Space has been and will always be a precious commodity. This has become more so the case in recent times. It’s for this reason that undercounter machines continue to gain increasing popularity today and none more so than undercounter ice makers.
The best undercounter ice maker is a great way to not only save precious counter space but also ensure you get high-quality ice steadily.
Not to be confused with a regular, portable ice maker, undercounter ice makers, or built-in ice machines, as they are sometimes called, have several additional features that promote lower energy consumption and several other perks.
But, if you’re looking to say goodbye to your countertop ice makers, you can’t just pick the first undercounter commercial ice maker you choose. You need to make sure you get a product that’ll give you an ample supply of ice cubes for your cold drinks.
Here are some of the best undercounter ice makers for you to consider buying.
Best Undercounter Ice Maker: Top Picks
1. Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker Machine
As far as efficient machines go, there are fewer better products for helping you get lots of ice with minimal effort.
Don’t let the compact size of the Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker Machine fool you. It can easily generate up to 100 pounds of ice each day! Additionally, it can store up to 33 pounds of ice at a time.
Besides the outstanding production capacity of this undercounter ice machine, the innovative design of this device has an overflow prevention mechanism. This ensures that gallons of water doesn’t come flowing out of the integrated freezer if the ice melts.
On the outside, its stainless steel exterior means it won’t look out of place, no matter where you choose to set it up. This undercounter ice maker isn’t all looks and specs alone though. It comes with ETL certification as well, so you can comfortably use it for commercial ice production without fear or worry.
What we love the most about this product is that it’s an electronic touch ice maker. As such, you can make all the bags of ice you need with its intuitive computerized controls! Its smart LCD panel is also designed to notify you if anything’s wrong with the ice maker.
Pros
- Generates large amounts of ice.
- Commercial-grade stainless steel doors and exterior makes it easy to clean and maintain.
- Produces crystal-clear ice that’s solid and long-lasting.
- Great control panel with highly intuitive controls.
- Officially approved for use as an outdoor ice maker.
- Has a large storage capacity.
Cons
- It is more expensive than some of the other products in this list.
- It tends to be noisy while in use.
- The machine is heavy so moving it may be difficult.
2. ULINE UBI95B00A Undercounter Crescent Ice Maker
One of the reasons that the ULINE Undercounter Crescent Ice Maker stands out from the rest is that it doesn’t require professional installation. Thanks to the innovative design of this commercial ice maker machine, the installation process is so simple you can set it up in minutes!
It’s also a great choice for people who work in small spaces thanks to its compact design. Despite its small size, the size of this device doesn’t impair its ice production capacity in any way.
It even has a relatively faster harvest cycle compared to other machines as it can make up to 23 pounds of ice in a day. It also requires a minimal water supply to do this, but you can get this daily ice production capacity with less than 3 gallons of water!
Pros
- Produces beautiful, crescent-shaped ice cubes.
- Highly efficient and supplies consistent amounts of ice cubes per day.
- Doesn’t require a gravity drain.
- Has an attractive compact design.
- Perfect choice for people who want to minimize energy consumption during ice production.
- Budget-friendly and requires no professional under-counter installation.
Cons
- The type of ice produced may be a bit wet.
- You need to purchase the installation kit separately.
3. FREE VILLAGE Undercounter Commercial Ice Maker
Many consider FREE VILLAGE to be the best undercounter ice maker out there today, and they’ve got good reason to think so too! That’s because the entire appliance is specifically designed to meet your ice production demands without inconveniencing you in any way.
To start with, it completes 45 ice cube cycles every single day. With an extra ice storage capacity of 33 pounds of ice, you’ll never run out of cold stuff for your mixed drinks and soft drinks.
The best part of this deal is that it only takes 12-18 minutes for each batch of ice cubes to be ready! And, you have the option of tweaking this production time to better suit your needs.
To make things even easier for you, it comes with an automatic cleaning mode. You can activate this cleaning function to stop bacteria growth and keep your ice maker sterile.
The icing on top of the cake is that this commercial machine comes fitted with a full LCD you can use to control its various extra features.
Pros
- ant stainless steel construction design that adds to the kitchen décor.
- Faster harvest cycle and produces ample pounds of ice still.
- Minimizes water wastage.
- Comes with various key features like automatic overflow prevention and automatic cleaning mode.
- Intuitive control panel.
Cons
- Front panel could be more durable.
- These under-counter ice makers tend to be costly.
4. LifePlus Commercial Ice Maker Machine
Producing 70 pounds of ice without fail daily, the LifePlus Commercial Ice Machine is one of those few undercounter ice makers you can confidently trust to supply your ice needs.
It’s able to produce such large quantities of ice thanks in large part to its high-power compressor. These nugget ice makers also come fitted with an extra 10 pounds of ice storage. This means that you’ll still be able to get some ice even during the worst of the rush hour!
As far as functions are concerned, you get considerably more options with these undercounter appliances as well. To start with, you don’t need a dedicated water supply for this product. This is because you can easily fill it with bucket water or just regular drinking water.
In addition to this, this under-countertop nugget ice maker also allows you to produce ice size as you please. Where most undercounter ice makers give you only two options where ice size is concerned, you get three with LifePlus!
Freestanding installation of this product is also remarkably easy and you won’t have any trouble navigating the controls of this ice machine either! Whether used in coffee shops or restaurants, this ice maker is sure to do you proud.
Pros
- Produces copious ice pounds per day.
- Comes fitted with a powerful compressor for increased efficiency.
- Has a large ice storage capacity.
- Has a compact size that fits most kitchen décor.
- While it doesn’t have an auto cleaning function, it’s easy to clean.
Cons
- duce its first batch of ice. This might be a long time to wait for some people.
- A few other under-counter ice makers may offer more value for more.
5. Artidy Commercial Ice Maker Machine
If you’re looking for cheaper ice makers that’ll supply you with large amounts of ice consistently and without fail, the Artidy Commercial Ice Maker is one you should definitely consider!
This undercounter ice maker comes with an ice bag and scoops to make handling your bags of ice easier.
This commercial ice maker gives up to 60 pieces of ice cubes in just one harvest cycle. It typically takes about 12-18 minutes to prepare the cubes per cycle.
You can maintain a steady supply of ice with ease, thanks to the intuitive controls of the control panel. The panel also lets you access several other key features like the automatic cleaning mode, water wastage alarm, appointment time, and various other extra features.
These built-in ice makers also come with two water supply connection options as well. You can either use a water supply hose to connect the ice machine to a tap or use bucket water.
It comes with a 1-year warranty and quality customer support so you can truly enjoy these under-counter units to the fullest!
Pros
- One of the most affordable built-in machines out there today.
- Offers multiple water supply connection options.
- Comes with a fully 1-year warranty.
- Allow you to have access to several key features.
- Has an elegant and sleek design.
Cons
- The ice nuggets melt rather easily.
- It may require professional installation services to get it perfectly situated.
The Buyer’s Guide to Picking the Best Undercounter Ice Maker
Investing in freestanding or built-in applications is a major move. This is because buying even cheaper ice makers can take a financial toll.
Because of this, you have to take the time to choose the best undercounter ice maker to suit your needs. But how do you pick the best undercounter appliances for you?
Not to worry!
Here’s a comprehensive guide you can rely on to inform your buying decision!
When looking to get an undercounter ice maker that’ll serve you well, some variables you should take into consideration include:
The Ice Output
Outside space requirements, the ice output of an undercounter ice maker machine is arguably the most important feature of the device. As such, you need to give this particular factor careful consideration.
The amount of ice that your potential commercial ice machine can make matters a lot. If the product is great but can’t supply enough to meet the daily demand of your home or establishment, you simply have to forgo that option.
In this instance, the more powerful the ice machine, the better. Still, it’s always best to have a clear idea of how much ice you use daily. This will serve as a better influence to guide your hand.
The Installation Requirements of the Undercounter Machines
Will you be installing the machine in a tight space or do you have a little space to afford here?
Will you need to run a water supply hose or line to the device?
What accommodations do you have to make for the incoming undercounter ice maker?
Will you need professional installation services?
The answers you have to these questions may prove to be important in determining what options of efficient machines are available to you.
For instance, you have a little more leeway in terms of where you can install your ice maker if it comes with a water tank and doesn’t require a water supply line. Also, if you have gravity drain access, you can worry a little less about where you install this equipment.
When it comes to the installation efforts that’ll be needed, you should know that most higher-end models will typically need the skills of an expert to set them up.
The Potential Freezer Function
If you’re getting undercounter ice machines, you may want to make the most of this function. In this case, you may opt to get an undercounter ice maker with a freezer function.
What this does for you is that it makes sure that whatever type of ice cubes are produced by the machine stay frozen for longer periods. Such multifunctional machines help you get more value for your money.
Built-in or Standalone Capabilities
Another major determining factor you need to think about when choosing an undercounter ice maker is where you’ll be keeping the undercounter appliances.
As an example, everyone knows that the entire appliance can comfortably fit under a counter. However, this doesn’t mean that location is the only option you’re afforded.
If you’d like to use your ice maker as a built-in, all you have to do is get a machine that has a front ventilation feature. With these types of ice makers, you won’t have to worry about your machine overheating.
The Energy Efficiency of the Ice Maker
Having a commercial ice maker that’s designed to minimize energy consumption and increase efficiency is always desirable.
One great way to go about this is to look for under-counter units that are Energy Star certified. This ensures that you can more easily save on both energy and power.
A typical Energy Star-certified appliance can help you save over 1,000 kWh each year. This can translate to over $100 in electricity bill savings. Another perk of going for Energy Star-rated products is that they are generally more water-efficient as well.
The Speed of Ice Production
How quickly does the ice machine supply ice in relation to your demand for the product?
Opting for higher-end models will typically give you higher ice production capacity without having to delay you in the process.
The Price Tag
The asking price for the product also matters a lot as well.
You need to go for a product that’ll not only be easy to buy but also affordable in terms of maintenance as well. Doing this properly will require a lot of thought on your end.
For instance, an energy-efficient ice machine will usually cost you more at first. But, in the long run, it helps you save money, compared to other options that may be available.
FAQs
Do All Built-in Ice Machines Need a Water Supply Line?
Yes, they do.
However, you may be able to do without this if the commercial ice maker machine has a manual tank filling feature.
What’s the Best Way to install Undercounter Ice Makers?
The best way to set up these devices is to have a professional handle the details.
But, you may be able to do this on your own as well, provided you can follow the installation instructions to the letter.
Do All Freestanding or Built-in Applications Produce the Same Types of Ice?
No, they do not.
Depending on the type of ice machine you get, the appliance could produce crescent-shaped ice cubes, nugget ice, gourmet ice, or pearl ice.
How do I Clean my Undercounter Ice Maker?
The first thing you need to do is unplug it from the power supply.
Next, take out the removable ice tray, clean that and wipe down the other parts of the machine. After that, reassemble all the parts of the machine and you’re done.
Final Thoughts
If you need large amounts of ice as fast as possible then undercounter ice machines are the right point of call. While they might not come cheap, any of the products on our list will give you full value for money.
We consider the Euhomy Commercial Ice Machine the best undercounter ice maker because its innovative design and high efficiency and storage will easily meet your ice needs.
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