The Best Undercounter Ice Makers For Your Business or Home in 2026

Are you looking for a reliable ice machine for your home bar, kitchen, or office? You’ve come to the right place.

Updated October 2026: Several machines on this list have new model numbers because manufacturers moved to R290 refrigerant, and a few were discontinued. We replaced those with their current successors or a current alternative.

Here, you’ll find the best undercounter ice makers, compared on design, price, reliability, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll know which undercounter ice maker is best for you.

People buy undercounter ice makers when they need plenty of ice but don’t want to give up counter space. A countertop ice maker is great, but it doesn’t work for everyone.

The best undercounter ice makers make lots of ice and are still compact enough to fit under a counter, where you can grab ice quickly when you need it. You also want an ice maker that’s reliable, looks great, isn’t loud, and makes the type of ice you want.

There are several key things to keep in mind when shopping, and this buying guide covers them.

Let’s begin with the best undercounter ice makers.

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The Top Undercounter Ice Makers for Your Home or Business

Below are the best undercounter ice makers on the market today. Choose from the selection below for a quality unit at a great price.

1. Scotsman CU50 Gravity Drain (CU50GAX-1) Undercounter Ice Maker (Best For Clear Ice)

With the capacity to make up to 65 pounds of crystal clear ice a day, this is one of the best undercounter ice makers for home use, parties, and commercial use.

The Scotsman CU50 is made by Scotsman Ice Systems, a company with a long history of innovative, high-quality ice machines. The gravity-drain version is now sold as the CU50GAX-1, which replaced the CU50GA-1 and uses R290 refrigerant.

It makes clear, taste-neutral gourmet cubes. They look great in any drink and melt slowly.

It vents from the front, so it’s easy to install under a cabinet. You can also use it as a freestanding ice machine.

Standout Features

• Has a water quality detector: The CU50 monitors the incoming water. When it detects hard water, it purges itself after the cycle to help prevent scale build-up, which can shorten its life and lower ice quality.
• Makes clear, taste-neutral cubes: Want cubes like you’d expect at a five-star restaurant? This machine makes exactly that kind of cube, perfect for spirits, premium wines, cocktails, and even lemonade.
• Up to 65 pounds a day: Scotsman rates it at 65 pounds a day at 70°F air and 50°F water, and 49 pounds at 90°F/70°F. That’s a lot of ice for a 15-inch machine.
• Strong stainless steel design: The stainless steel exterior is built to last for many years.

Drawbacks

• A bit noisy: The large cubes make a sound when they drop into the bin.
• Needs a floor drain: The gravity-drain model needs a drain below the machine. If you don’t have one, choose the pump-drain CU50 below.
• Pricey: Expect to pay around $3,100.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Scotsman
• Current model: CU50GAX-1 (replaces CU50GA-1)
• Installation: Should be done professionally
• Drainage type: Gravity drain (no pump)
• Size: About 14.9″ W x 22″ D x 34.4″ H
• Ice production capacity: Up to 65 pounds a day
• Storage bin capacity: 26 pounds
• Price: Around $3,100

2. Scotsman CU50 Pump Drain (CU50PAX-1) Undercounter Ice Maker (Best Design)

This undercounter ice maker is widely regarded as a top choice by restaurant owners, bar owners, and appliance reviewers.

It’s the same CU50 as above, with one big difference: a built-in drain pump. That means you can install it almost anywhere, even where there’s no floor drain, because it pumps melt water up to a sink drain. The current model is the CU50PAX-1, which replaced the CU50PA-1A.

It makes up to 65 pounds of ice a day and is built tough for commercial use, but it also looks great under a kitchen counter at home.

The machine is made by Scotsman, a leading ice machine manufacturer, and it shows in how well it works.

This Scotsman is best known for dense, slow-melting cubes that are perfect for premium drinks, cocktails, vodka, and whiskey.

Standout Features

• Built-in drain pump: Install it where a gravity drain won’t work, such as under an island or wet bar.
• High production for its size: Up to 65 pounds a day from a 15-inch-wide machine, more than many home undercounter units.
• Good storage: The bin holds 26 pounds of ice.
• Makes clear cubes: Clear gourmet cubes that are perfect for cocktails and spirits.
• Reversible door: The door can swing either way to fit your kitchen layout.

Drawbacks

• Makes noise that you can hear, especially at night
• It is pretty expensive (around $3,500)

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Scotsman
• Current model: CU50PAX-1 (replaces CU50PA-1A)
• Installation: Should ideally be done by a professional
• Drainage type: Built-in drain pump
• Size: About 14.9″ W x 22″ D x 34.4″ H
• Ice production capacity: Up to 65 pounds a day
• Storage bin capacity: 26 pounds
• Price: Around $3,500

3. Manitowoc NEO UDP0140A (formerly UDF0140A) Undercounter Ice Machine (Best Rated Ice Maker)

This Manitowoc is a popular undercounter ice maker. Customers rate it highly, and it’s reasonably priced for a true commercial machine.

The current version is the UDP0140A, which replaces the UDF0140A and uses R290 refrigerant. It has a simple, stylish design with an easy-access sliding door and makes up to 140 pounds of dice cubes a day (about 110 pounds under AHRI’s hotter test conditions). That makes it a great fit for commercial use.

Its 90-pound storage bin is also impressive. It holds enough ice for a medium-sized bar for an entire night.

If you prefer smaller cubes, Manitowoc makes the same machine in a half-dice version (the UYP0140A), which we cover in our best commercial ice makers guide.

Standout Features

• Easy-access sliding door: The door makes it easy to reach the ice when the machine is under a counter.
• Built-in water filtration: The NEO has a water filter built in, which helps keep the ice clean and the machine free of scale.
• Makes a lot of ice: Up to 140 pounds a day, which makes it a great fit for commercial use.
• Large bin: The bin holds 90 pounds of ice.

Drawbacks

• Installing it is a bit complicated if you do it yourself
• At 26 inches wide, it needs more room than 15-inch home units

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Manitowoc
• Current model: UDP0140A (replaces UDF0140A)
• Installation: Should be done professionally
• Drainage type: Gravity
• Size: About 26″ W x 28.5″ D x 38.5″ H
• Ice production capacity: Up to 140 pounds a day
• Storage bin capacity: 90 pounds
• Price: Around $2,800

4. SPT IM-60YUS Stainless Steel Undercounter Ice Maker (Best For Quality)

There’s no better way to quench your thirst than with a cold drink. Many people rely on the freezer for ice, but a freezer alone often can’t keep up when you have family or friends over. That’s why people buy ice makers like this SPT.

SPT’s current 50-pound undercounter model is the IM-60YUS. It takes the place of the IM-600US we originally reviewed, which retailers now list as discontinued, and it has the same 50-pound output, 25-pound bin and 14.6-inch width.

The machine is made by SPT (Sunpentown). SPT is a California-based company that has made ice machines, wine coolers, fans, dehumidifiers, and similar appliances since the early nineties.

It costs far less than commercial machines like the Scotsman and Manitowoc, yet it still makes clear gourmet cubes.

The stainless steel design is stylish and simple. You can use it freestanding or built in under a counter.

Standout Features

• Comes with useful accessories: It includes an ice scoop, a 9-foot water supply hose, a gravity drain hose, and a removable ice bin.
• Makes a decent amount of ice: Up to 50 pounds a day, a solid output for a home bar or kitchen.
• Makes clear gourmet ice: Clear cubes of about 0.75″ x 0.75″ x 1″ that look great in drinks.
• Stainless steel construction: A durable stainless steel build that doesn’t damage easily.
• Shuts off automatically: It stops making ice when the bin is full, which helps keep your energy bill down.

Drawbacks

• Works best with filtered water: SPT recommends filtered or purified water, or regular cleaning to remove mineral build-up. A water filter is an extra cost.
• Installing it yourself isn’t recommended: SPT requires installation by a licensed plumber, which adds to the cost.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: SPT
• Installation: Should be done by a licensed plumber
• Drainage type: Gravity drain (drain required)
• Line-in: 9-foot water supply hose included
• Size: 14.6″ W x 25″ D (with handle) x 32.8″ H
• Ice production capacity: Up to 50 pounds a day
• Storage bin capacity: 25 pounds
• Price: Around $830 (SPT’s current sale price; list price is higher)

5. EdgeStar IB450SS Undercounter Clear Ice Maker (Best Priced)

The EdgeStar IB450SS is an elegant 15-inch ice machine that makes ice efficiently.

It makes up to 50 pounds of ice a day and stores 25 pounds, enough to keep a small event stocked without running short.

It also has a stainless steel exterior that looks sharp and resists corrosion.

You can use the EdgeStar under a cabinet or as a freestanding ice maker. If you don’t have a floor drain, EdgeStar also sells a version with a built-in drain pump (the IB450SSP).

Standout Features

• Makes plenty of ice: Up to 50 pounds a day.
• Good storage capacity: The 25-pound bin holds enough ice for a small party.
• Commercial-grade exterior: A tough, durable stainless steel cabinet that still looks good in any kitchen.
• Reasonably priced: At around $1,340, it costs much less than commercial machines like the Scotsman.

Drawbacks

• Some users say it gets louder over time
• A handful of users weren’t impressed by the manufacturer’s customer service

Specifications

• Manufacturer: EdgeStar
• Installation: Should be done by a professional plumber
• Drainage type: Gravity drain (drain required); pump version sold as IB450SSP
• Size: About 15″ W x 23.6″ D x 32.8″ H
• Ice production capacity: Up to 50 pounds a day
• Storage bin capacity: 25 pounds
• Price: Around $1,340

6. Maxx Ice MIM50P-O Undercounter Ice Maker (Best Indoor-Outdoor)

This is one of the few ice makers built to be used both indoors and outdoors, and perhaps the best of them.

Made by Maxx Ice, it makes up to 65 pounds of dice cubes a day under ideal conditions and stores 25 pounds.

If you want a commercial-grade ice maker for a bar, parties, or a big family, especially one that will live in an outdoor kitchen, this is it.

It works well indoors because it’s compact enough to fit under most counters despite its big capacity. The “-O” model has an all-stainless steel cabinet built to handle outdoor use. (The black-cabinet MIM50P is the indoor version, so make sure you order the MIM50P-O for outdoors.)

It also has an internal drain pump, so a plumber can install it almost anywhere. Melt water can be pumped up to a sink instead of needing a floor drain.

Standout Features

• Big ice production: Up to 65 pounds of ice a day under ideal conditions.
• Decent storage capacity: The bin holds 25 pounds, enough to serve cold drinks to 20 or more people for hours.
• Built for outdoor use: The all-stainless cabinet is designed to stand up to outdoor kitchens.
• Internal drain pump: Makes installation easier when your drain is higher than the machine’s drain outlet.
• Energy efficient: It’s ENERGY STAR listed.
• Comes with a stainless steel scoop
• Shuts off automatically to prevent overflow

Drawbacks

• Can only be defrosted manually, which is a chore
• Doesn’t have an internal water filter, which some people expect at this price

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Maxx Ice
• Installation: You can do it yourself, but it’s best done professionally
• Drainage type: Internal drain pump included
• Size: About 14.6″ W x 25″ D x 33.3″ H
• Ice production capacity: Up to 65 pounds a day
• Storage bin capacity: 25 pounds
• Price: Around $1,700

7. Sunpentown IM-150US Stainless Steel Undercounter Ice Maker with Freezer (Best Ice Maker with Freezer)

This is one of Sunpentown‘s best-selling ice makers, and it’s the company’s second product on this list.

Why is it a best-seller? There are a few reasons.

First, it’s relatively cheap (SPT currently sells it for around $530), yet it’s well made.

Second, it’s mostly automatic. It stops making ice when its 6-pound bin is full.

Third, it has a tough but stylish design that should last a long time.

One thing to note: it’s not for commercial use, because it doesn’t make enough ice for a business.

Standout Features

• Stainless steel door: A tough stainless steel front that resists corrosion.
• Steady ice production: Makes up to 12 pounds of crescent-shaped ice a day.
• Ice stays frozen longer: The built-in freezer keeps the ice solid.
• No drain needed: It doesn’t need a drain line, which makes it easier to place.

Drawbacks

• Needs a professional for installation: SPT requires a licensed plumber to connect the water line, which costs time and money.
• Some people say their unit is noisy, and reviews are mixed on build quality

Specifications

• Manufacturer: SPT
• Installation: Should be done by a licensed plumber
• Defrost: Manual
• Drainage type: No drain required
• Line-in: Included
• Size: 15″ W x 18″ D x 25″ H
• Ice production capacity: Up to 12 pounds a day
• Storage bin capacity: 6 pounds
• Price: Around $530

8. EUHOMY IM-02 Commercial Ice Maker (Best Value)

Looking for serious ice production on a budget? The hOmeLabs freestanding ice maker we used to recommend here is no longer sold, so our value pick is now the EUHOMY IM-02.

It makes up to 100 pounds of ice a day, about 45 cubes every 11-15 minutes, and holds 33 pounds in its bin. That makes it a good fit for a large household, a home bar, or light commercial use.

EUHOMY says it’s ETL listed for both home and commercial use. It’s front-vented and about 17.5 inches wide, so it can sit under a counter or stand on its own.

Standout Features

• Serious ice production: Up to 100 pounds a day.
• Fast cycles: A fresh batch of about 45 cubes every 11-15 minutes.
• Overflow prevention: It stops making ice when the bin is full and starts again when you take ice out.
• Low price: It usually costs a few hundred dollars, a fraction of a commercial Scotsman or Manitowoc.

Drawbacks

• Light-duty build: it’s not meant to replace a true commercial machine in a busy restaurant
• Boxy design that looks better in a basement or bar than a showpiece kitchen

Specifications

• Manufacturer: EUHOMY
• Installation: Water line and drain line needed (hoses included)
• Size: About 17.5″ W x 16″ D x 31.3″ H
• Ice production capacity: Up to 100 pounds a day
• Storage bin capacity: 33 pounds
• Price: Roughly $400-$800 depending on the seller

9. U-Line ADA 14″ Crescent Ice Maker UACR014 (Best Crescent Ice Maker)

See the U-Line UACR014 on u-line.com (not currently sold on Amazon)

This is one of the most compact undercounter ice makers available. The U-Line UBI95B00A we originally recommended has been discontinued, and retailers list the UACR014 from U-Line’s ADA Collection as its replacement.

At just 14 inches wide and built to fit under a 34-inch ADA-height counter, it’s a great fit for a home, office, or accessible kitchen.

It makes up to 23 pounds of crescent ice a day and stores up to 12 pounds.

It comes in black, white, or stainless steel, and the door is field reversible.

Standout Features

• Compact: Only 14 inches wide, so it fits in most offices and small kitchens.
• ADA height: Designed to fit under a 34-inch counter.
• Makes a decent amount of ice: Up to 23 pounds of crescent ice a day.
• Three finishes: Black, white, or stainless steel.

Drawbacks

• Expensive for 23 pounds a day: U-Line lists it at $1,909 (black or white) and $2,559 (stainless)
• Some retailers list it as special order or backordered, so check availability

Specifications

• Manufacturer: U-Line
• Models: UACR014-BS01A (black), UACR014-WS01A (white), UACR014-SS01A (stainless)
• Width: 14 inches
• Ice production capacity: Up to 23 pounds a day
• Storage bin capacity: 12 pounds
• Price: From around $1,730 at retailers (MSRP $1,909)

What to Consider Before Buying an Undercounter Ice Maker

The Cooling System

Ice makers, like refrigerators, use a compressor to make ice. The heat it removes is carried away by either air or water.

Most modern undercounter ice makers are air-cooled. They use fans and vents to pull room air across the condenser and push the warm air back out.

Air-cooled machines work very well, but the warm air they release can make your air conditioner work a little harder, which may mean slightly higher power bills.

Water-cooled machines use running water to carry the heat away. They’re efficient in hot spaces, but they use a lot of water, which is why most people choose air-cooled models.

Maintenance

One of the most important things to consider before buying an undercounter ice maker is how easy it is to maintain.

Ice makers need to be cleaned regularly (we recommend at least every six months, and more often with hard water). If the ice maker you want is hard to clean, you’ll end up calling a technician and spending more on maintenance.

If the machine is easy to maintain, you can clean it yourself. Many machines even have a clean button that runs a cleaning cycle for you.

So make sure the undercounter ice maker you buy is easy to maintain.

The Drainage System

Ice machines use one of three drainage setups: a drain pump, a gravity drain, or no drain at all.

No-drain ice makers are the easiest to install because you don’t need to worry about drainage. They’re usually smaller units, like the SPT IM-150US.

Gravity-drain machines need a drain lower than the machine, usually a floor drain. Under a kitchen counter, you often won’t have one.

That’s why, if you can’t get a no-drain ice maker, the next best option is one with a drain pump. A built-in pump pushes melt water to a drain farther away or to a sink drain higher than the machine.

The Size of the Storage Bin

The bin size you need depends on how much ice you use. A home bar or an actual bar needs a bigger bin; a corner office can get by with a small one.

If a seller doesn’t list the bin size, you can estimate it from the production rate. On many machines the bin holds about half of what the machine makes in a day, so a 50-pound machine often has a bin of around 25 pounds.

Also check whether the bin is refrigerated or just insulated. Most undercounter ice makers have insulated bins where the ice slowly melts and is replaced, while units with a freezer (like the SPT IM-150US) keep the ice frozen.

In short, make sure you’re comfortable with the bin size and type before you buy.

The Production Capacity

Production capacity matters. Too little, and the ice maker won’t keep up; too much, and you’ve paid more than you needed to buy and run it.

If you need a lot of ice (for a small bar, for example), look for a machine that makes at least 40-50 pounds a day. If it’s just for you or your family, a 12-pound machine may be plenty. Check out our portable ice maker buyer’s guide for smaller units.

Ice Quality

For some people, any ice will do. Others want a specific type of ice, like clear cubes for cocktails or chewable ice.

If ice type matters to you, make sure the machine makes the ice you want before you order.

Customer Reviews

Most of the points above are technical. One of the best ways to find out if an undercounter ice maker is right for you is to read verified customer reviews.

Reviews tell you what other owners think and whether the manufacturer’s claims match real experience.

So check the reviews for any model you’re considering, especially on large retailers like Amazon, where there are usually plenty of them.

How an Ice Maker Works

All ice makers, whether undercounter, freestanding, or portable, turn water into ice in generally the same way. Here’s how.

The compressor pumps refrigerant gas through the condenser (a series of tubes). As it passes through, the refrigerant is cooled by air or water and turns into a liquid.

The refrigerant then moves into the evaporator, where it absorbs heat and turns back into a gas. The ice maker runs water over the evaporator, which is very cold, and the water gradually freezes into ice.

Many machines freeze the ice into cube-shaped compartments. Others make crescents, bullets, nuggets, flakes, half cubes, or full cubes.

Undercounter Ice Maker FAQ

Does an undercounter ice maker need a drain?

Most do. Gravity-drain models need a drain below the machine, and pump models can send water up to a sink drain. A few small units, like the SPT IM-150US, need no drain.

How much does a good undercounter ice maker cost?

Home units like the SPT and EdgeStar cost roughly $500-$1,700. Commercial-grade machines like the Scotsman CU50 and Manitowoc NEO cost around $2,800-$3,500, plus installation.

Can I put an undercounter ice maker outdoors?

Only if it’s rated for outdoor use, like the all-stainless Maxx Ice MIM50P-O. Indoor models can fail or void their warranty outside.

Conclusion

As this buying guide shows, there are many things to consider when choosing an ice maker.

We’ve made the process easier by ranking the best undercounter ice makers available right now.

With the product list and the buying tips above, choosing the right ice maker for your needs should be pretty straightforward.

Remember, the best commercial-grade undercounter ice machines cost several thousand dollars, so make sure the one you buy is exactly what you need.

If you have any questions or comments, leave them below. We’d love to hear from you.