Undercounter Ice Makers

Undercounter ice makers are compact, built-in units designed to fit neatly beneath your kitchen, bar, or outdoor counter, providing a consistent supply of ice for entertaining, food preparation, or daily use. They’re ideal for homeowners who want a dedicated ice machine that integrates seamlessly into their kitchen or bar setup. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore types, features, installation considerations, and other key factors to help you choose the perfect undercounter ice maker.

1. What Are Undercounter Ice Makers?

Undercounter ice makers are designed to be installed beneath countertops in kitchens, home bars, or outdoor kitchens. They are compact yet powerful, offering continuous ice production and storage without taking up counter space. These units are popular in homes where ice is used frequently, whether for entertainment or for daily use.

Key Characteristics:

• • Compact and Built-In: Fits under a standard countertop (usually 34 inches high).
  • High Production: Typically produces 30 to 100 pounds of ice per day.
  • Seamless Integration: Designed to blend into cabinetry, with many panel-ready options.

2. Installation Types

a. Built-In Installation

Undercounter ice makers are typically built into your cabinetry or under a countertop. They have front ventilation, allowing them to be installed flush with your cabinets.

• • • • • • • Best For: Kitchens, bars, and outdoor kitchens.
            • Installation: Requires professional installation with access to a water line and drainage system.

b. Freestanding Installation

While most undercounter ice makers are built-in, some can be freestanding, which gives flexibility in placement but may require more space for proper ventilation.

• • • • • • • Best For: Versatile placement in different rooms or outdoor spaces.
            • Installation: Easier to install, though it still requires water and drainage access.

3. Ice Types and Cube Styles

Choosing the right ice type depends on your preferences and needs. Here are common ice types produced by undercounter ice makers:

a. Clear Ice

Clear ice is made by removing air bubbles during the freezing process, resulting in slow-melting, crystal-clear cubes that look great in cocktails.

• • • • • • • Best For: High-end beverages, cocktails.
            • Advantages: Aesthetically pleasing and slow to melt.

b. Nugget Ice (Sonic Ice)

Nugget ice, also known as Sonic ice, is chewable and porous, perfect for soft drinks or casual beverages.

• • • • • • • Best For: Soft drinks, blended beverages.
            • Advantages: Chewable, soft texture.

c. Crescent Ice

Crescent-shaped ice is one of the most common types. It melts slower than nugget ice but is versatile for a variety of drinks.

• • • • • • • Best For: General drink use.
            • Advantages: Slow-melting and versatile.

d. Gourmet Ice

Also known as top-hat ice, these individual ice cubes are large and cylindrical, giving them a unique, elegant look.

• • • • • • • Best For: Whiskey, cocktails.
            • Advantages: Slow-melting, aesthetically appealing.

4. Dimensions and Sizes

Undercounter ice makers come in various sizes to fit different kitchen layouts and ice production needs:

Standard Dimensions:

• • Width: Typically, 15 to 24 inches.
  • Height: Typically, 30 to 34 inches (fits under a standard countertop).
  • Depth: Typically, 22 to 25 inches.

Compact Models:

• • Width: 15 inches, ideal for smaller kitchens or tight spaces.

Make sure to measure your space carefully before purchasing an undercounter ice maker to ensure a proper fit.

5. Key Features to Consider

a. Drain Type

Most undercounter ice makers require drainage for excess water from the ice-making process. There are two main options:

• • • • • • • Gravity Drain: Requires a nearby floor drain to remove water.
            • Drain Pump: Pumps water away from the ice maker to a remote drain. Necessary if your drain isn’t located nearby or below the unit.

b. Reversible Doors

Some models offer reversible doors, allowing you to adjust the direction of the door swing to fit your kitchen or bar layout.

c. Self-Cleaning Function

Many undercounter ice makers come with a self-cleaning feature, making maintenance easy and ensuring the machine remains sanitary.

d. Built-In Water Filter

Some models feature a built-in water filter to ensure that your ice is made from clean, purified water. This is particularly important in areas with hard water, as it reduces scale buildup.

e. Ice Bin Capacity

Undercounter ice makers typically have storage bins that can hold 25 to 50 pounds of ice, ensuring you always have ice ready even if production temporarily pauses.

f. Panel-Ready Options

Many undercounter ice makers offer panel-ready fronts, allowing you to add a custom panel that matches your cabinetry for a seamless, integrated look.

g. Automatic Defrost

Automatic defrost systems prevent ice buildup inside the unit, ensuring smooth operation and reducing the need for manual defrosting.

6. Colors, Finishes, and Styles

Undercounter ice makers come in various finishes to match your kitchen decor:

• • Stainless Steel: The most popular finish, durable and modern.
  • Panel-Ready: Allows you to customize the front with cabinetry that matches your kitchen.
  • Glass Doors: Some models offer glass doors to showcase the ice and add a stylish touch.

7. Use for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Indoor Use

Indoor undercounter ice makers are typically designed for kitchens and bars, where temperatures are climate controlled.

• • Best For: Kitchens, bars, game rooms.
  • Key Features: Compact, quieter operation, stylish finishes.

Outdoor Use

Outdoor undercounter ice makers are built to withstand the elements, with weather-resistant materials and enhanced insulation to maintain ice production even at extreme temperatures.

• • Best For: Outdoor kitchens, patios, pool areas.
  • Key Features: Rust-resistant stainless steel, UV protection, more rugged construction.

8. Energy Efficiency

Many modern undercounter ice makers are ENERGY STAR® certified, meaning they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Look for this certification to ensure your ice maker runs efficiently, reducing both energy consumption and your electricity bill.

9. Popular Brands for Undercounter Ice Makers

• • XO Appliances: Known for high-quality, efficient undercounter ice makers that produce clear ice and feature self-cleaning functions.
  • Viking: Offers premium, stylish undercounter ice makers with durable stainless-steel finishes and advanced features like panel-ready designs.
  • Lynx: Specializes in outdoor-ready ice makers with weather-resistant construction and high ice production capacities, perfect for outdoor kitchens.

Conclusion

Undercounter ice makers are an excellent investment for homes where ice is a daily necessity. Whether you’re hosting parties or simply want the convenience of always having fresh ice, these compact, built-in appliances are a space-saving and efficient solution. When choosing an undercounter ice maker, consider key factors like ice type, production capacity, installation needs, and features like self-cleaning and reversible doors.

Explore Homery.com for a wide selection of high-quality undercounter ice makers from top brands like XO Appliances, Viking, and Lynx. Visit our showroom or shop online to find the perfect ice maker for your home!