Nothing Ruins a co*cktail Party Like Running Out of Ice — These Are Our Favorite Under-Counter Ice Makers (2024)

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What to Buy

Never run out of ice again.

Bernadette Machard de Gramont

Bernadette Machard de Gramont is a freelance writer specializing in food, wine, and kitchen products, specifically cookware.

Updated on May 21, 2024

Depending on the size of your household or how frequently you entertain, the ice maker in your freezer may not keep up with your needs. For a steady supply of cubes (or another shape of ice) to keep drinks chilled or fill an ice chest, invest in an ice maker. These appliances make more ice than the average freezer, and some churn out the dense, clear ice that you'd otherwise use an ice mold to achieve.

Best Overall

Whirlpool Built-In Ice Maker

$2,248 at Home Depot $2,249 at Lowe's $2,250 at Appliancesconnection.com

This top-rated ice maker from Whirlpool will let you hold up to 25 pounds of ice at a time, more than enough to cool down a pitcher of mint lemonade. This model uses special freezing technology to make clear ice cubes that are very dense and free of air bubbles, which means slower melting. If you’re running low on ice, use the Fast Ice setting to help speed up production. While this machine doesn’t come with a filter, you can purchase one separately for a quick and painless installation.

This ice maker is equipped with LED interior lighting so you can easily check on ice levels and also has a self-cleaning cycle for easy maintenance. Available in black, white, and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finishes, it fits seamlessly into any decor scheme. It’s also fingerprint-resistant. The reversible door offers even more flexibility and it can be installed under the counter or used as a free-standing unit in your garage or bar area.

Dimensions: 33.63 (H) x 15 (W) x 25.38 (D) inches| Ice Storage Capacity: 25 pounds | Daily Ice Production: 50 pounds | Ice Shape: Cube

Best Value

Costway Built-In Ice Maker

Best Splurge

KitchenAid Built-In Cubed Ice Maker

$2,249 at Lowe's $2,378 at Home Depot View on Appliancesconnection.com

When design matters as much as performance, this model from KitchenAid is an excellent choice. Its stylish construction allows it to sit flush with cabinets, providing an effortless integration into the kitchen. For finishes, choose between stainless steel, black, and a panel-ready version that can blend into the cabinets completely. A sturdy handle also doubles as a towel bar, and the door can be installed with either a right or left hinge, depending on your access needs.

While this ice maker gets points for aesthetics, its clear ice technology also impresses. Its dense, long-lasting cubes are perfect for co*cktails. The Max Ice cycle runs 56% faster than the normal cycle, perfect for when you need to replenish your supply during especially hot days or when entertaining. This model is filter-ready and equipped with a factory-installed drain pump to keep things flowing, as well as a self-cleaning cycle for easy upkeep.

Dimensions: 34.06 (H) x 14.88 (W) x 25.38 (D) inches | Ice Storage Capacity: 25 pounds | Daily Ice Production: 22.8 pounds | Ice Shape: Cube

Best Outdoor

Hoshizaki AM-50BAJ Ice Maker

$2,830 at Amazon

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when entertaining outdoors is running out of ice. For maximum convenience, consider an outdoor-rated ice machine, like this one from Japanese brand Hoshizaki. It makes ice with a unique top hat shape and holds 22 pounds of it at once. To keep up with refills, it's best in ambient temperatures between 45 and 100°F, though the higher the outdoor temperature, the slower the process. It can produce up to 51 pounds in a day, but in temperatures around 70 to 90°F, this will probably look like 35 pounds of ice, according to the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

You don't want to install it right next to a built-in grill or an oven because of how hot these appliances get. You can, however, install it in a tight space without needing to leave room on the sides for it to breathe, as air flows in and out from the front of this ice machine. The water circuit is removable when it's time to clean.

Dimensions: 33.5 (H) x 14.88 (W) x 22.63 (D) inches | Ice Storage Capacity: 22 pounds | Daily Ice Production: 51 pounds | Ice Shape: "Top hat" cube

Best Small

Whynter Ice Maker

$1,050 at Williams-Sonoma $974 at Wayfair $950 at Best Buy

Designed for use on an RV, boat, or yacht, this compact ice maker from Whynter will ensure you always have fresh cubes on hand. Despite its small size, it has a 12-pound ice bin capacity and can produce 23 pounds of crescent-shaped ice in less than 24 hours. When the ice bin has reached its limit, it has an automatic shutoff to prevent overfilling. It’s also built to keep ice frozen, so no drain fitting is needed.

A reversible door can be installed to open left or right, and it also has a latch lock to ensure the fridge stays closed when the boat or RV is in motion. Its stainless steel hardware is easy to maintain and built to last with a corrosion-resistant, marine-grade finish; again, Whynter has boats in mind. It’s ready to install as is, or you can purchase an additional kit for flush-to-cabinet or flush-to-door alignment for a more streamlined look. You can also use it as a freestanding appliance.

Dimensions: 24.5 (H) x 14 (W) x 16.25 (D) inches | Ice Storage Capacity: 12 pounds | Daily Ice Production: 23 pounds | Ice Shape: Crescent

Factors to Consider

Capacity

The size of the ice maker’s storage bin will determine how much ice you can have on hand at a time. That means for larger households and those that like to entertain, the bigger, the better. An equally important consideration is the ice maker’s production capacity—check how much ice the unit can generate in a 24 hour period to decide if it meets your needs.

Ice Type

If you have a specific ice preference, this is a factor you should pay close attention to. Machines can make cubes, crescents, nugget ice, chips, and more, with each shape suited to a particular use. For example, cubes are most popular for icing drinks, while nugget ice is a little softer, chewable, and works well for blended co*cktails and smoothies. Some models also make clear ice, which is more dense and free of impurities, making it denser and longer lasting.

Cooling System

Ice makers use either air or water to cool their refrigeration systems. Air-cooled ice machines are typically more energy efficient, but they require more clearance and require adequate ambient air circulation. Water-cooled machines are great for areas that might have a significant amount of particles or grease in the air, poor circulation, or limited space; the drawback is that they require a lot of water to run, which may result in higher operating costs.

Drainage

Almost every ice maker will need some sort of drainage system to drain off any melted ice and condensation, typically either a gravity drain or drain pump. A gravity drain requires a drain that is located within two feet of the ice machine to work properly. If that isn’t available, a drain pump will help move water from further away to the nearest drainage point. Double check which one your selected ice maker has before committing to a model to see if it’s compatible with your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you install an under-counter ice maker?

While many models will come with do-it-yourself installation instructions, it can get tricky when it comes to hooking into a water line or setting up a drainage system. If you’re not familiar with installing built-in appliances, it’s best to call a professional to ensure proper installation.
How do you clean an under-counter ice maker?

Many of the newer ice makers have self-cleaning options that should be run regularly. If it does not have that option, you can defrost and thoroughly clean the inside with mild soap and water. You will also want to regularly vacuum dust and dirt from the condenser, and wipe down the exterior. For more detailed cleaning instructions, consult your machine’s instruction manual.
How long does an under-counter ice maker take to make ice?

This depends on each machine. Some can produce ice in anywhere from 12 to 20 minutes, while others may take a little longer. Most machines will specify how much ice they can make in a 24 hour period, which can also vary depending on the ambient temperature — an ice maker may work slower in the heat of summer if your house tends to run warm.
Does an under-counter ice maker need a filter to work?

No, though many higher-end commercial ice makers may come with a pre-installed filter to remove impurities and sediment to make clearer, cleaner, denser ice. Some models also have the option to add a filter, but it isn’t required.
How long should an under-counter ice maker last?

Under-counter ice makers are an investment, but you should expect to get at least 10 years out of a quality model. Caring for it properly, including cleaning it as recommended, can help its lifespan.

Our Expertise

Bernadette Machard de Gramont is an LA-based freelance writer specializing in food, wine, and kitchen products. After a two-year stint at Williams Sonoma headquarters in San Francisco, she now researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and interviews field experts for their insight.

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