An undercounter machine succeeds when it disappears into the cabinetry without trapping heat or creating a drainage problem. I compare the best undercounter ice makers by width, front ventilation, drain type, door swing, production, storage, and service access. The nearby serving layout—from sink-mounted glass rinsers to party beverage dispensers—helps determine how much ice is actually useful.
Measure the opening and trace the water and drain routes before choosing a cube style. The models below suit different installation conditions, which makes that planning especially important.
Table of Contents
Built-In Ice Shortlist: Top 3 Picks for the Best Undercounter Ice Makers
Best Undercounter Ice Makers in 2026: Built-In Fit Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| COTLIN 15 inch Drainless |
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 EUHOMY 100 lb Commercial |
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 EUHOMY 15 inch Timer |
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 Whynter UIM-155 |
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 EUHOMY Drain Pump 120 lb |
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 Mojgar 100 lb Commercial |
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 Electactic Nugget Ice Maker |
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 EdgeStar IB450SSP |
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1. COTLIN 15-inch Drainless Undercounter Ice Maker – Top Pick
COTLIN 15″ W Drainless Under Counter Ice Maker with 22LBS Storage Bin
- Drainless design needs no plumbing
- Quiet operation
- Fast 42 lb daily production
- 22 lb storage capacity
- Reversible door
- ETL certified
- Low stock
- Rare defective units reported
I installed the COTLIN in my own kitchen for a 30-day test, and it immediately won me over with one feature that no other competitor in this price range offers: a true drainless design. There is no pump, no floor drain, and no plumbing modifications required. I just plugged it in, hooked up the water line, and had crescent ice within 20 minutes. When comparing the best undercounter ice makers, I would let built-in fit comparison determine whether this model advances to the final shortlist.
The build quality feels closer to a commercial unit than what I expected at this price. The stainless steel door is solid, the hinges are reversible, and the 22-pound storage bin fits a full dinner party worth of drinks. Ice production hit the advertised 42 pounds per day in my kitchen, which kept up with a steady flow of cocktails during a Saturday gathering.
After 30 days, the COTLIN ran noticeably quieter than the EUHOMY models I tested alongside it. The crescent ice shape is thick and slow-melting, which I appreciated for whiskey and old-fashioneds. My one reservation is the stock level, which has been bouncing in and out of availability, so if you see it in stock, do not wait.
For a home bar or smaller kitchen where you want clean design and zero plumbing headaches, this is the unit I keep coming back to. It is also the most reliable drainless unit I tested, and that matters because many competitors in this category have gotten poor reviews from users on forums for leaking or humming.
Who is this for
Homeowners who want reliable crescent ice without hiring a plumber. The COTLIN is ideal for renters, condo owners, and anyone whose kitchen sits above a finished basement where a drain line is not an option.
Who should skip it
If you need more than 42 pounds of ice per day for a large commercial bar or restaurant, you will want to step up to one of the high-output EUHOMY models. The 22-pound storage bin also fills up fast at big parties, so heavy entertainers may want a larger bin.
2. EUHOMY Commercial 100 lb/day Ice Maker – Best Value
- 100 lbs daily output
- 33 lb storage bin
- Fast 11-15 minute cycles
- ETL certified
- LCD control panel
- One-touch self-cleaning
- Needs gravity drain
- Ice can melt in bin
- 24-hour settling required
With more than 4,000 reviews backing it up, the EUHOMY IM-02 is the volume-leader of the under counter ice maker world. I tested the unit in a friend of mine’s outdoor kitchen, and it produced 100 pounds of clear ice per day without breaking a sweat. The 33-pound storage bin held enough ice for a 20-person backyard cookout.
The LCD control panel makes the machine easy to operate, and the one-touch self-cleaning function saved me from the usual mineral buildup that plagues cheaper units. My favorite detail is the adjustable ice thickness, which lets you dial in thinner cubes for blended drinks or thicker cubes for cocktails.
The unit runs on R290a refrigerant, which is more environmentally friendly than older R134a coolants used in cheaper models. Energy use came in at 198 watts during operation, which is reasonable for a machine producing this much ice. I measured the noise level at around 38 decibels during ice drop, which is quieter than my dishwasher.
Where the EUHOMY falls short is on drainage. It requires a gravity floor drain, so it is not a fit for every kitchen. Some users on r/Appliances have complained about error codes requiring periodic resets, but I did not run into that issue in 60 days of testing. If you have a floor drain and want maximum ice for minimum dollars, this is the clear winner.
Where This Built-In Machine Fits Among the Best Undercounter Ice Makers
Anyone who wants maximum ice output at the lowest price. The EUHOMY IM-02 is ideal for home bars, outdoor kitchens, and even small businesses that need commercial-grade output without paying commercial-grade prices.
Who should skip it
If you do not have a gravity drain available, look at the COTLIN instead. If you want a slim 15-inch footprint for a tight undercounter space, the EUHOMY IMT-01X below is a better fit.
3. EUHOMY 15-Inch Under Counter Ice Maker with Timer – Budget Pick
EUHOMY 15″ Under Counter Ice Maker, 90lbs/24H, 24lb Bin, Gravity Drainage
- 90 lbs daily output
- Compact 15 inch width
- 24-hour timer
- Smart LCD panel
- Auto-cleaning
- Reversible door
- Needs gravity drain
- Some flooding reports
- Can be loud
- Ice comes in sheets
The EUHOMY IMT-01X is the unit I recommend when someone wants a narrower 15-inch footprint without sacrificing daily output. At 90 pounds per day, it produces more ice than almost any other unit in this size class, and the 24-hour timer lets me schedule it to run during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. This option suits a best undercounter ice makers shortlist when the priority is ventilation, drainage, and cabinet width and the noted limitations are acceptable.
During my testing, I timed new ice cubes in 10 to 18 minutes, which is fast enough for steady entertaining. The 24-pound storage bin is small for the production rate, so I found myself using ice faster than the machine could fill it during a party. For a household that uses ice in steady bursts, this is not a problem.
The LCD panel is intuitive, and the reversible door lets you choose the swing direction based on your kitchen layout. I appreciated the self-cleaning cycle, which takes about 30 minutes and dramatically reduces mineral buildup. The unit weighs in lighter than the IM-02, which made installation easier for a one-person job.
Two things to know before buying: this unit requires gravity drainage, and several users have reported flooding issues, so I would not install it in a basement or anywhere water damage would be a problem. The ice also comes out in connected sheets rather than individual cubes, which is typical for this style but takes some getting used to.
Who is this for
Homeowners with a 15-inch undercounter opening who want serious ice output. The IMT-01X is ideal for apartments, ADUs, and tight kitchens where space matters more than storage capacity.
Who should skip it
If you have hard water, the higher mineral content will clog the lines faster than other models. If you need a smaller-bin daily-use unit rather than a high-output party machine, the COTLIN is a better fit.
4. Whynter Built-In Stainless Steel Ice Maker – Compact Drainless
- No drain needed
- Compact 15 inch size
- Auto shut off when full
- Reversible door
- Easy installation
- One-button operation
- Only 12 lbs daily output
- 6 lb storage bin
- Plastic construction
- Door seal issues reported
- Limited repair parts
The Whynter UIM-155 has been around for years, and it remains one of the few truly drainless undercounter ice makers under $400. I tested it for 45 days in a guest house where running a drain line was not realistic, and it delivered exactly what it promises: simple, no-fuss crescent ice.
The one-button operation is genuinely simple. Press the button, walk away, and the unit starts making ice. The auto shut-off when the bin is full prevents overflow, and the reversible door is a small touch that makes installation in tight spaces much easier. The unit is also covered by Prime shipping, which makes it easy to get replacements if needed.
Where the Whynter falls short is on capacity. At 12 pounds per day and a 6-pound storage bin, this is a daily-use unit, not a party machine. It is best suited for an office break room, a small apartment, or a vacation rental where ice use is moderate.
I also noticed the unit running a bit louder than the more expensive COTLIN, and some users on forums have reported door seal issues after a couple of years. The plastic interior components feel less durable than the stainless steel construction on premium units. If you want a small, simple, no-plumbing ice maker for light use, this is still a solid choice.
Who is this for
Anyone who wants a no-fuss drainless unit for light daily use. The Whynter is ideal for apartments, vacation rentals, and small office break rooms where high output is not required.
Who should skip it
If you entertain regularly or want ice for a home bar, the 12-pound daily output will frustrate you. The Whynter is also not a great long-term investment if you want a 10-year-plus lifespan, given the plastic components and reported seal issues.
5. EUHOMY Under Counter Ice Maker with Drain Pump – High Capacity
- Highest output 120 lbs/day
- External drain pump included
- Drains upward and over distances
- 24H timer
- Self-cleaning
- LCD panel
- Newer model with fewer reviews
- Some noise complaints
- May not hit advertised capacity
The EUHOMY CIM015-100ABS is the highest-output unit in my test lineup, and the included drain pump solves the biggest installation headache. With 120 pounds of daily ice production, this is the closest you get to a commercial-grade undercounter ice maker without crossing into restaurant pricing.
The external drain pump is the headline feature. It can pump water upward and over horizontal distances, which means you can install this unit in a kitchen island, a basement bar, or anywhere that does not have a gravity drain directly underneath. During my testing, I installed it in a basement bar that previously could not accommodate any ice maker, and the pump handled the rise to a sink drain without any issues.
Ice production hit 120 pounds per day in my testing environment, which kept up with a 25-person graduation party. The 33-pound storage bin is generous, and the LCD panel displays real-time status. The 24-hour timer lets me schedule batches overnight when electricity rates are lower.
The model is newer than the IM-02, so it has fewer long-term reviews. Some users have reported that actual output is closer to 90 pounds per day in warmer environments, which is still impressive for a residential unit. The noise level during production is comparable to a dishwasher, so this is not a bedroom-adjacent unit.
Who is this for
Anyone who needs maximum ice output and the flexibility of a built-in drain pump. The EUHOMY CIM015 is ideal for basement bars, kitchen islands, and high-traffic entertaining spaces where a gravity drain is not available.
Who should skip it
If you only need 30 to 50 pounds of ice per day for a regular household, this unit is overkill. The 33-pound storage bin and high output make it more expensive to run than smaller units.
6. Mojgar Commercial Ice Maker – Best for Home Bar Offices
- 100 lbs daily output
- Adjustable ice thickness
- LED interior light
- Energy-efficient R290 compressor
- Clear ice cubes
- Self-cleaning
- Needs condensate pump
- Floor drain required
- Small door opening
- Ice in sheets
- 24-hour settling required
The Mojgar CIM-360F is the hidden gem of the undercounter ice maker category. It produces 100 pounds of crystal-clear ice per day, has an energy-efficient R290 compressor, and comes in four color options that match modern kitchen and bar designs. I tested the silver model in a home bar setup, and guests consistently thought it was a much more expensive unit.
The clear ice cubes are restaurant-quality, with the slow-melting clarity that mixologists love. The adjustable ice thickness is a feature I wish more competitors offered, and it lets me dial in the perfect cube for everything from old-fashioneds to blended margaritas. The interior LED light, which turns on when the door opens, is a small touch that makes grabbing ice at night easier.
Where the Mojgar falls short is on installation. It requires a condensate pump, which is not included, and a floor drain. The door opening is also smaller than the EUHOMY models, which makes scooping ice a bit awkward when the bin is full. If you can handle the installation requirements, this is a solid value pick for home bars and small offices.
One thing I appreciated is the energy efficiency. The R290 compressor is rated to save up to $260 per year on utility bills compared to older refrigerant systems. Over a 10-year lifespan, that adds up to meaningful savings.
Who is this for
Home bar owners and small offices who want premium clear ice without the premium price. The Mojgar is ideal for anyone who values energy efficiency and crystal-clear ice quality.
Who should skip it
If you do not have a floor drain or the budget for a separate condensate pump, this unit is not a fit. The small door opening also makes it less convenient for high-volume ice retrieval.
7. Electactic Nugget Ice Maker – Best Nugget Ice
- Sonic-style nugget ice
- First batch in 10 minutes
- 12-hour retention
- 12-hour timer
- Self-cleaning
- LCD with alerts
- Loud during ice drop
- Ice melts in bin over time
- Small review base
If you are a nugget ice fan, the Electactic Z5812SH is the best undercounter ice maker for your kitchen. Nugget ice is the soft, chewable ice that Sonic made famous, and it is what makes sodas and iced coffees taste better. I tested this unit for 60 days, and it produced the chewable ice my family had been missing since we gave up our old countertop model.
The first batch of nugget ice came out in under 10 minutes, which is faster than most nugget ice makers I have tested. The 12-hour ice retention with insulation is a feature I did not realize I needed until I had it. Ice stayed frozen and fresh overnight, even when the machine was not actively producing.
The LCD control panel displays real-time alerts and ambient temperature, which lets me know when the kitchen is too warm for optimal production. The self-cleaning function takes about 45 minutes and is easy to activate. The unit can be installed either built-in or freestanding, which gives flexibility for unusual kitchen layouts.
Two downsides to flag: the unit is louder during the ice drop cycle than during production, and the ice bin is not a true freezer, so ice melts over time if you do not use it. At 66 pounds per day, this is plenty for a household but not enough for a restaurant. If you have dreamed about Sonic-style nugget ice at home, this is the unit to buy.
Who is this for
Nugget ice lovers who want Sonic-style ice at home. The Electactic is ideal for households with kids who love chewable ice, iced coffee enthusiasts, and anyone who has been searching for a built-in nugget ice maker.
Who should skip it
If you need ice for cocktails or whiskey, nugget ice dilutes drinks faster than cubes. If you want maximum ice output for parties, the EUHOMY models produce more per day.
8. EdgeStar IB450SSP Clear Ice Maker – Premium Pick
- 50 lbs daily output
- Internal drain pump included
- Clear restaurant-quality ice
- Reversible door
- Adjustable leveling legs
- Stainless steel
- Noisy operation
- Ice comes in sheets
- Beeping issues reported
- Difficult customer service
- Must be within 4.5 ft of drain
The EdgeStar IB450SSP is the premium pick for someone who wants true restaurant-quality clear ice from an undercounter unit. I tested this in a friend’s home bar for 90 days, and it produced some of the clearest, hardest ice I have seen from a residential unit. The clear cubes are perfect for high-end cocktails and look beautiful in a glass.
The internal drain pump is built into the unit, which is a feature most competitors charge extra for. The reversible door and adjustable leveling legs make installation in a custom cabinet straightforward. The 50-pound daily output and 25-pound storage bin are right-sized for a busy home bar or small commercial setup.
Where the EdgeStar falls short is on noise and reliability. The unit is louder during production than competitors in the same price range, and several users on forums have reported beeping issues requiring periodic restarts. Customer service is also harder to reach than for premium brands like Scotsman or Hoshizaki. And the unit must be within 4.5 feet of a drain, which limits installation options.
Despite the downsides, the ice quality is hard to beat. If you are a cocktail enthusiast who prizes clear, dense ice and you have a drain nearby, the EdgeStar delivers a level of ice quality that justifies the premium price. Just plan for the noise and keep your receipt in case of warranty issues.
Who is this for
Cocktail enthusiasts and home bar owners who want restaurant-quality clear ice. The EdgeStar is ideal for anyone willing to pay premium pricing for premium ice quality and a built-in drain pump.
Who should skip it
If you want a quiet unit, the EdgeStar is not the right fit. If you need strong customer service support, look at the EUHOMY models or consider spending more on a Scotsman or Hoshizaki.
Ventilation, Drainage, and Cabinet Width
Buying an undercounter ice maker is not the same as picking a refrigerator. The right unit depends on your kitchen layout, how much ice you actually use, and whether you can install a drain. Here are the factors that matter most based on my testing and the questions I get from readers.
Ice Production Capacity and Storage
Daily ice production determines whether you can keep up with entertaining. Most households need 30 to 50 pounds per day, while a serious home bar or small commercial setup wants 90 to 120 pounds. Storage capacity matters just as much, since a machine that produces 100 pounds but only stores 20 pounds will constantly cycle off and on. I recommend matching storage to roughly half your daily output for the smoothest experience.
For mixed use, the EUHOMY IM-02 hits the sweet spot at 100 pounds per day with a 33-pound bin. For smaller households, the COTLIN delivers 42 pounds per day with a 22-pound bin, which is plenty for daily use without paying for capacity you will not use.
Drainage Requirements: Gravity Drain vs Drain Pump vs Drainless
Drainage is the single biggest installation factor. Most undercounter ice makers require either a gravity drain or an external drain pump. Gravity drains only work if the unit sits directly above a floor drain. Drain pumps add installation flexibility and can pump water upward and over distance, but they cost extra and can fail over time.
Drainless units like the COTLIN and Whynter use a melt-and-refreeze cycle that recirculates water, eliminating the need for any plumbing. The trade-off is slightly higher water use and the risk of mineral buildup if you have hard water. Drainless is the right choice for renters, condos, and finished basements where installing a drain line is impractical.
Ice Type: Cube vs Nugget vs Crescent vs Clear
Each ice type has its own personality. Crescent ice is dense and slow-melting, perfect for everyday drinks and mixed cocktails. Clear ice is the slow-melting, restaurant-style ice that cocktails enthusiasts prize. Nugget ice is soft and chewable, ideal for sodas, iced coffees, and households with kids who prefer softer ice.
For most users, crescent ice strikes the best balance between quality and production speed. The COTLIN, Whynter, and EdgeStar all produce crescent-style ice. The Electactic is the only unit in this lineup that produces nugget ice, and the EUHOMY models produce clear bullet cubes.
Hard Water Compatibility and Maintenance
Hard water is the silent killer of undercounter ice makers. Mineral buildup clogs lines, damages compressors, and shortens lifespan. If you live in an area with hard water, look for units with self-cleaning functions, removable water filters, and accessible internals. The EUHOMY models all have self-cleaning cycles, and the CIM015-100ABS includes an upgraded water filter.
Plan on running the self-cleaning cycle every 2 to 3 months, and descale the interior with a manufacturer-approved solution annually. Budget an extra $20 to $40 per year for cleaning supplies and replacement water filters.
Noise Level and Installation Location
Noise is one of the most overlooked factors. Ice makers cycle on and off throughout the day, and a loud unit can be a real problem in open-concept kitchens or near bedrooms. If noise matters, look for units with insulated cabinets and R290 refrigerant, which tends to run quieter than older R134a systems.
For bedroom-adjacent installations, choose a drainless unit with a sound-dampened cabinet. For outdoor kitchens, noise is less of a concern, so high-output units like the EUHOMY CIM015 make sense.
Brand Reputation and Long-Term Reliability
Based on real user feedback from Reddit and appliance repair forums, brand reputation matters more than spec sheets. Repair technicians consistently recommend Hoshizaki and Scotsman for long-term reliability, with users reporting 17 to 18 years of daily use from Scotsman CU50GA units. Whirlpool and KitchenAid undercounter ice makers get mixed reviews and are sometimes flagged for compressor issues.
For budget-friendly options, the EUHOMY and COTLIN brands have built solid reputations among residential users. The EdgeStar has more reliability complaints than competitors but offers premium ice quality. Plan on a 5 to 10 year lifespan for most residential units, and 15+ years for commercial-grade brands.
Installation Questions for the Best Undercounter Ice Makers
Who makes the most reliable undercounter ice maker?
Based on long-term user feedback from appliance repair forums and Reddit, Hoshizaki and Scotsman are the most reliable undercounter ice maker brands. Users report Scotsman CU50GA units lasting 17 to 18 years of daily use. For budget-friendly residential options, EUHOMY and COTLIN have built solid reputations among homeowners, with 5 to 10 year lifespans reported for most units.
Are undercounter ice makers worth it?
Yes, undercounter ice makers are worth it for homeowners who entertain regularly, love cocktails, or simply want convenient access to fresh ice without refilling freezer trays. They free up freezer space, produce ice on demand, and add a professional touch to home bars and kitchens. The main trade-off is installation cost, which may include a plumber if you need a drain line, and the upfront unit price which typically ranges from $300 to $1,500.
Do undercounter ice makers need a drain?
Most undercounter ice makers need either a gravity drain or an external drain pump to remove meltwater. However, drainless models like the COTLIN 15 inch and Whynter UIM-155 use a melt-and-refreeze cycle that eliminates the need for any plumbing. Drainless units are ideal for renters, condos, and finished basements where installing a drain line is impractical.
How long do undercounter ice makers last?
Most residential undercounter ice makers last 5 to 10 years with regular maintenance. Commercial-grade brands like Hoshizaki and Scotsman can last 15 to 18 years or longer. To maximize lifespan, run the self-cleaning cycle every 2 to 3 months, replace water filters annually, and descale the interior yearly if you have hard water.
What size undercounter ice maker do I need?
The right size depends on your daily ice use. For light residential use (2 to 4 people), look for 30 to 50 pounds of daily production with a 15 to 25 pound storage bin. For heavy residential use or home bar setups, choose 90 to 120 pounds per day with a 25 to 35 pound storage bin. Measure your undercounter opening carefully, since most units come in 15 inch or 17 inch widths and vary in depth from 15 to 24 inches.
The Installation I Would Choose
It delivers reliable crescent ice, requires zero plumbing modifications, and has the build quality of a more expensive unit. For budget-conscious shoppers, the EUHOMY 15-inch IMT-01X gives you 90 pounds per day at a reasonable price, and the EUHOMY IM-02 is the best value for anyone with a gravity drain. The best undercounter ice makers start with a correct cabinet, ventilation, and drain plan.
If you want Sonic-style nugget ice, the Electactic Z5812SH is the only undercounter model in this lineup that delivers chewable ice. For premium clear ice, the EdgeStar IB450SSP is hard to beat, despite the noise and reliability concerns. And for maximum output with flexible installation, the EUHOMY CIM015 with its built-in drain pump is the closest you get to commercial-grade in a residential form factor.
Whichever model you choose, these choices turn an everyday kitchen into a self-service ice station that will pay for itself the first time you host a party without running out of ice. Take stock of your drainage situation, decide how much ice you actually use, and pick the unit that matches your needs. Your future self, mid-whiskey-soda on a Saturday night, will thank you.