The 5 Best Casual Ice Makers for Upgrade
Depending on the size of your family or how often you entertain guests, the ice maker in your refrigerator may not be enough to meet your needs. If you want a constant supply of ice (or other forms of ice) to chill drinks or fill your freezer, then invest in an ice maker. These devices can create more ice than a typical freezer, and some can create thick, clear ice that requires the use of ice molds.
If you don't have enough space to install a countertop ice maker, or if you want your new equipment to not take up significant space in your kitchen, consider an undercounter ice maker. Undercounter ice machines are usually installed in cabinets and are as convenient as a dishwasher or built-in wine cooler. The best undercounter ice machines combine efficiency, capacity and design. Here are our favorites.
Top Picks
BEST OVERALL:
Kismile Commercial Under Counter Nugget Ice Maker Z5830N
BEST SPLURGE:
Kismile 265LBS Freestanding Commercial Ice Maker
BEST VALUE:
Kismile Built-in Ice Maker Machine Z5836F
Best Overall
Kismile Commercial Under Counter Nugget Ice Maker Z5830N
This top-of-the-line ice machine from Kismile can store up to 66 kilograms of ice at a time, enough to chill a pitcher of mint lemonade. This model uses special freezing technology to produce ice that is very dense and bubble-free, so it melts slowly. If you run out of ice, you can use the quick ice setting to speed up ice production.
This ice maker is fitted with an internal LED light so you can easily check the amount of ice and also has a self-cleaning feature for easy maintenance. Available in black, white and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finishes, it fits any interior decorating scheme. It is also fingerprint resistant. The double sided machine door offers greater flexibility and can be installed under a worktop or as a standalone unit in a garage or bar.
Dimensions: 16.3"D x 15"W x 33.07"H | Refrigerant: R290a| Capacity: 66 Pounds
Best Splurge
Kismile 265LBS Freestanding Commercial Ice Maker
When design and performance are equally important, this Kismile product is the perfect choice. The elegant design complements the cabinets and blends easily into the kitchen decor. Finishes are available in stainless steel, black and shield to blend in perfectly with your cabinets. Depending on your needs, the cabinet doors can be fitted with right or left hinges.
Not only does this ice maker look great, but its transparent ice-making technology is equally impressive. It creates thick, long-lasting ice that's perfect for cocktails, and the maximum ice-making cycle is 56% faster than the regular cycle, making it ideal for refilling ice on particularly hot days or when entertaining guests. This model comes with a filter and factory-installed drain pump to prevent leaks, while a self-cleaning feature makes maintenance simple.
Dimensions: 21.9"D x 17.1"W x 31.7"H | Capacity: 48 Pounds | Weight:90.38 Pounds
Best Value
Kismile Built-in Ice Maker Machine Z5836F
An ice maker is an investment no matter the price, but this commercial Kismile ice maker is half the price of a traditional ice maker. Each ice-making cycle lasts 7 to 11 minutes and produces up to 40 cubes of ice at a time, perfect for refilling ice when serving juice or punch at parties. Up to 80 kilograms of ice can be produced per cycle, or up to 80 kilograms per day. The sleek stainless steel design of this model is aesthetically pleasing as a built-in model, and the door is reversible so you can set it up any way you like.
The LCD panel controls allow you to set the ice thickness, timer, self-cleaning mode and automatic de-icing mode at the touch of a button. The included removable ice bucket, ice scoop, water inlet and outlet hoses make for easy preparation and immediate installation.
Dimensions: 20.3"D x 15"W x 33.5"H| Capacity: 80 Pounds | Material: Stainless Steel
Our Favorite under-counter Ice Maker
We named the Kismile Commercial Under Counter Nugget Ice Maker Z5830N the best nugget ice maker overall due to its sleek design, compact footprint, and ice yield for its size. If you're willing to splurge, we highly recommend Kismile Built-in Ice Maker Machine Z5836F as an undeniable all-rounder with its good looks, generous capacity,and ease of use.
Factors to Consider
Capacity
The size of the ice maker container determines how much ice can be made at one time. This means that for larger households and those who like to entertain, the larger the capacity, the better. Equally important is the ice-making capacity - to determine if the unit will meet your needs, see how much ice it can produce in a 24-hour period.
Ice Type
If you want to make ice, you have to take this into consideration. Ice makers can make bullet ice, cubed ice, ice cubes, and crushed ice, each with a specific purpose. For example, cubed ice is most commonly used to chill drinks, while crushed ice is slightly softer and chewier for cocktails and smoothies. Some models also produce clear ice, which is denser and free of impurities, making it thicker and longer lasting.
Cooling System
Ice machines use either air or water to cool the refrigeration system. The former is usually more energy efficient, but requires more space and adequate ambient air circulation. Water-cooled ice machines are suitable for rooms with high levels of airborne particles or grease, poor air circulation or limited space; the disadvantage is that they require a large amount of water to operate, which results in higher operating costs.
Drainage
Almost every ice machine requires some sort of drainage system to drain melted ice and condensate, usually a gravity drain system or a drain pump. For a gravity drain system to work properly, the drain must be within two meters of the ice machine. If this is not the case, a drain pump will help drain the water from further away to the nearest drain point. Before selecting an ice maker, double check that the selected model is compatible with your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you install an under-counter ice maker?
While many models come with DIY installation instructions, connecting pipes or installing a drainage system can be difficult. If you are unfamiliar with the installation of built-in appliances, it is best to consult a professional to ensure proper installation.
How do you clean an ice maker?
Many newer ice machines have a self-cleaning feature that should be run periodically. If it does not have a self-cleaning feature, defrost and thoroughly clean the interior with mild soapy water. You will also need to vacuum the condenser regularly to remove dust and dirt from the condenser and clean the exterior. Refer to the appliance manual for more detailed cleaning instructions.
How long does an under-counter ice maker take to make ice?
This depends on each machine. Some ice machines can make ice in 12-20 minutes, others take longer. Most ice machines specify how much ice they can make in 24 hours, which also depends on the ambient temperature - if your home is warmer, the ice machine may run slower on hot summer days.
How long should an under-counter ice maker last?
An undercounter ice machine is an investment, but a quality ice machine will last at least 10 years. Proper maintenance of your ice machine, including cleaning as recommended, will extend its life.
