9 Common Questions About Undercounter Ice Makers

There are many benefits to having an undercounter ice maker that’s built directly into your kitchen or home bar. Not only do you have ice on demand, but you also won’t have to make a last-minute ice run ever again.

But, with such a unique appliance, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to have questions about how to get the most out of their unit. To help troubleshoot, we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions about undercounter ice makers.

1. What Are the Installation Requirements?

Proper installation of an undercounter ice maker will ensure that the machine works properly and doesn’t leak water into your home or business. Improper installation could lead to reduced ice production, damage to the machine, a shortened lifespan of the unit and possibly damage to your home.

To help you install your ice machine correctly, we recommend following these tips:

While it is possible for a homeowner to install an undercounter ice machine, we recommend hiring a plumber or licensed contractor to help ensure that all installation requirements are met.

2. Do You Need a Pump?

A condensate removal pump helps eliminate excess water from your undercounter ice maker. This pump is beneficial if the drain is far away from the machine or if the water must travel on an incline to reach the drain. Most undercounter ice makers are equipped with a pump option, and you can also purchase external drain pumps.

Gravity drains use the earth’s gravity to remove water from your ice maker. If the drain is pretty close to the machine and located on a decline, then a gravity drain may be a sufficient solution for you.

Pump drains are not necessary for most built-in ice makers, but they are preferred for many models. Gravity drains must be lower than the drain outlet of the ice maker to ensure the proper flow of water. They must also be no further than 12 inches from the ice maker. If these two conditions cannot be met, then a pump drain must be used.

3. Do You Need a Special Plug?

It is important that you check the electrical requirements of the specific model you are interested in prior to purchasing it. Most undercounter ice makers will work with a common household outlet (3-prong, 110V–120V) and will not require a dedicated power line or the need for special wiring.

4. When Would You Need to Add a Water Line?

All built-in ice makers require a dedicated water line. Unfortunately, this may require you to hire a plumber for installation. If adding a water line isn’t an option in your space, you may want to consider purchasing a portable ice maker. These units can quickly produce ice without the need for a dedicated water line.

5. What Are the Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements?

Like any appliance, general maintenance will be required to ensure you get the most from it. Specific cleaning instructions may vary for different units, and the details will be listed in the product manual that comes with it.

However, we have listed out a few general guidelines that apply to all ice makers.

We recommend using a cleaning detergent that is specifically formulated for ice makers. However, what’s most important is that you use a nickel-safe detergent that can remove build-up of hard water or lime scale, as well as eliminate potential algae growth in various parts of the machine. Each undercounter ice maker will have an owner’s manual with detailed and specific cleaning instructions.

6. What Are Production and Storage Capacities?

Ice production capacity is defined as the amount of ice that can be produced by the machine within a 24-hour period.

The production capacity will be reduced if the ambient temperature around the ice maker is extreme, such as near an oven or dishwasher. Production capacity may also be reduced if the machine is already at its storage capacity.

Storage capacity is defined as the amount of ice the unit can store and keep frozen. Storage capacity is typically less than production capacity so that the ice produced will be used in a short amount of time.

7. What Are the Common Features of Built-in Ice Makers?

As is the case with most appliances, there are many features available for undercounter ice makers. Depending on your budget and what you’re looking for, some of these features might appeal to you while others may seem frivolous.

One of the most popular features that people take into consideration is the shape of ice the machine produces. Different shapes of ice include crescent, cube, nugget, flake and gourmet.

8. Do You Need a Water Filter for an Undercounter Ice Maker?

Although you don’t need a water filter for your ice maker, we strongly recommend that you use a filter for the best-tasting ice. By removing sediment from the water, you remove particles that not only leave unwanted tastes and odors in the ice but could also cause unwanted wear and tear on the unit itself. Unfiltered water may also cause lime scale, slime and mold to build up within the unit, leaving your machine in an unsanitary state and leading you to have to clean it more frequently.

9. Should You Use the First Batch of Ice?

After installing or cleaning your undercounter ice machine, you should always discard the first batch of ice that the unit produces. This will help you be sure that the ice produced is free of dust or chemical residue.