Top 17 Best Under Counter Ice Makers in 2023 [June Update]

Which Under Counter Ice Maker is worth considering?

CROWNFUL Commercial Ice Maker 100Lbs/24H, Stainless Steel Ice Machine with 33Lbs Ice Storage Capacity, Free-Standing Under Counter Ice Maker, Ideal for Home, Office, Restaurant, Bar, Coffee Shop.

1. Does a drain have to be installed for an Ice Maker that is placed under the counter?

There are some undercounter ice makers, such as the EdgeStar IB120SS, that do not require a drain line, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Because these models perform the functions of a freezer and maintain a frozen state in the ice, there is no requirement for a drain line. Other types of ice makers are unable to keep the ice frozen for an extended period of time, and as a result, the melted ice must be drained.

2. Do under-the-counter ice makers provide value for the money?

Because of their huge weight, they could be difficult to install or move about, but they are an excellent choice if you want to produce a large amount of ice. Undercounter ice makers are an excellent choice for large-scale installations, such as those seen in bars, restaurants, stores that sell cold beverages, college cafeterias, and workplace break rooms.

3. How long do the ice makers that fit under the counter typically last?

An undercounter ice maker has a life expectancy of approximately 5 years, but it can go up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance.

4. Are ice machines that fit beneath the counter noisy?

Customers have expressed very positive opinions regarding the high-capacity undercounter equipment that Manitowoc has available for purchase. They claim that their products are very easy to set up, generate a lot of ice in a short amount of time, and perform very well. While some reviewers are dissatisfied with the level of noise produced by their ice makers, others are content with the level of silence it produces.

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What Factors Should Be Considered When Selecting the Most Appropriate Undercounter Ice Maker

An under-counter ice maker is a handy item to have in the kitchen if you frequently find yourself needing more ice than you have available. These devices produce and store ice so that it can be used whenever it's needed (and without taking up extra space in the fridge freezer or standalone freezer). An undercounter ice maker does not require any more space on the countertop or on the floor because it can be installed directly into the cabinets.

Even while the advantages of having an ice maker hidden away in the cabinet are obvious, not all ice makers are created equal. Consider the following factors when shopping for an ice maker for your kitchen: the type of ice maker, the ice quality, the machine capacity, the type of cooling system, the installation requirements, and any other features.

Type

Under-the-counter ice makers come in a few distinct varieties, each of which offers a unique combination of aesthetic and practical advantages. When shopping for a machine to use in your house, you should search for one that combines style and functionality.

The most common type of built-in ice maker for usage in homes is designed to look like a little refrigerator and features a door made of stainless steel that can swing open and closed. The front cover of some alternatives is made of plastic and may be opened to reveal a scoop for removing the ice.

The ice on the interior is typically kept in a storage bin or bucket made of plastic or stainless steel, which is occasionally detachable for the purpose of making cleaning it easier. In place of a deep bin, ice makers of the pan-style keep the frozen water in a pan made of detachable stainless steel.

Ice Types and Quality

Ice makers are capable of producing several distinct types of ice, the most common of which are cube, nugget, crescent, and gourmet ice. Ice can also be produced in other shapes.

The best undercounter ice makers create ice cubes that are consistent in size, clear in appearance, and flavorless. These ice cubes have the ability to cold a beverage without leaving an unpleasant odor or aftertaste. Naturally, the quality of the ice can only be as excellent as the water that is being fed into the machine. By removing impurities from the water as well as aromas and flavors that are unpleasant, filters contribute to an improvement in the quality and clarity of ice. Filters are an option worth considering, particularly in regions where the water is hard or has an unpleasant taste.

Look for an ice maker that promotes its capacity to produce clear ice if you want the best possible quality ice, which is commonly thought of as an absolute necessity for mixed drinks. In order to produce more transparent ice, these machines use a specialized method of manufacturing ice.

Capacity and Poduction

These two aspects are among the most significant qualities of ice makers since in addition to producing ice cubes, ice makers also store the finished product. You should also think about the machine's production rate, which is the greatest amount of ice that the device is capable of producing in a period of 24 hours.

In addition to the rate of production, the capacity for storage is also a significant factor. The capacity of the storage bin is what affects the amount of ice that can be retrieved from the machine once it has had some time to produce it.

The bins of most household undercounter ice machines may hold anywhere from 12 to 50 pounds of ice, and the machines themselves can create anywhere from 20 to 100 pounds of ice on a daily basis.

System for Cooling

Ice makers are equipped with their own internal cooling systems to manage the heat that is produced by the ice making process. The majority of larger ice makers can be divided into two categories: those that use air cooling and those that use water cooling.

Ice makers that use air as their cooling medium do so by circulating air via the machine's internal fans and vents. On the other hand, water is utilized by ice machines that are water-cooled in order to chill down the interior of the machine.

The vast majority of air-cooled machines are used in the construction of built-in ice makers for homes. However, since the cooling system is often not exposed, this is because most residential consumers do not find it important. Shoppers should instead make sure the ice maker can be fitted as a built-in machine, which has the required cooling and venting system to work within cabinetry. This will save them time and money in the long run.

Installation

Consider where in the kitchen the built-in ice maker will most likely be installed before going shopping for one. Because it must be hooked into the house's water supply, an ice maker that is installed under the counter must be located in close proximity to a water supply line. The majority of ice makers that fit under the counter have a width of 15 inches, a height of 25 to 35 inches, and a depth of 20 to 25 inches. In addition to its physical dimensions, the machine's electrical requirements, water supply, drainage, and ventilation prerequisites are some of the additional aspects to take into account.

A drainage pipe is necessary for some ice machines in order to remove any water that may accumulate inside the machine. It is often more convenient to use these appliances because they rely on gravity or a drain pump to transport the water rather than other methods. Ice makers that don't drain themselves manage the water on the inside.

Other Characteristics

The amount of maintenance that is required, the level of energy efficiency, the amount of noise that is produced during operation, and the degree of lighting inside the ice maker are some of the other elements that may make using an undercounter ice maker more economical and enjoyable.

Cleaning ice makers regularly will inhibit the growth of bacteria and cut down on the accumulation of mineral scale. A self-cleaning cycle, which cleans the interior of the machine (sometimes with a chemical cleaner), making it easier to maintain and clean the machine. Self-cleaning cycles are becoming increasingly common.

The operation of an under-the-counter ice maker typically uses more electricity due to the machine's relatively big size. Consider purchasing a model that has been awarded the Energy Star designation because it is more environmentally responsible.

Consider the level of noise that the machine produces as well, particularly in locations that see considerable foot traffic. Researching buyer reviews and reviews written by third parties might give you an estimate of the ice maker's decibel level. Most manufacturers do not list the noise level on their products.

In dimly lit areas like a home bar or basement, inside LED lighting makes it simpler to see how much ice is present and to scoop it.

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By developing a list of quality goods available in this area, SfCutters Reviews hope to make it as simple as possible for you to find the Best Under Counter Ice Makers for your needs.

From day one, we set a high standard for the products we offer to our consumers, and only those that meet these standards are evaluated for consideration. To get a better sense of who we are, read some of our other reviews. Our sincere thanks go out to you for reading this far!

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Ice makers are Oscar's area of expertise. He is well-versed in a wide variety of ice producers, such as those found in homes, restaurants, and hotels. As a direct consequence of this, he possesses an in-depth understanding of a diverse set of technologies pertaining to this product.

He collaborates with the rest of our crew to assess and comment on the many different kinds of ice producers that are available on the market today. We are grateful to you for taking the time to submit a review for our website; it is our hope that the readers will find it informative.

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