Is an undercounter ice maker worth it? For a home bar, a wet bar, a kitchen island or a small commercial space, yes — these machines make 15 to 120 pounds of ice a day, day after day, and they do it faster and cheaper per pound than a refrigerator ice bucket ever will. The catch is installation, not performance: almost every unit under 30 inches tall needs a water supply line, and most of them need somewhere for the melt water to go.
We put 12 of the best undercounter ice makers through their specifications, owner reviews and install requirements to find the ones worth your cabinet space. The list runs from a 15 lbs-per-day built-in for a small condo bar to a 120 lbs-per-day commercial unit that keeps up with a busy patio. Every pick below includes the honest drawback, not just the headline number.
Two numbers decide almost everything, and buyers constantly confuse them. Daily ice production is the maximum a machine can make in 24 hours under ideal conditions; it is not what lands in your glass. Bin capacity is how much ice sits waiting for you at once. A machine that makes 110 lbs a day with a 20 lb bin will empty itself faster than you can drink; a 15 lbs-per-day unit with a 12 lb bin will quietly keep a small bar supplied all evening.
One more expectation to set before you read on: the storage bin is not a freezer. Ice in a warm cabinet melts, the melt water drains away, and the machine refills the bin automatically. That is normal behaviour, not a fault, and it is the single biggest reason a large commercial unit can disappoint a buyer who expected a chest freezer.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Undercounter Ice Makers in 2026
EUHOMY 100lbs/24H Undercounter Ice Maker
- 100 lbs of ice per 24 hours
- 33 lb storage bin
- LCD panel with adjustable thickness
- ETL certified
- gravity drainage
Icyglee 100lbs/24H Ice Maker with Drain Pump
- 100 lbs per day
- 24 lb bin
- electric drain pump
- adjustable cube thickness
- reversible door
- 24-hour timer
Velieta 110lbs/24H Compact Ice Maker
- 110 lbs per day
- 20 lb bin
- smallest footprint at 13.26 inch wide
- water filter included
- three ice thickness levels
Best Undercounter Ice Makers (October 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| EUHOMY 100lbs/24H Commercial Undercounter Ice Maker |
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 EUHOMY 15 Inch 90lbs/24H Under Counter Ice Maker |
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 VEVOR 120lbs/24h Commercial Ice Maker |
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 COWSAR 100lbs/24H Undercounter Ice Maker |
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 COSTWAY 110lbs/24H 15 Inch Ice Maker |
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 COTLIN 15 Inch Drainless Undercounter Ice Maker |
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 ICEVIVAL 84 Lb/Day Under Counter Ice Maker |
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 Electactic Nugget Ice Machine |
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 EdgeStar 15 Inch Built-In Ice Maker 12 Lb Bin |
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| Icyglee 100Lbs Daily Under Counter Ice Maker with Drain Pump |
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 Mojgar 100lbs/24H Commercial Ice Maker |
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| Velieta 110lbs Commercial Ice Maker Built-in Freestanding |
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1. EUHOMY 100lbs/24H Undercounter Ice Maker – Best Overall
EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/24H Stainless Steel Under Counter ice Machine with 33lbs Ice Storage Capacity, Freestanding Ice Maker.
100 lbs/24h output
33 lb storage bin
15.96 x 17.52 x 31.3 in
115V, 198W, R290a
Pros
- Largest review base in this roundup with 4140 ratings
- 100 lbs of ice per 24 hours
- 33 lb built-in bin with overflow prevention
- ETL certified for home and commercial use
- LCD panel with adjustable thickness and one-touch cleaning
Cons
- Gravity drainage only with no pump included
- must stand upright for 24 hours before first use
- one-year manufacturer warranty only
This is the machine I would put in a house that entertains seriously, and the reason is not the 100 lbs figure. It is the 33 lb bin, the largest storage capacity of any unit here apart from the COWSAR, which means a full evening of drinks does not leave you scooping from an empty bucket.
Production runs in cycles of about 11 to 15 minutes, dropping 45 cubes at a time. Owners consistently single out the LCD panel, which shows ambient temperature and lets you dial ice thickness up or down, plus a one-touch cleaning function that takes the scrubbing out of the routine.
The stainless steel body runs on R290a refrigerant at 115 volts and draws 198 watts, so it can share a normal kitchen circuit rather than needing a dedicated feed. At 15.96 inches deep by 17.52 inches wide and 31.3 inches tall, it slots under a standard-height counter or stands on its own in a garage or bar area.
It is ETL certified for both household and commercial applications, which is unusual at this size and matters if you ever move the unit to a business.
What 100 lbs a day actually feels like at home
For a household, 100 lbs per day is generous headroom rather than a target. Manufacturer sizing guidance across the industry lands on 1.5 to 2 lbs of ice per person for a gathering, so 100 lbs covers a 60-person event with room to spare, or steady domestic use for a family that is home a lot.
The practical benefit is recovery. If you dump a full bin into a cooler for a party, the machine refills at roughly 4 lbs an hour, meaning the bin is back to full before the last guests arrive.
Where the gravity drain catches people out
This is the one real constraint. There is no pump in the box, so the drain hose must run to a floor drain or a sink that sits below the machine’s drain outlet. If your cabinet sits above a finished floor with no drain nearby, this is the wrong unit and you should read further down the list.
Also note the 24-hour settling rule: leave it upright for a full day after delivery before you plug it in, or the refrigerant will not sit correctly in the compressor.
2. EUHOMY 15 Inch 90lbs/24H Under Counter Ice Maker – Best 15-Inch Retrofit
EUHOMY 15″ Under Counter Ice Maker, 90lbs/24H, 24lb Bin, Gravity Drainage
90 lbs/24h output
24 lb storage bin
20.39 x 14.96 x 33.58 in
115V, 203W, R290a
Pros
- Genuinely 15-inch wide for retrofit into standard cabinetry
- 90 lbs of ice per 24 hours in 11-20 minute cycles
- reversible door hinge for left or right opening
- three-layer housing slows melting
- LCD panel with cube size and 24-hour timer
Cons
- Ice drops as a sheet and does not break apart easily
- water supply line and a below-grade drain pipe are both required
- several reviews report water pump failures within 8-12 months
Most machines advertised as 15-inch units are 15 inches tall, not wide. This one measures 14.96 inches wide, which means it drops into an actual 15-inch cabinet opening instead of fighting for the space beside one.
It works both ways: built into the run under a counter, or freestanding on its own feet when the plumbing is more accessible that way. The reversible stainless door means the hinge can face whichever direction your cabinet run requires.
Owners rate it highly for output speed and for quiet running, with several noting it serves a family of six without complaint all day. The LCD panel handles ambient temperature, cube thickness and a 24-hour timer, and a five-second hold on the Timer Clean button runs the self-cleaning cycle.
Dimensions are 20.39 inches deep by 14.96 wide by 33.58 tall, so check the depth clearance under your counter as well as the width.
Fit and cabinet clearance in a 15-inch opening
Measure the opening, not the cabinet door. You need roughly 15 inches of width plus a little tolerance, enough vertical room for a 33.58-inch body, and a front or top vent path that is not blocked by a toe kick. Front ventilation is what lets it sit inside a cabinet rather than in an open bay.
If the cavity is tight, remember the water line and drain still have to enter from somewhere. A 15-inch box with two hoses coming out of the back is doable, but plan the routing before the machine is ordered.
Pump durability is the thing to watch
This is the honest drawback, and it is not small. Multiple reviews describe a water pump failing between 8 and 12 months, along with difficulty reaching live customer support. Some owners report the brand did replace a unit under warranty, so it is not a universal failure, but the pattern is repeated often enough that you should expect to service the pump at least once.
Buy a scale-inhibiting inline filter while you are at it. It is the cheapest insurance against the pump and the water lines.
3. VEVOR 120lbs/24h Commercial Ice Maker – Best High Output
VEVOR Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 120 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
120 lbs/24h output
16-30 lb adjustable bin
15.16 x 15.75 x 29.88 in
110V, 290W, R290a
Pros
- Highest daily output of any unit in this roundup at 120 lbs
- 36 cubes every 8-10 minutes
- dual water inlet accepts tap or bottled water
- cyclopentane foam insulation holds ice 6-8 hours powered off
- LED panel with thickness control
- timer and status alerts
Cons
- Bin is not a freezer so ice melts quickly in a warm room
- no water filter included and one must be added separately
- drain outlet sits low so waste water may need pumping
- audible when ice drops
Out of the box this is the fastest ice production in the group: 36 cubes in 8 to 10 minutes, 120 lbs across a full day. For a home bar that doubles as rental space, or a small bar that cannot wait on a bin refill during service, that headroom is the entire point.
The dual water inlet is a genuinely useful detail. It accepts a plumbed tap line or top-load bottled water, so if your cabinet run has no water supply you can still run the machine rather than leaving it uninstalled.
It is also the quietest of the high-output units in terms of specification, drawing 290 watts on 110 volts, and the box includes a drain hose, an inlet hose, a stainless steel scoop and a user manual.
Storage is adjustable between 16 and 30 lbs, which is a range you will not find on most competitors and lets you trade bin size against ice thickness as needed.
Output beyond what a home bar needs
Be honest about whether you need 120 lbs a day. If you are hosting 20 people on a weekend and filling one cooler, a 40 to 60 lbs unit will do the same job with more usable bin space. The 120 lb figure earns its keep in a bar that serves all evening, an outdoor kitchen used daily in summer, or a small commercial operation.
The 8-10 minute cycle also means recovery after a bin dump is fast, which is where this machine separates itself from the 100 lbs-per-day units.
Bin capacity is the weak point
At the bottom of that adjustable range the bin holds only 16 lbs, the smallest storage figure of any machine here. Ice melts fairly quickly because the bin is not refrigerated, and owners recommend a melt catchment container under the unit. Warm ambient air pushes straight into the cabinet and the bin never gets to be cold.
The other recurring note is that no water filter ships in the box. Add an inline scale filter before first run or the evaporator plate will scale inside a year.
4. COWSAR 100lbs/24H Undercounter Ice Maker – Best for Quiet Rooms
COWSAR Commercial Ice Maker Machine 100Lbs/24H, Stainless Steel Undercounter Ice Maker with 33Lbs Storage Capacity, Self-Cleaning Freestanding Ice Machine for Home, Bar, Restaurant, Office, Outdoor
100 lbs/24h output
33 lb insulated bin
17.64 x 15.74 x 31.42 in
120V, R600a, 1 year warranty
Pros
- Fast 100 lbs per day in 11-18 minute batch cycles
- 33 lb insulated bin keeps ice solid beyond a day of normal use
- high-efficiency compressor rated as quiet with only a muffled drop sound
- LCD panel for ice size
- run time and temperature
- ETL certified for home and commercial use
Cons
- Bulky body the size of a small refrigerator
- scheduled manual cleaning still needed alongside the self-clean mode
- one detailed review reports an unresolved warranty claim
Noise is the reason this one earns a place. Owners describe a high-efficiency compressor whose main sound is the muffled sheet of ice dropping into the bin, which is a very different acoustic signature from the rattle of a hollow-sided unit.
If your ice machine sits in a kitchen open to the living space, or a wet bar near where people talk, that matters more than raw output.
The bin is 33 lbs and insulated, and owners report ice staying frozen for more than a day of ordinary use — longer than several machines with comparable output.
The LCD panel handles ice size, production time and ambient temperature, and there is an automatic self-cleaning cycle. Dual water inlet options give you some flexibility on how the water line arrives.
At 17.64 inches deep by 15.74 wide by 31.42 tall and 55 pounds, it is a full-size cabinet, not a slim panel. R600a refrigerant, 120 volts, and a one-year warranty.
Noise behaviour in an open kitchen
No manufacturer publishes a dBA figure for these units, so judge on what owners report rather than on a spec sheet you cannot verify. The pattern here is a compressor that runs quietly in the background and a short, dull clatter each time a batch is released.
That is easy to live with behind a closed cabinet door. In a fully open kitchen you will hear the harvest drop, but you will not hear a machine that sounds like it is working overtime.
Support and warranty service
The warranty is one year, which is the norm for this category, and there is a specific caveat. One detailed review describes repeated failure inside the warranty window followed by a difficult, unresolved claim process. At 91 reviews the volume is thin, so you are relying on a smaller install base than the EUHOMY or VEVOR picks.
That single complaint is worth weighing. Forums covering this category show buyers consistently preferring to deal with an established brand or a specialist dealer for a large-ticket install, and warranty responsiveness is part of that calculus.
5. COSTWAY 110lbs/24H 15 Inch Ice Maker – Best with Filter and Pump
COSTWAY 15″ Under Counter Commercial Ice Maker, 110Lbs/24H, Silver+Black
110 lbs/24h output
25 lb storage bin
21.1 x 15 x 33.7 in
R290, front ventilation
Pros
- Built-in water filter and drain pump at 110 lbs of daily output
- 15-inch width with front ventilation suits built-in or freestanding placement
- 40 cubes every 12-15 minutes
- reversible door and three-layer housing
- three ice thickness settings plus a 1-23 hour timer
Cons
- Storage bin is not refrigerated so ice melts in an uncooled cabinet
- some units reported arriving with leaking internal water lines
- a condensate pump may be needed to push waste water to the drain
This is the only unit here that ships with both a water filter and a drain pump. At 110 lbs of daily output that combination is unusual, and it removes two of the three things that most often go wrong on an undercounter install.
The water filter matters in hard-water regions, where mineral scale builds on the evaporator plate, dulls the ice and shortens the life of the water lines. Having it in the box means you are not hunting for one on install day.
The drain pump means the waste water does not need to fall by gravity to a lower outlet, so the unit can sit in a cabinet where the nearest drain is level with or above the machine.
Three ice thickness settings run at 12, 15 and 18 minutes of freeze time, and a 1 to 23 hour reservation timer lets you schedule production rather than running it flat out. Automatic cleaning triggers by holding the Reservation/Cleaning button for two seconds.
The body measures 21.1 inches deep by 15 wide by 33.7 tall, so the depth is the constraint to check rather than the width. Front ventilation means it can go fully inside a cabinet.
Water filter and drain pump together
Run the comparison that matters: most 100-plus pound units in this roundup include a drain pump or a filter, rarely both. Having both means the unit can be fed from a hard supply line without an extra purchase, and can be installed in a cabinet whose drain is not below the machine.
Owners single out both the included filter and the pump as standout features at this output level, and report quiet running that suits an office break room or a home kitchen.
Cabinet heat and melting
The honest problem is the bin. It is not refrigerated, so in an uncooled cabinet the ice at the bottom melts, drains through, and the machine works to replace it. This is a cycle you are paying electricity for and you will see standing water if your cabinet has no slope to the drain.
Two isolated reviews also report units arriving with leaking internal water lines or bottom leaks. At 51 reviews this is not a dominant pattern, but inspect the machine on delivery day before you install it behind a finished panel.
6. COTLIN 15 Inch Drainless Undercounter Ice Maker – Best Drainless Install
COTLIN 15″ W Drainless Under Counter Ice Maker with 22LBS Storage Bin
42 lbs/24h output
22 lb storage bin
18.4 x 14.8 x 33.8 in
115V, 600W, R600a, drainless
Pros
- Highest average rating of any unit here at 4.5 stars
- drainless design needs only a water supply connector and a power cord
- freezes between 26.6-32F so cubes melt slowly and keep drinks cold longer
- crescent-shaped ice suited to mixed drinks
- one-touch start
- reversible hinges and adjustable feet
Cons
- Lowest daily output of the 12 machines at 42 lbs
- magnetic-only door seal can spring open and let a full bin melt
- noticeable heat buildup above the unit when cabinet-mounted
- roughly 24 hours to produce a first full bucket
The drainless design is the headline here and it is a real installer saving. Every other pumped machine on this list needs hoses routed to a drain point; this one needs a water supply connector and a power cord, and that is the whole connection.
For a condo, a rental unit, a boat or a wet bar where running a new drain line means opening a wall, that difference can decide the project on its own.
It also holds the highest average rating in the roundup at 4.5 stars, with owners calling it the best ice maker they have owned and praising the crescent shape and the drainless simplicity.
The freezing system holds cubes between 26.6 and 32F, which is genuinely colder than many storage bins and explains why owners report the ice holding its shape far longer in a drink. The solid-gauge stainless door and handle feel premium in the hand.
There is one control on the whole machine: a one-touch start button. No menu, no settings to learn. It measures 18.4 inches deep by 14.8 wide by 33.8 tall and is ETL certified with lifetime service support listed.
What a drainless install actually saves
Compare the two installation paths. A gravity-drain unit needs a floor drain or a sink below the machine’s outlet; a pump unit needs a drain point anywhere plus an electrical outlet for the pump. A drainless unit needs only a supply line.
That removes the plumber’s drain work entirely. In a finished kitchen island, a basement bar or a boat galley, this is the difference between a one-hour install and a two-day one.
Where 42 lbs a day falls short
Forty-two pounds a day is real capacity — enough for a 25-person gathering under the 1.5 to 2 lbs per person rule — but it is a third of what the 120 lbs units here deliver. If you run a bar that serves all evening, or host large parties back to back, you will be refilling more often than you expect.
Two other details to know. The door seal is magnetic only and can bounce back open, which lets a full bin start melting; and cabinet mounting generates noticeable heat above the unit, so do not store anything directly overhead. Allow roughly 24 hours to produce a first full bucket while the machine cools down.
7. ICEVIVAL 84 Lb/Day Under Counter Ice Maker – Best Flexible Placement
Commercial Ice Maker, 84 Lb/Day, 25 Lb Storage, Under Counter
84 lbs/24h output
25 lb storage bin
20.38 x 14.98 x 33.89 in
120V, 250W, external drain pump
Pros
- External electric drain pump allows installation where gravity drainage is unavailable
- 84 lbs of crystal-clear ice per day in 8-16 minute batches
- 25 lb bin in a 15-inch-wide body
- reversible door
- LCD panel with water shortage and ice-full indicators
- self-cleaning plus a 24-hour timer
Cons
- Must be manually restarted after a power blink or outage
- some units ship with loose compressor screws and need an inline filter
- a small number of buyers report a recurring E2 error code
- water pump failures occurred though replacements were shipped quickly
The external drain pump is the feature owners mention most. Because the pump is a separate component rather than an internal one, it can be mounted where it is convenient and it moves waste water without a gravity fall.
That gives you placement freedom. The machine can sit in a cabinet where the nearest drain is level with the unit, or even above it, which removes one of the most common reasons an install gets delayed.
Production is 84 lbs a day in 8 to 16 minute batches, with a 25 lb bin in a body just under 15 inches wide, so it suits standard cabinetry without a retrofit.
The reversible door matches the opening direction to your cabinet layout, and the LCD panel shows water shortage and ice-full states. Self-cleaning runs by holding the Clean button for five seconds, and the 24-hour timer lets you schedule production windows.
Dimensions are 20.38 inches deep by 14.98 wide by 33.89 tall, 120 volts, 250 watts, R600a.
The external pump and where you can put it
Think of the pump as part of the plumbing rough-in rather than part of the appliance. Once you have a supply line, a power outlet and a drain point somewhere within reach, the machine itself can go almost anywhere that fits 14.98 inches of width.
Owners report fast, reliable output and low noise, and frequently point to the pump as the reason installation was straightforward. In a kitchen island with a drain in the island itself, that is the difference between a clean install and a workaround.
Power interruptions and error codes
The most common complaint is that the unit must be manually restarted after a power blink or outage before it will make ice again. In a home where the circuit trips occasionally, that is a genuine annoyance, and it is worth knowing before you install rather than after.
A small number of buyers also report a recurring E2 error code and water pump failures. Where pumps have failed, the manufacturer shipped replacements quickly, which is a point in the brand’s favour even if the failure happened.
8. Electactic Nugget Ice Machine – Best Chewable Undercounter Ice
Electactic Nugget Ice Machine, Commercial Undercounter Ice Maker
66 lbs/24h nugget ice
dual-bin storage
17.72 x 14.96 x 32.28 in
115V, R600a, 12-hour timer
Pros
- The only chewable nugget ice format in this roundup
- first batch of chewable ice in under 10 minutes
- insulation designed to hold about 80 percent of ice unmelted over 12 hours
- dual-bin design for continuous service
- LCD panel with ambient temperature and low-water and full-ice alerts
- automatic self-cleaning
Cons
- Operating noise is loud and reported audible through closed doors on another floor
- produces less ice per day than most units here at 66 lbs
- some reviewers describe it as a compact countertop unit rather than a full commercial machine
Every other machine in this roundup makes hollow bullet cubes or clear square ice. This one makes chewable Sonic-style nugget ice, the dense kind that barely dilutes a drink, and for a home bar that is the whole reason to look at it.
It is the only nugget undercounter unit we found in this set, which makes the comparison straightforward. If ice texture matters to you, this is the pick; if you care about volume, the 100-plus pound cube machines below produce more.
The first batch arrives in under ten minutes, and the dual-bin design means one bin can be drawn from while the other is filling, which is useful when serving continuously.
The insulation is specced to keep roughly 80 percent of the ice unmelted over 12 hours, considerably better than the open bins on the commercial units here. A 12-hour timer, automatic self-cleaning, and an LCD panel with temperature and status alerts round out the controls.
Nugget ice for a home bar
Nugget ice is denser and softer than cube ice, so it sits in a drink without watering it down as fast and has a texture drinkers notice immediately. A tasting-room operator on a home bar forum described switching to a modular nugget machine as a game-changer for cocktails, and customers noticing the difference.
If you want more on the format itself, we have covered nugget ice makers in a separate review, including the countertop models that suit a first-time buyer.
Noise in a lived-in space
This is the significant drawback. Multiple owners report the machine is far louder than comparable units and audible through closed doors on another floor. Putting it in an open room was, in one owner’s words, a mistake.
Plan for a cabinet or a bar area away from where people sit. Note also the 66 lbs-per-day output, which is below most of the commercial units here, and the fact that some reviewers see it as a compact countertop-class unit rather than a true commercial machine.
9. EdgeStar 15 Inch Built-In Ice Maker – Best for Outdoor Kitchens
EdgeStar 15 Inch 15 Lb/Day Built-In Ice Maker 12 Lb Bin – No Drain Required
15 lbs/24h output
12 lb storage bin
17 x 14.94 x 24.88 in
115V, 50 lb, no drain required
Pros
- Long field history with owners reporting units still freezing after 10-plus years
- no drain line required so only a water supply connection
- proven in outdoor kitchens through Texas summers and winter freezes
- newer version has a more durable tray
- larger bucket and quieter
- faster running
- ice-making lever stops production when the bin is full
Cons
- Lowest daily output in the roundup at 15 lbs per day
- requires a full manual defrost every 2-3 weeks
- newer model uses a plastic inlet hose instead of braided metal
- warranty can be voided through a non-authorized reseller
Long-term durability is the story here. Owners report previous units lasting six to nine years and an even older machine that still freezes, and several buyers are repeat customers. That kind of field history is rare in a category where most reviews cover the first six months.
It needs no drain line, only a water supply connection, and it has been used outdoors through 100-degree Texas summers and winter hard freezes. It is also the shortest body here at 24.88 inches tall, which makes it easier to fit under an outdoor counter with a lower clearance.
The newer version of this machine has a more durable tray, a larger bucket, and runs quieter and faster than the model it replaced. The ice-making lever lets you switch production off when the bin is full, so it is not cycling endlessly behind a closed door.
Water hookup is simple, and it works built-in or on a countertop. At 50 pounds and 14.94 inches wide, it is a 15-inch unit in the genuine sense of the measurement.
Ten years of field reports
For a machine you intend to install once and forget, longevity matters more than peak output. A 15 lbs-per-day machine that runs for a decade costs far less over its life than a 100 lbs-per-day unit that needs replacing in three years, and the reviews here describe exactly that pattern.
Brands with a long manufacturing history carry weight with buyers in this category too. Owners consistently treat established names as the deciding factor at this price point, ahead of star ratings.
The defrost chore and small bin
Frost builds up and this machine needs a full manual defrost every two to three weeks. That is a real recurring task and it is the honest trade for the durability record.
The 12 lb bin and 15 lbs-per-day output also mean this suits a small bar, an outdoor kitchen used occasionally, or a couple who entertain rather than a house hosting 40 people. And buy from an authorized reseller — owners report the warranty can be voided otherwise.
10. Icyglee 100lbs/24H Ice Maker with Drain Pump – Best Kitchen Island Fit
ICYGLEE Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker with Drain Pump, 100Lbs Daily
100 lbs/24h output
24 lb storage bin
20.4 x 14.96 x 33.9 in
115V, 203W, R290a
Pros
- Electric drain pump removes the gravity-drain constraint entirely
- 100 lbs per day in 8-16 minute cycles
- three-layer insulation produces clear cubes
- adjustable thickness for smoothies
- cocktails and whisky
- LCD panel with water shortage and ice-full reminders
- reversible door
- self-cleaning plus a 24-hour timer
Cons
- Drain pipe still needs routing below the machine drain line for best results
- highest wattage draw among comparable 100 lbs-per-day units at 203 watts
A kitchen island is the hardest install on this list, because there is usually no floor drain under the cabinet and rarely room to run one. The electric drain pump here removes the gravity constraint, which is the single most common reason an island install gets abandoned.
Owners highlight the pump more than any other feature, alongside the clear ice and the adjustable cube thickness that lets you go thin for smoothies and thick for whisky on the same machine.
Three-layer insulation around a stainless body keeps the cubes clear and refreshing, and the reversible door means the opening can face the aisle rather than the cabinet wall.
The LCD panel shows water shortage and ice-full reminders, cleaning runs by holding the Clean button for five seconds, and a 24-hour timer handles scheduled production. The box includes the storage bin, a scoop and water inlet and outlet hoses.
Why the pump matters under an island
Walk the plumbing path before you order. In an island cabinet you are typically looking at a supply line fed from the wall, a power outlet, and waste water that has to get back to a drain in the floor or a sink stub. The pump handles the third item, and that is the item that is hardest to add later.
It is also worth noting the drain pipe still wants to run below the machine’s drain line for best results even with the pump, so give the installer a few inches of fall where you can.
Power draw and running cost
At 203 watts this unit sits at the higher end among the 100 lbs-per-day machines here. That matters less as a single number than as a habit: a machine that runs continuously to keep a 24 lb bin full in a warm island is burning power all day.
The 24-hour timer is the lever. Schedule production for the hours you actually use the bar and let it rest otherwise, rather than running the compressor flat out around the clock.
11. Mojgar 100lbs/24H Commercial Ice Maker – Budget Pick
Mojgar Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/24H with 18-33lbs Ice Storage
100 lbs/24h output
18-33 lb storage bin
15.1 x 15.7 x 29 in
110V, 290W, R290a
Pros
- Lowest entry point among the 100 lbs-per-day units here
- first batch ready in 10-18 minutes
- 18-33 lb bin sized for 200-plus cold drinks
- three-step plug-and-play setup with front venting
- one-touch self-cleaning with adjustable thickness
- 12-month machine and 36-month compressor warranty
Cons
- Gravity drainage only with no pump included so a floor drain is required
- storage bin is explicitly not a freezer and ice melts in warm rooms
- must stand upright 24 hours before first use
This is the cheapest route to 100 lbs a day on this list, and the warranty terms are the best of the budget group: 12 months on the machine and 36 months on the compressor. A three-year compressor warranty is meaningful when the compressor is the most expensive part to replace.
Installation is deliberately simple. The process is a half-inch male threaded faucet connection, a drain hose and power, and front venting lets the body sit under a counter or stand alone.
Owners treat it as the budget pick in this group, citing the output, the under-counter fit and a straightforward three-step setup.
The 18 to 33 lb bin is sized by owners at 200-plus cold drinks, and adjustable ice thickness plus one-touch self-cleaning cover the two functions you use most. A blue LED interior light activates when you open the lid, and the R290 compressor is claimed to cut energy use by up to 30 percent.
Dimensions are compact at 15.1 by 15.7 by 29 inches and the unit weighs 42.3 pounds, so moving it is a one-person job.
Three-step setup for first-time installers
Three steps means a supply line, a drain hose and a plug. If you have ever installed a dishwasher, you can do this one. The important detail is order: install the faucet and the drain first, position the machine, then connect.
Because it is front-vented, it can go inside a cabinet rather than an open bay, which keeps the whole thing out of sight in a bar or outdoor kitchen.
Where the budget trade shows
Two limits, and both are stated plainly by the manufacturer rather than discovered later. It is gravity drainage only, with no pump included, so a floor drain is required — that rules it out for a kitchen island with no drain in the floor.
And the storage bin is explicitly not a freezer, so ice melts in a warm room. Budget for a melt catchment under the unit. As with the other 115-120 volt machines here, leave it standing upright for 24 hours before first use so the refrigerant settles.
12. Velieta 110lbs/24H Compact Ice Maker – Best Value
110 lbs Commercial Ice Maker Undercounter Built-in Freestanding Self-Clean
110 lbs/24h output
20 lb storage bin
13.26 x 13.65 x 28.08 in
115V, R290a, water filter included
Pros
- 110 lbs per day with a 20 lb bin in the smallest footprint and lightest weight of any unit here
- fresh ice every 8-15 minutes
- three ice thickness levels
- accepts tap water or top-load bottled water with a water filter included
- timer
- one-touch self-cleaning
- full and low-water alerts
- front ventilation
Cons
- Gravity drain only so a floor drain is required
- smallest bin of the commercial units at 20 lbs so it empties faster than bigger models
- must stand upright 24 hours before first use
At 13.26 inches deep by 13.65 wide and 28.08 tall, this is the smallest body in the roundup, and at 36.3 pounds it is the lightest by a wide margin. If your cabinet cavity is tight, that physical constraint matters more than any spec on the list.
It still claims 110 lbs a day, with fresh ice every 8 to 15 minutes, and it includes a water filter — something the higher-output VEVOR and Mojgar units do not.
Buyers highlight the combination of high output with a very compact, light body that is easy to place, and rate the included filter and dual water options as better value than similarly rated machines.
Three ice thickness levels run from thin fast-chill to thick slow-melt, and the water inlet accepts either a tap line or top-load bottled water, so you are not forced to plumb it if you would rather not.
The rest of the controls are the useful ones: a timer, one-touch self-cleaning, full and low-water alerts and auto-stop. A sliding top lid, ice scoop and blue LED light come in the box, with a 12-month warranty and lifetime tech support.
Small footprint, large claim
The physical argument is the strong one. A machine that is nearly two inches narrower and four inches shorter than most of its output peers fits cabinetry the others will not, and at 36.3 pounds a single person can install or reposition it.
Front ventilation means it goes inside a cabinet rather than an open bay, and adjustable feet plus a scratch-protective film make the install painless.
Bin size and drain placement
The 20 lb bin is the smallest of the commercial units here, and that is the logical trade for the compact body. Owners report the bin empties faster than bigger models, so on a busy evening you will be drawing from it more often.
The other constraint is gravity drainage with no pump, which means a floor drain must exist. And as with its output peers, leave it upright for 24 hours after delivery before the first run.
How to Choose an Undercounter Ice Maker in 2026
Most buying mistakes in this category come down to three decisions made in the wrong order: drainage before ice type, ice type before output, and output before the space you actually have. Work through them in the reverse order and the choice makes itself.
Built-in vs freestanding
A built-in machine is designed to sit inside a cabinet, which means front or top ventilation and usually a door that matches your cabinetry. A freestanding unit needs airflow on its sides and back, so it lives in an open bay, a garage, or beside a bar rather than inside the run.
Check two numbers before you commit: the body width against your cabinet opening, and the depth clearance including the hoses at the back. Most units here are 15 inches wide or just under, which matches standard US cabinet openings. A handful, including the Velieta at 13.65 inches, are narrow enough for tighter spaces.
Drainage: gravity drain, drain line or built-in pump
Every machine melts ice constantly, and that melt water has to leave the cabinet. How it leaves is the decision that determines your install.
Gravity drain needs a floor drain or a sink outlet below the machine. It is the simplest and the cheapest, and it rules out a kitchen island with no drain in the floor. The EUHOMY 100 lbs unit, the VEVOR, the Mojgar and the Velieta all work this way.
Built-in or external pump moves waste water without needing a fall, which frees up placement considerably. The Icyglee, ICEVIVAL and COSTWAY units include pumps, and the COSTWAY is the only one here that pairs a pump with an included water filter.
Drainless eliminates the drain entirely and needs only a supply line. The COTLIN is the drainless option in this roundup, and it is the fastest install of the twelve.
One Reddit thread in this category shows a buyer who connected a machine to an RO system and added a dedicated tap specifically to protect the ice maker, which is a good instinct regardless of which route you take.
Ice type explained: bullet, clear cube, gourmet cube, nugget and pearl
Bullet ice is hollow, cheap to make and melts fastest. Clear cube ice is denser and slower-melting, which is why most of the machines here make it. Gourmet or large cube ice is the slow-melting kind made by horizontal evaporator plates, and it is what you want in a whisky or a gin and tonic.
Nugget or pearl ice is the dense, chewable style made by a different freezing method entirely. It dilutes drinks least of all, and among these twelve the Electactic is the only machine that produces it. If texture is your priority, that is the pick, and we cover the format in more depth in our nugget ice maker reviews.
Everything else here makes clear square or crescent cube ice. Several units add adjustable thickness, which is a useful middle ground: thin cubes for smoothies, thick for spirits.
Sizing: how many pounds a day you really need
The industry rule of thumb is 1.5 to 2 lbs of ice per person at a gathering, so a 20-person party needs roughly 30 to 40 lbs. Multiply that by how often you host, then add a margin for recovery after dumping a bin into a cooler.
Under 20 lbs a day, you are looking at occasional use, a small condo bar or an outdoor kitchen. Between 40 and 60, you are covering regular home entertaining. Above 80, you are serving a home bar through an evening or running a small commercial operation, and you should also be looking at bin capacity, because output above 80 lbs with a small bin means constant refilling.
Do not size on the peak number alone. A machine rated at its maximum will hit that figure under ideal water and ambient conditions; real output in a warm cabinet is lower.
Residential vs commercial construction
The machines in this roundup are all built on commercial-style stainless bodies with R290a or R600a refrigerant and one-year warranties, which is the middle ground between a domestic appliance and a true foodservice unit. The differences that matter in practice are compressor duty cycle, the availability of replacement parts, and how responsive the brand is when something fails.
Reviewers on forums covering this category repeatedly frame recognized, established brands as more important than star ratings, and treat warranty length and serviceability as deal-breakers on a large-ticket install. Several also prefer buying from a specialist dealer over a big-box store for exactly that reason. One 15 lbs-per-day unit here carries a 12-month machine and 36-month compressor warranty, which is worth comparing against the one-year-only coverage most of this list offers.
Hard water, filters and taste
Hard water is the quiet cause of bad-tasting ice and a short machine life. Scale builds on the evaporator plate, which slows freezing, dulls the ice and eventually blocks the water lines. Reports of ice tasting bad after melting are common enough in owner reviews that it is worth planning for.
The fix is straightforward: fit a scale-inhibiting inline filter between the supply line and the machine, and replace it on schedule. The COSTWAY and Velieta include a filter, which makes them the easier starting points. In genuinely hard areas, a reverse osmosis feed or a softener ahead of the machine is the more complete answer, and one Reddit user connected an undercounter machine to an RO system specifically for that reason.
Maintenance, Cleaning and Descaling for Undercounter Ice Makers
Almost every machine here has a one-touch or automatic self-cleaning cycle, and almost every one still needs more than that. The automated cycle rinses the evaporator plate; it does not remove the water lines, the spray heads or the scale that has already formed.
Monthly and quarterly tasks
On a monthly cycle, run the self-cleaning function as directed, wipe the interior of the bin, and check the water filter indicator or replace the cartridge on the manufacturer’s schedule. Clean the spray arm or water inlet head if the machine has one, because a partial blockage shows up as slow and uneven ice production rather than as an error code.
Quarterly, pull the bin out and wash it by hand, inspect the drain hose for kinks or biofilm, and check that the machine is sitting level. A machine that has tipped slightly will not drain properly and will leave standing water in the base.
Yearly, descale the evaporator plate using the manufacturer’s approved cleaner, and have the water lines flushed. If you are in a hard-water area, move both of those to twice a year.
Lifespan and what fails first
The three things that fail first on these machines are the water pump, the harvest mechanism and the door seal, in roughly that order. Pump failures show up as slow or no ice production; a harvest failure shows up as ice stuck to the plate; a seal failure shows up as a bin that melts down because the door is ajar.
On expected lifespan, the honest answer is that build quality and usage decide it more than brand. Owners of the 15 lbs-per-day machine in this roundup report units still running after a decade, while reviews of the higher-output commercial units describe pump replacements inside the first two years. Lower output, gentler duty cycles and a scale-controlled water supply all extend life.
One machine here needs a full manual defrost every two to three weeks instead of a normal cleaning cycle, which is a materially different maintenance commitment and part of why its long field history is unusual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the most reliable undercounter ice maker?
Reliability tracks the brand’s field history and its warranty terms more than its star rating. Look for established names with replaceable parts, a compressor warranty longer than one year, and a serviceable pump. The 15 lbs-per-day unit in this roundup carries a 12-month machine and 36-month compressor warranty and has owner reports of machines still running after a decade, while several higher-output units show repeat water pump complaints. Forum buyers consistently treat recognized brands and warranty length as the deciding factors at this price point.
Is an undercounter ice maker worth it?
Yes, if you regularly serve more than a few drinks and have a plumbing route and counter clearance. An undercounter ice maker produces 15 to 120 pounds a day, far more than a refrigerator ice bucket, and produces larger or chewable ice at a lower cost per pound. It is a poor choice for light use, and the storage bin is not a freezer, so ice melts down when the machine is idle.
What size undercounter ice maker do I need?
Use 1.5 to 2 lbs of ice per person for a gathering, then add margin for recovery. A 20-person party needs about 30 to 40 lbs. Under 20 lbs a day suits occasional use or an outdoor kitchen, 40 to 60 lbs covers regular home entertaining, and above 80 lbs is for home bars that serve all evening or small commercial use. Above that output, check bin capacity, not just daily production.
Do undercounter ice makers need a drain?
Most do, because melt water leaves the bin continuously. A gravity drain needs a floor drain or sink below the machine, a built-in or external pump moves water without a fall, and a drainless unit needs only a water supply line. A kitchen island with no drain in the floor rules out gravity-drain machines entirely, so check your drainage before choosing a model.
How long do undercounter ice makers last?
Expect roughly five to ten years, and the deciding factors are usage level and water hardness rather than brand alone. The parts that fail first are the water pump, then the harvest mechanism, then the door seal. Machines run continuously with hard water without a scale filter scale up fastest, and a lower-output unit on a gentler duty cycle usually outlasts a high-output one.
Are nugget ice makers worth it compared to clear cubes?
Nugget ice is denser, softer and dilutes a drink more slowly, so drinkers notice the difference in cocktails. It generally costs more and produces less ice per day than clear cube machines of comparable size. It is worth it for a home bar focused on spirits, and less so for a family that mostly serves water and soft drinks. Among the machines in this roundup, only one produces nugget ice.
Our Verdict on the Best Undercounter Ice Makers in 2026
The best undercounter ice makers in 2026 come down to what your cabinet and your plumbing will accept. The EUHOMY 100 lbs-per-day unit is our overall pick because it pairs the largest review base we found with a 33 lb bin, an ETL certification and simple controls, and it costs the least arguing about. If you have a drain below the machine, it is the safest recommendation on this list.
Where that drain does not exist, the choice narrows fast. The COTLIN is the cleanest install because it needs no drain line at all, at the cost of a 42 lbs-per-day ceiling. The Icyglee and COSTWAY include a pump and are the sensible options for a kitchen island, with the COSTWAY also including a water filter. If cabinet width is the problem rather than drainage, the Velieta fits where almost nothing else will.
Two picks serve narrower needs well. The Electactic is the only nugget machine here and the right call for a cocktail-focused home bar, provided it lives in a cabinet rather than an open room. The EdgeStar is the one to buy if longevity and low output matter more than volume, which is the case for most outdoor kitchens.
One last thing. Measure the cabinet, find the drain, and check your water hardness before you order any of them. Every one of the twelve will work, and most disappointments we saw in the reviews trace back to an install that was rushed rather than a machine that failed.