Our top pick is the Whirlpool 15 in. 50 lb. Built-In Ice Maker, which can be built into cabinetry or left freestanding. It produces a whopping 50 pounds of ice per day. Here are the best home ice makers to add to your kitchen, pantry, or man cave. This 15-inch ice maker can produce up to 50 pounds of ice per day so whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or filling up multiple coolers, you won’t run out of ice. This model also features clear ice technology that removes air bubbles and impurities from the cubes. This keeps your drinks fresh and reduces foam in carbonated beverages. The ice maker has a reversible door that can open to the left or right, depending on your room setup, and it’s able to store up to 25 pounds of ice at a time. It also has a smudge-resistant exterior that will match your other stainless steel appliances, and if you ever need ice ASAP, it has a special “Fast Ice” setting for speedy production. The control panel has an indicator light that lets you know when the unit needs to be descaled, and its water filter (sold separately) is easy to change thanks to its convenient location at the front of the appliance. The ice maker comes with both a drain pump and an ice scoop, but some people find that the drain can be a bit noisy during operation. This budget-friendly ice maker has a black body with a stainless steel door that can be installed to open in either direction. It comes with a 25-foot-long water line, as well as an ice scoop, and ice production automatically stops when the ice bin is full. Thanks to its front-venting design, you can install this ice maker under a cabinet in your kitchen or have it freestanding in a boat or RV, but keep in mind that it must be manually defrosted, meaning you have to open the door, unplug the unit, and wait for everything to melt. This sleek ice maker is approved for both indoor and outdoor use, and it has a “Tru-Flush” design that allows flush-to-cabinet installation. Its electronic control panel displays the appliance’s production status, as well as any maintenance needs, and an LED light illuminates the interior for improved visibility. The ice maker has a self-closing door and uses 40 percent less energy than comparable models. But keep in mind that a drain pump for the ice maker is sold separately and will add extra cost to the already-pricey appliance. This ice maker has a built-in pump for easy installation—a feature that some more expensive units lack—as well as an automatic defrost feature that makes it mess-free to shut down. It has an LED interior light so it’s easy to use at night, and it even comes with an ice scoop. The only downside of this versatile ice maker is that the stainless steel exterior isn’t smudge-proof, so it will likely need to be cleaned regularly to maintain its pristine appearance. Despite its generous size, this ice maker actually works more slowly than most. It only produces up to 29 pounds of ice per day. (However, for those times you need ice ASAP, it does have a “Max” mode that produces ice 56 percent faster.) It can store up to 35 pounds of ice at a time, and it uses clear ice technology to reduce the number of air bubbles in its cubes. The KitchenAid Ice Maker has a factory-installed drain pump, which makes it easier to set up, and its self-cleaning cycle ensures your ice is always fresh. There’s also a spot on the control panel where you can install a filter for the machine’s water, but keep in mind that the filter itself isn’t included with your purchase. While it’s not Energy Star certified, this ice maker is more energy-efficient than most, using 40 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than other ice makers. It also features a self-closing door that ensures it never gets left open, as well as a lighted interior for visibility at night. The appliance is also available in a panel-ready option, which is ideal if you want the unit to blend in with your existing cabinetry. All of these features come at a cost because this ice maker is not cheap. Unlike many other ice makers, which simply form regular cubes, this outdoor unit creates “top hat” ice cubes, which are round with a hollow interior. This unique cube shape helps to prevent clumping inside the machine, and it actually melts slower than conventional ice, as well. The ice maker comes with an ice scoop for easy serving, but despite its high price, it doesn’t include a drain pump. The GE Ice Maker can churn out up to 60 pounds of ice per day, and it can store 26 pounds at a time. You can easily see how much is in there thanks to the clear storage bin, as well. This ice maker has a built-in filtration system that removes impurities from your water, and it comes with an LED interior light and soft-touch ice scoop. However, it’s worth noting that this ice maker requires a custom panel—meaning it won’t have an exterior door or handle as is—and it also doesn’t include a drain pump, which is key for automatic drainage.
Ice Type
There are a surprisingly large number of ice cube styles available today, and some of the most common options made by ice makers include standard square cubes, smaller half-cubes, crescent ice, nugget or pebble ice, and top hat or gourmet ice. Nugget ice is also called “Sonic ice” and is popular thanks to its soft, chewable texture. You may also see ice makers that make “clear ice.” This means the machine removes air bubbles from the ice to help keep drinks fresh and reduce foaming in carbonated drinks.
Installation and Door Type
Many home ice makers can either be freestanding or built into your cabinetry. Freestanding units can be moved around your home as needed, while built-in units are permanently installed and sit flush under your counter. For a built-in unit, you’ll likely need a drain pump for installation, which may or may not be included with the appliance. A drain pump removes excess liquid from the storage bin as the ice melts and must be connected to your kitchen’s plumbing. When thinking about installation, you’ll also want to consider the style of door that works best for your space. Reversible doors, which swing open to the left or right, are the most popular for built-in ice makers, but you can also find units with drop-down doors, which can be a space-saving option in small kitchens.
Maintenance
Like any kitchen appliance, home ice makers have certain maintenance requirements that need to be done on a regular basis to keep the unit in good working condition. Some units have filters that need to be changed periodically, and others have self-cleaning cycles that help remove impurities from their inner workings. Many models with these features also have indicator lights that tell you when maintenance needs to be done. You’ll also want to look at how the appliance is defrosted in case you ever need to shut it down. Models with a drain pump often feature automatic defrosting, but some may require manual defrosting, which can be a bit messy.
Extra Features
Depending on how fancy you want your ice maker to be, you may want to look for a model with advanced features. Some high-end models have self-closing doors or fast ice modes that produce cubes more quickly. There are even some Wi-Fi connected appliances that can be controlled right from your phone.
Standout Features
Ice Scoop
While it may seem like a small thing, don’t underestimate the convenience of having an ice scoop for your ice maker. It will make serving ice quicker, easier, and more sanitary (especially if the alternative is using your hands). Some appliances even have a space to store the scoop within the interior.
Factory-Installed Drain Pump
A drain pump allows your ice maker to remove excess water from the storage bin, but not all appliances come with one. Some drain pumps must be purchased and installed separately, which can make the installation process more complex. Models with a factory-installed drain pump are often easier to install in your home, and you don’t have to worry about purchasing a compatible part.
Energy Star Certification
There aren’t many home ice makers that are Energy Star certified—unfortunately, these appliances do use quite a bit of electricity to produce and store ice. However, models that do achieve this certification use less water and energy so you can save money on your utility bills.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. While researching ice makers for this article, she spoke with Ladi Goldwire, CEO of BrinMar Construction & Development Group, for insights on what to look for when purchasing one of these appliances. Using these expert tips, she evaluated products based on their ice production, storage capacity, maintenance requirements, and features. She prioritized ice makers with a good production-to-storage ratio and useful features.
