Here at CompactAppliance, we know ice makers. We also know that as you look for that perfect match, you may have a few questions. We’re hoping to answer those questions even before you know what to ask.
Here are the most frequently asked questions we receive for undercounter ice makers, as well as their subsequent answers.
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If you have a question that you don’t see listed here, please leave us a comment down at the bottom here or give us a call at 1.800.297.6076.
1. Do I need a water line for my built-in ice maker?
Yes, all built in ice makers require a dedicated water line.
2. How do I install an undercounter ice maker?
Although we recommend using a licensed professional, undercounter ice maker installation isn’t as complicated as your might think. You simply connect the water line, run the drain line from the back of the unit, plug it in, and you are all set and ready to go. That said, always be sure to follow the installation instructions in your owner’s manual, as installation may vary from model to model.
3. What type of ice do built-in ice machines make?
This varies by machine. Built-in ice makers produce different shapes of ice. These may include, crescent shaped ice, cubed ice, clear ice, pearl or nugget ice, and gourmet ice. Here are examples of each.
4. What is the difference between ice production capacity and ice storage capacity?
Ice production capacity is the amount of ice the unit is capable of making in a 24 hour period, given prime conditions. If ambient temperatures are extreme, ice production capacities will decrease. Ice storage capacity is the maximum amount of ice the unit can store at any given time. In order to anticipate ice usage throughout the day, the storage capacity is typically significantly less than the production capacity.
As with all units, the ice maker will stop producing ice once the bin is full and will start making ice again once some ice is used. (As a side note, many people wonder how much ice is a pound of ice. A quick and easy way to think about ice pounds is to consider the bags of ice sold at a convenience and grocery stores, which are 10 pounds each. So, an ice maker with a production capacity of 60 lbs. has the ability to make up to 6 traditional bags of ice.)
5. Do I need to use a water filter with my undercounter ice machine?
Although water filters are not absolutely necessary, they are highly recommended. A water filter can help your ice machine last longer, will help your ice to taste better, and will lengthen the time required between cleanings. Almost all manufacturers suggest that you use some type of water filter.
6. Do I need a drain for my undercounter ice maker?
Most undercounter ice makers do require a drain line, but there are exceptions, like the EdgeStar IB120SS, that do not. These models act as a freezer and keep the ice frozen, thus no need for a drain line. Other ice makers are not able to keep the ice frozen, and as the ice melts, it needs to drain. The models that require a drain will typically arrive with one free of charge.
7. What should I consider when shopping for an undercounter ice maker?
There are several things to consider. First, you will want to consider where you are going to place the ice machine. You must make sure you will have access to a water line in the area you plan to install it. Also, consider the measurements of the space and find a unit that will fit appropriately. You will want to make sure there is access to a standard household 3 prong outlet to power your unit.
Additionally, you should consider whether or not you will have the ability to drain the ice machine if necessary. Next, you will want to consider what type of ice you would like, such as crescent shaped, clear cubed, pearl or nugget, or gourmet ice. You should also consider what kind of finish you are looking for in the door, such white, black, or stainless steel. Arguably the most important consideration is how much ice per day you think you will need. Keep in mind that if your ambient temperatures are warmer than usual, you will need to anticipate a lower production than advertised.
8. How do I clean and maintain my undercounter ice maker?
Every undercounter ice maker will include cleaning instructions in the owner’s manual; however, an easy to do is to first step is to unplug your unit and discard any ice that may be inside. Next, remove all parts that come into contact with ice from the machine and wash and sanitize them using an ice machine cleaner. Then, rinse them off in warm water and let air dry. Reassemble the machine and wipe all expose surfaces and, again, let air dry. Restart the machine and always discard the first batch of ice produced after cleaning.
Be sure to refer to your owner’s manual for more detailed and specific instructions on how to clean your particular ice maker. Click here for more cleaning tips.
9. Should I use a gravity drain or a pump drain with my built-in ice maker?
As a general rule, you should try to use a pump drain. However, gravity drains can work and work well provided you have the correct set up.
If you wish to use a gravity drain, make sure that the drain is lower than the drain outlet of the ice maker, thus the water will flow downhill, using gravity.
In addition, you will need to make sure that the drain is no further than 12 inches away from the machine. If these two conditions cannot be met, then you will need to go with a drain pump. Many machines come with a pump option; however, you can also purchase an external drain pump.
10. Can I use my undercounter ice maker in the garage?
There are some outdoor ice makers that are approved for outdoor use and would work well in a garage because they are built to withstand the extreme hot and cold temperature often experienced in garages. If you are using a standard indoor undercounter ice maker, you should not attempt to use it in your garage. Indoor ice makers require a certain ambient temperature to work properly, and unless your garage is highly insulated or temperature-controlled, it probably does not fall within the ambient temperature range needed. You would start to see performance problems above 90°F and below 50°F.
11. Do I need a special plug or dedicated power line to run my ice maker?
Most residential undercounter ice makers plug into a standard 110V – 120V 3 prong household outlets, so there is no special wiring or dedicated power lines needed.
Do you want a freestanding ice maker you can easily fit in different spaces?
Read our reviews and find your favorite model!
In this article, we discuss the stand-alone ice makers that are currently available on the market. We give you a few tips on what to look for when buying one as well as full in-depth reviews on our top favorite models. If you are still not sure whether you need one or not, read this article and you will quickly change your mind!
Things To Know About Freestanding Ice Machines
What Are The Benefits Of A Freestanding Ice Maker?
A freestanding ice maker has one major benefit when compared to built-in ice maker models. That is an easier installation. Since it is a freestanding model all you will have to do is plug it into a power source and maybe a water drain if it is needed. Once they are set in place they can easily be transported into another place without too much hassle.
What Kind Of Stand Alone Ice Machines Exist?
There are many kinds of stand-alone ice machines on the market to choose from. You can find the more compact, smaller ones that fit your countertop as well as the larger ones with greater capacities that can be used in restaurants, bars, hotels, etc. You can also find the stand-alone ice and water dispenser models or even stand-alone freezer with ice maker models. Many different features come along with these types of ice makers, so make sure you know what you are looking for before you go buy one.
Where To Buy Your Ice Maker?
If you are wondering where to buy a stand-alone ice machine near me, you might not have to look far. Instead of shopping at your local stores, we recommend online shopping from the comfort of your home. Amazon’s website is a great option because you can find many brands and models all in one place. There are also many other webshops and online retailers available.
Best 5 Freestanding Ice Maker Reviews
Best Freestanding Ice Maker And Water Dispenser
COSTWAY 2-in-1 Water Cooler Dispenser with Built-in Ice Make
Classy Addition To Different Spaces
The first best stand-alone ice maker we wanted to share with you is by the brand Costway. It is a two in one standalone ice maker and water dispenser that will look good in your home, office, or any kind of public place. It comes with a very sleek design, yet it is powerful and built to last for a long time.
Capacity Features
The ice basket on this ice maker can hold up to 4 pounds of ice and make 9 bullet ice cubes in only 6 to 14 minutes. It can make up to 27 pounds of ice per day and you will never have to deal with the ice trays again.
Control Panel Features
With this ice maker, you will also get the control panel that will allow you to start making ice or disperse hot and cold water. With the LED indicators you will be able to see if the water dispenser is on or off and whether it is heating, cooling, or making ice.
Other Features
With this stand-alone ice dispenser, you will get a Tri-temp push button that allows you to choose the desired feature. You will also get the child safety lock included on the hot water sprout. That way the entire family can use this model, worry-free.
Specifications:- child safety lock included
- LED indicators
- Tri-temp push button
- makeup to 27 pounds of ice per day
- make 9 bullet ice cubes in only 6 to 14 minutes
Best Freestanding Nugget Ice Maker
Ge Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
Countertop Design
The next model we are going to review in this article is the Homelabs freestanding commercial ice maker machine. It comes with a very elegant, countertop design and has the overall dimensions of 15. 5 x 14.25 x 17. 2 inches. You will love having this GE stand alone ice maker in your home.
Quick And Powerful Device
Within 20 minutes with this GE profile freestanding ice maker, you will be able to enjoy soft and crunchy ice. It can produce a total of 24 pounds of ice per day. The storage bin that comes included can hold up to 3 pounds of ice at once. The materials used to make this ice maker are stainless steel and plastic.
Smart Features
With this GE freestanding ice maker, you will also get the Bluetooth technology, so you can set up your ice making schedule through your phone. There is a free GE Profile Opal app you will have to download on your phone. It also requires no water hook up and all you have to do is plug it into any electrical outlet.
Specifications:- Bluetooth technology
- free GE Profile Opal app
- elegant, countertop design
- produce a total of 24 pounds of ice per day
Best Commercial Freestanding Ice Maker
HOmeLabs Freestanding Commercial Ice Maker Machine
Large Production Capacity
Another one of the freestanding ice maker models we are going to mention in this article is the HomeLabs model. This one can produce up to 99 pounds of ice per day which is around 45 pieces of clear ice in only 11 to 20 minutes. You also get an awesome 29 pounds storage capacity which means you don’t have to use up all of the ice right away.
Essential Accessories
Since this ice maker comes with a freestanding design you will be able to install it anywhere inside your home. The only thing you need I san outlet near the unit. The overall dimensions of this ice maker are 17.6 x 15.7 x 31.4″, which means it is a sleek model that won’t take up too much space. The entire thing is constructed with the rust-resistant stainless steel interior and it comes with a full set of accessories which include an ice scoop, water supply hose, water supply connector, and a water draining hose.
Commercial Or Large Household Use
Since it can produce so much ice in so little time, this ice maker is ideal for restaurants, hotels, or big households that require a lot of ice. You can hook the 1.2 L water tank into a water supply, so you don’t have to worry about filling it up, which is another benefit.
Easy To Use
With this ice maker, you will also get the intuitive control panel with the LCD indicator for displaying water and ice making functions. You can also adjust the ice cube thickness on this display. Another benefit is the automatic cleaning feature you also get to choose. The manufacturer also offers you a -year warranty and free return or exchange within 30 days of order receipt.
Specifications:- intuitive control panel with the LCD indicator
- the 1.2 L water tank
- rust-resistant stainless steel interior
- comes with a full set of accessories
- produce up to 99 pounds of ice per day
Best Small Freestanding Ice Maker For Home
Whynter IMC-490SS Portable Ice Maker
Small Stand Alone Ice Maker
The small stand-alone ice maker we wanted to share with you in this article is the IMC-490SS Whynter freestanding ice maker. This is the perfect freestanding ice maker for a home that can make up to 49 pounds of ice per day. It offers you three different ice cube sizes and it takes about 10 minutes to make the first batch. With it, you will get the 5-liter water reservoir capacity along with the storage capacity of 2.7 pounds.
Where To Use It?
This stand alone ice maker for home is the perfect size to place on your countertop. It can be used at home, but also in your office or anywhere else you want it. It comes with the high-efficiency CFC-free compressor and the soft-touch buttons. You will also get the blue light LED display.
Easy To Situate And Use
The control panel is super easy to use and anyone can do it. There is no drain required and the water melted from the ice cubes is filtered and then re-used again. That way you don’t have to worry about emptying the unused water.
Specifications:- no drain required
- blue light LED display
- high-efficiency CFC-free compressor
- perfect size to place on your countertop
- makeup to 49 pounds of ice per day
Best Outdoor Freestanding Ice Maker
Viking FPNI515 Outdoor Nugget Ice Machine
Suitable For Outdoor Use
The last freestanding ice maker we are going to share with you is the Viking FPNI515 outdoor ice maker. This model can produce up to 80 pounds of ice per day and also store around 26 pounds of ice at the same time. It comes with many features that make it suitable for outdoor use.
User-Friendly Electronic Control Panel
With this Viking nugget ice maker, you will also get the electronic control panel. On the panel, you will see the ice production status as well as the maintenance needs. You will also get the interior LED lights that provide you with more visibility and make the scooping easier.
Size And Material
This ice maker is made out of stainless steel which makes it rustproof. It can also endure different outdoor conditions. The overall dimensions of this ice maker are 22 x 14.88 x 34.87 inches and it weighs around 125 pounds. Even though it is certified for outdoor use, you can still use it indoors as well.
Specifications:- produce up to 80 pounds of ice per day
- certified for outdoor use
- made out of stainless steel
- interior LED light
- electronic control panel
How To Hook Up A Free Standing 26 Lb. Ice Maker6 Lb Ice Maker
Conclusion: What Is The Best Freestanding Ice Maker?
We had a hard time choosing only one of these stand-alone ice makers as the best one. We opted for two which are the Viking FPNI515 Outdoor Nugget Ice Machine and the HOmeLabs Freestanding Commercial Ice Maker Machine. The Viking nugget ice maker is an outdoor model that makes around 80 pounds of ice per day. It is made out of stainless steel interior and exterior with the interior LED lights included. The HomeLabs model is a commercial ice maker that produces almost 100 pounds of ice per day and stores around 29 pounds of ice. You can also use this one in bars, restaurants, or hotels, where a lot of ice is required daily.
Free Standing Punching Bags
For more details on some of our favorite commercial ice makers, check out the full article we have on that topic. We also have an article all about the best nugget ice makers, so check it out if you are interested. For more information on best ice makers in general, read the article we have prepared for you on the link.