A residential ice maker machine is something you may not think you need, but you will soon come to appreciate when you own one. Whether you need ice makers for home bar usage, you're entertaining, or filling chests for outdoor getaways, ice makers for home use will definitely make your life easier. Did you know there are even different types of ice with their own unique properties? Appliances Connection has all types, whether you prefer nugget or crushed ice makers for home get togethers. Check out the best residential ice makers on the market below, hand-picked by our experts.
Best Freestanding Ice Maker: Whirlpool WUI75X15HZ
One of our favorite freestanding residential ice makers is this one from Whirlpool. At 15 in. wide, it can fit into even small kitchens. At the same time, it can produce up to 25 lbs. of ice cubes per day, and store that same amount, so it can still make large amounts of ice quickly. The unit's electronic touch controls are easy to use, meaning that you can easily configure its internal temperature, and its LED internal lighting lets you see what's inside without adding heat to the mix. Meanwhile, its self-cleaning cycle uses affresh® cleaner to reduce the buildup of microorganisms. Even better, its flexible installation options mean that you can place it just about anywhere you want.
Best Built-In Ice Maker: Thor Kitchen TIM1501
If you're looking for an ice maker that can be installed as a fixture in your kitchen, look no further than this one from Thor Kitchen. It's 15 inches wide, so it fits inside a standard cutout, but it can create up to 50 lbs. of ice cubes per day, and store up to 25 lbs. at a time. Its sleek stainless steel design makes it well-suited for high-end kitchens. The built-in pump, meanwhile, makes it easy to install. The ice maker even has features such as automatic shut-off and automatic defrosting, reducing the amount of maintenance that you have to do as a homeowner.
Best Clear Ice Maker: KitchenAid KUID508HPS
Clear ice is critical if you want to truly enjoy carbonated or alcoholic beverages with ice. It melts slowly, it looks better, and many people even say that clear ice tastes better than cloudy ice. This 18-in. ice maker from KitchenAid is great for just that. Its deep storage bin can store up to 35 lbs. of perfectly clear ice cubes, and you can use the optional filter to help remove contaminants from your ice. Meanwhile, the Drop-Down Door makes this clear ice easy to access and removes the need for side hinges. Even better, it can be installed freestanding or built-in, and if you go for built-in installation, it can be completely flush with your cabinets. Finally, its Self-Cleaning Cycle makes keeping the unit clean as simple as inserting an affresh® cleaning tablet and letting the cycle run.
Best Nugget Ice Maker: Viking FGNI515
The residential ice maker on this list that has the largest production capacity is this 15-in. unit from Viking, which can create up to 80 lbs. of nugget ice a day (and can store up to 26 lbs. at a time). These nuggets are soft and chewable, and the ice maker itself uses 40% less energy and 50% less water than other models of a similar size. The electric control panel lets you know when the ice maker needs maintenance, and Tru-Flush design means it can be installed flush with your cabinets. This is also the only panel ready ice maker on the list, so you can easily match it with any home decor.
Best Countertop Ice Maker: NewAir CLEARICE40
Sometimes the most powerful things come in small packages. Such is the case with this 12-in. countertop ice maker from NewAir, which is ideal for not only homes, but recreational vehicles and boats as well. It can produce up to 40 lbs. of clear ice cubes every day, and its side-mounted drain makes it easy to store when it isn't in use. Just plug it in and add water, and you'll have your first batch of clear, fresh ice in just fifteen minutes! The unit combines a stainless steel exterior with a BPA-free insulating plastic tub.
Related Questions
Does an ice maker need a special water line?
In order to produce ice continually, an ice maker must have access to flowing water. A designated water line is the best way to achieve this.
What is the capacity of an ice maker?
The standard ice maker will produce about 60 to 70 lbs. of ice in a day's time. Most ice makers can store between 20 and 30 lbs. of ice.
Does an ice maker require a water filter?
An ice maker can operate without a water filter, however to ensure that ice is clear, pure, and fresh-tasting, you may want to invest in one that includes a water filter.