Best Undercounter Ice Machines of 2024

KoolAire is a sister brand to Manitowoc, and they make machines that are very similar. However, KoolAire machines come with less bells and whistles, and this is reflected with a lower price tag. For instance, Manitowoc has a front-facing display to show users diagnostics. A KoolAire won’t include advanced features like this, but will generally make ice just as well as the Manitowoc machine. For many businesses, this is worth the lower price tag.

The KoolAire KDF-0150A is a reliable, efficient undercounter ice machine that produces up to 168 lbs. of full-cube ice per day. These cubes preserve the flavor of beverages like cocktails and soft drinks by melting more slowly, which is ideal for sit-down restaurants and bars. As long as your ice needs are relatively moderate, you’ll find that this model is a great all-purpose ice machine with low operating costs and high ease of maintenance.

• Easy access for cleaning
• Simple and reliable design
• Water pump is easily accessible from the front
• Short cleaning time means labor savings and contributes to reduced operating costs
• KoolAire’s single float works more reliably than the Manitowoc NEO’s two floats

• The compressor compartment control box is difficult to access
• Placing the machine against the back wall can cause difficulty in accessing the dryer for repair or replacement
• The tubing and TXV are difficult to access, as they’re in the back of the machine

The KoolAire KYF-0250A is as short as the previous model, but has a larger footprint, greater production capacity, and a different ice type (although the previous model is also available with half cubes). The model can produce 258 lbs. of fast-cooling half-cube ice each day. If you run a fast-paced restaurant and need customers’ drinks cool by the time their food is ready, this ice maker is a great fit.

Another benefit of the KYF-0250A is that it’s among the easiest undercounter ice makers to operate and service. If there’s one drawback, it’s the relatively modest ice production and low storage capacity. Many businesses will either need a large external ice bin or a more powerful ice maker to keep up with peak demand.

• Nickel-plated evaporators
• Simple control circuits
• Compact

• May not be ideal for restaurants with surges in ice needs

The Ice-o-Matic ICEU300FA is an updated version of the company’s older models. While it lacks the advanced technology of leading ice machines, it makes up for it with a simple, rugged design. In some rare cases, these older ice machines have even lasted up to 25 years. 

Besides being reliable, the model is easy to clean and maintain. There’s comparatively less technical know-how necessary to diagnose and fix technical issues. Another perk is that the ICEU300FA has outstanding ice production for its size. With 356 lbs. of ice a day, even medium-sized restaurants and bars can rely on this model. However, the nickel-plated evaporator may develop problems earlier than other models.

• Simple design, intuitive harvest controls
• Highly compact compared to the ice production capacity
• Bin comes off for easy servicing
• Good production for an undercounter ice machine

• The evaporator plate has a shorter lifespan and will deteriorate/separate faster than grid cell evaporators on brands like Manitowoc
• Lacks Energy Star certification and other features common on models from high-end brands like Scotsman and Manitowoc
• Not suitable for businesses with especially high ice demand.

The Scotsman UN1520A-1 is a power-efficient model with Energy Star certification, and it produces 167 lbs. of soft nugget ice daily. Ice formed into nuggets is easy to chew and absorbs the flavors of any beverage you serve it with.

Many nugget ice machines have issues with ice balling and clumping internally, but we have that issue less with these machines. On top of that, it’s extremely easy to take apart, clean, and repair. All you need is a screwdriver, and parts like the condenser are easy to access.

However, the machine has one major drawback restricting use in restaurants and bars. There’s nowhere to fit an air filter, and the machine draws air through holes that can become clogged with grease or allow air hazards to enter. While ideal for hospitals, doctors’ offices, and childcare, you’ll need to keep this ice machine away from food preparation sites and clean it regularly for use in food service.

• Easy access to internal components
• The condenser sits at a 45-degree angle and is accessible from the front for cleaning
• The model has a small footprint, even for an undercounter ice machine
• It uses a float switch that is simple, cheap, and easy to replace
• Energy Star-certified for efficient electrical & water consumption
• Compact, easy-to-operate nugget ice machine
• Nugget ice machines produce one of the most trendy and versatile gourmet ice shapes

• Not as suitable for use in food preparation areas due to lack of an air filter—use in food service may add impurities to ice

The Manitowoc UYF0190A fills a similar niche to the Koolaire KDF-0150A, with a daily full cube ice production capacity of 193 lbs. per day. The added capacity is good for small establishments that need a little more ice than the Koolaire model, and it’s considerably easier to service and operate.

• Easy to clean
• Ice storage bin is removable for easy access to most parts to replace and clean condenser
• Simple operating system to learn for repair (not a lot of bells and whistles)

• The touchpad on the door trim piece has a high failure rate because of customer use and moisture infiltration

The Hoshizaki F-330BAJ-C is the main competitor to the Scotsman UN1520A-1, with 288 lbs. of daily nugget ice production. Besides producing much more nugget ice, it has advantages like a removable air filter that improves operation in food service settings.

However, it’s significantly harder to access the internals for servicing and is much more maintenance-intensive. Regular preventative maintenance is also necessary to avoid mechanical trouble that’s somewhat difficult to fix.

• Strong gear motor assembly that resists failure
• Reliable operation

• Inaccessibility for service repairs
• Ice bin not removable for access