Upgrade Your Home Bar With an Undercounter Ice Maker — These Are the 4 Best (2024)

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

An ice maker will be an investment no matter the price point, but this commercial-grade option from Costway costs half of the average model. Each ice cycle lasts between seven to 11 minutes, producing 40 cubes at a time — a nice pace for replenishing your supply if you’re serving agua fresca or punch at a party. It holds 25 pounds of ice at once, and it can make a whopping 80 pounds of ice per day. The sleek, stainless steel design of this model looks fantastic as a built-in addition, and the door is reversible so you can install it to your preference.

An LCD panel control lets you set ice thickness, a timer, self-cleaning mode, and auto-deicing at the touch of a button. A removable ice bucket, ice scoop, and water inlet and outlet hoses are included for easy setup and installation out of the box.

• Dimensions: 33.5 (H) x 15 (W) x 20.3 (D) inches
• Ice Storage Capacity: 25 pounds
• Ice Production: 80 pounds
• Ice Shape: Crescent

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
• Ice Production: 22.8 pounds
• Ice Shape: Cube

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
• Ice Production: 23 pounds
• Ice Shape: Crescent

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.