The first automatic ice maker I ever experienced was in a refrigerator. I thought it was magic. I did not even mind that it made enough noise to wake the proverbial dead. Technology can be wonderful. Now you can find ice makers that only produce 38 decibels–sound that ranges somewhere between a whisper and the sound of a babbling brook. Following are some of the quietest ice makers you can find. I separated them by category: refrigerator, under-counter, portable and commercial.
Which Quiet Ice Maker is Best for You?
Here is a quick look at the most popular types of ice makers.
Top 6 Quietest Ice Makers | Why It's Best | Rating |
---|---|---|
Kenmore Kenmore 36" Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer with 25 Cubic Ft. Total Capacity | On the door ice maker that is quiet | ★★★★★ |
Kenmore Top-Freezer Refrigerator with Ice Maker | Quiet automatic ice maker, with no exterior access keeping noise inside. | ★★★★★ |
Smeta 15 Inch Stainless Steel Undercounter Ice Machine with Freezer | Quiet. Keeps ice frozen after production. | ★★★★★ |
PROOK Whynter Stainless Steel Built-Ice Maker | Quiet. Makes 50 lb. of ice every 24 hours. | ★★★★★ |
E EUHOMY Compact Ice Cube Maker | Super Quiet operation. Adjustable cube thickness. | ★★★★★ |
MOOSOO Countertop Ice Maker with Automatic Self-Cleaning | Very Quiet operation. Makes bullet-shaped ice in 2 sizes. | ★★★★★ |
Note: I have added a short section about quiet commercial ice makers–for anyone who requires huge amounts of ice.
4 Quietest Refrigerator Ice Makers
I am fairly certain that most people do not consider ice maker decibel levels when shopping for a new refrigerator. A common reaction might be “And it makes ice, too. WooHoo!” Most manufacturers do not specifically separate ice-making noise from the overall decibel rating of the complete refrigerator, so I am going to list four of the quietest fridges. Because the decibel rating of the complete unit should include the ice maker in operation when the testing is done. If you are buying a new refrigerator anyway, get the quietest one available in your price range.
The normal noise range for a new refrigerator is between 32 and 47 decibels. Which is somewhere between a quiet rural area and a library or bird calls. (I have to assume they are talking small birds–not blue jays, crows or magpies.) So noise from your new refrigerator–with, or without an ice maker–is not going to be very annoying regardless of make or model. You can get more information by looking at this noise level chart from Purdue University.
I am not going into a great deal of refrigerator detail; just enough to let you know it is a fridge. Mostly it is about ice making, and noise.
Note: It appears that quite a few of the negative refrigerator reviews relate to water lines freezing up. It might be well worth saving the extra cost of an ice-making refrigerator, and investing in a good countertop ice maker to avoid potential problems.
1) Kenmore
This Kenmore is a 25 cubic foot refrigerator with an ‘on the door’ exterior ice/water dispenser. Push pad operation provides filtered water and ice. You can easily switch from ice cube production to crushed ice depending on your needs. This is a fairly standard sized stainless steel refrigerator (33.81 x 35.5 x 69.25 inches). Will need water line hook-up. No drain line is required.
The Good
- Low noise level. Produces only 43 decibels of sound.
- 2 types of ice–cubes and crushed ice–along with water dispenser on exterior of refrigerator.
- One-click ice/water/ice dispenser.
- Inline replaceable water filter.
The Not so Good
- Ice maker may be a little slow keeping up with demand for a family that uses a lot of ice.
2) Kenmore 71212
The Kenmore 71212 is a 25 cubic foot refrigerator with an interior ice maker. Yes, you have to open the door to get the ice, but the overall operation is quieter. Top mounted freezer. The unit is a fairly standard size (32.9″ x 33.8″ x 66.1″) available in 3 colors. Will need water line hook up. No drain line required.
The Good
- Low noise level. Cannot hear ice maker operating inside freezer compartment.
- Removable ice bin.
- Automatic shut off when bin is full.
- Replaceable inline water filter ensures ice will just cool the drink–not add unwanted tastes.
The Not so Good
- No external ice dispenser.
- Produces ice cubes only.
3) Frigidaire FGHB2868TF
This Frigidaire FGHB2868TF is a 26.8 cubic foot french door refrigerator with bottom freezer and exterior ‘on the door’ ice/water dispenser. Stainless steel exterior. It is a fairly standard size (36″ x 33.4″ x 69.9″). Needs water line hook-up. No drain line required.
The Good
- Super quiet operation.
- Produces fairly clear, hard ice cubes.
- Large ice bin capacity.
- An inline water filter ensures ice is always clean and fresh-tasting. (Also has an air filter for fresher, cleaner air inside the compartment.)
The Not so Good
- Produces cubed ice only.
- Reports of water lines freezing up.
4) Sharp SJG2351FS
This 22.5 cubic foot Sharp 4-door refrigerator is 35.8″ wide x 69.9″ high. Stainless steel exterior french door design with the freezer compartment at the bottom. The ice cube maker is an interior design located in the lower freezer. Needs a water line hook-up. No drain line is required.
The Good
- Produces less than 45 decibels of sound.
- Makes hard ice cubes.
- Large ice bin.
- Inline water filter ensures ice and water is fresh and clean.
The Not so Good
- Produces cubed ice only.
- No external ice/water dispenser.
- Ice maker is in the bottom freezer compartment close to the floor.
5 Quietest Undercounter Ice Makers
Like most modern dishwashers, under-counter ice makers are built-in, or recessed, in your kitchen cabinet system. It is quite easy to include them into your design specifications when building a new house or redesigning and replacing cabinets and countertops.
Unlike most dishwashers, ice maker widths and heights seem to vary somewhat, so make sure you pick an ice maker that will fit, or make sure the new cabinets fit around the unit you want. (Not much point in choosing an ice maker 38.5″ high, then trying to install it under 36″ high cabinets.)
If you are replacing an existing ice maker, or have a space under your counter for a new one, make sure you measure the opening before buying a new machine. Width, depth, and height. Buying a new one, getting it home, and unpacked just to find it will not fit can be a little disheartening.
All of these ice makers will produce better ice, last longer, and have fewer operating problems if you incorporate a Watts inline water filter into the intake line. Undissolved solids (usually known as hard water) can cause a build up in the machinery that eventually affects performance. These filters are meant to clean 20,000 gallons of water before they need to be replaced.
1) Smeta 15″
The Smeta 15″ ice maker produces only one style and size of crescent shaped ice–but it does it very well. And then it keeps them frozen. No bagging and storing. No melting. A stainless steel door mounted on a black cabinet gives it a modern look that is easy to keep clean. Plugs into standard wall socket. And for us old, technologically challenged types, it has one button operation–On or Off.
The Good
- Will make 12 lbs. of crescent-shaped ice every 24 hours.
- Stores 6 lbs. of ice. Automatic shut-off when the storage bin is full.
- Acts like a freezer–keeping ice frozen. No need to remove and bag ice in the refrigerator freezer.
- Compact size (15.2″ x 17.72″ x 25.1″) and front venting makes it fit easily into kitchen cabinets. Can also be used as a free-standing ice maker.
- Stainless steel door can be hinged either left or right.
- Water line, ice bin, and scoop included. No need for a drain line.
- Auto Defrost
The Not so Good
- Some reports of frost building up around the door.
2) Whynter UIM-502SS
The Whynter UIM-502SS under counter ice maker is very similar to the Smeta. It produces one size of crescent-shaped ice very well. And keeps them frozen. No need to bag and store ice. It also comes with a stainless steel door mounted on a black cabinet. Plugs into a standard wall socket. One button operation–On or Off. They also offer a package that includes a Watts inline water filter and fittings. Specifically designed for ice makers, refrigerators, etc. It will filter chlorine and sediment from 20,000 gallons of water over its lifetime.
The Good
- Will make 12 lbs. of crescent-shaped ice every 24 hours.
- Store 6 lbs. of ice. Automatic shut-off when the storage bin is full.
- Acts like a freezer–keeping ice frozen. No need to remove and bag ice in refrigerator freezer.
- Size (15″ x 24.5″ x 33″) and front vent makes it ideal for under kitchen counter. Can also be used as a free-standing ice maker.
- Stainless steel door can be hinged either left or right.
- Water line, ice bin, and scoop included. No need for a drain line.
- Insulated cabinet to keep ice from melting
The Not so Good
- No auto defrost.
3) Scotsman CU50PA-1A Undercounter Ice Maker
The Scotsman CU50PA-1A Undercounter Ice Maker is an extremely quiet ice maker. But in my opinion, the ‘Not so Good’ points keep it from the top of the list. But if quiet operation is essential and you like, or can live with, gourmet ice–this machine should get some serious consideration.
This machine lends itself more to a commercial setting like the office, board room, entertainment area because of the large amount of ice it produces and stores. On the other hand, if you entertain a lot, it may be the perfect fit for your house. Because it can also be used as a free-standing unit, having it out on the deck, patio, sunroom (out of the elements) is an attractive option. (Saves running into the house for ice.)
The Good
- Quiet ice maker.
- Will make up to 65 lbs. of gourmet ice per day.
- Stores up to 26 lbs. of ice. Automatically shuts off when the bin is full.
- Act like a freezer–keeping ice frozen.
- Ideal size (14.87″ x 22.62″ x 33.37″) and front venting for easy under-counter installation. Can also be used as a free-standing ice maker.
- Approved for outdoor use.
- Stainless steel door is reversible–can be mounted left or right-handed.
- Pure Ice technology protects against odor, bacteria, and scaling.
- Standard 115 volt plug allows installation virtually anywhere.
The Not so Good
- One of the more expensive under-counter ice machines available.
- Requires a pump drainage system making it a little more difficult to install. Pump sold separately.
4) EdgeStar IB120SS
The EdgeStar IB120SS will produce about 12 lbs. of almost clear crescent shaped ice every 24 hours. And keep it frozen. Less expensive than some of the competition but does not sacrifice looks, with a stainless steel door set on a black cabinet. It will make enough ice for most home use, but it may be pressed during a big party, so having a few bags in the freezer beforehand might be a good backup. This unit has an extremely quiet compressor.
The Good
- Extremely quiet compressor.
- Will make 12 lbs. of crescent-shaped ice per day.
- Stores 6 lbs. of ice. Automatically shuts off when ice bin is full.
- Acts like a freezer. No need to remove and bag ice and store in a freezer.
- Compact size (15″ x 18.5″ x 25.25″) along with front venting makes for simple under-counter installation. Can also be used as a free-standing ice maker.
- Stainless steel door can be hinged either right or left.
- Water line, ice bin, and scoop included. Drain line not needed.
- Less expensive than most undercounter competitors.
The Not so Good
- No auto defrost. Must be manually defrosted.
- A little slow. Takes about 11 or 12 hours to fill the bin with 6 lbs. of ice.
5) EdgeStart 15 Inch Ice Maker
The EdgeStart 15 Inch Ice Maker is another machine that might be better suited to a more commercial environment, such as office, boardroom, entertainment area, because of the large amount of ice it produces in a 24 hour period (20 lbs.) and stores (up to 25 lbs.) Undercounter or free-standing. A stainless steel cabinet option is available for outdoor use. It can also be ordered to accept custom-made wood panels to match most kitchen cabinets.
This EdgeStart tends to be a little noisier when ejecting ice into the bin because the cubes (shaped as hard, clear cylinders) are large and heavy. Very quiet when making ice.
The Good
- Produces up to 20 lbs. of crystal clear, hard, cylindrical-shaped ice every 24 hours.
- Stores up to 25 lbs. of ice. Automatically shuts off when bin is full.
- Acts like a freezer. No need to remove and bag ice and store in a freezer.
- Size (20.06 x 14.88 x 33.31″) fits under standard countertop.
- Stainless steel door can be hinged left or right.
- Water-quality sensor detects hard water and purges mineral deposits to produce better ice, and extend the length of time between cleaning.
- Waterline, ice bin, and scoop included.
- Available with a built-in drain pump.
The Not so Good
- No auto defrost. Must be manually defrosted.
- Quiet running machine. But noisy when hard, heavy ice is discharged into bin.
- A little on the pricey side.
5 Quietest Countertop Ice Makers
These handy little machines work like coffee makers–only heavier (average weight around 20 lb. before filling with water). Just plug them in, fill with water, and turn them on. Most of them will produce lots of ice in a very short time. Many of them make different sizes and styles of ice.
Because they are completely portable and do not need to be hooked up to a water supply, they are great for camping or worksites. Anywhere you have a power source and water supply.
Tap water varies so much around the country–from very clean and great tasting to next thing to unusable. I suggest using filtered, reverse osmosis, distilled, or bottled water in any of these units. They will produce better tasting ice (specially if you are an ice chewer) and the machines will last longer and work better without a build up of deposits.
All of these ice makers come with a drain on the bottom–either at the front or rear of the machine. They do not have drain lines, but have drain plugs and are meant to be emptied into your kitchen sink–or onto the ground, if camping.
Note: Contrary to popular opinion, not all construction sites are awash in beer–although it has been known to happen. A roofing/siding/framing/etc. crew will go through a lot of liquid on a hot day. Having ice constantly available to cool the water, sports drink, soft drinks (although having a sugar sweat all over your body leaves something to be desired), or any other liquid is probably not necessary, but will be very much appreciated. And no one is having to buy bags of ice or carting around a cooler full of ice.
1) Euhomy
The Euhomy ice maker packs a lot of efficiency in a small package (11″ x 14.1″ x 13.7″ and 26.4 lbs.). It can produce up to 40 lbs. of ice in a 24 hour period. A super quiet stainless steel machine that just needs to be plugged in and filled up. So it can be used at home, in the office, on the deck, or camping. It even cleans itself.
Ice cubes are made crystal clear and drop into the basket as a 24 cube sheet that are easy to break up. (The thickness can be adjusted to make separating cubes even easier.)
The Good
- Produces 24 ice cubes every 12 -18 minutes–up to 40 lbs. every 24 hours. As long as you keep filling it.
- Removable basket stores up to 2.2 lbs. of ice. Automatically shuts off when the basket is full.
- Holds 2.2 liters of water which makes 120 ice cubes (5 freezing cycles).
- Recycles melted ice water into new cubes.
- LCD/Digital display c/w 8 hour timer, and automatic cleaning function.
- Quiet, quick, and efficient cooling system.
- Ice produced in sheets that need to be broken up. Ice thickness can be set thinner to make the job easier.
- Stainless steel.
The Not so Good
- Virtually none. Unless you do not like breaking up the ice cubes.
2) Antarctic Star Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop
The Antarctic Star Portable Ice Maker Machine for Countertop operates at less than 50 decibels and will produce 48 lbs. of bullet-shaped ice cubes every 24 hours. It comes in two different colors including red and white. At 11″ x 14.1″ x 113.7″ and weighing 28 lbs. it is a little bigger and heavier than the Euhomy. If you prefer bullet-shaped ice in either of 2 sizes this is the perfect machine for kitchen, RV’s, office, or a party.
Note: You will find it particularly attractive if you like the color red.
The display panel will alert you when the machine runs out of water or the ice basket is full. Push-button automatic cleaning function.
The Good
- Produces 24 chewable, bullet-shaped ice cubes every 9 – 11 minutes. (Choice of small, medium, or large sizes)
- Removable basket stores 2.4 lbs. of ice.
- Holds 2.5 liters of water. Will continue to make ice until water runs out.
- Recycles melted ice water into new bullets.
- Automatic cleaning function.
- Quiet, quick, and efficient cooling system.
- Interior and exterior made of ABS plastic. (Interior is food grade.)
- Automatic shut-off
The Not so Good
- Slight learning curve
3) Igloo ICEB26HNBK
The Igloo ICEB26HNBK countertop ice maker will produce up to 26 lbs. of bullet shaped ice every 24 hours. In 2 sizes. Big production from the small, convenient size and weight (9.06″ x 12.2″ x 12.8″ and 19.41 lbs.). Available in 5 color combinations with a carrying handle for easy transport.
The LED lighted control panel will let you know when the machine runs out of water and/or when the ice basket is full. As with most countertop ice makers, this one comes with a see-through lid to check the amount of ice in the basket or to let you watch ice being manufactured–in case the TV program is boring.
The Good
- Produces 9 chewable, bullet-shaped ice cubes every 7 minutes. (Choice of small or large hollow bullet cubes.) Total of about 26 lbs. in 24 hours.
- Removable basket stores 1.25 lbs. of ice.
- Water tank holds 2 quarts of water. Will continue to make ice until water runs out.
- Recycles melted ice water into new bullets.
- 5-cycle automatic cleaning function.
- Quiet, quick, and efficient cooling system.
- Available in 5 color combinations–all with a carrying handle.
The Not so Good
- Needs a little babysitting when making ice because it does not have an automatic shut off and basket is not large enough to contain the full 2 quarts of ice production.
4) Frigidaire EFIC 206-Silver
The Frigidaire EFIC 206-Silver countertop ice maker operates at less than 38 decibels of sound. Small size (11″ x 15″ x 14.5″ and 19 lbs.) with good, quiet production capability. Claims to produce 9 bullet-shaped chewable ice cubes in less than 6 minutes. (I might be a little skeptical about that short amount of production. They also suggest it will take 7 – 15 minutes.)
This Frigidaire ice maker tends toward the economy end of the scale without some of the extras found in other machines. The display will let you know when you run out of water, when the ice basket is full, and whether it is on or off.
Note: Frigidaire also manufactures other ice makers that you might find more suitable to your needs.
The Good
- Less than 38 decibels of sound.
- Produces 9 chewable, bullet-shaped ice cubes every 7 – 15 minutes. (Choice of small or large bullet cubes.) Total of about 26 lbs. in 24 hours.
- Removable basket stores 2.6 lbs. of ice.
- Recycles melted ice water into new bullets.
- Very quiet, quick, efficient cooling system.
- Stainless steel exterior including lid.
The Not so Good
- Not self-cleaning.
- No automatic shut off. But basket is big enough to hold production from one reservoir of water. You will need to keep an eye on it.
5) Aglucky Ice Machine
The very quiet Aglucky ice machine is one of the smaller machines available (8.7″ x 12.3″ x 12.6″ and weighs 17.26 lbs.). Not a heck of a lot bigger than our 2-slice toaster. Although small, it still produces up to 26 lbs. of ice in 24 hours; 9 bullet-shaped cubes every 6 – 8 minutes. Two sizes are available. The display panel lets you select ice size, lets you know when the ice basket is full or the machine is out of water, and of course, on and off.
The machine is available in 3 colors. It lacks an automatic cleaning function and an automatic shut-off. So you will have to keep an eye on it. This is an inexpensive ice maker that comes with great reviews–many mentioning how quiet it is.
The Good
- Very quiet and compact (8.7″ x 12.3″ x 12.6″) ice maker
- Produces 9 bullet-shaped ice cubes every 6 – 8 minutes. (Choice of small or large bullet cubes.) Total of about 26.5 lbs. in 24 hours.
- Removable ice basket c/w ice scoop.
- Recycles melted ice water into new bullets.
- Very quiet, quick, efficient cooling system.
- Choice of 3 colors
The Not so Good
- Not self-cleaning.
- No automatic shut-off. May require a little babysitting because the basket is not large enough to contain all ice produced during one cycle.
3 Quiet Commercial Ice Makers
Although these are not usually at the top of most people’s residential ice maker shopping list–because who needs up to 500 lbs. of ice every 24 hours–you may be interested if you are purchasing for a large office, production facility, motel, or hotel conference room. Here are some of the quietest.
1) Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker
The Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker offers the best of both worlds. It produces 100 lbs. of ice per day–and because of its size (15.7″ x 17.3″ x 31.4″), it is capable of fitting under standard kitchen cabinets. Needs to be connected to a water line and drain line.
The Good
- Produces 100 lbs. of chewable, crystal clear ice in a 24 hour period.
- Stores up to 33 lbs. of ice.
- Ice cube size can be adjusted to small, medium, or large.
- LCD Control panel c/w cleaning cycle.
- Automatic ice overflow shut off.
- Relatively inexpensive for a commercial-class machine.
The Not so Good
- Storage bin insulation could be better. Ice melts fairly quickly and the bin should be drained daily.
- The drain line needs to be connected permanently if the machine is under counter. Otherwise, it is annoying to have to pull it out to make a connection.
2) Manitowoc UDF0140A
Manitowoc has been manufacturing commercial ice machines since 1964. They are very good at it. The Manitowoc UDF0140A stainless steel machine produces 135 lbs. of ice per day and stores 90 lbs. Only 26″ wide and 38″ high. Needs to be connected to water line and drain line.
The Good
- Quiet operation.
- Produces 135 lbs. of dice-sized ice in 24 hours.
- Choice of full, half, or regular cubes.
- Storage bin holds up to 90 lbs. of ice.
- Fairly long warranty period.
The Not so Good
- Advertised as an ‘undercounter’ ice maker, but given that most kitchen counters are 36″ and this unit is 38″, I suspect a problem.
- Filter kit not included with machine. Can be purchased separately.
- Storage bin insulation could be better.
3) Commercial Ice Maker
Vevor manufactures many sizes of commercial ice make–all featuring a quiet operating system. This Vevor Stainless Steel Commercial Ice Maker produces 400 lbs. of ice per day and stores 350 lbs. It is only 34″ wide but way too tall for under kitchen counter use. Needs to be connected to water supply and drain line.
The Good
- Quiet operation. Claims you can hold a normal conversation standing beside machine.
- Produces 400 lbs. of dice-sized ice in 24 hours.
- Storage bin holds up to 350 lbs. of ice.
- Comes with inline filter.
- Insulated cabinet keeps ice hard for 24 hours.
- Many reviews mention quiet operation.
The Not so Good
- Fairly expensive, but commercial production capacity makes it worth the price.
- Can adjust ice size, but this seems to result in hollow or wet ice.
Types of Ice Makers
Quiet Refrigerator Ice Makers
Very few people are going to buy a new refrigerator just to get an automatic ice maker. But if you are shopping for a refrigerator, and want one that makes ice, make sure you check out the decibel rating of the unit. There are two basic options–one that dispenses ice inside the unit and you have to open the door to get it, and one with an exterior dispenser on the door. I suspect the exterior dispenser unit might be a little noisier because of the hollow tube connecting it to the ice maker, allowing some interior ice making noise to be heard outside of the machine.
These ice makers have to be connected to a water supply because they make ice ‘on demand’. If you are replacing a fridge without an ice maker/water dispenser, you will have to run a water line to it. Relatively easy–if the unit is close to the sink–to hook up a line to the sink faucet supply, drill a few holes in the backs of your cabinets to run the water line to the fridge connection, and attach it to the refrigerator intake. On the other hand, if your refrigerator is on the other side of the kitchen (like ours), you probably have to run a line from the refrigerator through the floor and hook into one of the water lines in the basement.
Note: Although this should be blatantly obvious, hook up to the cold water line. You may need to buy some plumbing parts to get everything to fit properly. There should be instructions in your owners manual.
Quiet Undercounter Ice Makers
The undercounter ice makers listed below are all very quiet. Which will make your final choice dependent on location of machine, size, production capability, and of course, price. Although the exterior finish will generally fit any décor, they are a commercial grade machine, making them more of a major appliance.
Undercounter ice makers are incorporated into the kitchen cabinet layout, like your dishwasher. And also need to be hooked up to a water supply and possibly a drain line (some models only)–regardless of location. Make sure you take this into consideration when designing the kitchen.
Most of them can produce a significant amount of ice each day. Some give you the ability to change ice shapes and sizes. They are an excellent investment for offices, party or meeting venues, work camps, and in homes that go through a lot of ice regularly.
Note: Because I have no friends and do not entertain a lot, I find the prices a little high. But given the right situation, they are well worth the investment.
Quiet Portable Countertop Ice Makers
Just the location of these units–compared to refrigerators and undercounter units–could produce a little more noise. On the other hand, many of them come with timers, which you can set to turn on the machine and have it running for an hour or two before you get home, so the ice is ready for the first drink–and you did not hear it at all. Some are Blue Tooth compatible, allowing you to turn them on remotely whenever you want.
They take up more counter space than a toaster and less than a microwave. If your kitchen has a counter space challenge, making permanent room for one of these could be a problem. But they are portable for a reason. If you do not need ice daily, but only on certain occasions, the machine can be stored and brought out as needed. They are also perfect for the deck (saving trips inside), camping, RVs, or parties. As long as there is a power source, and you have water.
Quiet Commercial Ice Makers
Although some undercounter ice makers–and even some portable ice makers–produce a respectable amount of ice, certain circumstances require serious amounts of ice production. Such as bars, restaurants, motels, hotel entertainment venues, large office settings, large production facilities, etc.–anywhere large numbers of people gather. Even during the most raucous party you do not want anyone in ‘duck and cover’ mode when the ice maker ejects its product. So the amount of noise a machine makes should be close to the top of your requirements when purchasing.
Most commercial ice makers are too tall to fit under your kitchen counter, so they will require a stand-alone location. Or special cabinetry.
End Notes
If I were contemplating getting a new ice maker, the following two would be at the top of the list.
Best of the Best Quiet Ice Maker
I ended up choosing two machines, because of the different individual requirements people might have. Both are manufactured by Euhomy. Both are very versatile–in their own particular ways. The countertop machine is portable, while the commercial machine can be installed permanently under kitchen countertops, or wherever needed.
Ultimately, as usual, which quiet ice maker you buy will be the one that suits your needs. You will not be happy with a machine that produces 12 lbs. when you use 20 lbs. And having a machine producing 100 lbs. daily when your family usage is 20 lbs. tends to be wasteful and annoying.
Euhomy Portable Countertop Ice Maker
My choice for the best all-round ice maker is the Euhomy Portable Countertop Ice Maker. As the corporate saying goes, ‘It checks all of the boxes’. At least for my needs.
- Extremely quiet.
- Portable, and easy to use.
- Makes ice quickly, with major league production capabilities in a small, portable machine.
- Automatic shut off.
- Automatic cleaning.
And I do not mind breaking up the ice. I have been using 12-cube ice trays my entire life–including those old aluminum ones with the handle meant to break out the cubes, but usually just bent and did not work. So having to break apart a few cubes before using them seems like a negligible problem.
Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker
The Euhomy Commercial Ice Maker runs a close second to the portable unit–but only because once installed, it is a permanent fixture. So this becomes a personal choice. I like the idea of being able to take an ice maker with me when, and where, I need to. Portability may not mean as much to some people as having lots of ice in one location.
- Very quiet operation.
- Fits under standard kitchen countertop.
- 100 lb. per day production–enough to meet most family needs.
- Auto cleaning cycle.
- Auto overflow protection.
‘The Not so Good’ elements of this Euhomy machine seem like minor issues, easily overcome.
Personal Cynical Note
Because I am a non-trusting cynic, I suspect that at least two of the undercounter units and at least two of the countertop units are made in the same factories by the same people. Only the names have been changed to protect the guilty. That does not mean there is anything wrong with the machines as described. It just means that there is way less competition. It is just like chainsaws. A majority of the world’s chainsaw manufacturing plants are owned by one company. Does not matter what the name is on the machine.
Note: Because I am older than dirt–and maybe cheap–I will probably continue using the quietest ice maker I have ever found–12 cube tray. Not real cute but the rum and coke has never complained. And I live in Alberta, Canada. We tend to have more days around 0 degrees Fahrenheit, than days over 80 degrees Fahrenheit every year. And I have a spare ice cube tray.