Top 5 Commercial Ice Makers Under $1000 Guide

Is your small business running out of ice at the worst possible time? Whether you own a busy cafe, a small gym, or host frequent events, reliable ice is a must. But let’s be honest: commercial ice makers can look expensive. Many business owners worry about spending a fortune just to keep drinks cold and customers happy. Finding a quality machine that fits a tight budget, especially under that magic $1000 mark, feels like searching for a hidden treasure.

The challenge isn’t just finding a cheap machine; it’s finding one that actually works well and lasts. You need power without the premium price tag. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most in affordable commercial ice makers. You will learn to spot the best deals and avoid common pitfalls.

Keep reading to discover our top picks for reliable, budget-friendly ice machines. We break down performance, size, and value so you can buy with confidence today!

Top Commercial Ice Maker Under $1000 Recommendations

No. 1

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

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.

No. 2

EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine,80lbs/24H,36 Ice Cubes in 8-12 Mins,Under Counter Ice Maker with Water Filter,12lbs Storage Capacity,Freestanding Ice Machine for Home/Bar/Cafe/Restaurant

Ultra-High Efficiency&Endless Ice: Our commercial ice maker machine can produces 80 lbs ice per day , with 36 clear ice cubes ready in just 8-12 minutes, you will have no worry about running out of ice again even during peak hours, meanwhile, the ice maker also has a storage container for 13 lbs of ice, the thickness of our ice machine can also be adjusted for different drinks, like cocktails, beverages, coffee and more, especially ideal for home, bars, restaurants, cafe, hotels and other occasions for using ice.
Durable, Reliable & Safety :The ice maker commercial built with a pure copper compressor and also has an ETL certification for commercial use, it is durable and reliable for your home or commercial use, In addition to, the commercial ice machine equipped with an upgraded water filter, which can effectively remove impurities, pollutants, and heavy metals, to keep your ice cube is crystal-clear and drink-safe.
Multi-Function Control Panel :The ice maker machine commercial is equipped with a smart LCD panel. Any function and any operation can be solved in the control panel. The panel shows the temperature of the environment, reminding you to pay attention to the temperature of the surrounding environment to ensure the efficiency of ice making. You can also adjust the size of ice cubes by adjusting the ice making time. The industrial ice machine will clean automatically when you press the clean button.The 24-hour timer function lets you set the ice machine to start or stop running at your convenience.
Hassle-Free Design&Insulated: The ice maker commercial has a curved cover with a viewing window brings much convenience for opening and observing ice making process, and 3-layer insulation that helps maintain the temperature of the ice, keeping it frozen for longer periods, ensures that your ice remains solid and doesn't melt quickly, providing a reliable supply of ice for your business.
Regular Cleaning: We recommends that you clean the ice machine regularly according to the usage. Requires water supply and drain (GRAVITY DRAINAGE). SUGGEST-Drain water once a day(PULLING OUT THE SMALL HOSE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WATER TANK). Be sure to keep ice machine upright for at least 24 hours before using it. Also, press the "Timer Clean" button for more than 5 seconds to enter the "Cleaning Program" to clean it twice before making the first batch of ice.

No. 3

EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker,120lbs/24H,Stainless Steel Under Counter Ice Machine with Water Filter,33lbs Storage Bin, 45 Cubes in 8-12 Mins, Freestanding Ice Cube Maker for Home/Bar/Cafe/Restaurant

Ultra-High Efficiency&Ice Output: Our commercial ice maker machine can produces 120 lbs ice per day , with 45 clear ice cubes ready in just 8-12 minutes, you will have no worry about running out of ice again even during peak hours, meanwhile, the ice maker also has a storage container for 33 lbs of ice and the thickness of our ice machine can also be adjusted for different drinks, like cocktails, beverages, coffee and more, especiallly ideal for home, bars, restaurants, cafe, hotels and other occasions for using ice.
Durable, Reliable & Safety :The ice maker commercial built with a pure copper compressor and stainless steel body, also has an ETL certification for commercial use, it is durable and reliable for your home or commercial use, In addtion to, the commercial ice machine equipped with an upgraded water filter, which can effectively remove impurities, pollutants, and heavy metals, to keep your ice cube is crystal-clear and drink-safe.
Multi-Function Control Panel :The ice maker machine commercial is equipped with a smart LCD panel. Any function and any operation can be solved in the control panel. The panel shows the temperature of the environment, reminding you to pay attention to the temperature of the surrounding environment to ensure the efficiency of ice making. You can also adjust the size of ice cubes by adjusting the ice making time. The industrial ice machine will clean automatically when you press the clean button.The 24-hour timer function lets you set the ice machine to start or stop running at your convenience.
CONTROL PANEL- Compact ice maker has two optional ice cube size buttons, you can choose different sizes of ice cubes according to your needs. Small ice machine has the most advanced infrared sensor technology. When the ice basket is full, home ice maker will stop the ice making to prevent ice from overflowing. You can view the ice making process through the transparent window. When the water level in the water tank is insufficient, the indicator light will remind you to replenish water in time.
Regular Cleaning: We recommends that you clean the ice machine regularly according to the usage. Requires water supply and drain (GRAVITY DRAINAGE). SUGGEST-Drain water once a day(PULLING OUT THE SMALL HOSE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WATER TANK). Be sure to keep ice machine upright for at least 24 hours before using it. Also, press the "Timer Clean" button for more than 5 seconds to enter the "Cleaning Program" to clean it twice before making the first batch of ice.

No. 4

EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 200lbs Daily Output, Under Counter ice Machine with 65lbs Ice Storage Capacity, Perfect for Home/Bar/Restaurant/Outdoor Activities(Stainless Steel)

Euhomy ICE MAKER- GIVE YOU THE BEST ICE - Are you still worried about not making enough ice? Euhomy's commercial freestanding ice maker design helps you solve your problem. Commercial ice maker machine can produce 200 lbs of ice per day and comes with a storage container for 33 lbs of ice. The automatic overflow prevention of the ice machine maker also allows you not to worry about ice cubes overflow. Believe me, this ice maker portable alone can meet your entire family ice cubes needs.
COMMERCIAL USE & ETL CERTIFICATION - Different from other stand alone ice maker, Euhomy's ice maker commercial have ETL certification and are approved for commercial use. This is both a household ice maker and a commercial ice machine. This ice maker can appear anywhere. You can use it in your Home/Indoor Kitchen/Outdoor Kitchen, or in Restaurant/Bar/Hotel/Grocery store and so on.
MULTI-FUNCTION CONTROL PANEL - The ice maker machine commercial is equipped with a smart LCD panel. Any function and any operation can be solved in the control panel. The panel shows the temperature of the environment, reminding you to pay attention to the temperature of the surrounding environment to ensure the efficiency of ice making. You can adjust the size of ice cubes by adjusting the ice making time. The industrial ice machine will clean automatically when you press the clean button.
EFFICIENT & QUIET - You can enjoy the experience of this under counter ice maker all the time. The powerful compressor allows the under counter ice machine to complete the ice making process efficiently without causing too much noise. High efficiency and low noise provide you with a comfortable environment to enjoy your high-quality ice. At the same time, Euhomy industrial ice maker has an energy certificate to help you save electricity bills. In the long run, this will good for your wallet.
CLEANING - INCREASE THE LIFE OF YOUR ICE MAKER - Euhomy recommends that you clean the machine regularly according to the usage. Requires water supply and drain (GRAVITY DRAINAGE). SUGGEST-Drain water once a day(PULLING OUT THE SMALL HOSE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WATER TANK). Be sure to keep ice machine upright for at least 24 hours before using it. Also, press the "Timer Clean" button for more than 5 seconds to enter the "Cleaning Program" to clean it twice before making the first batch of ice.

No. 5

Mountman Commercial Ice Maker,200 lbs/24H,Stainless Steel Ice Machine with 33 lbs Storage Capacity,96 Cubes in 14 Mins,Water Filter,Under Counter/Freestanding Ice Makers for Home,Restaurant,Bar,Cafe

Never Run Out of Ice: Our commercial ice maker delivers reliable performance: it cranks out 200lbs of ice daily (96 clear cubes per batch)—no shortage even during peak hours. It holds 33lbs of ice, lets you adjust cube thickness for drinks (cocktails, coffee, etc.), and offers two installation options (Under Counter or Freestanding) to fit your space. Perfect for homes, bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Quick & Quiet Ice Production: Powered by a high-performance compressor, this commercial ice maker efficiently makes ice cubes in 7–14 minutes (thickness-adjustable) — no long waits for cold drinks. It runs with minimal noise for a comfortable space, plus ETL-certified energy savings to cut costs, making it ideal for long-term commercial use
Smart Control Panel: Our commercial ice machine is equipped with an intelligent LCD panel, putting all controls at your fingertips. Monitor environmental temperature, adjust ice cube size, and initiate automatic cleaning: all from this easy-to-use interface
Automatic Self-Cleaning: This commercial ice makers features one-touch self-cleaning and a removable water filter—just control cleaning via the smart panel, no hassle. (We recommend regular cleaning based on usage)
Premium Insulation Design:Our ice maker has a premium stainless steel build for long durability, plus a food-grade interior that prioritizes hygiene. Its corrosion-resistant surface, elevated moisture-repellent base and easy-wipe finish ensure reliable performance and quick cleaning—no tedious scrubbing. It’s a low-maintenance, long-lasting choice for any space

No. 6

Amzgachfktch Commercial Ice Maker, 110lbs/24H Under Counter Ice Maker with 2 Water Inlet, Ice Maker Machine with 22lbs Storage, Auto Self-Cleaning, Freestanding Ice Machine for Home Office Bar

ommercial Ice Maker with 110 lbs/24H & 22 lbs Storage Capacity: Designed to produce 40 ice cubes per cycle, our commercial ice machine delivers up to 110 lbs of ice daily. It offers flexible installation options as an under-counter or freestanding unit. With a 22 lbs storage capacity, it’s ideal for kitchens, garages, bars, offices, restaurants, hotels, and shops
Ice Maker Machine with Dual Water Inlet Modes: This freestanding ice maker supports two water sources: direct tap connection or manual top-loading. You can use water frome gallon jugs instead of relying solely on tap water. Equipped with a premium water filter, it purifies tap water to produce clear and hard ice cubes. (Tip: Ensure the water inlet switch is turned on in top-loading mode.)
Quick & Quiet Ice Production: Powered by an advanced compressor, this commercial ice maker machine produces ice in as little as 8–12 minutes (varies by thickness), ensuring minimal wait time. Its quiet operation maintains a comfortable environment
Simple Control Panel, Simple Operation: With an LED digital display and mechanical buttons, you can easily to control the ice maker commercial: 24H timer, self-cleaning, built-in blue light and malfunction reminders (indicators). Adjust ice thickness using the (+) or (-) buttons to meet your specific needs
Automatic Self-Cleaning Which Save you Time: Our ice machine commericial features a one-touch self-cleaning function and a supplied water filter in the inlet pipe. You can easily to control it by smart panel. (We recommend regular cleaning based on usage frequency.)

No. 7

Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/24H Stainless Steel Ice Machine with 33lbs Storage Capacity, Auto Self-Cleaning Freestanding Ice Maker, Ice Machine Freestanding for Bar/Cafe/Restaurant

Rapid-Fire Ice Generation: Experience industry-leading ice production with an advanced cooling system that delivers 48 crystal-clear cubes in 12-18 minutes. Achieving 100 pounds daily output, this powerhouse maintains whisper-quiet operation while keeping energy costs minimal, perfect for high-volume demands.
Commercial-Grade Armor Build: Constructed with premium stainless steel that defies corrosion and wear, this unit features a smart elevated foundation to combat floor moisture. The streamlined freestanding profile (17.6"×15.7"×31.4") installs instantly while its rugged design promises decades of reliable service.
Smart-Preservation Ice Vault: Ice machine 33-pound insulated storage compartment utilizes advanced thermal technology to significantly reduce melting. Featuring an integrated tool hanger and convenient access, your ice remains ready for service longer while maintaining perfect hygiene.
Intelligent Touch Command Center: Commercial ice maker LCD interface that puts complete control at your fingertips. With automated maintenance cycles and one-touch cleaning technology, this system eliminates manual upkeep while ensuring consistent ice quality batch after batch.
Limitless Placement Freedom: The self-contained design adapts to any environment without special installation needs. From bustling restaurant kitchens to intimate home bars, this versatile performer blends seamlessly into your space while delivering professional-grade ice on demand.

No. 8

EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine,100lbs/24H Stainless Steel Under Counter Ice Machine with 33lbs Storage Bin, Freestanding Ice Maker for Home/Bar/Cafe/Restaurant

Ultra-High Efficiency: The Euhomy commercial ice maker produces up to 100 lbs of crystal-clear cube ice per day, delivering 45 ice cubes in just 10–15 minutes. No more worrying about running out of ice—even during peak hours. It comes with a built-in 33 lbs ice storage bin, ensuring you always have ice on hand. The ice thickness is adjustable to suit different needs—perfect for cocktails, soft drinks, coffee, and more. This machine is an excellent choice for bars, restaurants, cafés, hotels, and even home kitchens or outdoor gatherings.
Durable, Reliable & Safe: Built with a pure copper compressor and a stainless steel body, this commercial ice maker is engineered for long-lasting performance. It is ETL certified for commercial use, ensuring both safety and reliability for professional or home settings. To guarantee crystal-clear, safe ice every time, the machine also comes with an upgraded water filter that effectively removes impurities, pollutants, and heavy metals.
Multi-Function Control Panel: This commercial ice maker features a smart LCD panel that makes operation simple and convenient. The display shows the ambient temperature, reminding you to maintain the best environment for efficient ice production. You can easily adjust ice cube size by changing the ice-making time. With just one press of the self-cleaning function, the machine takes care of hygiene automatically. Plus, the 24-hour timer allows you to program start and stop times according to your schedule.
Hassle-Free & Insulated Design: This commercial ice maker features a curved cover with a built-in viewing window, allowing you to easily check the ice-making process without opening the lid. Its 3-layer insulation system—stainless steel, thick foam, and food-grade PP—effectively locks in cold air, ensuring your ice stays solid and fresh for longer. With this reliable insulation, you’ll always have a consistent supply of ice ready for your business.
Regular Cleaning: We recommends that you clean the ice machine regularly according to the usage. Requires water supply and drain (GRAVITY DRAINAGE). SUGGEST-Drain water once a day(PULLING OUT THE SMALL HOSE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WATER TANK). Be sure to keep ice machine upright for at least 24 hours before using it. Also, press the "Timer Clean" button for more than 5 seconds to enter the "Cleaning Program" to clean it twice before making the first batch of ice.

The Essential Buying Guide for Commercial Ice Makers Under $1000

Finding a reliable commercial ice maker without breaking the bank is possible. If your small cafe, office breakroom, or home bar needs consistent ice, staying under the $1000 mark requires smart shopping. This guide helps you pick the best machine for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

These features decide how well the machine works for you.

Ice Production Rate (Pounds Per Day)

This is how much ice the machine makes in 24 hours. For a small office, 100 lbs might be enough. A busy small restaurant might need 250 lbs or more. Check your expected daily usage before buying.

Ice Storage Capacity

This is how much ice the machine holds at one time. A larger bin means you have ice ready even during peak times. If the machine produces 200 lbs daily but only holds 50 lbs, you will run out quickly during a rush.

Ice Type

Most under-$1000 units make cube ice. Look for “full cube” (lasts longer) or “half cube” (chills faster). Nugget or pellet ice is rare in this price range but excellent for soft drinks.

Self-Cleaning Function

This feature saves huge amounts of time. The machine flushes out old water and cleans the system slightly. This helps prevent mold and mineral buildup.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used affect how long your ice maker lasts.

Exterior: Look for stainless steel. Stainless steel resists rust and is easy to wipe clean. Plastic exteriors are cheaper but can crack or look worn quickly.
Internal Components: The water lines and the ice-making mechanism should use food-grade, durable plastic or stainless steel. Poor quality plastic parts break faster.
Insulation: Good insulation keeps the stored ice from melting too fast, which reduces energy use and keeps the machine from running constantly.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Certain design choices make a big difference in performance and maintenance.

Improving Quality:

Air-Cooled System: Most budget models use air-cooled condensers. Ensure the unit has enough space around it for proper ventilation. Good airflow keeps the machine efficient.
Drainage: Units with easy-to-access drain pumps or gravity drains make emptying excess water simple.
Certifications: Look for NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certification. This means the machine meets strict public health standards.

Reducing Quality (Watch Outs):

Noise Level: Cheaper compressors often run louder. If the machine goes in a quiet office, noise matters.
Warranty: A very short warranty (90 days or less) suggests the manufacturer does not trust the internal parts. Look for at least a one-year warranty.
Water Filter Requirement: Some low-end machines clog instantly if you do not use a high-quality external water filter. Factor the cost of filters into your budget.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about where and how you will use the machine.

Countertop vs. Undercounter

Countertop models are portable and great for temporary setups or small home bars. They usually make less ice. Undercounter units fit permanently under a counter, offering a cleaner look and higher capacity for small businesses.

Installation Simplicity

Most commercial units require a direct water line hookup and a drain. If you cannot install plumbing, look specifically for “pour-and-serve” models. However, these rarely meet true commercial demands.

If you run a small church kitchen, a medium-capacity undercounter model that produces 150 lbs daily is perfect. If you host large parties at home, a high-output countertop unit might suffice.

Top 10 FAQs for Commercial Ice Makers Under $1000

Q: Can I use a regular home outlet for these machines?

A: Most under-$1000 commercial units run on standard 110V/115V household outlets. Always check the specific power requirements listed in the product specs before purchasing.

Q: Do I need a plumber to install it?

A: Yes, for undercounter models. You need a water supply line connected and a drain line installed. If you are not handy, hiring a plumber is recommended for proper setup.

Q: What is the difference between air-cooled and water-cooled?

A: Air-cooled units use a fan to cool the condenser coils—these are the standard budget models. Water-cooled units use more water to cool the system, making them more efficient but usually too expensive for the sub-$1000 range.

Q: How often do I need to clean the machine?

A: If the machine has a self-cleaning feature, run it once a month. If it does not, you must manually clean the system every two to four weeks to prevent mineral buildup.

Q: Will this machine store ice indefinitely?

A: No commercial ice machine truly stores ice without some loss. Insulation prevents fast melting, but warmer temperatures will cause slow melting. The machine cycles on to replenish what melts.

Q: What is the typical warranty period for models under $1000?

A: You usually find a 90-day to one-year limited warranty covering parts. Labor coverage is often shorter or excluded.

Q: Are these machines noisy?

A: They are generally louder than residential refrigerators because they use stronger compressors. They create noise when making ice and when the fan runs.

Q: What is the biggest quality reducer in cheap ice makers?

A: Poor quality water pumps and sensors are the first parts to fail. These components handle constant use and wear out if they are made cheaply.

Q: Can I use distilled water in these units?

A: While distilled water prevents scale buildup, it can actually confuse some water-level sensors. It is best to use filtered tap water unless the manual specifically approves distilled water.

Q: Should I buy a used commercial unit instead?

A: Buying used saves money, but you inherit unknown maintenance history. For essential appliances, a new unit with a warranty generally offers better peace of mind for a similar price point.

Larry Fish

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!