Best Undercounter Ice Makers (2026): 5 Built-In Picks for Kitchen Islands and Entertaining
Five built-in ice makers compared on daily output, storage, ice type and drain needs, plus how to choose a size.
Best overall: KitchenAid 15-Inch. Best large storage: KitchenAid 18-Inch. Best gourmet ice: Scotsman CU50GA. Best value: EdgeStar 15-Inch.
An undercounter ice maker means a full bin of fresh ice every day, without trays or bagged ice, and it frees up freezer space.
For most homes, the KitchenAid 15-Inch: up to 50 pounds of clear cubes a day with a flush built-in design. Need more storage? The 18-inch model. For restaurant-style ice, the Scotsman CU50GA. On a budget with no drain, the EdgeStar or Whynter.
Quick Picks: The Best Undercounter Ice Makers
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KitchenAid 15-Inch Automatic Ice Maker (KUIX335HPS)
A built-in 15-inch ice maker with clear cubes and a drain pump.
Check KitchenAid 15-Inch Price →KitchenAid 18-Inch Automatic Ice Maker (KUID308H)
A wider ice maker with a bigger bin for parties and holidays.
Check KitchenAid 18-Inch Price →Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Machine
A commercial-grade machine that makes clear, top-hat gourmet cubes.
Check Scotsman CU50GA Price →EdgeStar 15-Inch Built-In Ice Maker
A lower-cost 15-inch built-in that needs no drain line.
Check EdgeStar 15-Inch Price →Undercounter Ice Maker Comparison Chart
All five side by side. Tap any name to see today’s price on Amazon.
| Ice maker | Width | Output | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KitchenAid 15-Inch Automatic Ice Maker (KUIX335HPS) | 15 in | 50 lb/day | 25 lb storage | $$$$ |
| KitchenAid 18-Inch Automatic Ice Maker (KUID308H) | 18 in | 50 lb/day | 35 lb storage | $$$$ |
| Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Machine | Undercounter | 65 lb/day | Gourmet cubes | $$$$ |
| EdgeStar 15-Inch Built-In Ice Maker | 15 in | 25 lb/day | 20 lb storage | $$$ |
| Whynter Stainless Built-In Ice Maker (12 lb) | 15 in | 12 lb/day | 6 lb storage | $$ |
Specs as stated by each brand. Price tiers are a rough guide and change often, especially around Black Friday: $ under $500 · $$ $500–1,000 · $$$ $1,000–1,800 · $$$$ over $1,800.
The 5 Best Undercounter Ice Makers, Reviewed
Premium built-ins first, then value and compact models that need no drain.
KitchenAid 15-Inch Automatic Ice Maker (KUIX335HPS)
KitchenAid’s 15-inch ice maker is a favorite for kitchen islands and entertaining spaces. It makes up to 50 pounds of clear cubes a day and stores about 25 pounds, and it installs flush under the counter with front venting.
- High daily output
- Clear, slow-melting cubes
- Flush built-in look
- Premium price
- Professional install advised
KitchenAid 18-Inch Automatic Ice Maker (KUID308H)
Have the cabinet width? The 18-inch model keeps the same output but stores about 35 pounds of ice, so a holiday gathering never runs out. A drain pump means it can go where there is no floor drain.
- Bigger ice bin
- Drain pump
- Clear cubes
- Needs an 18-inch opening
- Top price tier
Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Machine
Scotsman is a commercial ice brand, and the CU50GA brings that quality home. It makes clear, slow-melting gourmet cubes at up to 65 pounds a day. This gravity-drain model needs a floor drain nearby.
- Highest output here
- Restaurant-quality cubes
- Built to last
- Needs a floor drain
- Top price tier
EdgeStar 15-Inch Built-In Ice Maker
EdgeStar makes undercounter ice affordable. This 15-inch unit makes about 25 pounds of crescent ice a day and does not need a drain line, which makes it easier to add to an existing kitchen.
- Lower price
- No drain needed
- Front vented
- Lower output
- Cloudier cubes
Whynter Stainless Built-In Ice Maker (12 lb)
For a coffee bar, small kitchen or basement, the Whynter makes about 12 pounds of ice a day without a drain. It is the most affordable built-in here and suits light everyday use.
- Lowest price built-in
- No drain needed
- Compact
- Small output
- Small bin
Which Ice Type Do You Want?
| Ice type | What it is like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Clear cubes | Hard, slow melting | Iced drinks and lemonade |
| Gourmet (top-hat) | Clear, round, restaurant style | Entertaining |
| Crescent | Half-moon, cloudier | Everyday drinks, coolers |
| Nugget | Soft, chewable | Sodas and kids’ drinks |
Love chewable ice? See the best nugget ice makers. Learn more in the different types of ice makers.
Drain, Pump or No Drain?
Gravity drain
Melt water runs to a floor drain below. Simple, but it needs a drain nearby.
Drain pump
Pumps water up to the sink drain, so it can go almost anywhere.
No drain
Melt water is recycled or held; easiest to add, but output is lower.
Wondering about timing? See how long an ice maker takes to make ice.
How to Choose an Undercounter Ice Maker
Six things to check before you buy.
15 or 18 inches
Match the cabinet opening; 15 inches is most common.
Pounds per day
25–50 lb a day suits most homes; hosts may want more.
Bin size
Ice makers store only part of what they make; bigger bins help at parties.
Gravity, pump or none
No floor drain? Choose a pump or no-drain model.
Clear, gourmet or crescent
Clear and gourmet cubes melt slower.
Front vent
Built-in installs need front venting.
Renting or short on space? See the best countertop ice makers.
Undercounter Ice Maker FAQs
What is the best undercounter ice maker?▼
The KitchenAid 15-Inch for most homes: up to 50 lb of clear cubes a day and a flush built-in look.
Do undercounter ice makers need a drain?▼
Many do, but drain-pump and no-drain models can go where there is no floor drain.
Do undercounter ice makers need a water line?▼
Yes. Built-in models connect to a cold water line.
How much ice does an undercounter ice maker make?▼
About 12 to 65 pounds a day, depending on the model.
Are undercounter ice makers worth it?▼
Yes for frequent hosts and big families, since you never run out or buy bags.
Does an undercounter ice maker keep ice frozen?▼
Most bins are insulated, not frozen; ice slowly melts and is replaced.
15-inch or 18-inch ice maker?▼
15 inches fits most cabinets; 18 inches stores more ice.
How do I clean an undercounter ice maker?▼
Run a descaling cycle every few months and wipe the bin.
What is the difference between clear and crescent ice?▼
Clear ice is harder and slower melting; crescent ice is cloudier and quicker to make.
Can an undercounter ice maker go outside?▼
Only outdoor-rated models; standard units are for indoor use.
How long does it take to make ice?▼
The first batch often comes within a day, then production is continuous.
Is a nugget ice maker better?▼
For chewable ice, yes; for slow-melting drinks, clear cubes are better.
The Bottom Line
- Best overall: KitchenAid 15-Inch; more storage: KitchenAid 18-Inch.
- Gourmet ice: Scotsman CU50GA.
- Value, no drain: EdgeStar 15-Inch or Whynter 12 lb.
Check for a floor drain before you buy, or pick a pump or no-drain model.