An undercounter ice maker for a kitchen is a plumbed appliance, built into a cabinet opening or tucked under a counter, that produces and stores ice on its own without relying on a refrigerator ice maker. It runs water over freezing plates or a freezing cylinder on a timed cycle, harvests finished ice into a bin, then repeats.
That sounds like a small appliance until you look at what it replaces. A refrigerator ice maker tops out well below the demand of a house that pours ice every afternoon. Bags of ice work until you forget to buy them on a Friday. A plumbed machine puts a bin of fresh cubes under the counter and keeps it topped up.
We compared ten of them for this guide, and the differences that matter turned out to be plumbing and fit, not headline output. Every machine here runs a compressor, makes cubes or nugget ice on a cycle, and drains continuously. What separates them is drainage method, cabinet width, storage bin size and how long the machine keeps running before someone has to reset it.
The loudest objection we saw in homeowner discussions is that undercounter units only exist at one price tier. They do not. The entry machines in this roundup carry the same 15-inch body and comparable output to machines listed at multiples of their cost. We have covered the full spread, from compact machines that fit an existing opening to a high-output model for serious entertaining. If you also want a wider read on the category, our tested undercounter ice maker picks covers dedicated countertop and portable machines separately.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks: Best Undercounter Ice Makers for Kitchens (October 2026)
The three machines below cover the three decisions most kitchens actually face: the best balance of output, storage and fit, the strongest entry point, and the only chewable ice option here.
EUHOMY 15 Inch Under Counter Ice Maker
- 90 lbs per 24 hours
- 24 lb storage bin
- Reversible door hinge
- Self-cleaning cycle
Mojgar 120 lbs/24H Under Counter Ice Maker
- 120 lbs per 24 hours
- 33 lb storage bin
- ETL certified
- 24-month warranty
EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker 75 lbs/24H
- Chewable nugget ice
- 15.4 lb dual-layer bin
- 80% melt retention over a day
Our overall pick is the EUHOMY 15-inch cube machine. It has the largest review base in this roundup at 715 reviews, a 24 lb bin and a body narrow enough for a standard cabinet opening.
The budget pick is the Mojgar 120 lbs model, which carries the highest average buyer rating here and an ETL certification with a two-year machine warranty.
The premium pick is the EUHOMY nugget machine, the only one in the group that makes chewable pebble ice instead of hollow bullet cubes.
Undercounter Ice Makers for Kitchens Compared Side by Side
All ten machines are 15 to 19 inches wide, plumbed with a water inlet and a drain, and rated well above the daily output of a refrigerator ice maker. Rated output is a laboratory figure; a warm kitchen and an open bin will produce less.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| EUHOMY 15 Inch Under Counter Ice Maker |
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| Mojgar 120 lbs/24H Ice Maker |
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| EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker 75 lbs/24H |
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 ICYGLEE Under Counter Ice Maker with Drain Pump |
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 RAPSUAR 95 lbs/Day Built in Ice Machine |
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 Gilati 15 Inch Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker |
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 Velieta 260 lbs High-Output Undercounter Ice Maker |
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 ICEVIVAL 84 Lb/Day Under Counter Ice Maker |
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 EUHOMY 100 lbs Daily Commercial Ice Maker |
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 Mojgar 100 lbs/24H Ice Maker |
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1. EUHOMY 15 Inch Under Counter Ice Maker: Best Overall for Kitchens
EUHOMY 15″ Under Counter Ice Maker, 90lbs/24H, 24lb Bin, Gravity Drainage
90 lbs per 24 hours rated
24 lb storage bin
14.96 inch wide
15 inch built-in footprint
Pros
- 40 cubes every 11-20 minutes
- 24 lb bin holds a real reserve
- Reversible door hinge
- Self-cleaning cycle and 24-hour timer
- Reported as quiet in open-plan use
Cons
- Some water pump failures within the first year
- Cubes can drop out as a connected sheet
- Needs a gravity drain line and 24 hours upright settling
This is the machine I would put in a normal kitchen. The body measures 14.96 inches wide by 20.39 deep and 33.58 tall, which is a standard undercounter footprint, and the same chassis works built in or standing on its own.
Output is rated at 90 lbs per 24 hours with 40 clear cubes every 11 to 20 minutes. The 24 lb bin is the practical number, because the bin is what a household actually draws from between harvests, and 24 lbs fills a cooler and covers a few days of drinks.
Three details stood out when I read through the 715 reviews. Owners consistently describe the machine as quiet, several mention responsive service that replaced a failed machine, and the 5-star share sits at 64%. The LCD panel shows ambient temperature and adjusts ice thickness, which matters more than it sounds when you want thicker cubes for a whiskey drink.
The honest weakness is durability. Water pump failures inside the first year appear repeatedly in the reviews, and about 11% of ratings are 1-star. Another recurring note is that cubes sometimes leave the plate as one connected sheet you have to break apart by hand, which is normal for this plate style rather than a fault.
How It Fits and Handles Daily Use
At 14.96 inches wide it clears a 15-inch cabinet opening without a filler panel, and the reversible hinge means it can swing whichever way the cabinet run demands. Three-layer housing insulation is the reason the bin holds its shape overnight better than single-wall bodies.
The 24-hour timer lets you schedule start and stop cycles, so you can have ice ready before guests arrive without the compressor running while the house is empty. I would pair that with the adjustable thickness control and settle on a middle setting for everyday use.
Installation Realities and Drawbacks
Drainage is gravity, not pumped. The drain line has to run from the machine outlet down to a sink or floor drain below that outlet, and if your cabinet sits above a sink you are in good shape. If it does not, budget for a plumber or pick a pump model further down this list.
Plan to leave the machine upright for 24 hours before the first run so the refrigerant settles, then run a cleaning cycle. Pump failures and the connected-sheet issue are the two things to watch in the first year, and a one-year manufacturer warranty is thinner than several machines here.
2. Mojgar 120 lbs/24H Ice Maker: Best Entry Point
Mojgar Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 120lbs/24H with 33lbs Ice Storage
120 lbs per 24 hours rated
33 lb storage bin
ETL certified
24-month warranty
Pros
- 4.4 average rating from buyers
- 120 lbs daily output with a 33 lb bin
- ETL certified for commercial and home use
- 24-month machine and compressor warranty
Cons
- Gravity drainage with no pump included
- Storage bin is not a freezer
- Only 96 reviews so far
This machine earns the entry slot because it does the simple version of the job well. It puts out a rated 120 lbs per 24 hours with a first batch ready in 8 to 10 minutes, and the 33 lb bin holds more ice than any other machine in this roundup that also costs this little.
Body dimensions are 15.16 deep by 15.75 wide and 29.88 tall, and it is front vented, so it installs under a cabinet without needing clearance at the back. The 1/2-inch male threaded water inlet connects to a standard cold water line.
The rating distribution is the story here. Seventy-two percent of ratings are 5-star and only 4% are 1-star, which is the smallest negative share of any machine we looked at, and the ETL certification means it is approved for commercial work as well as home kitchens.
The 24-month machine warranty and 24-month compressor warranty are longer than most competitors at this tier, and one of the two Mojgar machines in this roundup extends the compressor further. R290 refrigerant runs efficiently, with the manufacturer claiming up to a 30% efficiency gain over conventional compressors.
Output and Fit for a Working Kitchen
Rated 120 lbs per day with a 33 lb bin gives you roughly a quarter of the day’s rated production sitting in the bin at any moment, which is a healthy ratio. One-touch self-cleaning rinses the internal water system, and adjustable thickness plus LED lighting that switches on when the door opens are the small touches owners mention.
The 29.88-inch height is the second shortest body here, which matters if your cabinet has a low apron or an existing appliance garage. It also runs at 290 W, so it does not demand a dedicated circuit.
Installation Realities and Drawbacks
Drainage is gravity, so the drain hose must fall from the machine outlet to a drain point below it. The bin is not refrigerated, so ice sitting in it for days will clump and melt into the drain.
The real limitation is the 96-review base. It is the smallest evidence set among the picks here after one other machine, and a thinner review history makes it harder to judge long-term pump and compressor life.
3. EUHOMY Nugget Ice Maker: Best for Chewable Ice
EUHOMY Under Counter Nugget Ice Maker, 75lbs/24H, Self-Cleaning, Silver
75 lbs per 24 hours rated
15.4 lb dual-layer bin
Chewable pebble ice
Pros
- Chewable sonic ice texture
- Insulation keeps about 80% of a full bin for a day
- Clear LCD alerts for low water and full bin
- Built-in 14.96 inch footprint
Cons
- Smallest bin in the roundup at 15.4 lb
- 75 lbs per day trails the cube machines
- Higher cost than the cube picks
This is the only machine here that makes chewable pebble ice rather than hollow bullet cubes. Nugget ice comes off a freezing cylinder, which takes longer per cycle but produces denser ice that does not dilute a drink as quickly.
Output is rated at 75 lbs per 24 hours into a 15.4 lb dual-layer bin. That bin is the smallest in this roundup, so this is a machine you refill from often rather than one you draw large parties from, and the lower output figure is the price of the slower freeze cycle.
Reviewers single out the texture as the reason to accept the smaller bin. The insulation system is claimed to leave about 80% of a full bin unmelted after a full day, and long-term owners describe the pebble ice as crisp rather than soft.
The LCD control panel shows ambient temperature and warns you about low water and a full bin, and the 24-hour timer plus self-clean function handle the routine management. The built-in footprint is 14.96 by 20.98 and 32.99 inches, usable built in or freestanding.
Who This Ice Suits
If you drink spirits neat or over a single large cube, nugget ice is the right texture and a smaller bin is a fair trade. If you are filling coolers, tumblers for a party of thirty or bags for the pool, a 15.4 lb bin will empty faster than you want.
The 80% melt retention figure matters most in a warm kitchen or a garage bar where the machine is not climate controlled. It is the reason the smaller bin feels less limiting than the number suggests.
Installation Realities and Drawbacks
The body is deep at 20.98 inches, the second deepest here, so measure the cabinet depth and the space needed to pull the bin out. Width is 14.96 inches, which still clears a standard 15-inch opening.
This machine sits at the higher end of the group in cost while delivering the lowest rated output, and it does not list a drain pump, so treat the drainage requirement as gravity-fed like the rest of the cube machines.
4. ICYGLEE Under Counter Ice Maker with Drain Pump: Best for Finished Kitchens
ICYGLEE Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker with Drain Pump, 100Lbs Daily
100 lbs per 24 hours rated
Built-in electric drain pump
24 lb storage bin
Pros
- Drain pump removes the gravity fall requirement
- 8-16 minute ice cycles
- Reversible door and 14.96 inch width
- Adjustable cube thickness
Cons
- Drain hose still needs a downward route
- Less established brand name
- Some first-year reliability complaints
This is the machine to look at first if your kitchen is already built and you do not have a drain below the cabinet. The built-in electric drain pump moves wastewater out on its own, which removes the single hardest constraint in this category.
Rated output is 100 lbs per 24 hours with cycles completing every 8 to 16 minutes into a 24 lb storage bin. Dimensions are 20.4 deep by 14.96 wide and 33.9 tall, so the width clears a 15-inch opening while the depth wants about 21 inches of cabinet.
Reviews treat the pump as the decisive feature, because it lets the machine install in a finished kitchen without new plumbing work. Buyers also like the LCD panel with water-shortage and ice-full reminders, and the reversible hinge for tight cabinet runs.
Three-layer insulation keeps cubes clear and firm, and thickness adjustment lets you set the ice for smoothies, cocktails or whisky from the same machine. The self-clean function is a five-second hold on the Clean button, paired with a 24-hour timer.
Placement Flexibility
Even with the pump, the drain hose still has to leave the machine and end somewhere sensible, and reviews are clear that it must still be routed below the drain outlet at some point. The pump removes the strict fall requirement rather than the need for a drain path.
Because the machine can go where a gravity-fed unit cannot, it is a good fit for a kitchen island, a basement bar or an office where a sink drain sits far away.
Drawbacks to Weigh
The brand is less established than the large appliance names, and a minority of reviews report reliability complaints within the first year. On a machine that depends on both a water pump and a drain pump, that is the risk to consider.
It also costs more than several cube machines with higher rated output, so you are paying for the pump rather than for more ice.
5. RAPSUAR 95 lbs/Day Built in Ice Machine: Best for Low Cabinet Height
RAPSUAR Under Counter Ice Maker, 95Lbs/Day with 35lbs Storage Bin, 40Pcs Cubes in 10Mins, Reversible Door, Built in Ice Machine for Home Office Commercial
95 lbs per 24 hours rated
35 lb storage bin
25 inch tall body
Pros
- 35 lb bin in a 25 inch tall body
- Shallowest footprint in the roundup
- Reversible door hinge
- Continuous water feed
Cons
- 750 W draw is the highest of the ten
- Slowest 15-20 minute cycle here
- 4.0 average with a 15 percent one-star share
Almost every machine in this category is 30 to 34 inches tall. This one is 25 inches, which is the difference between fitting under a low cabinet apron and not fitting at all.
It pairs that height with a 35 lb storage bin, so you get a large reserve in the least cabinet depth used here. Rated output is 95 lbs per 24 hours, with 40 clear cubes every 15 to 20 minutes.
The 35 lb bin is what reviewers notice. Because the body is shorter, the machine holds more ice per inch of cabinet height than anything else in the roundup, and the reversible stainless door makes placement in a tight run straightforward.
The rear water inlet provides a continuous supply, so you are not refilling a reservoir. A 24-hour timer, adjustable ice thickness and a self-cleaning cycle on a five-second press of the Timer Clean button round out the controls.
Cabinet Fit and Daily Use
At 19 inches wide this is the widest body here, so it wants a full 20-inch opening rather than a 15-inch slot. In exchange you get 25 inches of height and only 17 inches of depth, which is a good trade in older kitchens with shallow base cabinets.
A 35 lb bin covers several days of household beverage ice comfortably. That is the machine to choose if your family uses ice every day rather than only when guests are over.
Drawbacks to Weigh
The 750 W power draw is the highest of the ten machines listed, and at 110 volts that is worth checking against your circuit. The 15 to 20 minute cycle is also the slowest here, so peak production is slower even though daily totals are competitive.
Its 4.0 average and 15% one-star share are the weakest rating profile in the roundup. We still included it because the size profile is genuinely different from everything else on this list.
6. Gilati 15 Inch Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker: Best for Install Flexibility
15″ Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker Machine, Built-in or Freestanding
120 lbs per 24 hours rated
30 lb storage bin
Built-in or freestanding
Pros
- Works under a counter or freestanding on the same chassis
- 10-16 minute ice cycle
- Adjustable cube thickness
- Reversible door with 3-layer insulation
Cons
- Gravity drain required
- 16 percent one-star share is the highest here
- 4.0 average rating
This machine exists for the kitchen that cannot commit to a fixed undercounter slot. The same chassis installs built in or runs freestanding, so you can start without a renovation and keep it if the cabinet decision goes the other way.
Output is rated at 120 lbs per 24 hours with 40 clear cubes every 10 to 16 minutes, into a 30 lb storage bin. The body is 18.5 deep by 14.96 wide and 32.28 tall, so it still clears a 15-inch opening.
Install flexibility is the reason reviewers pick it, and the reversible stainless door plus adjustable feet make it easy to level in an awkward space. Three-layer insulated construction reduces melting between harvests.
The LCD panel displays ambient temperature and adjusts ice size, with a 24-hour timer and a one-touch self-cleaning cycle on a five-second press. Adjustable feet ship in the box, which matters on uneven cabinet floors.
Where It Works Best
A rated 120 lbs per day with a 30 lb bin is a strong pairing for a home bar or a kitchen that also serves as an entertaining space. The 10 to 16 minute cycle is the second-fastest here, which helps when you are filling a bucket rather than a glass.
Running it freestanding also lets you test capacity before committing to a built-in location, which is a sensible approach if a remodel is still being planned.
Drawbacks to Weigh
Drainage is gravity and the hose must sit below the machine drain outlet, so an island with no sink underneath needs a pump model instead. The 16% one-star share is tied for the highest in this roundup, and the 4.0 average reflects a meaningful unhappy group.
The self-cleaning cycle helps with scale, but it does nothing about water quality. If your water is hard, budget for descaling on a schedule rather than trusting the cycle alone.
7. Velieta 260 lbs High-Output Undercounter Ice Maker: Best for Entertaining
260 lbs High-Output Commercial Ice Maker Undercounter Self-Clean Built-in
260 lbs per 24 hours rated
35 lb storage bin
Included water filter
Pros
- Highest rated daily output in this roundup
- 8-15 minute cycles for back-to-back batches
- Water filter and auto-stop included
- Three thickness settings
Cons
- Heaviest machine here at 66.2 lb
- Bin is small next to that daily output
- Gravity drain installation required
When a party is the point rather than the exception, this is the machine. Rated output of 260 lbs per 24 hours is more than double the rest of this roundup, with clear cubes every 8 to 15 minutes.
The storage bin is 35 lb, which is large but modest next to that output, so treat the daily production figure as a throughput number for a party rather than a promise of stored reserve. Dimensions are 15.99 deep by 18.72 wide and 31 tall.
Owners treat this as the entertaining workhorse, and the rating profile backs that up with a 74% 5-star share and only 8% one-star, the most favourable distribution in the roundup. The included water filter is a specific and practical plus.
Auto-stop prevents overflow when the bin fills, and LED alerts flag a full bin or low water. The stainless body uses cyclopentane foam insulation and a food-grade polypropylene liner, with a 12-month warranty and lifetime technical support.
When the Extra Output Matters
Rated output this high earns its place when you refill bags and coolers, run a wet bar, or host an event where the glass count runs into the hundreds. It also gives you the shortest recovery time after a bin empties.
The three-level cube thickness adjustment lets you switch between fast drinks and slow sipping ice without a separate machine.
Drawbacks to Weigh
At 66.2 lb this is the heaviest machine here, and that weight matters a great deal once it is plumbed into a cabinet. Get the plumbing right before you need to move it, because repositioning it later is awkward.
The 18.72-inch width is the second widest in the roundup and will not fit a 15-inch opening without cutting. Rated 260 lbs per day assumes ideal conditions, and a warm kitchen in July will not deliver that.
8. ICEVIVAL 84 Lb/Day Under Counter Ice Maker: Best for Flexible Drain Placement
Commercial Ice Maker, 84 Lb/Day, 25 Lb Storage, Under Counter
84 lbs per 24 hours rated
25 lb storage bin
External electric drain pump
Pros
- External pump allows flexible placement
- Low 250 W power draw
- 8-16 minute batches with a 25 lb bin
- Reversible door
Cons
- E2 error code can stop ice production
- Needs a manual restart after a power blink
- Loose compressor screws on arrival
This one ships the drain pump as a separate external unit rather than building it into the machine. That separation is the point, because it lets the pump sit in a cabinet below or beside the machine while the ice maker itself stays in the opening.
Rated output is 84 lbs per 24 hours with each batch ready in 8 to 16 minutes, into a 25 lb storage bin. The body is 20.38 deep by 14.98 wide and 33.89 tall.
Owners report the machine holding up over a year or more, and one review describes support quickly replacing a failed water pump. The 250 W draw is the second lowest here, which makes it a sensible choice on a shared or older circuit.
An LCD panel shows water-shortage and ice-full indicators, the door hinge reverses for either opening direction, and a five-second hold on the Clean button runs the self-cleaning cycle with a 24-hour timer for scheduling.
Fit and Daily Use
A 25 lb bin with an 8 to 16 minute cycle covers an ordinary household easily and refills quickly for a gathering. The stainless body supports built-in or freestanding installation, so it can follow the same path as the Gilati machine in a kitchen that is still undecided.
It uses R600a refrigerant rather than the R290a found in most of the others here, which is worth noting if your local service technician has a preference.
Drawbacks to Weigh
Two operational issues recur across the reviews: an E2 error code that stops ice production, and the need to manually restart the machine after any power interruption. A few buyers also found loose compressor screws on arrival and had to tighten them.
With 62 reviews it also has the smallest evidence base in the roundup, so treat the 4.3 average as encouraging rather than proven.
9. EUHOMY 100 lbs Daily Commercial Ice Maker: Best for Coolers and Outdoor Use
EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine – 100lbs Daily Production, 33lbs Ice Storage, Stainless Steel Freestanding & Under Counter Ice Maker, Ideal Ice Maker for Home/Bar/Restaurant/Outdoor Activities
100 lbs per 24 hours rated
33 lb storage bin
ETL certified
Pros
- A dump cycle roughly every 10 minutes
- ETL certified for indoor and outdoor kitchens
- Owners report years of continued service
- Automatic cleaning cycle
Cons
- Bin is not refrigerated so ice melts
- Early error codes and pump failures
- Needs a restart after a power outage
This machine has the longest working history reported by owners. One review describes it replacing a 25-year-old Scotsman unit, and other owners report three years of continuous operation in home kitchens.
Output is rated at 100 lbs per 24 hours with a dump cycle roughly every 10 minutes, into a 33 lb storage bin that holds around 20 lbs of usable ice. Dimensions are 15.96 deep by 17.52 wide and 31.3 tall.
The ETL certification covers indoor and outdoor kitchens, bars, restaurants and hotels, which is why it appears on patio and pool-deck lists. Owners use it to fill coolers and bags rather than to serve from the bin.
The smart LCD panel shows ambient temperature and adjusts cube size by ice-making time, with an automatic cleaning cycle on the Timer Clean button. At 280 W it draws less power than most of the group.
Who Uses It and How
Treat this as an ice maker rather than an ice keeper. The bin is not refrigerated, so ice sitting in it for days melts into the drain, and a sanitary gravity drain is required rather than optional.
Installation is quick in practice, with owners describing about fifteen minutes to connect the faucet, the drain hose and power. It also runs freestanding or under a counter with the same body.
Drawbacks to Weigh
Early E1 and E2 error codes and pump failures show up in the first month for some units, and support can be hard to reach. It also needs a manual restart after a power outage or voltage glitch, which is more likely in older homes.
Owners note it is noisier than smaller machines and can freeze up if the door stays open, so it suits a utility space or garage bar better than a quiet open-plan kitchen.
10. Mojgar 100 lbs/24H Ice Maker: Best Warranty Coverage
Mojgar Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/24H with 18-33lbs Ice Storage
100 lbs per 24 hours rated
18-33 lb storage bin
36-month compressor warranty
Pros
- 36-month compressor warranty is the longest here
- Front venting for built-in installation
- First batch ready in 10-18 minutes
- LED interior lighting
Cons
- Gravity drainage with no pump included
- Storage bin is not a freezer
- 24 hours upright before first use
The differentiator on this one is paperwork rather than hardware. It carries a 12-month full machine warranty and a 36-month compressor warranty, and no other machine in this roundup extends the compressor that far.
Output is rated at 100 lbs of crystal-clear ice per 24 hours, with the first batch ready in 10 to 18 minutes, into an 18 to 33 lb expandable storage bin. Dimensions are 15.16 deep by 15.75 wide and 29.88 tall at 42.3 lb.
Front venting means it can be built in under a standard cabinet rather than needing rear clearance, and the one-touch self-cleaning, adjustable thickness and LED lighting that activates on door open match what the costlier machines offer.
The water inlet, drain hose and plastic ice scoop all ship in the box, so the install is a three-step hookup to a faucet, a drain and power. Owners frame it as exceptional output and bin size for the money.
What the Warranty Buys You
A three-year compressor warranty covers the single most expensive component in the machine, and on an appliance that runs continuously that is meaningful. It is the reason to consider this over a similarly sized unit with a one-year warranty.
The 29.88-inch height is short for this output rating, which helps in kitchens where a taller body would not clear the cabinet above.
Drawbacks to Weigh
Drainage is gravity and a drain pump is not included, so the hose must run below the machine outlet. The bin does not keep ice frozen, which matters if you plan to stock up rather than use it the same day.
It must stand upright for at least 24 hours before first use, and the 4.1 average reflects a 10% one-star share concentrated around early pump issues.
How Wide Are Undercounter Ice Makers for Kitchens?
Most undercounter ice makers are between 14 and 19 inches wide, which means they fit standard cabinet openings. Here are the widths you will actually measure at the store or in the cabinet run.
15 inches wide (14.96 to 14.98 in): The most common standard opening, and what six of the ten machines here use. Measure the clear width between cabinet walls, not the nominal cabinet width.
15.75 inches wide: The two Mojgar machines. Needs a slightly wider slot or adjustable filler trim.
17.52 inches wide: The EUHOMY 100 lbs daily unit. Fits an 18-inch cabinet opening with clearance.
18.72 to 19 inches wide: The Velieta and RAPSUAR machines, which need a full 20-inch opening or a cabinet cut.
Width is only half the fit problem. Check depth against the cabinet interior including the space needed to slide the bin out, and check height against the underside of the counter. If your cabinets are 18 inches deep and the machine is 20 inches deep, it will not slide in.
Water Line and Drain Guide for Undercounter Ice Makers
Every machine in this roundup needs a cold water inlet. None of them run from a reservoir alone. That single fact rules out most plug-and-play thinking.
On the drain side there are two types. Gravity drain machines, which is most of this roundup, require the drain hose to fall from the machine outlet to a sink or floor drain below it. Pump machines move the water themselves, which makes them far easier to place in a finished kitchen.
The pump options here are the ICYGLEE with a built-in electric drain pump, the ICEVIVAL with an external electric drain pump, and both still need the hose routed to a drain point. If your base cabinet sits over a sink, gravity is the simplest route and costs nothing extra.
Two other rough-in items matter before you commit. Leave the machine upright for 24 hours before the first run so refrigerant settles, and plan a dedicated outlet rather than a shared one, since these compressors cycle hard. Our boat and marine ice maker guide covers the tighter power and drain constraints for smaller installs.
Air-Cooled vs Water-Cooled Clearance and Where the Air Goes
Undercounter ice makers in this roundup are air-cooled. That means the compressor dumps heat out through vents, and the vents must have somewhere to go.
Front-vented machines such as the two Mojgar models exhaust through the front face, which lets them sit flush in a cabinet with a toe kick. Side or rear venting needs clearance at the back or side of the opening, and blocking it is the most common cause of a machine that stops producing ice.
Water-cooled condensers recirculate water and waste energy, so we did not find them in this group. Air-cooled venting is also the reason body height varies so much across these machines, since the airflow path has to fit inside the chassis.
Nugget, Bullet, Crescent and Clear Ice for Cocktails
Nine of the ten machines here make hollow bullet or clear cube shapes. One, the EUHOMY nugget machine, makes chewable pebble ice off a freezing cylinder.
Clear hollow cubes: What most bullet machines produce. Light, melts fast, fine for everyday drinks and cooler ice.
Dense clear cubes: Thicker settings on the adjustable-thickness machines slow melting and suit spirits over a large cube.
Nugget or pebble ice: Chewy and dense, the closest match here to a bar-style cube. Slower per cycle and a smaller bin.
Thickness control: Eight of the ten machines let you adjust cube size, which is the cheapest way to serve two very different drinks from one machine.
None of the traditional crescent-style cubes from a classic refrigerator ice maker appear here, because these commercial-chassis machines use plate or cylinder freezers instead.
Noise, Maintenance and Common Failure Points
The compressor runs near-continuously on clear-ice machines that drain and harvest daily, and inside a cabinet the hum gets amplified. Reviewers on our overall pick describe it as quiet, while owners of the larger EUHOMY unit report it as noticeably louder than a small countertop machine.
Across the reviews, four failure themes repeat. Water pump failures inside the first year appear on several models. Error codes, particularly E1 and E2, stop production on the EUHOMY 100 lbs and ICEVIVAL machines. Several units need a manual restart after a power blink. And a connected sheet of cubes that will not separate is normal for plate freezers rather than a fault.
To clean the machine, run the self-cleaning cycle on a schedule, then flush the drain line. Turn off power, disconnect the water, remove the bin and the ice basket, and flush the drain hose with warm water until it runs clear. Wipe the evaporator plate area with a soft cloth only. Vinegar descales the water circuit when the cubes start tasting flat, and using the included filter where one ships, as the Velieta machine does, cuts how often you need it.
Budget for a replacement pump or inlet valve as a likely ten-year expense. For the wider appliance picture, our commercial ice maker guide covers heavy-duty units built for daily service.
Undercounter vs Countertop Ice Makers for Kitchens
A countertop machine needs a water reservoir you fill by hand, holds far less ice and produces less per cycle, but it needs no plumbing at all. That is the entire trade.
Countertop models make sense if you rent, if you have no sink nearby, if you want nugget ice for occasional drinks, or if you want to test whether you use enough ice to justify installation. Homeowners in forum threads describe compact fridge ice makers as too slow for everyday entertaining, which is what pushes them toward a plumbed machine.
An undercounter machine makes sense if ice is a daily household need, if you want a bin you can draw from without refilling, or if you are already remodeling. Our clear ice maker roundup covers the countertop side in detail if you are leaning that way.
Refrigerator ice makers are a third option and still the cheapest. They produce enough for a couple of drinks a day and nothing more, and they compete for space with the food you actually eat.
How We Picked the Best Undercounter Ice Makers for Kitchens
We ranked the ten machines on four things we could verify: published specifications, the size and consistency of the buyer review base, installation realism, and the balance between rated output and storage bin size.
Specifications came from the manufacturer listings, including body dimensions, rated daily output, bin capacity, refrigerant, power draw, drainage method and warranty terms. We treated every output figure as rated, because rated output assumes an ideal ambient temperature that no warm kitchen matches in July.
Review weight mattered. The overall pick carries 715 reviews, and we used rating distribution rather than the headline average, since a machine with a 16% one-star share is a different proposition from one with a 4% share at the same average.
Installation realism broke the ties. Machines that drain by gravity need plumbing the buyer may not have, so pump-equipped models got credit for installs that work in finished kitchens. We also preferred machines that ship with a hose, scoop or filter in the box.
We did not rank price, because it changes daily and every button on this page goes to a live listing. We also left out the very large commercial chests that need a floor drain and dedicated circuit, and the ultra-compact portable cubes, since neither belongs under a kitchen counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my ice maker in a cabinet?
Yes, and that is exactly what these machines are built for. Most are 14.96 inches wide and slide into a standard 15-inch cabinet opening with a front or side vent that exhausts into the room. Measure the clear width between cabinet walls, the depth including space to pull the bin out, and the height under the counter before you buy. Leave room for the water inlet and drain hose at the back or side.
Are countertop ice makers worth it?
They are worth it if you are renting, have no sink nearby, or want to test whether you use enough ice to justify installation. A countertop unit needs no plumbing because you fill its reservoir by hand, but it holds less ice and produces less per cycle than an undercounter machine. If ice is a daily household need rather than an occasional treat, the plumbed version pays back in convenience rather than in ice quality.
How wide are under counter ice makers?
Most are between 14 and 19 inches wide. Six of the machines in our roundup measure 14.96 to 14.98 inches and fit a standard 15-inch cabinet opening. Two sit at 15.75 inches, one at 17.52 inches, and two need a full 20-inch opening at 18.72 and 19 inches wide. Measure the clear opening between cabinet walls rather than the nominal cabinet size.
Do undercounter ice makers require a drain?
Yes, every plumbed undercounter machine needs a drain. Gravity drain models, which is most of the units we reviewed, require the drain hose to run from the machine outlet down to a sink or floor drain below it. Models with a drain pump, such as the ICYGLEE and ICEVIVAL machines here, move wastewater themselves and are far easier to place in a finished kitchen, though the hose still has to reach a drain point.
How to clean ice machine drain lines?
Turn off power and disconnect the water supply first. Remove the storage bin and ice basket, then flush the drain hose with warm water until it runs clear without gurgling. Wipe the evaporator plate area with a soft cloth only, never a sharp tool. Run the self-cleaning cycle monthly or whenever cubes start tasting flat, and descale the water circuit with vinegar if your water is hard.
The Verdict on Undercounter Ice Makers for Kitchens
Our pick is the EUHOMY 15-inch under counter ice maker. It has the largest review base in this roundup, a 24 lb bin, a reversible door, a self-cleaning cycle and a body that clears a standard 15-inch cabinet opening without a cut.
If you are starting from scratch and want the least installation drama, the Mojgar 120 lbs machine gives you the highest buyer rating here, an ETL certification and a two-year machine warranty. If your cabinet has no drain underneath, go straight to a pump model instead of routing gravity plumbing.
If ice texture is the point, the EUHOMY nugget machine is the only one here that makes chewable pebble ice, and you accept a smaller bin for it. For parties and coolers, the Velieta 260 lbs machine has the output to back it up.
Before any of them, measure the opening and find your drain. Those two checks eliminate most of the problems we saw in owner reviews, and they take about ten minutes.
Every machine above is compared on rated output rather than measured output, so treat the daily figures as a ceiling rather than a promise. Our ice cream maker guide covers the other cold-appliance upgrade most kitchens pair with one of these.