes, just press to start the ice making process, no cumbersome settings required. The door and hinges of the ice maker are reversible, you can choose to install it on the left or right side according to your needs, and the feet have an adjustable function, which can flexibly adapt to different space layouts.
- 【Easy Installation】This drainless ice maker adopts advanced drainage-free design, completely bid farewell to cumbersome drainage pipe installation, no need to hire a plumber to install it, you only need to connect the water supply connector and power cord to start normal use. The size design of 14.9"W x 18.6"D x 33.8"H can be easily placed under most standard kitchen counters.
- 【Quality Assurance】Each built-in ice maker has passed ETL certification and meets strict ETL safety and quality certification standards, ensuring that our ice makers meet the highest industry standards in terms of safety and reliability. COTLIN also provides lifetime service support, so you can choose and use this ice maker with confidence.
- Advanced & Fast Ice Making: Our commercial under counter ice maker machine can produce 90 lbs of ice in 24 hours, providing 40 clear ice cubes every 10-18 minutes for you and your family. The 24 lb storage container ensures a constant supply of ice, meeting all your daily ice needs for your home, restaurant, bar, or hotel.
- Compact Design: The built-in design with dimensions of 14.96 x 18.47 x 33.99 inches (including adjustable feet) makes it perfect for any standard height kitchen or bar counter, while also allowing the ice maker to be used as a standalone unit.
- Reversible Door & Cold Insulation: The stainless steel ice maker machine door with a handle can be installed with left or right hinges, allowing you to choose the opening direction according to your needs. The 3-layer housing material ensures longer-lasting ice cubes, preventing them from melting quickly.
- Smart LCD Control Panel & Customizable Ice Thickness: The multifunctional control panel displays the ambient temperature and allows you to adjust the ice cube size by changing the ice-making time. The 24-hour timer function lets you set the machine to start or stop running at your convenience.
- Easy-to-Clean & Prolonged Life: The self-cleaning function, activated by pressing the "Timer Clean" button for 5 seconds, helps maintain the ice maker's efficiency and longevity. We recommend cleaning the machine regularly according to usage. The ice maker requires a water supply . Be sure to keep the machine upright for at least 24 hours before using it.
- Note : Please check the dimension and item weight of the product and confirm it fits your space
- Built-in or freestanding installation (front venting) with no drain required
- Makes 12 lbs of crescent-shaped ice cubes in 24 hours
- Sleek stainless steel door and black cabinet, ice scoop and ice bin included
- Stores up to 6 lbs of ice, auto shut-off when ice bin is full. Power consumption-120 W
- Large Capacity fast lce Making- This built-in ice maker produces 120 lbs of ice in 24 hours, making 40 clear cubes every 15-20 minutes for daily use.
- Undercounterable Design- lts commercial ice maker's built- in design fits perfectly under a standard-height kitchen or bar counter.
- Reversible Door & Cold insulation- The lce Machine stainless steel handle door can be installed in the left or right hinge, and the 3-layer material housing keeps the ice shape for a longer time to avoid melting.
- Timer Function & Optional ice Thickness- Set the time when the built-in ice Maker is turned on or when it stops running with the 24-hour timer function. Get ice cubes with different degrees of surface depression by setting different ice-making times, perfect for smoothies, cocktails, and whisky.
- Self-Cleaning Function & Automatic Water Supply- Press the "Timer Clean" button for 5 seconds to activate the self-cleaning function. The under counter ice Maker water intake pipe on the back provides a continuous supply of ice, saving you from frequent refills.
- High-Capacity Ice Production: This commercial ice maker produces up to 100 pounds of ice daily and features a 30-pound storage capacity with a large removable ice bin, ideal for busy households, large events, or commercial spaces like bars and offices. Whether you’re chilling iced tea, displaying fresh seafood, or blending smoothies, it delivers a steady supply of slow-melting, odorless ice that keeps drinks cold and refreshing without dilution
- Easy Accessibility: Equipped with an intuitive control panel for simple operation, along with water shortage and ice full alerts to prompt you to check the water source in time. A convenient ice scoop is included for effortless ice retrieval, helping keep your ice clean and protected from contamination. You can also customize ice thickness with adjustable settings (thin/medium/thick) ideal for cocktails, whiskey, or milkshakes
- Space-Saving & Flexible Installation: Designed to fit seamlessly into a 15-inch cabinet, this undercounter ice machine integrates smoothly into any kitchen layout. Its versatile installation options, including under counter, freestanding, or built-in setups, offer the flexibility to adapt to your space requirements while adding a sleek, modern touch to your kitchen
- Low-Maintenance and Durability: Enjoy simple maintenance with the one-click self-cleaning function, which thoroughly cleans the unit effortlessly, ensuring the clear ice cube maker operates at peak efficiency for longer. Enhanced thickened insulation technology keeps ice frozen solid for up to 8 hours, preserving its optimal chill and freshness while reducing energy consumption
- Versatile and Reliable Safety: ETL-certified for both reliability and safety, this under counter ice machine comes with a removable filter system that enhances the taste and clarity of ice cubes. It operates quietly, features a built-in water inlet and outlet, and includes the necessary hoses for easy installation, making it a great fit for your patio, poolside bar, or outdoor kitchen
- 【Large Capacity Fast Ice Making】This built-in ice maker has excellent ice making capabilities, producing 80lbs of ice in 24 hours.Kismile freestanding ice maker makes 40 clear cubes of ice every 15-20 minutes for daily use by you and your family
- 【Self-Cleaning Function & Automatic Water Supply】By pressing the "Timer Clean" button on the LCD screen for 5 seconds, this under-the-kitchen ice maker will self-clean. The water intake pipe on the back will save you from frequent refills and provide you with a continuous supply of ice
- 【Reversible Door & Cold Insulation】The door of the under counter ice maker with stainless steel handle can be installed in the left or right hinge, so you can choose the opening direction according to your needs. The housing made of a 3-layer material can keep the ice shape for a longer time to avoid melting
- 【Undercounterable Design】With a built-in design and dimensions of 20.3*33.5*15 inches (including adjustable feet), this lab ice cube maker fits well under a standard height kitchen or bar counter. Also, you can use this freestanding ice maker as a stand-alone unit
- 【Timer Function & Optional Ice Thickness】This commercial ice maker machine has a 24-hour timer function that supports setting the time when the machine is turned on or when it stops running. You can set different ice making time to get ice cubes with different degree of surface depression
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Built-In Ice Maker
A built-in ice maker brings convenience right into your kitchen or bar area. These machines make ice automatically, so you never run out for parties or daily drinks. Buying the right one means looking closely at what matters most. This guide helps you pick the perfect machine for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, several features really stand out. These determine how well the machine works for you.
- Ice Production Rate: This tells you how much ice the machine makes in 24 hours. If you host big parties, you need a higher rate (e.g., 40 lbs/day). For daily use, a lower rate might be fine.
- Ice Storage Capacity: How much ice can the machine hold before it needs to use it? Larger bins mean less frequent scooping.
- Ice Type: Most built-in models make crescent-shaped ice, which is common for refrigerators. Some high-end models offer gourmet clear ice, nugget ice (chewable!), or full cubes. Choose the type you like best.
- Self-Cleaning Function: This is a huge time-saver. A self-cleaning cycle keeps the machine sanitary without you having to scrub the interior often.
- Water Filtration: Good ice starts with good water. Look for models that include a built-in water filter or have space to easily add one. This removes bad tastes and odors.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your ice maker lasts and how clean your ice stays.
Interior Components
The ice mold and storage bin are critical. Stainless steel interiors are usually the best choice. Stainless steel resists rust and is easy to sanitize. Plastic bins are common but might stain or hold odors over time if not cleaned regularly.
Exterior and Installation
Most built-in units are designed to slide under a counter, similar to a dishwasher. Ensure the exterior casing is durable. Check the required ventilation space; proper airflow keeps the motor cool and running efficiently.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the brand name; it’s about the details of how the machine functions.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Quiet Operation: A good compressor runs almost silently. If the machine is installed near a living area, look for low decibel ratings.
- Smart Features: Some modern units have Wi-Fi connectivity. You can monitor ice levels or schedule cleaning cycles from your phone.
- Reliable Warranty: A longer warranty often signals that the manufacturer trusts the machine’s durability.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Watch Outs):
- Slow Freeze Times: If the machine takes too long to produce the first batch of ice, the efficiency is low.
- Poor Insulation: If the storage bin isn’t well-insulated, the ice melts faster, forcing the machine to run constantly, which wastes energy.
- Complex Drainage: Some units require manual draining or complex plumbing setups. Easy, automatic drainage improves the experience significantly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you will use the ice maker most often.
Kitchen Integration
For everyday family use, prioritize easy access and reliability. A model that matches your other stainless steel appliances looks great. If space is tight, look for slimmer models.
Entertainment and Bar Areas
If you use it mainly for entertaining, focus on high production rates and perhaps specialty ice (like clear cubes for cocktails). The unit should handle heavy, intermittent use well.
A smooth user experience means the controls are simple to read and operate. Most modern units use simple LED indicators to show when the bin is full or if there is a maintenance alert. Installation complexity is also part of the experience; professional installation is often recommended for built-in models to ensure proper water lines are connected.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Built-In Ice Makers
Q: Do built-in ice makers need a separate drain line?
A: Yes, most do. They need a drain line to remove melted ice and excess water. This is usually connected to a nearby sink drain.
Q: How loud are these machines when running?
A: Modern, high-quality units are very quiet, often under 45 decibels. Older or cheaper models might make noticeable humming or gurgling sounds.
Q: Can I install a built-in ice maker myself?
A: While some handy homeowners attempt it, professional installation is often necessary. Connecting water lines and ensuring proper drainage require specific plumbing skills.
Q: How often do I need to clean the ice maker?
A: If it has a self-cleaning function, you should run it monthly. If it does not, a manual clean with a mild solution should happen every three to six months.
Q: What happens if the water supply is turned off?
A: The machine stops making ice automatically. Once the water is back on, it resumes production. The ice already made stays frozen until the insulation fails.
Q: Do built-in models use a lot of electricity?
A: They use less energy than you might think, especially modern ENERGY STAR rated models. The main energy draw is when the compressor runs to freeze new water.
Q: What is the difference between nugget ice and crescent ice?
A: Nugget ice is soft, chewable ice made from compacted flakes. Crescent ice is the standard, slightly curved ice cube often found in refrigerator ice makers.
Q: Can I connect these to a standard home water line?
A: Yes, they connect to the same cold water line that supplies your refrigerator or dishwasher. A saddle valve or T-connector is typically used.
Q: What is the lifespan of a quality built-in ice maker?
A: With regular maintenance, a well-built unit should last between 10 to 15 years. The compressor is usually the longest-lasting component.
Q: Does the ice taste metallic if the bin is plastic?
A: If the plastic bin is high-quality and kept clean, the ice should taste fine. However, stainless steel bins generally offer a better guarantee against flavor transfer.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!