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If you’re serious about creating the best possible home bar or kitchen, you NEED to get a high-quality ice maker. These machines produce gorgeously-shaped ice cubes, nuggets, and flakes that are the ideal accompaniments for any type of beverage.
Elevate a whiskey sour to a new level with thick ice cubes, or create a deliciously refreshing smoothie with the addition of crushed ice.
There are several CRUCIAL factors to consider before purchasing an under counter ice maker, including the product’s dimensions, production and storage capacities, and the type of ice it creates.
Here, you’ll find our review of the best under counter ice maker available. We’ve also collected a selection of other under counter ice makers that would make a worthy addition to your home bar.
In A Rush? Check Out Our Top Choice!
- Sleek and stylish look
- Offered at competitive price
- Legs can be adjusted to change height
- Interior regulatory function to ensure efficiency
- Doesn’t need a drainage system to operate
The U-Line is the best under counter ice maker on our list. This machine is exceptionally efficient when it comes to water consumption. It’s also competitively-priced, with an impressive storage capacity of 25 lbs.
This model has a compact design and produces crescent-shaped ice. This type of ice is an ideal accompaniment for mixed drinks and cocktails. You should make the U-Line 1000 Series 15-Inch Ice Maker your number one choice for your home bar.
Top 11 Best Under Counter Ice Maker Reviews
This compact U-Line under counter ice maker is our number one choice for its efficiency and convenience, not to mention its sleek good looks.
It’s practically shaped, with dimensions that allow it to fit under a bar or tall table. It also doesn’t require an external draining system to deal with excess water or melted ice. This means that you’ll have no worries about slotting the U-Line ice maker underneath your home bar.
This U-Line model has a vinyl coating and is mark and scratch-resistant. There’s an in-built dial function that ensures you’re not using any more water than is necessary. This ice maker uses less than 3 gallons of water a day and is incredibly efficient in water consumption.
Who Should Get This?
Simple, efficient, and affordable, if you are looking for the ideal compact under counter ice maker to enhance your home bar, this is the model for you.
Pros
- Efficient with water consumption
- Stores maximum of 25 lbs. of ice
- Creates gorgeous, curved ice blocks
- Compact shape: 14.88" W x 23.25” D x 34.13” H
- 4x quicker than a normal fridge
Cons
- Doesn’t hold as much ice as other options
There’s a LOT to love with this Smad ice maker. It’s the best affordable under the counter ice maker on our list. For a great price, you’ll find a model that’s robust, compact, and relatively effective in terms of its output.
The Smad’s in-built air ventilation means that you can place it anywhere around the house without overheating the motor, while its dimensions are ideal for under counter storage.
Our favorite feature of this Smad model is that it has refrigerator capacity. After creating ice crescents, it keeps them frozen as long as they’re stored inside the cabinet. Many similarly-priced models don’t offer this capacity, allowing the ice to melt and the water to drain away.
You’ll need to connect this model to a water source before it starts creating ice, which can be an issue for some people.
Who Should Get This?
This model is ideal for home bar enthusiasts who need a continual supply of ice for their beverages and have an installation space with an accessible water line.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Keeps ice frozen, unlike other models
- In-built ventilation at the front
- Produces 12lbs. of ice daily
- Compact dimensions
- Sturdy construction and build
Cons
- Needs a water hookup to work
This Whynter MIM model is the best home under counter ice maker on this list. It measures 16″D x 14″ W x 24.5″ H, meaning you can neatly slot it under your home bar or kitchen island. It’s also much lighter than other similar models, weighing just over 50 lbs.
This machine’s ice-making capacity is excellent. It can churn out 23 lbs. of standard curved ice pellets in a day. We also love its auto shut-off function, which allows you to store and refrigerate up to 12lbs. of ice under your kitchen counter whenever you want.
This model includes built-in front ventilation, so it’s an effective and ergonomic option for your home bar needs.
Who Should Get This?
If you want a compact, free-standing ice maker that produces many standard ice pellets and can slot easily into your home, get this Whynter model.
Pros
- Compact, small dimensions
- No drainage system needed
- Makes 23 lbs. of ice in a day
- Made with durable and robust stainless steel
- Can store and keep ice frozen.
Cons
- Only makes curved ice nuggets, not cubes.
This U-Line 3000 series model is the best 18-inch under counter ice maker on our list. It can produce up to 60 lbs. of crystal-clear ice every day. We also LOVE the fact that it can store up to 30 lbs. of ice as well.
The innovative U-Select OLED control panel helps you to check in on the ice cube density and change it if necessary. You can also use the silent operation function to shut down ice production for several hours.
We appreciate the adjustability of this model. You can fine-tune the height of each leg so that the whole machine fits neatly under your countertop or bar.
Having said that, this ice maker measures at 17.75″ W x 24” D x 33.69” H, making it too large for many home bars.
Who Should Get This?
If you have a professional need for an ice maker or are incredibly serious about putting together a top-quality home bar, then this model will be perfect for you.
Pros
- Produces 60 lbs. of ice a day
- Can refrigerate and store up to 30 lbs.
- Drain pump and line is factory-installed
- U-Select OLED function allows you to control ice density
- Adjustable legs for an easy fit
Cons
- Requires drainage system and set-up
- Too large for most home bars
This SPT model creates gorgeous flakes of ice, perfect for frozen margaritas, slushies, and mojitos. It’s also the ideal type of ice to add to large water bottles, as it melts quite quickly and creates a refreshing, chilled drink for a hot day.
We love how portable this ice maker is. At 70.6 lbs, it’s much easier to shift about than with many of the other models on this list. It also creates up to 66 lbs. of crushed ice each day, which is a pretty impressive production capacity.
It’s a shame that this unit only stores up to 7 lbs. of ice, and some people may find it too noisy for their kitchen.
Who Should Get This?
If you like to make a LOT of frozen-based cocktails, smoothies, and slushies, then you’ll love that this model produces nearly 70 lbs. of crushed, flaked ice every day.
Pros
- Produces up to 66 lbs. of ice each day
- Creates classy, flaked ice
- Made with sleek and durable stainless steel
- Weighs less than other options
- Has compact dimensions
Cons
- Only stores 7 lbs. of ice
Our FAVORITE feature of this Ice-O-Matic machine is the ice pearls it produces. For those unfamiliar, these rounded, small ice nuggets are ideal accompaniments to pretty much anything, from fruit juice and cocktail to soda and tap water.
We love the softness and pure taste of ice pearls, and we also appreciate the robust stainless steel construction of this Ice-O-Matic model. It features a self-contained condenser for a compact profile and minimal noise production when operating. This is useful if you’re keeping this machine in your house rather than in an outdoor entertaining area.
However, you’ll need to buy a specialized pump if your drain is higher than the hookup at the ice maker’s base as the unit hookup is a couple of inches off the ground.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re a big fan of chewable pearl ice and love using it in cocktails, yogurts, fruit drinks, and water, then you should invest in this machine.
Pros
- Creates up to 22 lbs. of pearl ice
- Made with strong and long-lasting stainless steel
- Quieter than many other models
- Easy to install
Cons
- Expensive for relatively small capacity
This Summit BIM25 model is the best under counter ice maker under $1,000 on our list. Depending on what you want to use it for, this machine can work as either a freestanding or built-in option.
The stainless steel door is reversible and sleek-looking, while the product itself comes with a generously-sized ice scoop.
This ice maker measures at 15.25″ W x 18.25″ D x 25.25″ H, making it the perfect size for most home bars or kitchens. It’s also not too heavy, at 50 lbs, for quick and easy installation.
However, although the curve of crescent-shaped ice reduces splashing when you pour a drink, we’re not sure that it’s the most versatile form of ice.
Who Should Get This?
If you want a practical, compact ice maker that produces and stores just over 10 lbs. of ice each day, and you are on a budget, the Summit is your best choice.
Pros
- Produces high-quality, crescent-shaped ice
- Ice bin is insulated to store ice
- CFC-free unit
- Can work as a freestanding or built-in machine
- Dimensions and weight are ideal for a home bar
Cons
- Production capacity is only 12 lbs. a day
- Crescent-shaped ice is not as adaptable as other ice types
This Scotsman Brilliance model looks sleek and gorgeous. You can choose between an elegant stainless steel door or a suitable wooden panel that fits in neatly with the rest of your kitchen or living room.
This model can produce up to 30 lbs. of ice in a day and can store up to 26 lbs. It contains a reversible front door and an in-built drain pump for easy and efficient installation in any bar layout.
This model’s dimensions make it slightly too large for many home bars, while it’s relatively heavy compared to similar items on this list.
Having said that, we LOVE the look of this ice maker. We also appreciate the stylish control panel, which is easy to use and read.
Who Should Get This?
If you don’t mind investing in a high-quality, stylish, and durable ice maker, then you’ll absolutely love this Scotsman product. This machine will look exquisite under your home bar if you’ve got the space for it.
Pros
- Water-quality sensor function
- Comes with drain pipe for easy installation
- Can choose customized wood paneling for front
- Reversible front door
- Built with durable stainless steel
Cons
- Height makes it too large for most home bars
The Suppentown IM-150US model comes with a bunch of features that we love. Our favorite is the front exhaust fan, which provides ample air circulation and ventilation to help create the ice.
We also appreciate the shut-off function, which suspends the production process once the ice bin fills up. This function prevents any unwanted leakage or power wastage.
When you buy this product, you’ll also receive a 25-foot line for connecting the machine up to your water system.
There are a few downsides to this model, one being that it only stores 6 lbs. of ice. Its interior space is somewhat limited, and it also requires professional installation, which can cost quite a bit of money.
Who Should Get This?
If you want a model that prioritizes air ventilation and don’t want to shell out a lot of money, you’ll love this lightweight Sunpentown option.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Great value for money
- Compact size and ergonomic shape
- In-built front exhaust fan for air circulation
- Useful auto shut-off feature
Cons
- Have to pay for professional installation
- Only stores 6 lbs. of ice
This DCS ice maker has an innovative built-in defrost function, which saves you the worry of having to take the ice out and melt it manually in your kitchen sink.
The front ventilation system helps with the production process’s efficiency. This machine creates up to 35 lbs. of ice every day that can be stored inside the ice machine’s bin until you need it.
The digital controls inside this model allow you to monitor and regulate internal temperature changes. As well as this, the auto-restart function alerts you as to when you need to remove ice or add more water to the basin.
One issue with this model is its height: we think it might be too tall for some home bars. It’s also one of the most expensive options on this list. However, it could be a worthwhile addition to your patio bar or BBQ area as it is outdoor-rated.
Who Should Get This?
This ice maker is the ideal product for people who prioritize ease of cleaning and storage capacity when it comes to home under counter ice makers.
Pros
- Automatic defrost function for ease of cleaning
- Effective front ventilation system
- Produces up to 35 lbs. of ice every day
- You can check in on temperature with control panels
- Constructed with robust and reliable stainless steel
Cons
- Larger and heavier model than other options
The Luxor model is a high-quality, professional-standard machine that is the best under counter outdoor ice maker on our list.
This design is UL listed, meaning it is durable and robust enough for outdoor use. So, you can install this ice maker in your yard as part of a stylish and classy outdoor bar area.
We love the standardized, elegant ice cubes that this model produces. This type of ice is the perfect accompaniment for sodas, whiskey, gin-based drinks, and high-quality spirits.
We also appreciate that this ice maker can fit under most kitchen counters and home bars, lending it a useful multifunctionality.
Unfortunately, all this quality comes at a steep price. The Luxor model is the most expensive ice maker on this list, so be prepared to shell out some cash if you want the optimal outdoor model.
Who Should Get This?
If you want an impressive, fully-stocked, and properly equipped outdoor bar in your backyard, then you will appreciate the class and efficacy of this ice maker model.
Pros
- UL listed specifically for outdoors
- Can produce 50 lbs. of ice every day
- Compact dimensions for use in the kitchen
- Front ventilation system
- Produces high-quality, sharp ice cubes
Cons
- Very costly option
- No real need for 50 lbs. of ice with a home bar
Final Verdict: Best Under Counter Ice Maker For Your Money
There are plenty of high-quality options when it comes to under counter ice makers, but we think that the U-Line 1000 Series 15-Inch Ice Maker stands head and shoulders above the rest.
This model is exceptionally efficient, doubles-up as either a built-in or freestanding unit, and works up to 4 times as effectively as a standard refrigerator. It also has an impressive 25 lbs. storage capacity, adjustable legs, and a sleek, scratch-resistant coating.
