Key takeaways
- Clean on schedule: Ice machines can build up scale and biofilm. Follow the maker’s cleaning and descaling intervals, and use only the cleaner the manual allows.
- Water filter: A filter, if the manual supports one, can reduce taste and scale issues. Replace it on the schedule given.
- Ventilation: Keep air vents clear and follow the clearance and ambient temperature limits in the manual.
- Outdoor use: Only use a unit outdoors if the maker rates it for outdoor installation. Most indoor residential models are not.
- Electrical and plumbing: Use a qualified professional for hardwiring, new outlets or plumbing. Do not remove grounding or bypass any safety feature.
- Food handling: Use clean scoops, not glasses, to pull ice, and discard ice if the machine has been off or contaminated.
For a home bar or kitchen, a gourmet-style clear-ice undercounter unit such as the Scotsman CU50 series suits buyers who prioritise ice quality and long service life, while a Frigidaire-class residential unit or a value brand suits those who want a simpler install and a lower budget tier. The right choice depends on three things: how much ice you actually use, whether you have a drain and water line nearby, and what kind of ice you want in the glass. This guide walks through those decisions, then compares the units reviewers mention most often.
Our top picks
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
At a Glance: Undercounter Ice Makers Compared
| Model or class | Best for | Stated or reported specs | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotsman CU50 series (CU50PA-1A, CU50GA-1SSD) | Home bars and light commercial use, clear gourmet ice | Roundups report roughly 65 lb of ice per day and around 26 lb of storage; gourmet-style cubes | Premium tier; professional installation advised; reviewers describe it as noisier than residential units |
| Frigidaire undercounter unit | Households wanting clear, gourmet-style ice at a more modest tier | One roundup lists about 40 lb per day with gravity drain | Gravity drain needs a drain lower than the unit |
| hOmeLabs undercounter unit | Value-minded buyers | Named best value in one roundup | Fewer installation options; check the manual for drain type |
| EdgeStar, Avallon, Newair class | Compact budget and mid-range builds | Common names in roundups for small 15-inch class units | Output and storage vary by model; read the specification sheet |
| U-Line, KitchenAid class | Built-in kitchens wanting matching appliances | Residential, panel-ready styles are common in this class | Premium tier |
A note on terms: some products that appear in “best ice maker” lists, such as GE Profile Opal nugget makers and Luma Comfort clear-ice makers, are countertop or portable units. They are useful, but they are not built to sit under a counter, so they appear in the alternatives section rather than in the main picks.
How Undercounter Ice Makers Differ
Ice type
Undercounter units typically make one of three kinds of ice. Gourmet or clear cubes are dense, slow-melting and well suited to spirits and cocktails; this is what makes Scotsman-style machines popular with home bartenders. Standard crescent or half-moon ice melts faster but is quick and inexpensive to produce. Nugget or chewable ice, often associated with Opal-style countertop machines, is soft and absorbs flavour, which some drinkers prefer for iced coffee, soda and some cocktails. Check which type the model you are considering actually produces, because the cabinet size looks the same across all three.
Daily output versus storage
Makers list a daily production figure and a separate storage capacity. Production tells you how much ice the unit can make over 24 hours, and storage tells you how much is on hand when guests arrive. For a household that entertains occasionally, a larger storage bin matters more than peak production. Reviewers also note that stated daily output is measured under specific conditions, usually at a set room and water temperature, so real output in a warm garage or outdoor kitchen can be lower.
Drain type
Gravity drain units rely on a drain that sits lower than the machine, which is common with floor drains or sinks in some cabinetry. Drain-pump units push melt water upward to a sink drain, giving more placement flexibility. If your install spot has no suitable drain nearby, a drain-pump model or a countertop alternative is worth considering.
Size and fit
Many residential units are about 15 inches wide to match a standard bar or kitchen cabinet, with others at 18 or 24 inches. Measure the cutout width, height and depth, and allow for the door swing and any leveling legs. Confirm whether the unit is front-vented, which is necessary for built-in installation, since rear-vented units can overheat when boxed in. Follow the maker’s clearance guidance in the manual.
Water, power and installation
Most undercounter units need a cold water supply line, power outlet and a drain. If you are unsure about connecting plumbing or electrical supply, hire a qualified plumber or electrician rather than improvising, and follow the installation manual and local code. Scotsman’s own commercial-style units are often installed by professionals, and reviewers say that installation and service are part of ownership.
Noise
Ice machines cycle on and off, and a compressor, water pump and falling ice all create noise. One roundup describes Scotsman units as noticeably louder than some residential competitors. If the unit will sit in an open-plan space, consider a model whose maker promotes quiet operation, and plan for placement away from seating.
Picks by Buyer
Scotsman CU50 series: best for ice quality and longevity
Several roundups put the CU50PA-1A and CU50GA-1SSD at the top of the premium tier, praising the clear gourmet ice and durability, with one review suggesting a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Reported drawbacks are cost, a need for professional installation and a louder running sound. It is a good match for a serious home bar, an outdoor-adjacent kitchen with proper protection, or a small business.
Frigidaire undercounter units: best for a residential feel
Frigidaire is described in one roundup as best for clear gourmet ice, with an approximate 40 lb per day output and gravity drain in the table. It suits households that want a familiar brand, a cabinet-friendly size and ice for drinks rather than for volume party service. Confirm drain type and exact specifications on the maker’s page for the model you buy.
hOmeLabs and other value units: best for tight budgets
Value brands let first-time buyers add an undercounter ice maker without moving into the premium tier. The trade-off is that warranty length, service network and long-term durability are less established. Read the manual for cleaning intervals and installation requirements, and consider whether you will need a pump or a nearby drain.
U-Line and KitchenAid: best for built-in kitchens
These brands appear in roundups for matched, panel-ready kitchens. They sit toward the premium tier and make sense when design and a uniform look across appliances matter as much as ice output.
Pick X If… Decision Table
| If you… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Drink spirits on the rocks and want slow-melting ice | Scotsman CU50 series or another gourmet-cube unit | Dense clear cubes melt slowly |
| Host often and need volume | Higher output unit with a large bin | Production and storage both matter |
| Have no drain nearby | Drain-pump model | Pumps melt water to a distant sink drain |
| Want a modest-budget install | Value brand such as hOmeLabs or EdgeStar class | Lower entry tier |
| Care about a matched kitchen look | U-Line or KitchenAid class | Panel-ready styles |
| Love chewable ice | Nugget countertop machine | Nugget is usually a countertop format |
Budget Tiers Without the Price Tags
The budget tier covers compact 15-inch units from value brands, usually with modest output and basic controls. The mid-range tier includes better-known appliance brands with higher storage and more consistent quality. The premium tier is dominated by Scotsman-style commercial-grade builds and built-in kitchen brands; you pay for sturdier components, serviceability and gourmet ice. If you only use ice a few times a week, the budget or mid-range tier is usually enough. If the machine will run daily and be asked to keep up with guests, the premium tier is easier to justify.
Care and Safety Notes
- Clean on schedule: Ice machines can build up scale and biofilm. Follow the maker’s cleaning and descaling intervals, and use only the cleaner the manual allows.
- Water filter: A filter, if the manual supports one, can reduce taste and scale issues. Replace it on the schedule given.
- Ventilation: Keep air vents clear and follow the clearance and ambient temperature limits in the manual.
- Outdoor use: Only use a unit outdoors if the maker rates it for outdoor installation. Most indoor residential models are not.
- Electrical and plumbing: Use a qualified professional for hardwiring, new outlets or plumbing. Do not remove grounding or bypass any safety feature.
- Food handling: Use clean scoops, not glasses, to pull ice, and discard ice if the machine has been off or contaminated.
Alternatives to Consider
- GE Profile Opal nugget makers: Countertop machines that roundups rate highly for nugget ice. Good for soft ice lovers who do not have a spot for a built-in.
- Luma Comfort IM200 class clear-ice makers: Portable countertop machines that start making ice in minutes but cannot match a built-in for volume.
- Freezer-tray clear ice molds: For occasional clear ice for a few cocktails, directional-freezing molds are an inexpensive option.
- Combination wine and beverage coolers with ice: Some bar setups use an ice maker next to a beverage cooler to complete the station.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much ice does an undercounter ice maker make?
Roundups list figures from around 40 lb per day for residential units up to around 65 lb per day for the Scotsman CU50 series. Actual output depends on room temperature, water temperature and load. Check the maker’s performance data for your conditions.
Do undercounter ice makers need a drain?
Most do. Gravity-drain models need a drain below the unit, while drain-pump models can send water upward to a sink drain. If you have no drain nearby, choose a pump model or consider a countertop alternative.
Can I install one in a cabinet?
Only if the maker states it is built-in or front-vented. Rear-vented units can overheat when enclosed. Follow the clearance and ventilation notes in the installation manual.
Is clear ice really better for drinks?
Clear, dense cubes melt more slowly than cloudy ice, so drinks stay cold without as much dilution. That is why gourmet-ice machines are popular with home bartenders. The difference matters most for spirits and stirred cocktails.
How often should I clean it?
Follow the maker’s schedule, often every six months for descaling and sanitising, with more frequent cleaning for heavy use or hard water. Use only cleaners the manual approves, and rinse thoroughly.
Is professional installation necessary?
For units with a water line, drain and dedicated power, a plumber or electrician is a sensible choice if you are not comfortable doing the work. Reviewers say Scotsman units in particular benefit from professional installation. Always follow local code and the manual.
More from Amazon
Programs that pair well with the guide above. Offers and eligibility are set by Amazon and may change.
Set up recurring deliveries of everyday items on eligible products. Terms and savings are set by Amazon.
Explore Subscribe & SaveCollect the home and kitchen items you want in one registry that guests can shop from.
Create a wedding registryFree shipping on eligible items, Prime Video and more. Eligible new members can start with a free trial.
Start a Prime free trialAudiobooks and podcasts to listen to on the go. Eligible new members can start with a free trial.
Try Audible freeAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
