Top 10 Undercounter Ice Makers for Your Business

best rated commercial undercounter ice makers

Commercial undercounter ice makers combine the convenience of a storage bin and the necessity of ice production in a single unit. These machines are designed with varying capacities to suit the individual needs of operations needing a reliable ice supply without installing a separate ice machine head and bin.

Key Takeaways

  • The best undercounter ice maker depends on your operation’s ice type, production capacity, and storage needs
  • Nugget and half-cube ice work well for blended drinks and fountain beverages, while crescent and full-cube ice are better for premium cocktail service
  • Flake ice supports seafood displays and produce merchandising
  • Confirm ventilation clearance, drain requirements, and ADA needs before selecting an undercounter ice machine

10 Best Commercial Undercounter Ice Machines

1. The Hoshizaki AM-50BAK-ADDS Top Hat Undercounter Ice Maker

Designed for upscale cocktail presentation, this undercounter ice maker produces gourmet-style top hat ice that melts slowly and enhances drink appearance. The ice maker is designed with fewer moving parts than similar models, extending its service life. Operators can easily disassemble the water circuit to facilitate cleaning, and the accessible power switch reduces maintenance requirements.

Key Features:

  • Ice Type: Top hat
  • Cooling Type: Air cooled
  • ADA Compliant: Yes
  • Special Feature: R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant
  • Daily Production: 54 pounds
  • Storage Capacity: 27 pounds

Best For:

  • Poolside bars
  • Hotel suites
  • Office break rooms
Hoshizaki AM-50BAK-ADDS undercounter ice maker

2. The Hoshizaki AM-50BAK-AD Top Hat Undercounter Ice Maker

The power switch of the Hoshizaki AM-50BAK-AD can be accessed without removing the panel. For cleaning purposes, the water circuit can be disassembled, and the unit operates with a self-contained refrigeration system and front airflow intake and exhaust. It doesn't expel air from the sides, so the machine can be installed right beside other equipment, counters, or walls.

Key Features:

  • Ice Type: Top hat
  • Cooling Type: Air cooled
  • ADA Compliant: Yes
  • Special Feature: R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant
  • Daily Production: 54 pounds
  • Storage Capacity: 27 pounds

Best For:

  • Bars
  • Lounges
  • Small restaurants
Hoshizaki AM-50BAK-AD top hat undercounter ice maker

3. The Manitowoc UNP0300A Undercounter Ice Maker

This undercounter ice maker produces nugget ice for blended beverages and fountain drinks, making it ideal for restaurants and fast food operations. Its sliding door and compact footprint are especially valuable in bars and beverage stations with limited space. For smooth operation, the low-maintenance stainless steel bearings have a high load capacity.

Key Features:

  • Ice Type: Nugget ice
  • Cooling Type: Air cooled
  • ADA Compliant: Yes
  • Special Feature: R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant
  • Daily Production: 330 pounds
  • Storage Capacity: 50 pounds

Best For:

  • Restaurants
  • Fast food
  • Bars
Manitowoc UNP0300A nugget undercounter ice maker

4. The Hoshizaki KM-161BAJ Undercounter Ice Maker

Featuring EverCheck™ technology, this ice maker quickly informs operators of system malfunctions. The unit features a simple on and off switch and can be controlled without removing the panel. Its H-GUARD Plus® antimicrobial protects the ice scoop from bacteria buildup, while its slide-in door supports quick content access.

Key Features:

  • Ice Type: Crescent
  • Cooling Type: Air cooled
  • ADA Compliant: Yes
  • Special Feature: EverCheck™ alert system
  • Daily Production: 163 pounds
  • Storage Capacity: 78 pounds

Best For:

  • Restaurants
  • Cocktail bars
  • Beverage stations
Hoshizaki KM-161BAJ crescent cube undercounter ice maker

5. The Hoshizaki KM-81BAK Undercounter Ice Maker

This compact undercounter ice maker produces crescent cube ice for bars, restaurants, and offices with moderate daily demand. Its front-breathing airflow system enables it to be installed with reduced side and rear clearances, and the slide-in door doesn't obstruct the area in front of the machine when opened.

Key Features:

  • Ice Type: Crescent
  • Cooling Type: Air cooled
  • ADA Compliant: Yes
  • Special Feature: EverCheck™ alert system
  • Daily Production: 78 pounds
  • Storage Capacity: 38 pounds

Best For:

  • Small restaurants
  • Bars
  • Office break rooms
Hoshizaki KM-81BAK crescent cube undercounter ice maker

6. The Hoshizaki F-500BAJ Flake Undercounter Ice Maker

Able to produce more than 500 pounds of flake ice daily, this unit is designed for operations prioritizing food presentation, seafood merchandising, and healthcare applications. Its Advanced CleanCycle24™ feature helps reduce sediment buildup through routine flushing cycles, and H-GUARD Plus® antimicrobial inhibits microorganism growth.

Key Features:

  • Ice Type: Flake
  • Cooling Type: Air cooled
  • Special Feature: CleanCycle24™ design
  • Daily Production: 536 pounds
  • Storage Capacity: 170 pounds

Best For:

  • Seafood displays
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Produce merchandising
Hoshizaki F-500BAJ flake undercounter ice maker

7. The Manitowoc UYP0140A NEO® Undercounter Ice Maker

Designed for versatile beverage service, this undercounter ice maker produces half-cube ice for soft drinks, blended beverages, and bagged ice applications. Its delay function and service indicators help operators manage production, maintenance, and energy use during slower periods. Front-ventilated airflow allows the machine to sit flush against other equipment, drawing cool air through the grill and pushing heat forward.

Key Features:

  • Ice Type: Half-cube
  • Cooling Type: Air cooled
  • Special Feature: 5-micron onboard water filter
  • Daily Production: 137 pounds
  • Storage Capacity: 90 pounds

Best For:

  • Restaurants
  • Fast food beverage stations
  • Convenience stores
Manitowoc UYP0140A NEO half-cube undercounter ice maker

8. The Manitowoc UDP0140A NEO® Undercounter Ice Maker

This undercounter ice machine features a self-contained, air-cooled refrigeration system. A user-friendly touchpad provides access to core functions and includes alert lights for cleaning, service, filter replacement, and bin status.

Key Features:

  • Ice Type: Full-cube
  • Cooling Type: Air cooled
  • Special Feature: 5-micron onboard water filter
  • Daily Production: 137 pounds
  • Storage Capacity: 90 pounds

Best For:

  • Bars
  • Lounges
  • Restaurants
Manitowoc UDP0140A NEO full-cube undercounter ice maker

9. The Scotsman UC2024MAX-1 Undercounter Ice Maker

This undercounter ice maker has a self-contained condenser for simple installation. Its system breathes from the front, so it doesn't require side or rear clearances and can be installed in tight spaces. The AquaPatrol™ Plus water filtration system provides the best possible water conditions for optimal ice machine sanitation while ensuring a refreshing, clear taste and odor-free cubes.

Key Features:

  • Ice Type: Full-cube
  • Cooling Type: Air cooled
  • Special Feature: AquaPatrol™ Plus water filtration system
  • Daily Production: 227 pounds
  • Storage Capacity: 80 pounds

Best For:

  • Restaurants
  • Bars
  • Hotels
Scotsman UC2024MAX-1 full-cube undercounter ice maker

10. The Scotsman UN324AX-1 Nugget Undercounter Ice Maker

This undercounter ice maker produces soft, chewable nugget ice for frozen drinks, fountain beverages, healthcare applications, and high-demand beverage stations. Its front-access air filter and slide-back door help streamline cleaning and day-to-day maintenance. It also has a user-friendly control panel and features a QR code that provides access to service information and warranty history.

When asked about the machine, Damon Holst, Senior Manager of Parts and Service at Scotsman, said, "We're proud to have brought nugget ice to the market and still maintain some of the best nugget ice out there in terms of quality and softness."

Key Features:

  • Ice Type: Nugget
  • Cooling Type: Air cooled
  • Special Feature: QR code for manuals and warranty history
  • Daily Production: 340 pounds
  • Storage Capacity: 80 pounds

Best For:

  • Frozen drinks
  • Healthcare settings
  • High-volume operations
Scotsman UN324AX-1 nugget undercounter ice maker

The Best Undercounter Ice Makers for Home Use

Residential undercounter ice makers offer compact footprints, quiet operation, and steady ice production for kitchens, home bars, offices, and entertainment spaces. Operators choosing a home or light-duty unit should consider ice type, drain style, cabinet fit, and whether the machine is approved for indoor or outdoor use.


The Best Undercounter Ice Maker with Drain Pumps

An undercounter ice maker with a drain pump is useful when the installation site doesn't have a floor drain or when gravity drainage is not possible. Drain pumps move meltwater to an appropriate drain point, supporting installations in bars, offices, home kitchens, and other spaces with limited plumbing access.


The Best Undercounter Ice Makers for Nugget Ice

Nugget ice undercounter units are ideal for operators seeking soft, chewable ice for fountain drinks or blended beverages. Their compact footprint makes them a practical fit for home bars, office break rooms, cafes, and light commercial beverage stations that want a premium ice texture without a full-size machine.


The Best Outdoor Undercounter Ice Maker

Outdoor-rated undercounter ice makers are designed for exterior environments where equipment may face changing temperatures and weather exposure. They’re a strong fit for patios, poolside bars, outdoor kitchens, and exterior beverage stations where standard indoor machines may not hold up as well.

Undercounter Ice Maker FAQs

What is the best undercounter ice maker for restaurants?

Restaurants commonly opt for undercounter ice makers that produce crescent or full-cube ice because they work well for general beverage service. Models with higher storage capacity and front-breathing airflow are especially useful in busy kitchens and bar areas.

Are undercounter ice makers good for high-volume businesses?

Some commercial undercounter ice makers can produce more than 500 pounds of ice per day, making them suitable for high-volume beverage service, seafood displays, and healthcare applications. Operators should compare both production capacity and storage capacity before choosing a unit.

What should I consider before buying an undercounter ice maker?

Before purchasing an undercounter ice maker, operators should evaluate ice type, daily production capacity, storage capacity, installation space, ventilation clearance, and maintenance access. Air-cooled models also require proper airflow around the condenser. For additional information, check out KaTom's buyers guide.

What is the best undercounter ice maker for bars?

Bars often prefer nugget, gourmet, or full-cube ice, depending on the beverage program. Nugget ice works well for blended drinks and soft drinks, while gourmet and full-cube ice are commonly used for premium cocktails because they melt more slowly and improve presentation. As David Hytell, VP of sales for ITV Ice Makers, says, "[Gourmet ice] is a better cocktail cube where you don't get that quick melting of the ice."

Shop KaTom for Best Rated Undercounter Ice Makers

KaTom offers a wide selection of undercounter ice makers for foodservice operations. Compare top models by ice type, daily production, storage capacity, drain style, and installation requirements to find the best rated ice maker for your operation.