Nobody really prefers dealing with ice packs when you could make ice at the comfort of your own home. Your kitchen or home bar can get an easy upgrade with an undercounter ice maker that can produce as much ice as you could ever need – fast. You want it to be quiet when you add an appliance to your kitchen or bar, so it doesn’t wake you up at night or make it difficult to have a chat.
While you will probably get a low buzzing sound as the machine operates, it’s a lot better than the noisy crash of cubes falling that we often associate with ice makers. We’ve gathered a few tips and reviews to assist you in finding the quietest undercounter ice maker for your home or office.
| Undercounter Ice Maker | Photo | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 |  | Noise Level: Very quiet Storing Capacity: 22 pounds Height: 33.4" | See details at Amazon.com |
| Scotsman CU50GA |  | Noise Level: Very quiet Storing Capacity: 26 pounds Ice Production: 64 lbs in 24 hrs Height: 35" | See details at Amazon.com |
| Whynter UIM-502SS |  | Noise Level: Very quiet Storing Capacity: 25 pounds Ice Production: 50 lbs in 24 hrs Height: 33" | See details at Amazon.com |
| Manitowoc UDF0140A |  | Noise Level: Very quiet Storing Capacity: 90 pounds Ice Production: 135 lbs in 24 hrs Height: 38,5" | See details at Amazon.com |
| EdgeStar IB120SS |  | Noise Level: Very quiet Storing Capacity: 6 pounds Ice Production: 12 lbs in 24 hrs Height: 25" | See details at Amazon.com |
Quietest Undercounter Ice Maker 2024
Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 Undercounter Ice Maker
Perfect for a small space, the Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 ice Machine works well for outdoor use, offices, break rooms, and suites in an entertainment venue. This compact machine is self-contained and creates pearl ice that you can chew. This is a super quiet machine that is easy to operate and install.
Using a 115-volt plug-in design, the Ice-O-Matic GEMU080 is air-cooled and uses a self-contained condenser that is smaller than its competitors. With all the space-saving potential, this is one of the better commercial pearl ice machines on the market. Featuring a sleek design, this stainless-steel ice machine is pretty compact and easy to place under a counter.
Creating up to 85 pounds of ice a day, the Ice-O-Matic GEMU080 is capable of storing up to 22 pounds of ice. And, it only takes up to seven hours for the ice bin to fill. Featuring an automated detection system, this ice maker will stop producing ice once the bin is full to prevent over-flooding.
This pretty noiseless machine uses a compact air condenser that is ideal for use indoors. The Ice-O-Matic GEMU090 is eco-friendly and uses a minimal amount of energy. Capable of churning out ice faster than larger units on the market, it also uses less water and electricity in comparison. Requiring a pump drainage system, it can be a little difficult to install, but it does come with an installation guide.
Pros
- It has a large storage capacity and a high rate of production
- This machine will fit underneath most countertops
- It comes with an automatic sensor when it’s full
Cons
- It’s on the expensive side
- It can be hard to install
Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Maker
With a sleek look and great production capacity, the Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Maker has a great build quality and is one of the better models on the market. Its best feature is the crystal clear, slow-melting, and uniquely shaped ice that it produces. Not only is this ice eye-catching, but it also has a sleek appearance, incredible production capacity, and impressive build quality.
Not only does it make great tasting ice, but the Scotsman CU50GA also makes eye-catching ice that is a great conversation starter. This unit also comes with a water-quality sensor that helps to ensure the ice quality is consistent. This is also an easy to use appliance that can produce up to 64 pounds of gourmet ice in just 24 hours, plus it can store up to 26 pounds of ice. And, it comes with a user-friendly control panel that is easy to use and will remind you when its time to clean the machine and tells you when there is no water present.
This compact under-counter ice maker comes with a 15-inch cabinet width that allows it to be placed in a tight location. The Scotsman CU50GA produces odorless and taste-free ice thanks to the water-quality sensor that can detect hard water conditions and purge out the minerals from the water. This feature also helps to extend the life of the machine and lessens the frequency of the cleanings.
Pros
- It gives you a commercial level output of ice
- This machine produces ice that melts slowly
- It comes with a water quality sensor
Cons
- It is pretty expensive
Whynter UIM-502SS Built-in Freestanding Ice Maker
With a 50-pound capacity, the Whynter UIM-502SS Ice Maker creates clear ice cubes and is perfect for use wherever you have a high demand for ice. This is a reliable and capable ice maker that has a commercial design making it a more durable machine that produces a high-quality ice cube. With a stainless-steel door and a black cabinet, this ice machine is an attractive addition to any office, kitchen, restaurant, or bar.
With a reversible door, you can install the Whynter UIM-502SS so that the door can swing open on either side. You can either install it as a freestanding machine or so that it fits under a counter. With the ability to produce 50 pounds of ice a day, this is a great choice for a home bar, kitchen, or office thanks to its ability to store up to 25 pounds of ice.
Going to work as soon as it is turned on, the bin is insulated to keep ice frozen for a while, but it is not refrigerated, so it will melt if left too long. Producing clear gourmet ice that is suitable for bars and restaurants, the Whynter UIM-502SS is a great choice if you like making premium drinks that you don’t want to become diluted.
This is an easy to use machine with ice that comes out in sheets that you can easily break apart. This machine will also stop automatically when the bin becomes full. The Whynter UIM-502SS is easy to maintain and requires periodic cleaning.
Pros
- It makes tons of ice and is easy to use
- You can easily lift out the bin to dump it into a cooler
- It is easy to maintain and keep clean
Cons
- Some users have had issues using the gravity drain
- You may have to purchase a compatible pump to drain it
Manitowoc NEO 140 Undercounter Dice Cube Ice Machine
This undercounter air-cooled ice maker features a 90-pound capacity bin. The Manitowoc NEO 140 Ice Maker comes with fingerprint-resistant exterior panels and a 132-pound production capacity. With a forward sliding bin, it is easy to maintain this machine without having to move it.
The Manitowoc NEO 140 is an air-cooled machine that features Alphasan which will reduce the growth of yeast, mildew, mold, and bacteria. You have the choice of regular, full, or half dice cubes for versatility when it comes to making drinks. It also comes with pop-out air filters making maintenance easier.
Cons
- You have to break apart the blocks of ice
- Installation is not easy
EdgeStar IB120SS Built in Undercounter Ice Maker
Doubling as a freezer, the EdgeStar IB120SS Ice Maker stands out from other ice makers that can’t sore the ice it produces very long. Adding a nice look to any home bar or kitchen, this ice maker can produce up to 12 pounds of ice a day and store up to six pounds. It features a stylish stainless-steel door with a long handle that looks nice when the unit is sitting flush with your cabinets.
With the EdgeStar, the ice is maintained in a solid form until you want to use it. This means you won’t waste as much water, since the ice that melts in a typical ice maker just ends up going down the drain hose. And, you won’t have to install a drain line making installation easier, since you won’t have to locate the ice maker close to a drain.
Producing enough ice from most homes, the EdgeStar ice maker makes crescent-shaped ice that is pretty clear except for a little cloudiness in the center. It’s important to keep your ice maker defrosted and clean to ensure that you create tasty ice cubes. It takes around 11 hours to fill up the bin, and it includes a sensor that will stop ice production automatically once the bin is full.
The EdgeStar Ice Maker also features a super quiet compressor that won’t make your kitchen or home noisy when it operates. This is an easy to install machine that can operate without needing a permanent drain line. Only 25-inches tall, this is a great choice for an office, kitchen, wet, boat, or RV.
Matching most decors, the EdgeStar Ice Maker has the performance, features, and look of ice makers twice as expensive. With front venting, you can either use it as a freestanding machine or built-in. it has a reversible door that you can install to swing right or left. This unit also includes an ice scoop and a 25-foot long ¼-inch water line connection.
Cons
- The instructions are pretty much worthless
- There can be some installation issues with the hose
What Is an Undercounter Ice Maker?
Undercounter ice makers are often commercial-grade ice makers with bigger capacity to produce and store ice than the more common countertop ice makers. They are usually built into kitchen countertops or islands, but if you have space, they can also be used as freestanding devices. Undercounter ice machines are mainly intended for commercial-grade usage, but they are also found in well-equipped kitchens, home bars and man caves.
Generally speaking an undercounter ice maker is more of a major appliance, whereas countertop ice makers are small appliances.
Why Do You Need a Quiet Undercounter Ice Maker?
In case you are short on freezer space like most of us are, making ice for entertaining purposes gets a lot easier with a properly sized ice maker. Most of these units sit under your countertop easily and can even be mounted on boats and recreational vehicles. A separate ice maker can create all the ice you’ll need for your excursions if you enjoy spending long days at beaches and parks. You should check out the quietest countertop ice makers if you prefer making ice cubes on the go, since these smaller ice makers are much easier to transport than undercounter models.
Considerations When Choosing a Quiet Ice Maker
Noise Level
If you plan to use this appliance in your home or office, its noise level is super important. You don’t want that machine to keep you up or interrupt a conversation at night. Look for the manufacturer’s listed noise levels and check reviews to see how other users have felt about the noise level generated by any ice maker you are considering.
Water Filter
If you want tasty and potable water, you need an ice maker with an integrated filtration system. A w Water filtration will remove minerals, bacteria, and viruses using a physical barrier, a biological process, and a chemical process. If you’ve spotted a powdery residue that can develop on faucets and showerheads, this is a limescale buildup that can damage your ice maker and lead to an odd flavor and odor in your ice. You can this from building up and causing corrosion and deterioration with water filtering and preventative maintenance.
Ice Quality
Ice makers make ice that is either cloudy or clear. Thanks to minerals that tend to exist in your tap water at home, you will see more cloudy ice than clear ice. You’ll have to look for a device that has certain qualities to produce clear ice.The other quality to look for in ice is how fast it melts. Clear ice commonly melts slower, which in turn will keep your drink tastier for longer.
Types of Ice
Aesthetically pleasing ice is another important consideration, especially if you entertain a lot. While standard looking ice could be perfect for most types of glassware, for some glasses it could be too large. Ice produced in a bullet-shape is ideal for bottles of water as well as any type of glass with a narrow opening.
For those who like to chew ice or make frosty drinks, milkshakes and smoothies, ice nuggets or ice pellets offer an excellent texture. Plus, they are really attractive looking in glasses.
Ice Production Volume
Not everybody needs an ice maker that can produce up to 26 pounds of ice per day, unless you entertain a lot or like to fill up your cooler for outdoor adventures. On any ice maker you are considering, check the level of ice production volume and make sure it is in line with the amount of ice you’ll need. Remember that the unit size will roughly tell you how large quantities of ice it can deliver in a day, so if your ice consumption isn’t very high, you most likely won’t need a large undercounter ice maker.
Conclusion
The winner of the best quiet undercounter ice maker is the EdgeStar IB120SS Ice Maker. Doubling as a freezer, this ice maker can produce up to 12 pounds of ice a day and store up to six pounds. Producing enough ice from most homes, this ice maker makes crescent-shaped ice that is pretty clear and can fill up a bin in just 11 hours.
Using a super quiet compressor, this is an easy to install machine that can operate without needing a permanent drain line. Only 25-inches tall, this is a great choice for an office, kitchen, wet, boat, or RV. With front venting, you can either use it as a freestanding machine or built-in. it has a reversible door that you can install to swing right or left. This unit also includes and an ice scoop and a 25-foot long ¼-inch water line connection. The definite winner of the best quiet undercounter ice maker is the EdgeStar IB120SS Ice Maker hands down.