Whenever you have guests over, are you often running out of ice?
Having extra bagged ice on hand is a pain…
…and those bags will quickly fill up your freezer space.
It is inconvenient and expensive to supplement…
…the amount of ice your freezer makes.
This article will provide you with Undercounter Ice Maker Buying Tips…
…if you face this problem regularly.
They are designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen…
…without taking up any floor space.
Built-in ice machines are sometimes referred…
…to as undercounter ice machines.
As with a dishwasher or cooking range…
…these are installed directly into your cabinetry.
These machines can be bought by families…
…that go through ice at a quick pace…
…and they can be integrated into their kitchen.
A built-in ice maker is also useful in offices, churches…
…and anywhere else where a lot of people gather and need ice.
In an environment where there is an ongoing need for ice…
…such as in a restaurant or hotel…
…you may be better off investing in a commercial ice machine…
…designed for high-capacity production.
There are a few things you should know…
…before buying a built-in ice maker if you think…
…it would work well for you and your lifestyle.
Our guide below will give you a better idea of the most important…
…factors to consider when looking at your options.
Stephen will say a few words before we move on…
I’ve had this undercounter ice maker just a couple of weeks…
…but so far I am extremely happy with it.
I get plenty of large beautiful ice cubes.
Several reviews did not like the fact that it is a little noisy…
…but I do not find it bothersome.
The sound is similar to the sound of a microwave running…
…but that is only when it refills the ice bin…
…so just a few times a day as the ice is used.
Now, here’s the main part…
Undercounter Ice Maker Buying Tips: Factors to Consider
If you wish to find the best undercounter ice maker…
…that will meet all of your needs, we strongly recommend…
…that you consider each of these main factors.
Placement
A main reason to choose an undercounter ice maker…
…instead of a portable model is to be able to place it in an area…
…where it fits well with the space.
To put it another way, you should have an idea…
…of where you plan to install your device…
…before you start browsing your options.
If you know exactly where it will go, you can select an ice machine…
…that is the right size and type for the available space.
You need to be careful to choose an undercounter ice maker…
…that is specifically made for outdoor use…
…if you plan on keeping your ice maker outside.
If you want an undercounter ice machine for your patio bar…
…or outdoor kitchen, you can’t skimp on durability…
…and ability to keep the ice cold no matter how extreme the weather may be.
Type of Ice
What is your favorite type of ice?
Built-in ice machines make nugget ice (also known as Sonic ice)…
…cube ice, crescent ice or one of a few other types.
Some people don’t mind what kind of ice they use…
…as long as it’s cold and keeps their drinks cold.
Consider an ice maker that produces the kind of ice you like most…
…if you have a specific preference.
Keep reading…
Production Rate
Choosing an undercounter ice maker…
…based on its production rate is a crucial factor in determining…
…whether it will meet your needs.
You’ll still have to buy bags of ice from the store…
…or do without ice if your ice maker makes ice slower than you consume it…
…which defeats the whole purpose of having an additional ice maker…
…for your home or business.
Manufacturers of built-in ice machines should provide specifications…
…on the production rate for each model they sell.
The rate will be based on the amount of ice that the unit…
…can produce in a 24-hour period.
Your ice maker’s production rate depends on it being…
…in what they consider the optimal environment…
…which usually means it is properly installed, properly ventilated…
…and that the temperature around it is kept at approximately 70°F.
If your ice maker will be located somewhere that gets hotter than that…
…you should expect a lower production rate.
Capacity
As part of the product, undercounter ice makers include freezer storage space.
You should also consider how much ice the machine can hold at a given time…
…in addition to its production rate.
When your family or colleagues frequently consume ice quickly…
…a higher production rate is more important than the storage capacity.
When you buy an undercounter ice machine…
…to supplement the amount of ice you have for occasional big parties or events…
…a high capacity is going to be crucial.
The ice machine you purchase may not have much storage space…
…but if you have additional space to store the bags of ice it produces…
…that may work as a partial solution, but it will still require more effort.
With a built-in ice maker, you can have as much ice as you need at any given time.
Go on…
Size
How much an undercounter ice maker…
…can hold is directly proportional to its size…
…so getting the right capacity is tricky.
If you only have a limited amount of space to work with…
….then getting a machine that can store a lot of ice at once…
…and still fit in the available space may be a challenge.
Measure the area where you plan to install your built-in ice maker…
…so you can be sure it will not only fit seamlessly into your kitchen…
…but will also be easy to install.
“Before choosing an undercounter ice maker, you should measure the space where you intend to put the ice machine, and compare those measurements to the models you’re considering.”
David Austin, CFSP – Longform Content Creator
Cost
The price of an undercounter ice maker…
…typically ranges from $250 to $5,000.
Most ice makers at the top of that range offer high production rates…
…and large storage capacities…
…while the more affordable ones are usually smaller…
…in both production and storage.
In addition to size and capacity affecting the overall cost…
…some built-in ice makers will be more expensive…
…because of their strong brand reputation or some extra features…
…such as a water filter or nugget ice capabilities.
An ice maker may have a sticker cost…
…but there are other costs associated with it.
Many undercounter ice makers can also be used as freestanding models…
…if you so choose, but you may have to spend a little more…
…during the installation process if you choose to install them…
…under a counter, either in labor or parts.
It will also take more energy and water to make ice.
Even though it will not be as much as a dishwasher…
…or washing machine, a built-in ice maker…
…will certainly have an impact on your monthly utilities bills.
Drain Options
A drain is a necessity for every ice maker.
With an undercounter ice maker, you have two drain options…
…to choose from: gravity drains and drain pumps.
When you have a drain in your kitchen within two feet…
…of where you install your ice machine, you can use a gravity drain.
Gravity will move the condensate to the drain port…
…where it can drain out of the appliance and down the sink drain.
In cases where a gravity drain would not be possible…
…either because there is no nearby drain…
…or because the water would not be moving downward…
…throughout the whole journey from ice maker to drain…
…(a necessary component for gravity to work)…
…it is advised to purchase an ice maker with drain pump.
Any excess water in the machine is pumped…
…to a nearby drain with this type of pump.
Undercounter ice machines sometimes have drain pumps built in…
…but not all models have them.
Depending on which unit you purchase…
…you may need to purchase the drain pump as an external attachment.
Installation
Installing a built-in ice maker is not a difficult task, but it isn’t straightforward.
If you’re a DIY-savvy person, you can probably install it without any problems.
However, it can become frustrating and complicated…
…even for the most handy of homeowners.
Though every ice maker comes with installation instructions…
…it is still a good idea to consider all aspects of the installation process.
A lot must be considered here, including types of drains…
…water lines, electrical needs, ventilation requirements…
…and installing it within a confined space…
…while still looking seamless within your cabinetry.
This is not an easy task.
Many consumers will consider it worthwhile to hire a professional.
Before purchasing an undercounter ice maker…
…make sure you understand what to expect from the installation process…
…if you have enough DIY experience.
In this way, you’ll have a better idea of what you’re getting into and…
…ultimately, make the best buying decision.
Look & Style
While most undercounter ice makers aren’t designed with aesthetics in mind…
…you do have some options when it comes to how your ice maker looks.
Undercounter ice makers come in a variety of colors and finishes.
The majority of models come in black, white, or stainless steel…
…but there are some with doors that mimic the look of wood.
There are also a few that come in bright colors.
The overall appearance will depend on your personal preference…
…and the decor of the room where it will be installed.
A majority of consumers prefer to buy an undercounter ice maker…
…that matches the other appliances in their kitchen…
…most commonly black or stainless steel.
You will have no difficulty finding an ice maker that meets your needs…
…if you fall into this category.
In the event that you are seeking a particular color or finish…
…you may have to spend more time and effort looking for the best ice machine…
…for your kitchen. You will have less options to choose…
…from the more extraordinary you are.
Not only do these include important factors such as size…
…production rate, and storage capacity…
…but also brands and models to choose from.
Energy Efficiency
You should look for an undercounter ice machine that has been certified…
…by Energy Star if you are concerned about the environment…
…or don’t want to see much of an increase in your energy bills.
Energy Star-rated ice machines are usually those used for commercial purposes…
…which is likely not your best choice.
However, it is still worth checking out the information Energy Star provides…
…and starting your search there. There are two popular manufacturers…
…of Energy Star ice makers for residential purposes:
…Scotsman and Hozhizaki.
By choosing an ice machine with a production rate…
…and storage capacity that closely matches your needs…
…you can ensure energy is not wasted.
Buying an ice maker that uses more energy than you need is a waste.
Not only will it cost you more to buy…
…but it will also cost you more to maintain and use.
Last, but not least…
Additional Features
- Water Filter: Some undercounter ice machines have built-in water filters. The systems will remove sediment and other contaminants from the water before it freezes. In addition to making your ice cubes healthier to consume, this will likely improve their overall taste and smell as well. In cases where a water filter isn’t included, you can often purchase one as an add-on.
- ADA Compliance: In addition to looking for an ice maker that is designated as being compliant with the American With Disabilities Act design guidelines, you should consider buying a built-in model that will be installed within an office environment.
- Warranty:Undercounter ice makers typically come with a warranty that gives you peace of mind that the appliance you’re buying will last. Regardless of what type of appliance you are planning on buying, a warranty should always be taken into consideration.
Our Articles About Undercounter Ice Maker
The Challenges of Installing an Outdoor Ice Maker Undercounter, Amazing Guide for Beginner
Industrial ice machines, let’s face it, aren’t exactly stealthy.
Installing an ice machine outside appears enticing because they’re enormous…
…heavy, and generate a lot of heat.
It’s out of the way and keeps the heat away from your company.
If you have an outside bar, adding an outdoor ice machine…
…will allow you to be closer to your clients…
…and eliminate the need for bartenders to transport ice back and forth.
Read the article to find out more about this topic!
The Best Undercounter Ice Makers: 5 Best Offers on Amazon!
Those in need of big quantities of ice quickly…
…can make use of built-in ice makers, also known as undercounter ice makers.
This type of machine is larger than a portable ice maker and is easily transportable.
Are you aware that the best undercounter ice makers purify water…
…and produce higher-quality ice cubes than other models?
We will cover this topic in our next guide.
There are many important features and factors to consider…
…when shopping for an undercounter ice maker.
Check out this blog post for more information…
…about the best undercounter ice makers on the market today!
Sonic Ice Maker Undercounter – 3 Great Benefits if You Using it
Have you ever heard about sonic ice maker undercounter.
Large chunks of ice have been broken down into smaller pieces…
…and flakes to make crushed ice.
The Nugget ice machine operates in a unique manner.
Ice is made by layering ice flakes and freezing them together in these machines.
Through this process, the nuggets are able to create tiny pockets of air.
This results in a softer texture that is easier to swallow.
Looking for the best undercounter ice cream maker, we have a list you can check.
Sum Up!
A cold drink with plenty of ice is one…
…of life’s greatest pleasures when it’s hot outside.
Perhaps because we’re in the middle of summer.
Alternatively, we may have become accustomed to ice…
…as a luxury we cannot live without these days.
No matter what the case may be, an undercounter ice maker…
…for your office or home offers many benefits.
No more last-minute ice runs! Make sure you don’t run out of ice…
…when you need it, so you can enjoy an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day.
You can find undercounter ice machines in a wide variety of sizes…
…and at a variety of price points…
…so that no matter what your specific needs are…
…you should be able to find the right machine.
Conclusion
Is there anything better than a cold, refreshing drink?
Adding ice to a beverage certainly enhances its taste and enjoyment.
Make sure you invest in an undercounter ice machine…
…that meets your specific needs if you’re thinking about doing so.
Be sure to take into account the size of the unit, its capacity, the drainage option…
…as well as the maintenance steps you must follow to prolong its lifespan.
All of these aspects must be considered in order to make the right investment.
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
