Permanent installs only: ranked on output, ice quality, and installation sanity.
Best Undercounter Ice Makers (2026)
The best undercounter ice makers: built-in units for home bars and serious entertaining.
Our top picks at a glance
Best undercounter value
NewAir 50 lb. Freestanding Ice MakerHome bars, frequent entertainers, and anyone replacing bagged ice permanently.
Best countertop alternative
GE Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice MakerNugget ice devotees who want a full bin waiting when they get home.
Renters work around
Euhomy Countertop Ice MakerHouseholds that burn through ice for sodas, coolers, and entertaining.
The NewAir 50 lb is the best undercounter ice maker for most home bars: true built-in installation, 50 lbs a day, and insulated storage. Renters should stick with a countertop unit.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Daily production | Storage | Installation | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best undercounter valueNewAir 50 lb. Freestanding Ice Maker | Up to 50 lbs per day | 25 lb insulated bin | Built-in or freestanding, front venting | Check price |
| Best countertop alternativeGE Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker | 38 lbs per day (per GE) | — | — | Check price |
| Renters work aroundEuhomy Countertop Ice Maker | 26 lbs per day | — | — | Check price |
Best undercounter value
NewAir 50 lb. Freestanding Ice Maker
Built-in grade output for serious entertainers.
Strengths
- Up to 50 lbs per day with 25 lbs of storage: true party capacity.
- Front-venting design installs built-in under a counter or stands free.
- Insulated storage bin holds ice far longer than countertop units.
Limitations
- Requires a water line or frequent manual filling at this output.
- Semi-permanent: heavy and needs a dedicated spot.
- Overkill for light use; the cost only makes sense at volume.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Ends trips to buy bagged ice
- Self-cleaning cycle
- Three ice sizes
Common complaints
- A small share report lower output or leaks
- Ice tray mechanism issues reported by some
- Warranty claims can be slow
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Daily production | Up to 50 lbs per day |
|---|---|
| Storage | 25 lb insulated bin |
| Installation | Built-in or freestanding, front venting |
| Ice type | Clear cube |
| Drain | Gravity drain required |
Best for: Home bars, frequent entertainers, and anyone replacing bagged ice permanently.
Skip if: You rent, move often, or only need ice for a couple of drinks a day.
Best countertop alternative
GE Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
Chewable nugget ice on demand with app scheduling.
Strengths
- Produces the chewable nugget ice people drive to Sonic for.
- WiFi scheduling starts production before you get home.
- Refillable tank plus optional side tank extends unattended runtime.
Limitations
- Premium price, several times a basic bullet ice maker.
- Nugget ice melts faster than solid cubes, so it is not the cocktail pick.
- Larger footprint than basic countertop units.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners love the chewable nugget ice
- Makes ice quickly with app control
- Compact for its output
Common complaints
- Louder than expected in quiet kitchens
- Some report leaks or reliability issues within a year or two
- Regular descaling and cleaning are a chore
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Ice type | Nugget |
|---|---|
| Daily production | 38 lbs per day (per GE) |
| Bin capacity | 3 lbs |
| Connectivity | WiFi with scheduling via app |
| Water | Refillable tank; side tank optional |
Best for: Nugget ice devotees who want a full bin waiting when they get home.
Skip if: You want clear cocktail cubes or the lowest price per pound of ice.
Renters work around
Euhomy Countertop Ice Maker
Fast bullet ice for parties, coolers, and everyday drinks.
Strengths
- First 9 cubes in about 6 minutes; 26 lbs per day keeps up with parties.
- Compact footprint fits apartments and RVs.
- Two bullet sizes: small for drinks, large for coolers.
Limitations
- Bullet ice melts faster than solid cubes.
- Not a freezer: ice in the bin slowly melts and gets recycled.
- Loudest category here during the harvest cycle.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- First ice in minutes
- Simple and affordable
- Compact enough for small spaces
Common complaints
- Ice melts in the basket, as it is not a freezer
- Ice can clump together
- Some units fail after a few months
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Ice type | Bullet |
|---|---|
| Daily production | 26 lbs per day |
| Cycle speed | 9 cubes per 6 to 8 minutes |
| Sizes | Small and large bullet |
| Bin | See-through with scoop included |
Best for: Households that burn through ice for sodas, coolers, and entertaining.
Skip if: You want nugget ice or slow-melting cocktail cubes.
Questions, answered
Do undercounter ice makers need a drain?
Yes, almost always: a gravity drain line for melt water. No nearby drain means a condensate pump, which adds cost and a failure point. Check your plumbing before buying.
How much clearance does a built-in need?
Front-venting models like the NewAir install flush under counters with minimal side clearance. Rear-venting units need inches of airflow space and cannot go truly built-in.
Are undercounter units worth it over countertop?
For weekly entertaining, yes: the output, storage, and clear-cube quality are in another league. For a family that just wants iced tea, a countertop unit is the sane buy.