At a Glance:
An Undercounter Ice Maker, Explained
Pros and Cons of an Undercounter Ice Maker
6 Recommended Undercounter Ice Makers
As summertime rolls around, investing in an undercounter ice maker can raise your entertaining game more than you’d expect. For serving icy drinks, packing a beach cooler, and making ice in your outdoor kitchen, an undercounter ice maker will produce more than enough ice to keep you stocked up.
In this article, we’ll explain what to look for when buying an undercounter ice maker, explore the pros and cons, and recommend six of our favorite undercounter ice makers from John’s Appliance & Bedding.
Explore Undercounter Ice Maker Deals
Discover undercounter ice makers from today’s best brands including Perlick and GE!
Undercounter Ice MakersAn Undercounter Ice Maker, Explained
An undercounter ice maker provides a more powerful alternative to refrigerator ice makers and countertop ice makers.
Best Brands
At John’s Appliance & Bedding, we offer a selection of undercounter ice makers from familiar and trusted brands like KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and GE. JennAir offers a luxury option, while Scotsman is the world’s leading ice machine manufacturer.
Average Cost
Our top picks range from $1,500 to just over $5,000. Panel ready and indoor/outdoor ice makers tend to be more expensive options.
What to Look for When Buying
Here are a few key features that vary across brands, so you’ll want to pay special attention when comparing individual models.
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Installation Procedure: Research the water line, hose, pump, and drain requirements for each model.
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Ice Shape: If this is important to you, make sure you know what shape of ice each machine produces.
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Ice Production vs Ice Storage: Undercounter ice makers can produce more pounds of ice in a day than they can actually store, so pay attention to both measurements.
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Indoor/Outdoor Installation: Some models can be installed indoors or outdoors.
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Built-in vs Freestanding: Most models can be installed either way, depending on what you prefer.
Pros and Cons of an Undercounter Ice Maker
Let’s explore the pros and cons of an undercounter ice maker vs countertop or traditional refrigerator ice maker.
Pros
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Higher ice production: The most obvious pro is that undercounter ice makers produce more ice than a refrigerator or countertop ice makers.
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Clearer ice: Undercounter ice makers use a different freezing method than your refrigerator, resulting in clearer ice.
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Specially shaped ice: Enjoy specially shaped ice, like nugget ice, that is great for crunching.
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Built-in and panel ready options for a custom look: Many of our top picks can be seamlessly integrated into your cabinetry or be installed as a freestanding ice maker. Additionally, panel ready options allow you to flawlessly weave your ice maker into your overall kitchen design.
Cons
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Typically require a water line and drain: Be sure to research the installation method for the ice maker you’re interested in. Professional installation may be required.
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More expensive than countertop ice makers: Undercounter ice makers are larger and, therefore, more expensive than smaller countertop ice makers.
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Less portable than countertop ice makers: Undercounter ice makers take up more space and are far less portable than countertop ice makers both because of size and installation requirements.
6 Recommended Undercounter Ice Makers
Check out five of John’s Appliance & Bedding’s customer favorites from multiple brands to make you plenty of ice to keep your drinks chill through the summer.
Silhouette 15” Stainless Steel Under the Counter Ice Maker
The Silhouette 15” Stainless Steel Under the Counter Ice Maker produces an impressive 32 pounds of ice each day, so you’ll never be in danger of running out. You get to choose from three cube sizes, depending on your needs. Whether you’re making cocktails, packing a cooler, or entertaining the whole family for Thanksgiving, this 15” undercounter ice maker is an excellent option. We love its sleek, simple appearance and slim design to fit into narrow spaces.
✅Best Undercounter Ice Maker for up to 32 pounds of ice per day
Whirlpool 15” Stainless Steel Ice Maker
The Whirlpool 15” Stainless Steel Ice Maker is available in stainless steel, black, or white finishes. The product testers at The Spruce named this Whirlpool undercounter ice maker the Best Overall in a list of 9 of the best home ice makers. It can store up to 25 pounds of ice (but produce up to 50 pounds per day), and Clear Ice Technology produces ice that is free from the bubbles and impurities that typically cause ice to cloud your drink. If you have guests on the way, you can choose the Fast Ice Option to speed up ice production. You get to choose whether to use this as a freestanding ice maker or install it under your counter. In terms of convenience, we love the fingerprint resistant finish and self cleaning cycle.
✅Best Undercounter Ice Maker for crystal clear ice with a Fast Ice Option and self cleaning cycle
What Customers Are Saying:
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"Bought a month ago to replace my old freestanding ice machine. This was reasonably priced and makes crystal clear nice small cubes. It also replenishes quickly. I love it. It’s so convenient. It’s funny that when people come to my house they always comment on what “good ice” we have."
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"Excellent ice machine!!! I have had one of these installed in the last 3 homes I have lived it. Love it!"
KitchenAid 18” Stainless Steel with PrintShield Finish Automatic Ice Maker
The KitchenAid 18” Stainless Steel with PrintShield Finish Automatic Ice Maker can hold up to 35 pounds of ice, so it is a dream for the entertainer. True Flush Installation allows this ice maker to blend with surrounding cabinetry for a built-in look. This 18” undercounter ice maker utilizes Clear Ice Technology for clear, uniform cubes. We love the Max Ice mode, which produces ice 56 percent faster than the normal mode. A filter is not required, but if you want ice with improved taste and clarity, there is a dedicated place for a filter. The Drop-Down Door design allows easy installation, so you don’t have to account for a hinge.
✅Best Undercounter Ice Maker for an affordable and refined built-in look
What Customers Are Saying:
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"I’ve owned ice makers for the last 30 years. This Kitchen Aid 18” model with the built in water filter is the best so far. Perfect small crystal clear cubes that don’t smell or have a weird taste like my refrigerator cubes."
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"We purchased this ice maker for our rental beach home which we obviously share with other families. This baby began making ice immediately and has remained filled since. AWESOME!"
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"I bought this a couple of months ago after doing extensive research on ice makers. It works quietly and stores ice well. The price was mid-range compared to other products. I couldn’t be more satisfied with my purchase."
Avanti Elite Series 15” Stainless Steel Outdoor Ice Maker
The Avanti Elite Series 15” Stainless Steel Outdoor Ice Maker can produce up to 50 pounds of ice per day and store up to 25 pounds. You can use it inside or install it in your outdoor space. We love the self cleaning function and adjustable cube weight on this Avanti undercounter ice maker. If you’re looking for an understated and sleek ice maker, this is an excellent choice.
✅Best Undercounter Ice Maker for outdoor spaces
KitchenAid 15” Stainless Steel with PrintShield Finish Automatic Ice Maker
The KitchenAid 15” Stainless Steel with PrintShield Finish Automatic Ice Maker is available in fingerprint resistant stainless steel, black stainless steel, or a panel ready version. For a built-in look, the Fully Flush installation allows you to integrate this KitchenAid undercounter ice maker seamlessly into your cabinetry. The built-in drain pump system allows this ice maker to be installed nearly anywhere in the home within 100 feet of an under-sink drain line. We love the Clear Ice Technology, self cleaning cycle, and Max Ice for when you have a full house.
✅Best Undercounter Ice Maker for…a built-in look with flexible installation and multiple finishes
What Customers Are Saying:
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"I love having plenty of clear ice at my disposal. The ice maker works perfectly."
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"This is the third one of these we’ve purchased. All at different houses. Works great. Easy to maintain. Highly recommend."
JennAir 15” Panel Ready Undercounter Ice Maker
The JennAir 15” Panel Ready Undercounter Ice Maker is an undercounter ice maker panel ready for your custom kitchen. Stealth Flush Design allows this ice maker to blend seamlessly with your cabinetry. We love the slow melting, crystalline ice. The Max Ice option allows you to keep the party going as long as you want. The auto shut-off feature stops producing ice when the bin is full, while frost-free operation eliminates the need to defrost. This Jenn Air undercounter ice maker is an excellent choice for convenience and elegant style.
✅Best Undercounter Ice Maker for a panel ready ice maker with slow melting ice
Never run out of ice this summer with an undercounter ice maker. Whether hiding it behind custom cabinet panels or letting the stainless steel shine, an undercounter ice maker is a great option for families who love to entertain or beverage enthusiasts who love everything from iced coffee to craft cocktails. Inside or outside, an undercounter ice maker from John’s Appliance and Bedding might very well become your family’s new favorite appliance.
Why Trust John’s Appliance & Bedding?
Our family-owned and operated store started with a pick-up truck and a dream. When John Hinton Jr. first opened his storefront in 1972, he never envisioned that over the next 50 years, he would outgrow his flagship location and need to open several other locations. However, that’s just what he did.
Thanks to John and his team, John’s Appliance & Bedding has been able to provide our customers with the best appliances, mattresses, and cabinet solutions in South Florida. We view our customers as an extension of our family and seek to provide the best service and expertise that we always have.
Shop Undercounter Ice Makers at John’s Appliance & Bedding
At John’s Appliance & Bedding, we provide high-quality, name-brand products for the best possible price. Shop undercounter ice makers online or visit one of our four South Florida showrooms and experience world-class customer service. Our friendly product experts are always happy to help you find the perfect undercounter ice maker for your indoor or outdoor space — whether you call us, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.