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6 Best Undercounter Ice Makers (Buying Guide) 2026
ByZayyan
Running out of ice at the worst moment is genuinely awful. You’re hosting people, drinks are warm, and the freezer just isn’t cutting it. In this article I will show you the top 6 best undercounter ice makers you can buy right now, what makes each one worth your money, and which one fits your life.
Top 6 Best Undercounter Ice Makers You Can Buy Now
Whynter UIM-155 Stainless Steel Built-In Ice Maker – Best Overall Built-In Pick
The Whynter UIM-155 is the kind of machine you buy once and forget about. It fits neatly under your counter, looks sharp in stainless steel, and produces up to 12 pounds of ice per day. That’s plenty for a home bar, a kitchen, or a small office setup.
What really stands out is how quiet it runs. You won’t hear it humming across the room. It just does its job without making a fuss. The build quality feels solid too. No cheap plastic panels or rattling parts.
Setup is pretty easy. You need a water line connection, so factor that in before you buy. But once it’s in, it basically runs itself. The drain system is built-in, which saves you the hassle of manually emptying water.
The stainless exterior resists fingerprints better than most. And the crescent-shaped ice it makes fits glasses perfectly. If you want something that looks and feels premium without a ridiculous price tag, this one delivers.
- Produces up to 12 lbs of ice per day
- Built-in drain, no manual emptying
- Quiet operation
- Requires water line connection
- Crescent-shaped ice cubes
EdgeStar IB120SS Built-In Ice Maker – Best for Tight Spaces
If your kitchen layout is already a puzzle, the EdgeStar IB120SS was made for you. It’s designed to fit into standard 15-inch undercounter spaces, so you don’t have to rebuild your kitchen to make it work. Compact but capable.
It makes up to 12 pounds of ice per day too, which might surprise you given the size. The stainless steel door looks clean and matches most modern kitchens without standing out awkwardly. It feels like it belongs there.
One thing people love about this machine is the adjustable thermostat. You can control the storage temperature so your ice stays solid longer. That’s a small detail that actually matters a lot during summer or when you’re entertaining for hours.
It does require a drain connection, so you’ll want a plumber involved in the install if you’re not handy. But honestly, once it’s set up, it barely needs attention. Just keep the filter clean and it keeps making ice.
- Fits 15-inch undercounter spaces
- Up to 12 lbs of ice per day
- Adjustable thermostat for ice storage
- Requires drain connection
- Stainless steel finish
SPT IM-150USA Stainless Steel Undercounter Ice Maker – Best No-Drain Option
Here’s the thing about most built-in ice makers: they need a drain. The SPT IM-150USA does not. That single feature opens up a lot of options for people who want an undercounter machine but can’t easily run a drain line.
It holds up to 48 pounds of ice in storage at a time, which is genuinely impressive. Even if you’re throwing a big backyard party, that’s a serious ice reserve. And the machine keeps producing as long as there’s space.
The stainless steel look is clean and professional. It blends into a kitchen or wet bar setup without looking like an afterthought. The door is reversible too, which is a small but useful detail depending on where you’re placing it.
The interior light makes finding your ice easy in dim areas. And the machine automatically stops producing when the bin is full, so you don’t end up with a mess. It’s a thoughtful design overall, especially for the price.
- No drain required
- 48 lb ice storage capacity
- Reversible door
- Interior light
- Auto-shutoff when bin is full
COSTWAY 80 lbs Commercial Ice Maker – Best High-Volume Pick
If you need a lot of ice and you need it fast, the COSTWAY commercial machine is in a different league. This thing produces up to 80 pounds of ice per day. That’s not a home bar number. That’s a restaurant, a catering setup, or a serious entertainer.
The insulated storage bin keeps ice frozen longer without any extra power. That’s smart design. You’re not constantly running the compressor just to maintain what you already made. It saves energy and keeps things efficient.
This unit is freestanding, so you can put it anywhere there’s a water line and a drain. It’s a bit bulkier than the other picks here, but if volume is your priority, size is a trade-off you’ll gladly make.
The stainless steel exterior is easy to wipe down, which matters when you’re using a machine this hard. Commercial machines see a lot of use, and this one is built for it. Cleaning is straightforward too, with accessible internal components.
- 80 lbs of ice per day
- Insulated storage bin
- Freestanding design
- Stainless steel, easy to clean
- Best for commercial or high-volume use
Sunpentown IM-150US Undercounter Ice Maker – Best Budget Built-In
Not everyone needs to spend a fortune on an ice maker. The Sunpentown IM-150US proves that. It gives you solid, reliable ice production in a clean stainless steel package, without charging you for features you’ll never use.
It produces up to 12 pounds of ice per day and stores up to 48 pounds. The numbers are good. And for most home setups, this is honestly all you’ll ever need. Think dinner parties, daily drinks, a home bar that gets used on weekends.
The front-vented design is key here. It means you can build it in completely without worrying about airflow. A lot of cheaper units need clearance on the sides or back. This one doesn’t. That matters in a tight kitchen.
It also doesn’t require a drain, similar to the SPT model. You’ll manually remove any excess water from the bin, which is minor. The door is reversible, the interior light is handy, and the price makes it easy to say yes.
- Up to 12 lbs per day, 48 lb storage
- No drain required
- Front-vented for true built-in installation
- Reversible door with interior light
- Great value for home use
EUHOMY 24 Lb Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker – Best Auto-Cleaning Feature
Cleaning an ice maker is one of those chores that people avoid until something smells off. The EUHOMY fixes that with a built-in auto-cleaning function. Press a button, walk away. It runs a cleaning cycle so you don’t have to take the thing apart every few months.
It makes up to 24 pounds of ice per day and holds a solid amount in storage. It’s positioned between a home unit and a full commercial machine, which makes it perfect for small restaurants, busy home kitchens, or office break rooms.
The design is freestanding, so you’ve got flexibility with placement. It’s also built to handle continuous use, which not every home unit can say. The compressor is designed for longer run cycles without overheating.
The stainless steel exterior looks professional and cleans up easily. And the ice it produces comes out consistently clear and solid, which tells you the filtration and production process is dialed in. It’s a well-rounded machine that earns its price.
- 24 lbs per day with auto-cleaning
- Built for continuous use
- Freestanding, flexible placement
- Clear, consistent ice production
- Great for small commercial or heavy home use
I hope this breakdown makes your decision a lot easier. The right ice maker really does depend on your space, your volume needs, and your setup. If you want built-in convenience, go with the Whynter or EdgeStar. Need no-drain? SPT or Sunpentown. High volume? COSTWAY. Want the cleanest maintenance experience? EUHOMY. Whatever you pick, you’re upgrading your life. Cold drinks are waiting.
| Product | Daily Ice Output | Storage Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whynter UIM-155 | 12 lbs | 6 lbs | Best overall built-in |
| EdgeStar IB120SS | 12 lbs | 6 lbs | Tight spaces |
| SPT IM-150USA | 12 lbs | 48 lbs | No-drain setup |
| COSTWAY 80 lbs | 80 lbs | Large insulated bin | High-volume/commercial |
| Sunpentown IM-150US | 12 lbs | 48 lbs | Budget built-in |
| EUHOMY 24 Lb | 24 lbs | Moderate | Auto-cleaning convenience |
Things to Consider Before Buying Undercounter Ice Makers (Complete Guide 2026)
Buying an undercounter ice maker sounds simple until you’re standing in your kitchen wondering why your new machine doesn’t fit, leaks everywhere, or makes barely enough ice for two drinks. It happens more than you’d think.
There are real things to consider before buying undercounter ice makers, and skipping even one of them can cost you money, time, and a lot of frustration. So take five minutes here. It’ll save you a headache later.
Ice Production Capacity: How Much Ice Do You Actually Need?
This is the first question you should ask yourself. Not “what looks good” or “what’s cheapest.” How much ice do you actually go through in a day? Because if you get this wrong, nothing else matters.
A machine that makes 12 pounds a day works fine for a couple who drinks iced coffee and hosts friends occasionally. But if you’re running a home bar every weekend or feeding a family of six in summer, 12 pounds disappears fast. You’ll be rationing ice like it’s precious.
Most residential undercounter models sit between 12 and 50 pounds of daily production. Commercial-style units can hit 80 pounds or more. Think about your busiest day, not your average day, and buy for that.
- 12 lbs/day: Casual home use, 1-2 people
- 25-50 lbs/day: Active households, frequent entertaining
- 80+ lbs/day: Heavy use, small commercial settings
- Always size up slightly, running low is worse than having extra
- Storage capacity matters just as much as daily output
Available Space and Dimensions: Measure Before You Buy
This one sounds obvious. But you’d be shocked how many people order a machine, get excited, and then realize it’s two inches too wide for the cabinet gap they had in mind. Measure the space first. Then measure again.
Undercounter ice makers typically need a 15-inch or 24-inch wide opening. Some need side clearance, some need rear clearance, and some are front-vented, meaning they can go flush against the wall. That last type gives you the most flexibility.
Also check the height. Standard undercounter clearance is around 34 inches. If your countertop sits lower or your cabinets are custom, you need exact numbers before you order anything.
- Measure width, height, and depth of your space
- Front-vented models allow full built-in installation
- Side or rear-vented units need extra clearance space
- Confirm the door swing direction fits your layout
- Reversible door hinges add flexibility in tight spots
Drain Requirements: Do You Need a Drain Line or Not?
Here’s something a lot of buyers miss completely. Some undercounter ice makers need a drain line. Some don’t. And if you buy the wrong type for your setup, installation becomes a serious project.
Models that require a drain connection need you to run a line to a nearby drain or sink. That’s either a DIY job if you’re confident, or a plumber visit if you’re not. Either way, it adds cost and complexity. If your planned spot doesn’t have a drain nearby, this matters a lot.
Drain-free models collect melted water in an internal tray that you empty manually. It’s a minor chore, but it gives you way more freedom with placement. You can put the machine in a wet bar, a garage, or a home office without worrying about plumbing.
- Drain-required models need a floor drain or sink connection
- Drain-free models use a manual collection tray
- Drain-free = more flexible placement options
- Drain-required models often handle higher volumes better
- Check the spec sheet before assuming either way
Ice Type and Quality: Crescent, Nugget, or Bullet Ice?
Most people don’t think about ice shape until they get a machine and realize the ice doesn’t fit their glasses, melts too fast, or just doesn’t feel right in a cocktail. Ice type is actually a real decision worth making.
Crescent ice is the most common in undercounter machines. It’s hard, clear, and melts slowly. Great for drinks you want to stay cold without getting watered down fast. Bullet ice is similar but softer and cloudier. Nugget ice, sometimes called “Sonic ice,” is soft and chewable. People love it, but it melts quicker.
If you run a home bar and care about your drinks, crescent or clear cube ice is probably your pick. If you just want ice for smoothies, lemonade, or coolers, nugget ice is fun and easy to use.
- Crescent ice: Hard, slow-melting, great for cocktails
- Bullet ice: Common, affordable machines, decent quality
- Nugget ice: Soft, chewable, melts faster
- Clear ice looks better and melts slowest
- Match the ice type to how you actually drink
Installation Type: Built-In vs. Freestanding
This is a bigger deal than it seems. A built-in undercounter ice maker is designed to live inside a cabinet cutout permanently. A freestanding model can sit on the floor, in a corner, or wherever you have space. They look similar but behave very differently.
Built-in models have front venting, so they push heat out the front instead of the sides or back. That’s what lets them sit enclosed in cabinetry without overheating. If you try to enclose a freestanding unit inside a cabinet, you’ll damage the machine and void the warranty.
Freestanding models give you flexibility. You can move them, reposition them, or take them to a party. But they’re not designed to blend into your kitchen the same way. If aesthetics matter to you, built-in is the right call.
- Built-in models require front-vented design
- Never enclose a freestanding unit in a cabinet
- Freestanding units are easier to move and reposition
- Built-in models look cleaner and more finished
- Check the spec sheet for ventilation requirements before ordering
Maintenance and Cleaning: Don’t Ignore This Part
Ice makers need cleaning. It’s not optional. Mineral deposits build up inside the machine over time, and if you ignore it, your ice starts tasting off and the machine works harder than it should. Some machines make this easy. Others make it a project.
Look for models with a self-cleaning or auto-cleaning cycle. You press a button, the machine runs a cleaning cycle, and you’re done in 30 minutes. The EUHOMY is a good example of this done right. No scrubbing, no guessing, just press and walk away.
Also check if the model uses a water filter. Filtered water means cleaner ice and less mineral buildup. If your tap water is hard, a filter isn’t optional, it’s essential. Skipping it will shorten the machine’s life significantly.
- Self-cleaning cycles save time and effort
- Water filters reduce mineral buildup
- Clean the machine at least once a month
- Hard water areas need more frequent cleaning
- Neglecting maintenance voids most warranties
I hope these things to consider before buying undercounter ice makers saved you from an expensive mistake. Capacity, space, drainage, ice type, installation style, and maintenance all matter more than most buyers realize. Pick the machine that fits your real life, not just your wishlist. Get this right and you’ll have cold drinks on demand for years.
| Consideration | What to Check | Why It Matters | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Production | Daily output in pounds | Determines if supply meets demand | Size up for busy days, not average days |
| Space and Dimensions | Width, height, depth of opening | Wrong size means returns and delays | Measure twice, order once |
| Drain Requirements | Drain-required vs. drain-free | Affects where you can place the unit | Choose drain-free for flexible placement |
| Ice Type | Crescent, bullet, or nugget | Affects taste, melt rate, and drink quality | Match ice type to your drinking habits |
| Installation Type | Built-in vs. freestanding | Affects venting, aesthetics, and safety | Never enclose a freestanding unit |
| Maintenance Needs | Self-clean feature, filter included | Determines long-term performance | Pick auto-clean models for easy upkeep |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it hard to install an undercounter ice maker yourself?
It depends on the model. Some units, like the SPT and Sunpentown, don’t need a drain line, which makes installation much simpler. You just need a water supply line and an electrical outlet. For built-in models that require a drain, you might want a plumber to help. Overall, it’s not rocket science, but don’t skip the manual.
Is it worth buying a commercial ice maker for home use?
Yes, in certain situations. If you host often, have a large family, or run a home bar that gets heavy use, a commercial unit like the COSTWAY gives you ice capacity that a standard home machine just can’t match. You’ll pay more upfront, but you won’t run out of ice mid-party. That’s worth it for a lot of people.
Can I use an undercounter ice maker without a drain line?
Yes. Models like the SPT IM-150USA and the Sunpentown IM-150US are designed to work without a drain connection. The water from melted ice collects in a tray inside the unit, and you empty it manually when needed. It’s a small trade-off for the flexibility of placing the machine wherever you want.
Can an undercounter ice maker replace my freezer’s ice maker?
For most households, yes. A dedicated undercounter unit actually produces ice faster and stores more of it than a typical freezer ice maker. It also frees up freezer space. The only thing it won’t do is freeze other food. But for pure ice production and storage, it outperforms a freezer every time.
Do I need a water line for all undercounter ice makers?
Yes, all the models on this list require a water supply line. What varies is whether they also need a drain line. Units like the SPT and Sunpentown skip the drain requirement. But every ice maker needs water coming in. Make sure you have an accessible water line near your planned installation spot before you buy.
Do undercounter ice makers use a lot of electricity?
Not really. Most residential undercounter ice makers use between 100 and 200 watts, which is similar to a small appliance like a coffee maker. They cycle on and off rather than running constantly, so your energy bill won’t jump dramatically. Commercial units use a bit more power due to higher output, but they’re still efficient for what they do.
Is it okay to leave an undercounter ice maker running all the time?
Yes. These machines are designed for continuous operation. They automatically stop producing ice when the storage bin is full, then start again when the level drops. You don’t need to turn it off between uses. Just make sure it’s cleaned regularly, because constant use without maintenance can lead to buildup inside the unit over time.
Can I use these ice makers in a garage or outdoor kitchen?
Some of them, yes, but check the operating temperature range first. Most residential undercounter ice makers work best in temperatures between 50°F and 90°F. A hot garage in summer or a cold one in winter can mess with performance or even damage the compressor. For outdoor kitchens, look for units specifically rated for wider temperature ranges.
Is the ice from undercounter ice makers safe to drink?
Absolutely. All the models on this list produce ice that is safe for consumption when the machine is properly maintained. The key is keeping the unit clean, replacing filters if applicable, and using a clean water supply. Neglecting cleaning can lead to mold or mineral buildup, which affects both taste and safety. Clean it regularly and the ice will be just fine.
Do I need a professional to service an undercounter ice maker?
For basic maintenance like cleaning and filter changes, you can handle it yourself. Most manufacturers include cleaning instructions in the manual, and the EUHOMY even has an auto-cleaning cycle built in. For compressor issues, refrigerant problems, or water line leaks, yes, call a professional. Trying to fix refrigerant issues on your own is not safe and often voids your warranty.
