Imagine hosting a party. Your guests love cold drinks, but your freezer ice bin is empty! Don’t let warm drinks ruin the fun. Undercounter ice makers solve this problem perfectly. They sit neatly under your counter, out of sight, but always ready with plenty of ice.
Choosing the best one can feel overwhelming. Do you need nugget ice or standard cubes? How big should it be? These machines come in many sizes and styles. Picking the wrong one means wasted money or not enough ice when you need it most. We know you want a reliable machine that fits your space and lifestyle.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know. We will explore the different types, key features to look for, and easy installation tips. By the end, you will feel confident picking the perfect undercounter ice maker for your home.
Top Undercounter Ice Maker 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.
- 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
- 110LBS Daily Ice Output: Keep up with high demand! This commercial ice machine produces up to 110 lbs of ice per day, with a 33 lbs storage bin. Get a fresh batch of 66 ice cubes in as little as 5 to 15 minutes, ensuring you never run out during peak hours.
- Rapid Batch Production & Large Storage: Need ice fast? It generates a full batch in just 5-15 minutes. The 33 lb capacity ensures you always have a plentiful supply on hand for bars, restaurants, or busy households.
- Self-Cleaning & Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel: Maintenance is a breeze with the built-in self-cleaning function. The industrial-grade stainless steel construction resists rust and is built for long-lasting durability.
- Freestanding or Built-In Flexibility: Enjoy versatile installation! Use it as a freestanding ice maker on a countertop, or install it under counter for a seamless look. The compact design fits perfectly in kitchens, food trucks, and bars.
- Plug-and-Play Easy Setup: Ready to use right out of the box. Simply connect to a water source (included hose), plug it in, and you're ready to make ice—no permanent plumbing required! Additional conveniences include an ice scoop for easy handling and an automatic overflow prevention system to avoid interruptions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 electric drain pump, this undercounter ice maker can effectively drain water without relying on gravity, helping to keep the keeping the interior clean and designed 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
- 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
- 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, and the 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
- Efficient Ice Making: The commercial ice maker produces 45 cubes per cycle and up to 130 lbs of ice daily, with 33 lbs of ice storage. Ideal for home, bar, or light commercial use. ETL and ENERGY STAR certified for secure and efficient performance
- Easy Operation: This ice maker machine features intuitive LED controls, just select thick or thin cubes with one touch. The large viewing window and blue interior lighting let you monitor the ice-making process without opening the lid
- Easy to Clean: This self-cleaning ice maker runs a 20-minute automatic rinse cycle with a 3-second press of the “Mode” button. The patented removable water tray lets you lift and rinse for deep, thorough cleaning—inside and out
- Quiet & Insulation: This quiet ice machine features a low-noise compressor (≤50 dB) and 0.79" thick insulation to keep ice cold longer. Enjoy fresh ice and a peaceful environment—without disrupting your home or workspace
- Quick Installation: No film removal required—this undercounter ice maker comes ready to use. Freestanding or built-in, its sleek design integrates smoothly into kitchens, bars, or any space that needs flexible placement
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Undercounter Ice Maker
An undercounter ice maker is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, home bar, or entertainment area. It keeps a steady supply of ice ready for drinks and parties without taking up valuable counter space. Choosing the right one can feel tricky, but this guide breaks down what you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important features. They decide how well the machine works for you.
Ice Production Capacity
- Daily Yield: This tells you how many pounds of ice the machine makes in 24 hours. If you host big parties often, look for 50 lbs or more. For daily family use, 25-35 lbs might be enough.
- Storage Bin Size: This is how much ice it holds at one time. A bigger bin means less frequent harvesting.
Ice Type
Most undercounter units make “bullet” ice. This ice is hollow and melts slower, making it great for drinks. Some high-end models offer gourmet or nugget ice (chewable ice).
Installation Type
- Undercounter (Built-In): These units fit perfectly under your existing counter. They usually require a dedicated water line hookup and drain line. This offers the cleanest look.
- Freestanding (Portable): While less common for undercounter models, some smaller units can sit nearby and be moved. Ensure the model you buy is truly designed for permanent undercounter installation if that is your goal.
Filtration System
Good ice starts with good water. Look for built-in water filters. Filters remove bad tastes and odors. They also help reduce mineral buildup inside the machine, which keeps it running longer.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect the machine’s lifespan and how quiet it runs.
Stainless Steel Exterior
Most quality undercounter ice makers use stainless steel for the door and trim. Stainless steel looks sharp in modern kitchens. It resists rust and is easy to wipe clean.
Insulation and Bin Material
The storage bin should be made of durable, food-grade plastic or stainless steel. Good insulation keeps the ice from melting quickly, even if you don’t use it right away. Thicker insulation equals better efficiency.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
These details separate a good machine from a great one.
Noise Level (Decibels – dB)
Ice makers run a cycle to make ice, which involves a pump and a harvest process. If the machine sits near your living area, look for models rated under 45 dB. Quieter operation greatly improves the user experience.
Energy Efficiency
Look for the Energy Star rating. Energy Star certified models use less electricity to keep the ice frozen. This saves you money over the machine’s life.
Drainage System
The unit needs a drain line. Some models use a pump to push the drain water up and out. Others rely on gravity drainage. Check your installation space to see which type works best with your plumbing setup.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the ice maker daily.
Home Bar/Entertainment
If you love hosting, prioritize high daily production (50+ lbs) and quick recovery time. You want the machine to keep up with guests constantly grabbing ice.
Everyday Kitchen Use
For a busy family, reliability and a good filter are key. A simple control panel with indicator lights (like “Add Water” or “Ice Full”) makes daily use simple.
Installation Complexity
Professional installation is usually recommended for built-in models because of the plumbing and electrical connections. Simple hookups make the initial setup easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Undercounter Ice Makers
Q: Do undercounter ice makers require plumbing?
A: Yes, almost all built-in models need a connection to a cold water line to make ice. They also usually need a drain line to remove melted water.
Q: How much space do I need underneath my counter?
A: Standard widths are usually 15 inches or 18 inches wide. Always measure the exact width, height, and depth of your cabinet opening before buying. Remember to leave a few inches in the back for necessary ventilation.
Q: Can I install an undercounter ice maker myself?
A: While some handy people attempt DIY installation, connecting water lines and ensuring proper drainage often requires a professional plumber or appliance installer for the best, leak-free results.
Q: What is the difference between clear ice and bullet ice?
A: Bullet ice is the most common; it is somewhat cloudy and hollow. Clear ice is denser and completely transparent, often preferred by serious cocktail enthusiasts. Clear ice models are usually more expensive.
Q: How often do I need to clean the machine?
A: Manufacturers usually recommend a thorough cleaning (using a vinegar or approved cleaner solution) every three to six months. Regular filter changes also help keep the machine clean.
Q: Will it keep making ice forever if I don’t use it?
A: No. Most units have a sensor that stops ice production when the bin is full. If the ice melts slightly (due to warm ambient temperature), the machine will automatically start making more ice again.
Q: Are these units noisy?
A: They make noise when the pump runs or when the ice drops into the bin. High-quality units operate quietly, often sounding like a gentle hum or soft trickle of water.
Q: What happens if the power goes out?
A: The ice already made stays frozen in the insulated bin for a while. When the power returns, the machine will resume its normal cycle.
Q: Do I need a special electrical outlet?
A: Most standard undercounter models use a regular 115V grounded outlet. Always check the specific model’s electrical requirements before purchasing.
Q: What is “harvest time”?
A: Harvest time is the short period when the machine stops making ice and pushes the newly formed ice cubes out of the freezing plate and into the storage bin.
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!