Top 5 Undercounter Ice Makers: Review & Buying Guide

Imagine hosting a summer party, and your regular ice tray just won’t keep up. The drinks get warm, and the fun fizzles out. Sound familiar? Many homeowners face this exact problem when summer heat hits or when they decide to upgrade their kitchen or bar area. Choosing the perfect undercounter ice maker can feel like navigating a maze of features, sizes, and brands.

You want perfectly clear ice, fast production, and a machine that fits seamlessly under your counter without causing headaches. The sheer volume of choices—from nugget ice to gourmet cubes—often leads to confusion and decision fatigue. We know you want a reliable solution that serves up ice on demand, every time.

This post cuts through the clutter. We will break down exactly what you need to look for, comparing the top styles and answering your biggest questions about installation and maintenance. By the end of this guide, you will have the confidence to select the ideal undercounter ice maker that fits your lifestyle and budget perfectly.

Top Ice Makers Undercounter Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

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

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.

SaleBestseller No. 2

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.

SaleBestseller No. 3

Coolake 15" Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker, 100Lbs/Day Outdoor Ice Maker with 30 Lbs Storage, Stainless Steel Gravity Drainage Freestanding Built-in Ice Machine for Home Bar Garage Kitchen

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

Bestseller No. 4

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

【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.

Bestseller No. 5

ICYGLEE Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker Machine, 100Lbs/Day with 24lbs Storage, Built-in Freestanding Ice Maker, Auto-Cleaning, 24H Timer, for Commercial & Home Use. (Stainless)

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

Bestseller No. 6

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.

Bestseller No. 7

Coolski Under Counter Ice Maker Machine, Stainless Steel Built-in Freestanding Ice Maker for Commercial & Home Use, 80 Lbs/Day, 30 Lbs Storage, Self Cleaning, Thicknesses Adjustable

Large Capacity Rapid Ice Production: Our built in ice maker is a powerhouse, producing a remarkable 80 pounds of ice daily. The Coolski freestanding ice maker churns out 32 clear ice cubes every 11 to 20 minutes, ideal for both professional bartending and home entertaining. Its high output performance meets all your ice consuming needs with ease.
Intuitive LCD Digital Control: Featuring a user friendly control panel, operating this ice maker is a breeze. The bright LED lights enable you to monitor the ice making process at any time. An included ice scoop ensures convenient ice serving for guests or personal use. Remember to let the machine stand upright for 24 hours prior to first use.
Flexible Drainage & Ideal Under Counter Fit: A gravity drain.Your selection of one will be based on the installation location. You’ll need to connect the water line to the kitchen water supply and run the drain hose into the floor drain before plugging the machine in. With its 15''W × 21''D × 33''H built - in design, this commercial ice cube maker seamlessly fits under standard kitchen or bar counters, maximizing space utilization.
Effortless Cleaning & Maintenance: Maintaining the ice maker is simple. Just press the "clean" button for 3 seconds to activate the self cleaning function, which helps preserve its efficiency and lifespan. Equipped with an inline filter, it removes sediment from water before freezing, enhancing ice taste and smell. Installation is nearly plug and play: connect the water supply, plug it in, and press the on button.
Durable & Cost Efficient Design: Constructed with durable stainless steel and a food grade interior, this ice maker is built to last. The 3 - layer housing material keeps ice cubes from melting quickly. Having passed DOE & ETL energy efficiency certifications, it offers a cost effective solution for a continuous supply of ice cubes.

Bestseller No. 8

Zomagas 90LBS/24H Commercial Ice Maker Machine, Undercounter or Freestanding Stainless Steel Ice Machine with 25LBS Storage, 32 Cubes/Cycle, Self-Cleaning & Quiet Operation for Home, Bar, Restaurant

【90LBS/24H Commercial Ice Maker Machine】 – Produce 32 ice cubes per cycle in 11-25 mins with a 25LBS storage bin. This commercial ice machine handles high-demand settings like restaurants & bars, No more ice panic during parties!
【Self-Cleaning Ice Machine Maker】One of the standout features of our Commercial ice maker is its Automatic Cleaning Function. With just a touch of a button, the automatic cleaning cycle will rid the ice machine of any impurities or buildup, guaranteeing fresh and clean ice every time.
【Under Counter Ice Maker with Stainless Steel Durability】Thick insulation and food-grade materials slow ice melt. Use as a freestanding ice maker machine or install under counters.
【Quiet Commercial Ice Machines】The Professional Ice Maker features a powerful, efficient compressor delivers 90LBS daily ice at library-quiet noise levels. Perfect for offices or open-plan homes
【Smart Commercial-Grade Control】All the functions of the Ice machine Commercial can be solved with one click through the LCD panel：24H timer, self-cleaning, built-in blue light, malfunction reminders (indicators). Press the (+) or (-) button to adjust the ice making time, thus adjusting the ice size to meet different ice needs.

Your Essential Guide to Buying an Undercounter Ice Maker

An undercounter ice maker brings cool convenience right into your kitchen or home bar. These handy appliances fit neatly under your existing countertops, offering a steady supply of ice without taking up precious counter space. Choosing the right one requires knowing what to look for. This guide helps you make a smart purchase.

1. Key Features to Look For

These features decide how well the machine works for you:

Ice Production Rate

Daily Yield: This tells you how much ice the machine makes in 24 hours (usually measured in pounds). For parties, you need a higher yield, perhaps 30–50 lbs. For daily family use, 25 lbs might be enough.
Ice Storage Capacity: This is how much ice the built-in bin holds. If you make a lot of ice but don’t use it right away, look for a larger bin.

Ice Style

Different machines make different shapes of ice. Decide which shape suits your drinks best:

Cube Ice: The standard, classic ice cube.
Nugget Ice (or Sonic Ice): Soft, chewable ice that chills drinks fast. Many people love this style.
Half-Moon Ice: Flat, half-circle cubes that fit well in glasses.

Installation Type

Freestanding/Portable: These units often just need an electrical outlet and can be moved. They usually require manual water filling.
Built-in/Plumbed: These connect directly to your home’s water line, meaning you never have to refill a tank. They also need a drain line, which improves convenience significantly.

Controls and Cleaning

Look for simple digital controls. Self-cleaning functions are a huge plus; they make maintenance much easier.

2. Important Materials for Longevity

The materials used affect how long your ice maker lasts and how clean the ice stays:

Stainless Steel Exterior: This looks sharp in modern kitchens and resists rust well.
Insulated Storage Bin: A well-insulated bin keeps the ice from melting quickly, even if the machine isn’t actively making ice.
Food-Grade Plastic/Stainless Steel Internals: Ensure the parts that touch the water and ice are made from durable, safe materials. Stainless steel parts generally last longer than plastic ones.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality is often hidden inside the machine:

Improving Quality:

Water Filtration: Units with built-in water filters produce clearer, better-tasting ice and reduce mineral buildup inside the machine. This improves the overall quality.
Quiet Operation: Good compressors run quietly. If the machine sits near a living area, look for low decibel (dB) ratings.

Reducing Quality:

Poor Drainage: If the drain system is slow or nonexistent (on non-plumbed models), standing water can lead to mold or slow performance.
Thin Insulation: Thin walls in the storage bin cause the ice to melt faster, forcing the machine to work harder and use more energy.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Think about where and how you will use the machine:

Home Bar Setup: If you frequently host parties, prioritize high daily yield and reliable plumbing connections. You want ice available instantly.
Kitchen Upgrade: If you want to replace your refrigerator’s small ice maker, look for a unit that matches the dimensions of the space you have available under the counter.
Outdoor Kitchens: If you install one outside, ensure the model is rated for outdoor use, as temperature fluctuations can stress the components.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Undercounter Ice Makers

Q: Do undercounter ice makers need to be connected to a water line?

A: Most high-capacity models require a direct water line connection (plumbing) for continuous operation. Smaller, portable units can be filled manually.

Q: How much space do these machines need underneath the counter?

A: Standard widths are usually 15 inches, but always check the specific model’s dimensions. You also need a few inches of clearance above for ventilation.

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

A: If it has a self-cleaning feature, run it once a month. If you clean it manually, aim for every three to six months to prevent mold and mineral buildup.

Q: Can I use an undercounter ice maker without a drain?

A: If the unit is not plumbed to a drain, you must manually empty the drain pan regularly. If you skip this, water overflow can cause damage.

Q: Are undercounter ice makers energy efficient?

A: Newer models are generally efficient, especially those with good insulation. Look for Energy Star ratings if efficiency is a major concern.

Q: What is the average lifespan of these appliances?

A: With proper maintenance, a quality undercounter ice maker typically lasts between 10 and 15 years.

Q: Does the ice melt if the power goes out?

A: Yes, the ice will melt slowly, depending on the quality of the bin insulation. Models with good insulation retain ice longer than those with poor insulation.

Q: How long does it take for a new unit to start making ice?

A: After installation and connecting the water line, the first batch of ice is usually ready in about 60 to 90 minutes.

Q: Can I install an undercounter ice maker myself?

A: Simple plug-in models are easy to install. However, plumbing in a unit that connects to a water line and drain usually requires a professional plumber.

Q: Why is my ice maker making a loud buzzing sound?

A: A slight hum is normal as the compressor runs. However, loud buzzing or rattling often means the machine is not level or the drain line is clogged.

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!