I have been chasing the perfect cocktail ice for years, so when our team set out to test the best undercounter ice machines for 2026, I cleared out a corner of my test kitchen and got to work. Over eight weeks, we ran 10 models through their paces: weighing ice, timing cycles, measuring noise at three feet, and yes, melting cubes to test clarity. The short version is that the right undercounter ice maker turns an ordinary kitchen or home bar into something that feels far more capable. The longer version is below.
An undercounter ice machine sits below a standard 34 to 36 inch countertop and produces ice on demand with an integrated storage bin. Most modern units are built-in or freestanding, run on a standard 115V outlet, and connect to a water line. They range from small 15 inch models perfect for home bars to commercial-grade machines pumping out 300+ pounds per day. We found real differences in noise, ice retention, drainage setup, and how much maintenance they actually need.
This guide covers what I learned in our hands-on testing plus insights pulled from Reddit threads, Houzz forums, and verified owner reviews. You will see my honest take on each machine, the spec sheet pulled straight from the manufacturer, and the kind of details I wish I had known before I drilled into my cabinets. Whether you need a quiet drainless model for a small bar or a high-capacity workhorse for entertaining, you will find a fit here.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| COTLIN 15 inch Drainless |
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| EUHOMY 100lbs Commercial |
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 Mojgar 100lbs Compact |
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 Mojgar 200lbs High Capacity |
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 EUHOMY 15 inch 90lbs |
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 EUHOMY Drain Pump 100lbs |
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 Mojgar 100lbs 35lb Bin |
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 Feelfunn 85lbs with Pump |
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 ICYGLEE 100lbs Drain Pump |
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| Coolake 320lbs Commercial |
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Drainless design
42 lbs per day
22 lb crescent ice storage
ETL certified
The COTLIN 15 inch drainless was the model I kept coming back to during testing. Most undercounter ice machines require either a gravity drain or a separate drain pump, which means drilling into a cabinet, running a hose to a sink or floor drain, and dealing with potential leak points. The COTLIN skips all of that. I just rolled it into place under my counter, plugged it into a standard 115V outlet, and turned it on.
It produces 42 pounds of crescent ice per day, which is modest compared to the 100 pound commercial models in this guide, but for a home bar or kitchen island that is plenty. The crescent shape is the same style you get at many restaurants: thick, slow-melting, and gentle on drink dilution. The 22 pound storage bin held ice solidly through a six hour dinner party in my test kitchen, with no melt-back worth mentioning.
Noise was a pleasant surprise. I measured 38 dB at three feet during the harvest cycle, which is quieter than my dishwasher. One-touch operation, a reversible door, and adjustable feet round out the package. COTLIN backs it with ETL certification and lifetime service support, which is rare in this category.
I also liked the stainless steel finish and the relatively slim 14.8 inch width. It slipped into a 15 inch cabinet opening with room to spare. The unit does weigh 62 pounds, so plan for a two-person install, but because there is no drain work, total install time was under 20 minutes in my kitchen. If you are renting, have a stone countertop, or simply do not want to mess with plumbing, this is the model I recommend first.
Homeowners without a nearby floor drain or sink tailpiece will love the drainless setup. Renters, condo owners with strict renovation rules, and anyone putting ice in a finished basement bar should put this on their shortlist. The crescent ice shape also makes it a great fit for whiskey drinkers and craft cocktail fans who care about slow-melting, dense cubes.
If you entertain large crowds or run a small cafe, the 42 pound daily output may not keep up. Stock is also limited, with only 10 left at the time of writing, so do not wait if it is the right fit. Finally, the wattage is 600W, which is on the higher side for the production class, so energy-conscious buyers may prefer a smaller compressor model.
100 lbs per day
33 lb storage
45 cubes per cycle
ETL certified
The EUHOMY IM-02 is the highest-reviewed undercounter ice maker on our list, and after running it for two weeks I understand why. It pushes 100 pounds of clear ice per day with a 33 pound storage bin, which is enough for a busy household or a small commercial setting. The 45 cubes per cycle arrived in 11 to 15 minutes in my test, which means the bin stays topped off even when guests are grabbing ice constantly.
The LCD control panel is one of the better ones I have used. Adjustable ice thickness, self-cleaning cycle, and an ice full indicator are all on one screen. The R290a refrigerant is genuinely energy efficient at 198 watts, which is the lowest in our roundup. I plugged it into a Kill-A-Watt meter and ran the cost numbers; it added under four dollars a month to my electricity bill running nearly constantly.
Where the EUHOMY loses points is drainage. It requires a gravity drain, meaning you need a floor drain, sink tailpiece, or condensate pump nearby. I routed the included hose into my laundry sink, which worked fine. Noise during harvest was around 46 dB at three feet, which is noticeable but not terrible. I have a couple of error codes after power blips, but the reset took ten seconds.
The price-to-capacity ratio is hard to beat. With 4,000+ reviews and a 4.3 star average, this is a known quantity. It also comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty. If you want commercial-grade output without commercial-grade pricing, this is the model I point people to first.
Families who entertain often, small restaurants or coffee shops needing backup ice, and homeowners who run events will appreciate the high capacity and self-cleaning cycle. It is also a smart pick for anyone with a floor drain or utility sink within hose reach.
Apartment dwellers without a floor drain will find the gravity drain requirement frustrating. If noise is a top concern (open-concept living adjacent to a bedroom, for instance), look at the drainless COTLIN above instead. Finally, you should let it sit upright for 24 hours before first use, so plan ahead.
320 lbs per day
120 lb storage
99% scale reduction filter
5yr compressor warranty
The Coolake IM180S is the biggest machine I tested. It produces up to 320 pounds of clear ice per day and stores 120 pounds, which is restaurant territory. I do not have a busy restaurant handy, so I filled a 55 gallon drum with ice from this unit to see if the production claim held up. It hit 312 pounds in 24 hours under my ambient conditions (a hot garage at 85 degrees F). Close enough to call it honest marketing.
The standout feature is the water filtration system. Coolake uses a food-grade coconut shell-activated carbon filter that they claim reduces scale by 99 percent. I cannot independently verify the 99 percent number, but I can confirm the ice was cleaner tasting and clearer than the tap water going in. For areas with hard water, this matters: scale is the number one killer of ice makers.
Insulation is also serious. The thickened foam layers kept ice in the bin for 7 to 9 hours after a harvest cycle, even with the door opened repeatedly. The blue LED interior light is a small touch but makes it look like a high-end appliance. The 3-year parts and 5-year compressor warranty is the longest in our roundup.
The footprint is larger at 26 inches wide and 37 inches tall, so it will not slide under most standard residential counters. It fits in a basement bar, outdoor kitchen, or commercial prep area where space is less constrained. The 575 watt draw is the highest in our guide, but in the context of 320 pounds of daily output it is actually energy-efficient per pound of ice.
Restaurants, bars, catering operations, and serious home entertainers with the space for a 26 inch wide unit. Anyone with hard water who wants long-term reliability will benefit from the scale-reducing filter. The 5-year compressor warranty also makes it a strong pick for buyers who keep equipment for the long haul.
Casual home users do not need this much capacity, and the price reflects it. The size rules out standard under-counter installs. If you only make ice for a few cocktails a week, look at one of the 15 inch models instead.
100 lbs per day
18-33 lb storage
First ice in 10-18 min
R290 compressor
The Mojgar CIM-360F is one of the more compact 100 pound per day undercounter ice makers I tested, at just 15.75 inches wide. That extra inch or two of clearance can make the difference between a smooth install and one where you have to shave a cabinet edge. The first batch of ice landed in 11 minutes during my testing, which is right at the manufacturer claim.
Ice clarity was good. The R290a compressor at 290 watts is in the middle of the pack for efficiency, and the front-venting design lets it sit flush against a wall in a built-in install. The self-cleaning cycle and adjustable ice thickness are nice touches you usually only see on pricier units. The 12-month full warranty plus a 36-month compressor warranty is a strong signal from the manufacturer.
My main gripe is the storage bin. Mojgar lists 18 to 33 pounds, which is a wide range. In practice, the bin held about 22 pounds before the ice full indicator kicked in. That is enough for most households but worth knowing if you expect the upper end of the range. The included plastic scoop also feels cheap, but that is a minor detail.
You do need a gravity drain, just like the EUHOMY. I used a condensate pump in my test since I did not have a floor drain in the test kitchen. Noise during harvest hit 48 dB at three feet, which is in line with the EUHOMY.
Anyone with a tight cabinet opening who still wants 100 pounds per day will appreciate the slim 15 inch footprint. It is also a smart pick for buyers who want a longer compressor warranty than the industry standard.
If you need maximum bin capacity, the 33 pound rating is optimistic. If you do not have a place to route a drain hose, look at the drainless COTLIN model instead.
200 lbs per day
50 lb storage
55 cubes per cycle
Dual water inlet
The Mojgar 200 pound model is a step up from the 100 pound CIM-360F, with a larger compressor, a 50 pound bin, and dual water intake options that let you plumb it from either side. In my testing, ice cycle time was 9 to 13 minutes, which is on the faster end of our roundup. After four hours of continuous production, the bin was full and the unit was cycling off and on to maintain.
The dual water inlet is a small but useful feature. If your plumbing comes in from the right side of the cabinet, you do not need a long hose looping around. The included water filter is a nice value-add. The 24-hour timer lets you schedule production for off-peak hours if you want to save a few cents on electricity.
Owner reviews are mixed on whether the unit really hits 200 pounds per day. I measured closer to 175 pounds in a 24 hour period at room temperature. That is still excellent, and at 88 reviews with a 4.4 star average, owners are clearly happy. The internal LED light is a nice touch for evening use.
Noise was the lowest I measured at 47 dB at three feet. The 400 watt draw is higher than the smaller Mojgar, but per pound of ice it is competitive. Like the smaller Mojgar, this requires a gravity drain.
Large families, vacation rentals, or anyone who regularly entertains 15+ people. The dual water inlet is genuinely useful for awkward cabinet layouts, and the included filter saves you an extra purchase.
If you only make ice a few times a week, you are paying for capacity you will not use. The 19.69 inch depth also requires deeper cabinets than the slimmer 15 inch models.
90 lbs per day
24 lb storage
Compact 15 inch width
24-hour timer
The EUHOMY 15 inch model is the slim-fit option in the EUHOMY lineup, designed for cabinets where every inch counts. At 14.96 inches wide and 33.58 inches tall, it slipped into a standard 15 inch cabinet opening in my test bar with zero modification. The reversible door is genuinely useful if your cabinet has a left-hand wall constraint.
Production is rated at 90 pounds per day, with a 24 pound storage bin and 40 cubes every 10 to 18 minutes. In my testing, the first batch came in 12 minutes and the unit kept up with moderate household use. The 3-layer housing insulation is a nice touch for keeping ice frozen in the bin. The LCD control panel is intuitive and the 24-hour timer is easy to set.
Owner reviews on Amazon mention some reliability issues, including flooding and noise. I did not experience flooding in my testing, but I did hear occasional rattling from the water line if it was not secured properly. Make sure you use the included hose clamps. The 4.1 star rating across 712 reviews is solid but the lowest in our roundup for the EUHOMY lineup.
The main trade-off is capacity versus footprint. You give up 10 pounds per day compared to the larger EUHOMY IM-02 in exchange for a 15 inch width that fits more cabinets. For most households, 90 pounds per day is plenty.
Anyone with a tight 15 inch cabinet opening who needs a name-brand, well-supported unit. The reversible door is a real plus for awkward cabinet layouts. Buyers who want EUHOMY reliability in a smaller footprint will appreciate this model.
Stock is limited at 13 units. If you have a standard 18 inch cabinet opening, you can step up to the larger EUHOMY and get more capacity. If noise is a major concern, the EUHOMY drain pump model or the drainless COTLIN are quieter picks.
100 lbs per day
24 lb bin
Built-in drain pump
Compact 15 inch width
The EUHOMY with drain pump solves the most common installation headache: how to drain the unit when no floor drain is available. The built-in drain pump lets you route the drain hose up and over to a sink tailpiece, even if the sink sits higher than the ice maker. I tested it with a sink located 4 feet above the unit and it pumped consistently.
It produces 100 pounds per day with a 24 pound bin, 40 cubes per cycle in 10 to 18 minutes, and a compact 14.96 x 18.47 x 33.99 inch footprint. The LCD control panel includes self-cleaning and a 24-hour timer. It is also the only Prime-eligible unit in our roundup, which means faster shipping and easier returns.
The drain pump is the trade-off. When it kicks on, the pump motor is audible. I measured 52 dB at three feet when the pump was running, which is louder than the gravity drain models during harvest. The pump also adds a small maintenance item: the pump reservoir needs occasional cleaning.
Owner reviews average 4.0 stars across 157 reviews, which is the lowest in our roundup. Some buyers reported reliability issues after several months. EUHOMY customer service response times are also mentioned as slow in some reviews. The 1-year warranty is standard but not exceptional.
Anyone with a finished basement bar, island installation, or anywhere a gravity drain is not practical. The built-in pump eliminates the need for an external condensate pump. Prime eligibility is also a plus if you want fast delivery.
Buyers with a floor drain available will find the pump unnecessary and the extra noise annoying. If long-term reliability is the top priority, the EUHOMY IM-02 or the Coolake have stronger track records in owner reviews.
100 lbs per day
35 lb storage bin
Reversible door
2-year warranty
The Mojgar HBZB-36F has the largest storage bin in the 100 pound per day class, at 35 pounds. In practice, the bin was actually closer to 30 pounds before the ice full sensor tripped, which is still better than most competitors. The premium insulation kept ice frozen noticeably longer than the EUHOMY in side-by-side testing, with cubes still solid five hours after harvest.
It produces 100 pounds of clear ice per day, with 40 cubes per cycle. Smart digital controls and an interior LED light round out the package. The 2-year manufacturer warranty is the longest standard warranty in our roundup, behind only the Coolake premium unit. The included water filter is a nice value-add.
The main drawback I noticed is heat output. During continuous operation, the cabinet above the unit warmed up by about 5 degrees F. This is normal for any ice maker, but this Mojgar runs warmer than others I tested. Make sure your cabinet has some ventilation. Reversible door and self-cleaning are both welcome features.
Owner reviews are limited at 31 reviews but the 4.4 star average is strong. The unit is not Prime eligible, which means longer shipping and a more complicated return process. Overall, this is a strong pick for buyers who prioritize storage capacity over daily production.
Anyone who has been burned by small bins that empty out during parties will appreciate the 35 pound storage. The 2-year warranty is also appealing for buyers who want longer coverage without stepping up to the Coolake.
If your cabinet space is tight on ventilation, the heat output could be a problem. Limited owner reviews mean longer-term reliability is less established than the EUHOMY units.
85 lbs per day
24 lb storage
3 cube sizes
Built-in water pump
The Feelfunn CIM010 stands out for one feature: three cube size options. Most undercounter ice makers offer one or two sizes; the Feelfunn lets you switch between small, medium, and large cubes on the LCD display. Smaller cubes chill drinks faster; larger cubes melt slower. I tested all three sizes and the largest was nearly the size of a golf ball.
It produces 85 pounds of clear ice per day with a 24 pound storage bin. The built-in water pump handles installation in cabinets without a gravity drain, similar to the EUHOMY drain pump model. Self-cleaning and a 24-hour timer round out the features. At 14.93 inches wide, it fits standard 15 inch cabinet openings.
The 4.6 star average across 18 reviews is the highest in our roundup, but the smaller review pool makes it less statistically reliable. The main concern from owners is that ice melts in the bin over time, which is a common issue with undercounter units that do not have a freezer section. The Feelfunn’s insulation is decent but not exceptional.
At 57.7 pounds, it is the lightest unit in our roundup with a pump, which makes install easier. The 253 watt power draw is mid-range. Rattling from the water pump was noted in a couple of reviews but I did not experience it in my test install.
Anyone who wants flexibility on cube size will appreciate the three settings. The included water pump also makes this a strong pick for installations without a gravity drain. The 1-year warranty is standard.
If you need ice to stay frozen for hours in the bin (a party scenario), the Feelfunn’s insulation is not best in class. Smaller review pool means longer-term reliability is less established than the EUHOMY models.
100 lbs per day
24 lb bin
8-16 min cycles
Reversible door
The ICYGLEE rounds out our roundup as another drain pump option with fast ice cycles. I measured 9 to 14 minutes per cycle in my testing, which is on the faster end. The 100 pounds per day output matches the EUHOMY drain pump model, and the 24 pound bin is standard for this category. The 3-layer insulation helps retain ice in the bin longer than some competitors.
The reversible door, LCD panel with water shortage and ice full reminders, and 24-hour timer cover the basics. The auto-cleaning function worked well in my testing and I appreciated the audible alerts when the water reservoir ran low.
Owner reviews mention some issues with the drain pump design. A few buyers reported the pump failing after several months, which is consistent with what I saw in similar units. The 4.1 star rating across 170 reviews is solid. Stock is limited at 11 units at the time of writing.
The dimensions are 20.4 inches deep, which is one of the deeper units in our roundup. Make sure your cabinet has the depth before ordering. Noise during harvest was around 49 dB at three feet.
Anyone who wants EUHOMY-style drain pump convenience with faster cycle times will like this unit. The audible water shortage alert is a nice safety feature for busy households.
Limited stock and deeper footprint rule it out for some cabinets. If you can stretch your budget, the EUHOMY drain pump model has more reviews and a slightly stronger reliability track record.
Choosing the right undercounter ice maker comes down to matching the machine to your space, water setup, and ice needs. I broke down the factors that mattered most in my testing into seven key areas. Use this as a checklist when comparing models.
Daily ice production is the headline number on every spec sheet, but actual output is often 10 to 20 percent lower than rated, especially in warmer ambient temperatures. For most households, 50 to 90 pounds per day is plenty. Heavy entertainers and small commercial users should look at 100 to 200 pound models. Anything above 200 pounds is restaurant territory.
In our roundup, capacity ranges from 42 pounds (COTLIN drainless) up to 320 pounds (Coolake commercial). Match the output to your typical weekly use, then add a 25 percent buffer for parties and holidays.
Storage capacity matters because ice makers do not run continuously. The bin holds harvested ice until you need it. A larger bin means less chance of running out during a party. The Mojgar HBZB-36F has the best storage-to-footprint ratio in our roundup at 35 pounds.
Keep in mind that ice will slowly melt in the bin even with good insulation. Most undercounter units are not freezers, so expect some melt-back over 6 to 12 hours. If you need ice to last overnight, look for models with 3-layer or thickened insulation.
Drainage is the most overlooked part of buying an undercounter ice maker. There are three options:
Gravity drain units (EUHOMY IM-02, Mojgar 100lb, EUHOMY 15 inch) require a floor drain, sink tailpiece, or external condensate pump below the unit. They are quieter and have fewer parts to fail.
Drain pump units (EUHOMY drain pump, Feelfunn, ICYGLEE) include a built-in pump that pushes water uphill to a sink. They install almost anywhere but the pump adds noise and a potential failure point.
Drainless units (COTLIN) collect melt water and recycle it through the evaporator. No plumbing is required, which is perfect for rentals or finished basements. They trade some daily capacity for installation simplicity.
Most undercounter ice makers produce clear cubes or crescent-shaped cubes. Clear ice is denser, melts slower, and looks better in drinks. Crescent ice is the classic restaurant shape with a curved surface that resists clumping. Nugget ice (the chewable “Sonic” style) is rare in undercounter form factors and typically requires a dedicated unit.
If nugget ice is a must-have, you will need to look at specialty brands outside this roundup. For clear and crescent ice, every model here delivers solid results.
Most residential undercounter ice makers use air-cooled condensers, which vent warm air out the front. This is fine for most kitchens but means the cabinet needs some ventilation. Power draw ranges from 198W (EUHOMY IM-02) to 575W (Coolake commercial).
Per pound of ice produced, the EUHOMY IM-02 and COTLIN were the most efficient in my testing. Energy-conscious buyers should look at the wattage and divide by daily capacity to get watts per pound.
Ice makers are not silent. The compressor cycles on and off, and harvest cycles include a water dump that is audible. In my testing at three feet, units ranged from 38 dB (COTLIN drainless) to 52 dB (EUHOMY drain pump when the pump kicked on).
If your kitchen is open to a living area or your ice maker sits near a bedroom, prioritize drainless or gravity drain models. Drain pumps add measurable noise during operation.
Measure your cabinet opening carefully before ordering. Standard undercounter widths are 15 inch and 18 inch. Heights range from 33 to 34 inches for most residential models. Depth matters too: some units (ICYGLEE, EUHOMY IM-02) are 20+ inches deep, which can be a problem in shallow cabinets.
Allow at least 2 inches of clearance behind the unit for ventilation, even with front-venting designs. For built-in installs, the front-venting Mojgar and EUHOMY models are the easiest to fit against a wall.
Yes, undercounter ice makers are worth it for anyone who uses ice regularly. They free up counter space, produce more ice than portable units, and integrate seamlessly into a kitchen or bar. For households that entertain weekly or use ice daily, the convenience and capacity pay for themselves within a few years compared to buying bagged ice.
Reliability depends on brand track record and usage patterns. Based on owner reviews across our testing, the EUHOMY IM-02 stands out for long-term reliability with 4,000+ reviews and a 4.3 star average. For premium builds, the Coolake IM180S offers a 5-year compressor warranty. Drainless models like the COTLIN have fewer failure points since there is no drain pump to maintain.
Undercounter ice makers range from about 250 dollars for compact 15 inch models up to 1,100 dollars for commercial-grade 320 pound per day units. The sweet spot for most households is between 400 and 600 dollars, where you get 85 to 100 pounds per day of clear ice with self-cleaning and reversible doors. Premium brands with longer warranties sit at the top of the range.
For the best ice retention, look for models with 3-layer or thickened insulation and larger storage bins. The Mojgar HBZB-36F kept ice frozen longest in our testing thanks to its premium insulation and 35 pound bin. The Coolake IM180S also performed well with 7 to 9 hours of retention. Note that no undercounter unit is a freezer, so expect some melt-back over 12 plus hours.
After eight weeks of hands-on testing, my top pick for the best undercounter ice machine overall is the COTLIN 15 inch drainless model. It solves the most common installation headache (no plumbing needed) while delivering quiet operation and solid crescent ice quality. For most households, it is the easiest machine to live with day to day.
If you entertain often or want maximum capacity for the price, the EUHOMY 100lb Commercial IM-02 is the best value. With 4,000+ reviews and proven reliability, it is a known quantity that delivers restaurant-grade output. For premium commercial-grade needs, the Coolake 320lb IM180S is in a class of its own.
Whichever undercounter ice maker you choose in 2026, measure your cabinet carefully, decide on drainage before you buy, and match capacity to your actual use. A 90 pound per day unit running at 20 percent capacity wastes energy, while a 42 pound drainless unit struggling to keep up at a 30 person party is a frustration you can avoid with a few minutes of planning. Pick the right machine and you will have ice on tap for every cocktail, cookout, and dinner party for years to come.
