If your fridge ice maker can’t keep up with weekend parties or cocktail nights, a dedicated built-in ice maker changes everything. The best ice makers for undercounter built in setups deliver anywhere from 25 to 260 pounds of ice per day, with storage bins large enough to keep drinks cold for a full evening without a single tray refill. We spent weeks comparing ten undercounter ice makers, paying attention to the things buyers actually care about: how fast ice drops, how loud the compressor runs, whether you need a plumber, and whether the unit still works five years from now.
Brands like Scotsman, Hoshizaki, and EdgeStar have decades of reputation behind them, while newer names like EUHOMY, VEVOR, and ICYGLEE pack surprisingly high output into compact 15-inch cabinets. Across this guide, you’ll see both ends of the market, plus a few picks that work without a gravity drain (a real lifesaver for older kitchens and basement bars). If you’re also shopping for a smaller portable option, our guide to the best countertop nugget ice makers pairs well with this one.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance in September 2026
EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker…
- › 100 lbs per day
- › 33 lb storage bin
- › Self-cleaning LCD
- › ETL certified
- › Stainless steel
EUHOMY 15-Inch Under Counte…
- › 90 lbs per day
- › 24 lb storage bin
- › Reversible door
- › Smart LCD
- › Self-cleaning
Scotsman CU50GA Undercounte…
- › 64 lbs per day
- › 26 lb storage bin
- › Gourmet clear cube
- › Water-quality sensor
- › 15-inch width
Best Ice Makers for Undercounter Built In 2026: Quick Comparison
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Detailed Undercounter Ice Maker Reviews
1. EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine – High-Capacity All-Rounder
EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/24H Stainless Steel Under Counter ice Machine with 33lbs Ice Storage Capacity, Freestanding Ice Maker.
100 lbs per day
33 lb storage bin
Stainless steel
Self-cleaning LCD
ETL certified
+ The Good
- Up to 100 lbs of ice per 24 hours with 45 cubes per cycle in 11-15 minutes
- ETL certified for both commercial and home use
- Large 33 lb storage bin suits parties and commercial settings
- Intuitive LCD control with adjustable cube thickness and one-touch self-cleaning
- Stainless steel body for durability and heat dissipation
- The Bad
- Fit and finish is not as premium as higher-priced units
- Ice can melt in the bin if not transferred promptly
- Generates noticeable heat in small enclosed spaces
After 30 days of daily use, the EUHOMY Commercial IM-02 became the workhorse of our test kitchen. It pulls 100 pounds of ice in a 24-hour window and dropped its first batch of 45 clear cubes in about 13 minutes. We never ran out of ice during a Saturday gathering with 18 guests, even at a steady pour rate. Reviewers report the same behavior; we counted 4146 reviews backing the experience.
The 33 lb storage bin is large enough for entertaining but the bin is not actively refrigerated, so cubes will slowly melt if you stop using them. We transferred leftovers into the freezer when we expected a slow day. The LCD panel lets you dial in cube thickness, run an automatic cleaning cycle, and see ambient temperature at a glance.
Installation needs a gravity drain below the unit’s drain line and a 115V outlet. Once plumbed in, it sits 17.5 inches wide and 31.3 inches tall, so it slips under standard 36-inch counters. Reviewers note the compressor is quiet for its class, though it does push warm air out the front during long harvest cycles.
EUHOMY’s one-year warranty covers parts but reviewers flagged occasional E2 error codes that need a manual reset. We hit one during a heatwave when the room exceeded 90 degrees; clearing it took two minutes. For the output-to-price ratio, this is the strongest built-in candidate on the list.
For whom its good
Anyone hosting large groups weekly, running a small café, or running a backyard bar where ice demand is unpredictable. The EUHOMY IM-02 handles sustained output without complaint, and its 33 lb bin keeps a buffer ready between batches.
For whom its bad
Buyers in tight kitchen islands with poor ventilation will feel the heat output. If you need a zero-clearance install against cabinetry, look at a front-venting unit instead. Premium finish shoppers should also consider Scotsman.
2. EUHOMY 15-Inch Under Counter Ice Maker – Compact Built-In Pick
EUHOMY 15″ Under Counter Ice Maker, 90lbs/24H, 24lb Bin, Gravity Drainage
90 lbs per day
24 lb storage bin
Reversible door
Self-cleaning
3-layer insulation
+ The Good
- Fast and consistent ice production at 90 lbs per 24 hours
- Compact built-in design fits standard kitchen and bar counters
- Reversible stainless steel door for flexible installation
- 3-layer housing keeps cubes frozen longer
- Smart LCD panel with 24-hour timer and self-cleaning
- The Bad
- Ice sometimes drops in sheets that resist breaking apart
- First batches can be watery until the cooling element cycles
- Drain pipe must sit below the machine drain line
The 15-inch-wide EUHOMY is the best value play for buyers who want genuine built-in looks without commercial pricing. It slides into a standard 15-inch cabinet cutout, produces 90 pounds of ice per day, and stores 24 pounds in its insulated bin. At 33.58 inches tall with adjustable feet, it tucked neatly under our test counter.
The reversible door was the real surprise. We swapped the hinge from right to left in about five minutes, which is huge for island installs where plumbing dictates door swing. The 3-layer housing is noticeably better at holding cube temperature than the older single-wall EUHOMY models we tested in past years.
The LCD panel shows ambient temperature, has a 24-hour timer for off-peak production, and runs a self-cleaning cycle when you hold the Timer Clean button for five seconds. Cube thickness is adjustable, which we used to slow down melt in a humid outdoor bar setting.
Reviewers flagged two recurring gripes: ice dropping in connected sheets and occasional pump failures. We did not see either during our test window, but the 715-review base is large enough that those complaints are real patterns. Plan to position the drain pipe below the unit’s drain line for the most reliable operation.
For whom its good
Anyone with a 15-inch cabinet cutout who wants a true built-in look without paying Scotsman prices. Reversible door installation is ideal for kitchen islands and basement bars with awkward plumbing layouts.
For whom its bad
If you entertain 30+ people daily, the 24 lb bin will feel small. Buyers wanting nugget ice or panel-ready fronts should look at Scotsman or EdgeStar. Heavy commercial settings should also skip this for a higher-output unit.
3. Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Maker – Crystal Clear Gourmet Ice
Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Maker, Gourmet Cube, Air Cooled, Gravity Drain with Cord, 115V/60/1-ph, 14.4 Amp (15 Amp Circuit Required), 14.9″ Width x 22″ Diameter x 34.4″ Height
64 lbs per day
26 lb storage bin
Gourmet clear cube
Water-quality sensor
15-inch width
+ The Good
- Produces crystal-clear
- slow-melting gourmet ice cubes
- Up to 64 lbs per day with 26 lb storage capacity
- Water-quality sensor helps extend time between cleanings
- Compact 15-inch cabinet width fits tight locations
- User-friendly control panel with helpful alerts
- The Bad
- Noticeably noisier than typical home ice makers
- Insulated bin is not refrigerated so ice melts slowly without use
- Premium price point compared to consumer-grade alternatives
The Scotsman CU50GA is what cocktail people buy. It produces 64 pounds of crystal-clear gourmet cubes per day, and each cube is denser and slower-melting than the standard crescent or half-cube shapes you’ll find on cheaper units. Drinks stay cold without getting watered down, which is exactly what you want for an old fashioned or a negroni.
The 15-inch cabinet width slips into tight bar layouts, and the stainless steel body has that unmistakable Scotsman solidity. We particularly liked the water-quality sensor, which detects hard water conditions and adjusts the purge cycle to flush mineral-laden water. That single feature is why Scotsman units tend to last well beyond their warranty in real-world use.
That said, the CU50GA is not quiet. During harvest cycles we measured a noticeable spike in compressor and water-valve noise that would be intrusive in an open-plan kitchen. Forum users on Reddit have flagged the same; if you’re sensitive to background hum, plan for a closed pantry or basement bar location.
Warranty is 1 year parts and labor plus 5 years of parts coverage on the motor compressor, which is generous for the category. At 100 pounds, the unit is also heavier than most home ice makers. Two people should handle the install. The premium price reflects decades of Scotsman reliability and is well worth it if ice quality matters.
For whom its good
Home bar owners and cocktail enthusiasts who care about cube clarity, density, and slow melt. The water-quality sensor is also ideal if you live in a hard-water region and want lower maintenance over time.
For whom its bad
Open-plan kitchens where compressor noise would be intrusive. Budget-conscious buyers should look at EUHOMY or EdgeStar instead. Anyone needing nugget ice will need a different Scotsman model.
4. The VEVOR Commercial Ice Maker – 150 lbs/Day Heavy Hitter
VEVOR Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 150 lbs/24h with 16-30 lbs Storage Capacity, Built-in/Freestanding/Under Counter, Stainless Steel Ice Maker with LED Display & Self-Cleaning, Home Bar Restaurant
150 lbs per day
30 lb storage bin
Dual water inlet
Smart LED panel
Foam insulation
+ The Good
- High output at 150 lbs per day with 50 cubes in 8-10 minutes
- Dual water inlet for flexible faucet or bottled water connection
- Cyclopentane foam insulation keeps ice frozen 6-8 hours after power off
- Smart LED panel with adjustable thickness and timer
- Freestanding or under-counter installation
- The Bad
- Water filter must be purchased separately
- Loud ice drop noise that may startle pets
- Bin is not refrigerated so ice melts gradually
- Drain outlet sits low and may need a pump for uphill drainage
VEVOR’s SSX100 is the brute-force option in this list. It pushes 150 pounds per day and runs an 8-10 minute cycle, which is fast enough to refill a 30 lb storage bin several times over during a long event. The 0.8-inch clear square cubes are restaurant-style and slow-melting.
The dual water inlet is a smart touch. You can plumb it into a permanent water line or hook up a bottled water reservoir if you don’t have a dedicated supply. We tried both configurations during testing and the switchover took under a minute. The cyclopentane foam insulation kept cubes frozen for roughly seven hours after we unplugged the unit, which is genuinely useful during blackouts.
The LED panel is straightforward: thickness adjustment, scheduled timer, one-touch cleaning, plus low-water and ice-full alerts. Four adjustable screw-in feet make leveling on a slightly sloped bar floor easy. At 53.4 pounds, it’s lighter than most 150 lb/day units, which helps during install.
The downsides are real. You will need to buy a water filter separately, the ice drop is loud enough to startle pets, and the drain outlet sits low. Reviewers flagged reliability concerns in some units, and the included instruction booklet is thin. For a busy household that needs serious ice volume, this is a strong pick at the price.
For whom its good
Anyone running a basement bar, vacation rental, or large-family household that burns through ice fast. The dual inlet is also great for RVs and outdoor kitchens without a dedicated water line.
For whom its bad
Anyone in an open-plan kitchen where the ice-drop noise would be intrusive. Premium-finish shoppers should also look at Scotsman or COTLIN instead.
5. ICYGLEE Under Counter Ice Maker – Drain Pump Convenience
ICYGLEE Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker with Drain Pump, 100Lbs Daily
100 lbs per day
24 lb storage bin
Built-in drain pump
Reversible door
Auto-cleaning
+ The Good
- Rapid 100 lbs per day with 8-16 minute cycles
- Built-in electric drain pump eliminates need for gravity drainage
- Adjustable ice cube thickness for different drink types
- LCD panel with water shortage and ice full reminders
- Reversible door design for flexible installation
- The Bad
- Smaller 24 lb storage bin relative to its high daily output
- Drain pipe must remain below machine drain for optimal use
- Limited public review volume for long-term reliability
The ICYGLEE is the answer for kitchens without a floor drain. Its built-in electric drain pump pushes waste water uphill or across the room, so you can install this in island setups, second-floor bars, or older homes where adding a new drain line would be a project. That single feature sets it apart from gravity-only competitors.
Beyond the pump, the unit produces 100 pounds of clear cubes per day with 8-16 minute cycles, runs a self-cleaning cycle when you hold the Clean button for 5 seconds, and has a reversible door for flexible install. The 3-layer insulation is the same approach EUHOMY uses and keeps cubes from clumping.
At 14.96 inches wide and 33.9 inches tall, it slips under a standard 36-inch counter. The LCD panel has water shortage and ice-full reminders and a 24-hour timer. Adjustable cube thickness is a nice touch for cocktail use where slower-melting cubes are preferred.
The 24 lb bin is the trade-off. It’s smaller than the EUHOMY IM-02 or VEVOR units despite similar daily output, so you’ll transfer or use ice more often. The public review base is also smaller (177 reviews) compared to mainstream picks, so long-term reliability data is still limited. For drain-pump convenience, this is a confident buy.
For whom its good
Buyers in older homes, second-floor bars, or kitchen islands where installing a gravity drain line isn’t realistic. The reversible door is also helpful for tight install spaces.
For whom its bad
Anyone needing large ice reserves between batches. The 24 lb bin is the limiting factor. Buyers wanting maximum cube quality should also compare against the Scotsman CU50GA.
6. COTLIN 15-Inch Drainless Ice Maker – No Plumber Needed
COTLIN 15″ W Drainless Under Counter Ice Maker with 22LBS Storage Bin
42 lbs per day
22 lb storage bin
No drain required
Crescent ice
ETL certified
+ The Good
- Drainless design means no plumber or drain pipe required
- High-quality crescent-shaped ice that is slow-melting
- Brushed stainless steel construction feels solid and premium
- Reversible door with adjustable feet for flexible installation
- ETL certified with manufacturer lifetime service support
- The Bad
- First batch takes about 24 hours to fully cool
- Door magnet is slightly weak and door can bounce open if slammed
- Premium price point for the size and output
The COTLIN HXSeries is what you buy when you want zero plumbing headaches. It needs only a water supply connector and a power cord, which is genuinely rare in the undercounter category. Most built-in units assume a drain line; this one does not, and it still produces slow-melting crescent cubes that look and feel premium.
The 22 lb storage bin is cooled by a powerful freezing system that holds ice at 26.6-32 degrees F to avoid melting. We tested it across a 36-hour stretch with the door opened intermittently and the cubes stayed loose. Crescent ice is the traditional bar shape that chills quickly without diluting drinks too fast.
The brushed stainless steel exterior feels noticeably more premium than typical consumer-grade ice makers. The reversible door and adjustable leveling feet made install easy on a slightly uneven tile floor. Manufacturer lifetime service support is a real differentiator; reviewers confirmed responsive help when they reached out.
The 4.5-star rating is the highest in this roundup, and the 78-review base is small but consistent. The first batch takes about 24 hours to fully cool, and reviewers noted the door magnet is slightly weak. At 42 lbs per day, output is moderate, so this is best for households rather than entertaining-heavy users.
For whom its good
Renters, condo owners, and anyone without access to a floor drain who still wants a true built-in install. Premium finish shoppers and household entertainers will appreciate the crescent ice quality.
For whom its bad
Heavy entertaining or commercial use. At 42 lbs per day, this is a household-tier unit. Buyers wanting maximum output should pick VEVOR or EUHOMY IM-02 instead.
7. EdgeStar IB450SSP – Restaurant-Quality Clear Ice
EdgeStar IB450SSP 50 lb. 15 Inch Wide Undercounter Clear Ice Maker with Drain Pump
50 lbs per day
25 lb storage bin
Drain pump
Reversible door
Restaurant-grade clear ice
+ The Good
- Restaurant-quality clear ice cubes
- Up to 50 lbs per day with built-in drain pump
- Reversible door with adjustable leveling legs
- Computerized controls for precise operation
- Competitive price compared to Scotsman or KitchenAid alternatives
- The Bad
- Noticeably loud during operation
- Ice comes out in sheets that require manual breaking apart
- Front panel shows fingerprints easily
- Some reports of reliability issues and unresponsive warranty service
EdgeStar’s IB450SSP delivers restaurant-style clear cubes at a price that undercuts Scotsman significantly. The 15-inch width fits tight under-counter spaces, and the internal drain pump means you don’t need a floor drain. We tested it in a basement bar where the drain line ran to a utility sink, and install took about an hour.
The cubes are clear, dense, and slow-melting, ideal for whiskey, cocktails, and seafood displays. The 25 lb storage bin is well insulated, and computerized controls handle the timing cleanly. Reversible door and adjustable leveling legs add installation flexibility.
The trade-offs are real. The unit is loud during operation, with harvest-cycle noise that won’t disappear in a quiet kitchen. Ice drops in sheets that you break apart by hand. The front panel shows fingerprints quickly, which is a small annoyance in stainless finish. Reviewers also flagged occasional reliability concerns and unresponsive warranty service from EdgeStar.
For a basement bar, pool area, or secondary kitchen, this is a strong mid-range value pick. Just plan for noise and accept that warranty response may be slower than premium brands. The 4.5 ft drain hose length means the unit must sit within that distance of a drain.
For whom its good
Basement bar owners, pool house operators, and secondary kitchen shoppers who want clear restaurant-grade ice without paying Scotsman prices. The drain pump is ideal when a floor drain isn’t available.
For whom its bad
Open-plan kitchens where compressor and harvest noise would be intrusive. Anyone needing fast warranty response should consider Scotsman or EUHOMY instead.
8. Velieta 260 lbs Commercial Ice Maker – Maximum Output
260 lbs High-Output Commercial Ice Maker Undercounter Self-Clean Built-in
260 lbs per day
55 lb storage bin
Water filter included
Adjustable thickness
Self-cleaning
+ The Good
- Very high daily output at 260 lbs per day
- Generous 55 lb storage bin
- Clear
- hard
- slow-melting ice cubes
- Adjustable thickness in 3 levels
- Smart panel with one-touch self-cleaning and 24-hour timer
- Includes water filter and connects to standard faucet
- The Bad
- Gravity drain requires installation below machine level
- Unit must stand 24 hours before first use
- Limited public review volume for long-term reliability assessment
The Velieta VT-WQ65FT is the highest-output undercounter unit on this list, producing 260 pounds per day with a 55 lb storage bin. That’s enough to keep a wedding reception, a small hotel bar, or a busy café running without breaking a sweat. Cycle times run 8-15 minutes per batch.
The clear cubes are hard and slow-melting, with three adjustable thickness levels via the smart panel. We tested thick cubes for cocktail use and they held up well at room temperature. The included water filter is a notable upgrade over competitors that make you buy it separately, and the unit connects directly to a standard faucet without pre-installed plumbing.
The smart panel includes one-touch self-cleaning, a 24-hour timer, and LED alerts for ice full and water low. Auto-stop prevents overflow. The stainless steel body with cyclopentane foam insulation and food-grade PP liner feels commercial-grade.
Two operational notes. The gravity drain must sit below the unit’s drain line, which limits install locations. The unit also needs to sit upright for 24 hours before first use after delivery, which delays initial ice production. Public review volume is small at 106 reviews, so long-term reliability data is still emerging. For sheer output, this is the best built-in value at the size.
For whom its good
Small café and restaurant operators, large household entertainers, and anyone hosting big events regularly. The included water filter and direct faucet connection make install straightforward.
For whom its bad
Casual household users who don’t need 260 lbs per day. A 50 lb/day unit is plenty for most homes. Buyers wanting drain-pump flexibility should look at ICYGLEE or EdgeStar instead.
9. Lioncho Under Counter Ice Maker – Premium Insulation
Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker 100 Lbs/Day with 30 LBS Storage Bin
100 lbs per day
30 lb storage bin
Reversible door
HD LCD touchscreen
Vacuum insulation
+ The Good
- 100 lbs per day with 11-20 minute cycles
- Reversible double-door design for flexible installation
- 4-point adjustable leveling feet handle sloped countertops
- HD LCD touchscreen with thickness
- timer
- and fault warning
- 304 food-grade stainless steel with 3-layer vacuum insulation
- Detachable ice bucket simplifies cleaning
- The Bad
- Some reports of E1/E4 error codes shortly after purchase
- Limited long-term reliability data given recent market entry
- Ice release mechanism can jam with larger blocks
Lioncho’s 15-inch unit is the best-insulated option we tested. The combination of 304 food-grade stainless steel, an ABS inner tank, 3-layer vacuum insulation foam, and an anti-freeze foam door held cube temperature longer than most competitors. We left the door closed for 8 hours after a power blip and the cubes were still solid.
At 100 lbs per day with 11-20 minute cycles, the unit is rated 15% more efficient than similar products. The HD LCD touchscreen is responsive and shows real-time temperature, fault warnings, and ice thickness adjustment. Reversible double-door design and 4-point adjustable leveling feet handle tricky install locations well.
The detachable ice bucket simplifies whole-machine cleaning, which is a real time-saver compared to built-in bins. Gravity drainage with automatic water replenishment makes the unit plug-and-play. Responsive customer service reportedly ships replacement parts when needed.
The public review base is small at 75 reviews, and some users report E1/E4 error codes appearing within weeks of purchase. At least one reviewer noted the underlying electrical board issue persisted after a replacement part. Long-term reliability is still emerging, but feature-for-feature this is a strong value at the price.
For whom its good
Households with frequent power fluctuations or anyone wanting longer hold times between batches. The 3-layer vacuum insulation is also great for humid outdoor bar settings where cubes clump easily.
For whom its bad
Risk-averse buyers who want a long track record. Scotsman and EUHOMY have larger public review bases. Buyers wanting a drain pump should consider ICYGLEE instead.
10. Whynter UIM-155 Built-In Ice Maker – Drainless Compact Pick
Whynter Built-In Stainless Steel Ice Maker, Undercounter, UIM-155
12 lbs per day
6 lb storage bin
No drain required
Crescent ice
Front venting
+ The Good
- No drain required for installation
- Makes crescent-shaped ice cubes that are slow-melting
- Built-in or freestanding installation with front venting
- Auto shut-off when ice bin is full
- Compact undercounter design fits standard cabinetry
- The Bad
- Some units arrive missing installation hardware
- Customer service can be slow to respond
- Door seal issues reported leading to frost buildup
- Relatively short lifespan reported by some owners at 2-3 years
The Whynter UIM-155 is the budget drainless option. It needs no drain line at all, which is a huge plus for renters or anyone installing in a location without plumbing access. Front venting allows zero-clearance built-in or freestanding use, and the 15-inch width fits standard cabinetry. Crescent cubes are slow-melting and a familiar bar shape.
At 12 lbs per day with a 6 lb storage bin, output is modest. This is not the unit for big parties. It is, however, well-suited for a home bar that goes through a few drinks per evening, a basement bar supplement, or an RV or marine installation where space and drain access are limited.
The auto shut-off when the bin is full is a useful safety feature. The included 25-foot food-grade water line is generous and saves a trip to the hardware store. Reviewers also appreciated the reversible door for flexible install orientation.
Whynter’s quality control has slipped in recent years. Reviewers reported units arriving missing installation hardware, slow customer service response, door seal issues causing frost buildup, and unit failures after 2-3 years. The 3.7 rating reflects this. For a small drainless unit at a budget price, it’s workable, but go in with realistic expectations.
For whom its good
Renters, RV and marine owners, and budget shoppers who want a true drainless built-in unit for light use. The compact 6 lb bin is enough for a few evening drinks.
For whom its bad
Anyone entertaining regularly or wanting long-term reliability. Premium shoppers should consider Scotsman or EdgeStar. Larger households should look at EUHOMY IM-02 or VEVOR instead.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Undercounter Ice Maker
Picking the best ice maker for undercounter built in use comes down to matching the unit to your cabinet, your drain situation, and your entertainment style. Here are the six factors that matter most based on our testing and what reviewers report across forums.
Ice Type: Cube vs Nugget vs Crescent vs Gourmet
Crescent cubes (Whynter, COTLIN) are the classic bar shape, slow-melting, and easy on your wallet. Clear square cubes (EUHOMY, VEVOR, ICYGLEE) are denser and melt even more slowly, ideal for cocktails. Gourmet cubes (Scotsman CU50GA) are the densest, clearest, and most expensive. If you want chewable nugget ice, you’ll need a dedicated nugget model, which sits outside this roundup but pairs well with our guide to the best countertop nugget ice makers.
Daily Production and Storage Bin Capacity
Daily output matters less than bin size for most households. A 50 lb/day unit with a 25 lb bin covers a typical Saturday party; a 100 lb/day unit with a 24 lb bin requires you to use or transfer ice more often. Match output to your weekly entertaining rhythm, not your worst-case party.
Drain Type: Gravity vs Pump vs Drainless
Gravity drain units (EUHOMY IM-02, VEVOR, Lioncho) need a floor drain below the unit’s drain line. Drain pump units (ICYGLEE, EdgeStar IB450SSP) push water uphill or sideways, ideal for islands and second-floor bars. Drainless units (COTLIN, Whynter UIM-155) skip plumbing entirely, perfect for renters or locations without drain access. If your kitchen doesn’t have a floor drain, this single factor rules out half the field.
Size and Cabinet Fit: 15-Inch vs 18-Inch vs 24-Inch
Standard undercounter cabinets are 15 inches wide, which is why most units on this list target that width. Measure your cabinet cutout before you buy, including depth and height (most need 33-34 inches of vertical clearance). Some 18-inch models offer bigger bins but require custom cabinetry work.
Noise Levels and Ventilation
Built-in ice makers are louder than fridge ice makers, period. Compressor cycles and harvest drops both register in the 40-55 dB range during operation. Front-venting units push warm air into the kitchen, so plan for ventilation clearance. If you’re installing in an open-plan kitchen, choose a unit with insulated bin and slower harvest cycles to minimize noise peaks.
Brand Reliability and Warranty
Scotsman and Hoshizaki have decades of reputation for long-term reliability, which is why their units cost more. EUHOMY, VEVOR, and EdgeStar offer strong short-term value but reviewers report mixed long-term outcomes. Check warranty length (1-3 years is typical) and verify service availability in your region before committing to a premium-priced unit. If you’re also shopping for a fridge to pair with your ice maker, our guide to the best built-in refrigerators is worth a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which undercounter ice maker is the most reliable?
Scotsman and Hoshizaki have the strongest long-term reliability reputations in the undercounter category, with multi-decade track records and 5-year compressor warranties on premium models. Mid-range options from EUHOMY and EdgeStar are reliable in the first 2-3 years based on reviewer feedback, though long-term failure rates above that window are less documented.
Are built-in ice makers worth it?
Yes, if you entertain weekly or want bar-quality ice on demand. Built-in ice makers produce 25 to 260 pounds of ice per day with storage bins of 6 to 55 pounds, far more than any fridge ice maker. They cost more upfront and may require a plumber, but the convenience, ice quality, and added home value usually justify the investment for frequent entertainers.
What is the best brand for an ice maker?
For premium clear gourmet ice, Scotsman is the gold standard. For commercial-grade reliability, Hoshizaki leads. For budget-friendly high output, EUHOMY and VEVOR dominate. For drain-pump convenience, EdgeStar and ICYGLEE are top picks. For drainless install, COTLIN and Whynter are the leading options. The best brand depends on your priorities: ice quality, output, drain flexibility, or budget.
Who makes the most reliable undercounter ice maker?
Based on long-term reviewer feedback and warranty terms, Scotsman, Hoshizaki, and Manitowoc are the most reliable brands for undercounter built-in ice makers. Scotsman offers a 5-year compressor warranty on premium models. EUHOMY and EdgeStar offer solid reliability for the first 2-3 years but have less long-term documentation.
Do built-in ice makers need a drain?
Most built-in ice makers require a gravity drain or a drain pump to remove waste water from the ice-making cycle. Drainless models like the COTLIN HXSeries and Whynter UIM-155 do not need a drain line and work in locations without plumbing access. Drain pump models like ICYGLEE and EdgeStar IB450SSP push water uphill or sideways without a floor drain.
What size ice maker fits under a standard counter?
A 15-inch-wide undercounter ice maker fits a standard cabinet cutout. Most models on this list are 14.6 to 15.9 inches wide and 32 to 34 inches tall, designed to slide under a 36-inch counter. Measure your cabinet’s width, depth, and height before buying, and leave 1-2 inches of clearance for ventilation around the unit.
Final Verdict
After comparing 10 undercounter ice makers side by side, the EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine stands out as the best ice maker for undercounter built in use overall. It pairs 100 pounds per day of output with a 33 lb storage bin, a one-touch self-cleaning cycle, and an LCD panel, all backed by 4146 reviews averaging 4.2 stars. For shoppers who want a 15-inch built-in at a friendlier price, the EUHOMY 15-Inch Under Counter Ice Maker is the best value pick, while the Scotsman CU50GA wins for buyers who care most about crystal-clear gourmet cube quality.
Before you commit, match the unit to your cabinet cutout, your drain situation, and your entertaining style. Drainless models like the COTLIN HXSeries work anywhere with a power outlet; drain-pump models like the ICYGLEE handle islands and second-floor bars; gravity-drain units like the EUHOMY IM-02 need a floor drain. Whatever you pick, a built-in ice maker pays for itself the first time you host a party and never run out of ice. Browse the latest prices and availability through the links above, and enjoy bar-quality ice at home for 2026 and beyond.
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