The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Undercounter Ice Maker

Do you find yourself regularly running out of ice when you have guests over? Stocking up on extra bagged ice is a pain, and those bags will quickly fill up the freezer space you have. Having to supplement the amount of ice your freezer makes is inconvenient and it gets expensive. If it’s a problem you face with any frequency at all, buying a separate ice machine is worth it.

Undercounter ice machines, sometimes called built-in ice machines, are designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen without taking up any floor space. These are installed directly into your cabinetry, just like a dishwasher or cooking range.

Families that go through ice at a quick pace can buy these machines for their home and integrate them right into their kitchen. Offices, churches, and anywhere else where lots of people are likely to gather and need ice, can also benefit from a built-in ice maker. If the demand for ice is ongoing, such as in a restaurant or hotel, you may be better off with a commercial ice machine that is designed for high-capacity production.

If a built-in ice maker sounds like a good fit for you and your lifestyle, there are a few things you should know before buying one. The below guide will help give you a better idea of the best brands out there, as well as some of the main factors you should consider while browsing your options.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Undercounter Ice Maker

To make sure you end up with the best undercounter ice maker that will meet all of your needs, we would strongly recommend that you consider each of these main factors.

Placement

The main reason to pick an undercounter ice maker rather than a portable model is to be able to put it in a spot where it fits nicely within the space. That means, before you get to the point of browsing your options, you should have a place in mind for where you want to install the device. Knowing exactly where it will go allows you to ensure you purchase an ice machine that’s the right size for the space available and that you get the right type.

If you’ll be keeping your undercounter ice maker outside, then you need to be careful to choose a model specifically made for outdoor use. Outdoor ice makers need to be more durable and better at keeping the ice cold no matter how extreme the weather may be, so you can’t skimp if you’re wanting an undercounter ice machine for your patio bar or outdoor kitchen.

Type of Ice

Do you have a favorite type of ice? You can find built-in ice machines that make nugget ice (what many people refer to as Sonic ice), cube ice, crescent ice or one of a few other types. For some people, as long as it’s cold and keeps your drinks chilled, any ice will do.

For those with a particular preference, look for a ice maker that produces the type of ice you like most.

Production Rate

An undercounter ice maker’s production rate is a key piece of information in ensuring you get a model that will meet your needs. If your ice maker makes ice at a slower pace than you go through it, then you’ll still end up needing to either supplement with bags of ice from the store or do without ice – which defeats the whole purpose of buying an additional ice maker for your home or business.

The manufacturers of built-in ice machines should provide specs on the production rate for each specific model they sell. This rate is going to be based on the quantity of ice the unit can produce within a 24-hour period. The production rate they provide will depend on your ice maker being kept in what they consider the optimal environment, which usually means properly installed, is properly ventilated and the temperature around the machine is kept at approximately 70°F. If your ice maker will be located somewhere that gets hotter than that, you should expect the production rate to fall.

Capacity

Undercounter ice makers come with freezer storage space as part of the product. In addition to the production rate, you also need to consider how much ice the machine can hold at a time.

If your family or office-mates will frequently go through the ice quickly, then a higher production rate matters more than the storage capacity. If you’re buying an undercounter ice machine to supplement the amount of ice you have for occasional big parties or events, then a high capacity is going to be crucial element for you.

If the ice machine you buy doesn’t offer much storage space, but you do have extra storage space elsewhere that you can use to store bags of ice the machine produces, that may work as a partial solution, but it still involves more work. You’ll be more satisfied with a built-in ice maker that stores as much as you’re likely to need at any given time.

Size

The tricky thing about getting the right capacity is that how much an undercounter ice maker can hold is directly related to how big it is. If you have limited space to work with, then getting a machine that can store a lot of ice at once and still fit in the space available may be a bit of a challenge.

Make sure to measure out the space you plan on installing your built-in ice maker, so you can be sure to get one that will not only fit seamlessly into your kitchen, but also capable of being easy to install.

Cost

Undercounter ice makers typically cost somewhere in the range of $250-$5,000. Most of the ice makers on the upper end of that range offer high production rates and a large storage capacity, while the more affordable ones will be smaller in both production and storage.

While size and capacity are some of the main factors that influence the overall price, some built-in ice makers will cost more due to having a strong brand reputation or coming with some extra features, such as a water filter or the ability to make nugget ice.

In addition to the sticker cost of an ice maker, you should consider the other costs that come with it. Many undercounter ice makers can also be used as freestanding models, if you so choose, but if you do aim to install them under a counter, you may have to spend a little extra during the installation process, either in labor or parts, or both. Creating ice will also require the use of more energy and water. While it won’t be as much as a dishwasher or washing machine, for example, using a built-in ice maker within your home or office will certainly have an affect on your monthly utilities bills.

Drain Options

Every ice maker needs a way to drain. When it comes to an undercounter ice maker, you have two drain options to choose from: gravity drains and drain pumps.

If you have a drain in your kitchen within two feet of where you install your ice machine, then a gravity drain can work for you. Gravity will do the work of bringing the condensate down to the drain port, where it can empty out of the appliance and down the drain in your kitchen.

If the location of your undercounter ice machine doesn’t lend itself to a gravity drain, either because there’s not a drain nearby, or the water wouldn’t be moving downwards for the whole journey from ice maker to drain (a necessary component for gravity to do its job), then you should be sure to get an ice maker with drain pump. This type of pump does the work of moving any excess water out of the machine to a nearby drain.

Some undercounter ice machines come with drain pumps built in, but this is not the case for all models. Depending on which unit you buy, it is possible that you will need to buy the drain pump as an external attachment.

Installation

Installation for a built-in ice maker is not an extremely complicated task, but it’s certainly not easy. If you’re DIY-savvy, then you can probably install it with no problems. However, it can get pretty complicated and be rather frustrating, even for the most handy of homeowners.

Even though every ice maker will come with step-by-step installation instructions, it is still wise to think about all aspects of the installation process. There is a lot to consider here, including the different types of drains, water lines, electrical demands, ventilation requirements and installing it within a confined space, all while doing it in a way that looks seamless within your cabinetry. It’s not the easiest task to accomplish.

For a lot of consumers, hiring a professional will be worth the extra cost. For those with enough DIY experience to do it on your own, make an effort to understand what to expect from the installation process before buying an undercounter ice maker. This will make it easier for you to know what you’re getting into and, ultimately, make the best buying decision possible.

Look & Style

While most undercounter ice makers aren’t especially made with aesthetics in mind, you do have some options when it comes to how your ice maker looks. Undercounter ice makers come in a few different colors and finishes. Most options are black, white or stainless steel, but there are some models with doors designed to match the look of wood. There’s also a few that are available in bright colors.

The overall look will come down to your personal preference and current decor of the area in which you plan to install it. Most consumers prefer to buy an undercounter ice maker that matches the other appliances in their kitchen, most commonly being black or stainless steel. If you fall into this category, then you will have no problem finding an ice maker to suit your needs.

However, if you are looking for a particular color or unique finish, then you may have to search a little more time and effort into finding the best ice machine for your kitchen. The more extraordinary you go, the less options you will have to choose from. This not only includes important factors such as size, production rate and storage capacity, but also brands and models to choose from.

Energy Efficiency

Freezing water requires a lot of energy, so if you’re someone who’s concerned about the environment or simply doesn’t want to see much of an uptick in your energy bills, then you should look for an undercounter ice machine that’s been certified by Energy Star.

For the most part, ice machines rated by Energy Star are going to be those used for commercial purposes, which is likely not the ideal choice for you. Nevertheless, it is still worth checking out the information Energy Star provides and starting your search from there. Scotsman and Hozhizaki are two popular manufacturers that make Energy Star ice makers for residential purposes.

You can also ensure energy isn’t wasted by selecting an ice machine with a production rate and storage capacity that will closely suit your needs. There’s no sense in buying an ice maker that is going to use energy to make more ice than you’ll actually use. Not only will this cost you more to buy, but it will cost you more to maintain and use.

Additional Features:

• Water Filter:

  Some undercounter ice machines come with water filters built-in. These filtration systems will help remove sediment and other contaminants from the water before it freezes. Not only does this make your ice cubes healthier to consume, but will likely improve the overall taste and smell as well. For models that don’t come with a water filter, you can often buy one as an add on.

• ADA Compliance:

  For commercial uses or for ice makers that will be installed within an office environment, you should consider specifically looking for a built-in model that’s designated as being compliant with the American With Disabilities Act design guidelines.

• Warranty:

  Many undercounter ice makers include a warranty that can instill confidence that the appliance you’re buying will last and the company stands behind their promises of durability. No matter what type of appliance you are planning on buying, a warranty is always something that should be considered.

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Popular Undercounter Ice Maker Brands

Undercounter ice makers have to do a lot of work. Machines that aren’t especially well made won’t hold up for long. To help ensure you pick a model that will do its job well and do it for many years to come, it’s smart to know a little about the brand’s reputation before buying.

We checked the reviews provided by customers for some of the top brands in the undercounter ice maker space to bring you a summary of how people feel about each of them. This is what we found.

EdgeStar

EdgeStar makes a number of undercounter ice makers that get strong reviews from customers. Most of their undercounter ice makers get praised for being easy to set up, working well, and making ice quickly and efficiently. Some reviewers mentioned a couple of models producing ice in sheets that you have to break apart, and one model earned some complaints about being too loud. However, the main consensus among buyers of this brand is that their undercounter ice makers are a great purchase and an affordable price. Hands down, this is one brand that should be at the top of your list.

Hoshizaki

Anytime repeat buyers of a brand show up in the reviews, you know it’s one you can count on. Hoshizaki’s undercounter ice makers get rave reviews from customers for having longer lives than other units they purchases, as well as working well. Many reviewers mentioned coming straight back to Hoshizaki when the time came to buy a new ice maker because of how many no-stress years they got out of the last one. For an ice maker you can count on for a long time, this is another solid brand to consider.

Ice-O-Matic

Ice-o-Matic’s undercounter ice makers have earned their share of happy customers. Reviewers talk about how quietly and quickly the machines work and say they’ve had no issues with them. Some models make nugget ice that customers especially love. However, keep in mind that a lot of the undercounter ice makers from Ice-O-Matic are made for commercial use. If you install one of their commercial models in a home residence, it is possible that you may void the warranty. This is a reputable brand that should be considered, but it may be wise to check with the company before you buy.

KitchenAid

While they are better known for their line of stand mixers, KitchenAid does sell a few ice maker models that can be installed either as a built-in or freestanding model. However, unlike most other KitchenAid appliances, the reviews here are rather mixed. The customers that are happy are very happy, but those that aren’t say they received lemons that never really worked well to begin with. Based on the reviews, how happy you’ll be with a KitchenAid ice maker depends entirely on whether you end up with one of the lemons or not. For any other category, we would typically put KitchenAid near the top of the list, but when it comes to ice makers, you may want to avoid this brand.

Koldfront

Better known for their popular portable unit, Koldfront has a built-in ice maker that gets predominantly positive reviews from customers who say installation is simple, it makes a lot of ice at a quick pace, and it just generally works efficiently and well. Some reviewers praise how quiet it runs, others complain that it’s loud, so that aspect really seems dependent on individual expectations, and possibly the environment in which they were installed. The most common complaint that customers have is that the ice sometimes comes out in larger pieces that have to be broken up. Other than that, most customers are satisfied. Definitely a solid brand to consider, but it does lack the depth of built-in options that other brands offer.

Manitowoc

Manitowoc offers quite a few high-capacity undercounter machines that get very strong reviews from customers. They say their units work great, produce lots of ice fast, and are easy to hook up. Some reviewers complain that their ice makers are loud, others talk about being pleased with how quiet they are. So once again, it depends on your personal expectations and the location in which it is installed. Like a few other brands listed here, Manitowoc is better known for manufacturing commercial units. Nevertheless, when it comes to residential ice makers, this is still a solid brand to consider.

Scotsman

Scotsman offers a range of undercounter ice makers, several of which are Energy Star certified. Their ice machines have an especially impressive reputation for having long lives, several reviewers mention having ice makers that last over thirty years before the time comes to buy a new one (so naturally, they go straight back to Scotsman again). While those are likely extreme cases, Scotsman does have a truly stellar reputation with 5-star reviews pretty much across the board. It would be a disservice to not consider this brand in your search.

Summit

Summit makes a few models of undercounter ice makers that get mixed, but primarily positive reviews. Happy customers say their ice machines make ice quickly and work effectively. A few reviewers complain that they’re noisy or the ice has to be broken up within the storage bin. Much like KitchenAid above, Summit offers many appliances with a solid history of performance, but perhaps their line of ice makers aren’t quite up to par, yet.

U-Line

U-Line sells a few built-in ice machines that get mixed reviews from customers. Most are happy with their purchase, saying the machines make ice quickly, the installation is easy, and the machine is quiet. Others complain that the ice maker is noisy or that they had problems getting it to work. Again, this is likely dependent on the environment where the device resides. The good news here is that more people left positive reviews than negative. If you’re okay with a little noice and you get a unit that works well, reviews suggest you’ll be satisfied.

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Conclusion

When it’s hot outside, a cold drink with plenty of ice is one of life’s great pleasures. Maybe because we are in the height of summer right now. Or maybe it’s because ice is an essential luxury we’ve all become accustomed too these days. Whatever the case, there are many benefits to buying an undercounter ice maker for your home or office.

It’s time to ditch the last-minute ice runs. Make sure you never run out of ice when you need it so you don’t have to deny yourself the experience of an ice-cold beverage on a hot summer day. Undercounter ice machines are available in a wide variety of sizes at enough different price points that, no matter your particular needs, and with a little bit of searching around, you should be able to find the right product for you.