Are you thinking about buying a subcounter ice cream maker?
You’ve come to the right place. 1С8 1Д9
The meter or the integrated ice gauge is a good choice if you need to make a lot of ice without wasting meter space.
An ice cream maker under the counter is just as much hidden in an interior as a stove or a dishwasher.
When buying under the ice cream maker counter, you should consider some important factors and features, which we will cover in this 10 minute buying guide.
But first let’s have a look at the Top 8 Countertop Ice Machines , which you (in my humble opinion) can buy online now.
Best ice machines for counting and filling 2019
Scotland CU50GA-1A
Best built-in icemaker
Technical Information
| Trade name | Scottish |
| Product weight | 100.0 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 22 x 14.9 x 34.4 inches |
| Type of installation | free/integrated |
| Characteristics | Control panel displays water status |
| Colour | Silver |
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EdgeStar IB120SS integrated
National ice cream producer
Technical Information
| Trade name | EdgeStar |
| Product weight | 54 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 19.9 x 15 x 25.2 inches |
| Capacity | 6 GBP |
| Type of installation | free/integrated |
| Characteristics | automatic switch-off when the icebunker is full |
| Colour | black/silver |
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Why IUM-502SS clearly makes ice
Best subcounter for high quality ice machines
Technical Information
| Trade name | What for? |
| Product weight | 77 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 24.5 x 15 x 32.5 inches |
| Capacity | 50 cubic metres |
| Type of installation | excellent |
| Characteristics | can hold up to 25 pounds of ice. |
| Colour | silver-black |
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U-line BI95B-00 14″ Ice Cream Maker
The most versatile ice cream maker
Technical Information
| Trade name | Metro line |
| Product weight | 66 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 17 x 13.9 x 25.1 inch |
| Type of installation | Integrated/open |
| Characteristics | daily ice limit up to 23 pounds |
| Colour | black |
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Cold front KIM450BL Integrated
Best Desktop Ice Cream Manufacturer
Technical Information
| Trade name | Coldfront |
| Product weight | 76.7 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 23.4 x 14.6 x 32.6 inches |
| Capacity | 25 GBP |
| Type of installation | Integrated/open |
| Characteristics | Up to 50 pounds of ice a day. |
| Colour | black |
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Sunpentown IM-150US Ice Maker with freezer
Best for the kitchen
Technical Information
| Trade name | SUNPENTOWN |
| Product weight | 55 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 18 x 15 x 25 inch |
| Type of installation | Integrated/open |
| Characteristics | Revolving door |
| Colour | silver-black |
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SPT IM-600US Stainless steel
Good value for money
Technical Information
| Trade name | SPT |
| Product weight | 84 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 23.6 x 14.6 x 32.8 inches |
| Capacity | 1.67 cubic metres |
| Type of installation | Integrated/open |
| Characteristics | automatic stop when the ice container is full |
| Colour | Silver |
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Orien FS-55IM 44 books Integrated
Number of best commercial ice cream machines
Technical Information
| Trade name | Orientation |
| Product weight | 113 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 23 x 14.6 x 33.5 inches |
| Type of installation | Integrated/open |
| Characteristics | CFC-free |
| Colour | silver-black |
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Best built-in ice machine for the bar at home: Scotland CU50GA-1A
Counting the DAMAZON ice machine
Technical Information
| Trade name | Scottish |
| Product weight | 100.0 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 22 x 14.9 x 34.4 inches |
| Type of installation | free/integrated |
| Characteristics | Control panel displays water status |
| Colour | Silver |
The CU50GA-1A Scotch is our best choice of for house bar because it produces clear gourmet ice cubes. This type of ice cream is not only more elegant in your favourite drink, it also melts more slowly.
It is equipped with a front outlet, so you can easily install it under the counter. You can also use it as a stand-alone ice machine .
best properties
1. Production capacity of £65
The Scottish CU50GA-1A is large in physical size and production capacity. It can produce between and 65 pounds ofice cream, enough to serve a whole bar. In fact, this ice machine was designed by for commercial use. But just like the is perfect for your house bar.
If you often invite people or if you want to party at home, this ice cube is perfect.
It can store 26 pounds of ice from and will automatically stop making ice until you empty the container.
2. Gourmet ice cream
The Scottish CU50GA-1A produces clear, hard ice cubes for connoisseurs. It’s the same ice cream you’d find in a high-end restaurant or bar. Because it melts very slowly, the is ideal for cocktails, wines and premium spirits.
Each cube measures approximately 1 x 1.13 x 1.25.
3. Water quality sensor
An integrated sensor continuously monitors the quality of the incoming water. If the water is difficult to touch, the machine automatically washes the minerals after each ice production cycle. This prevents scale formation, which can also reduce the quality of the ice and shorten the life of the machine.
Problems
The machine can become a little noisy, especially when the ice cubes, which are quite large, fall into the garbage can.
AMAZON
Best budget for a counter top ice cream machine: EdgeStar IB120SSIntegrated icebreaker
Counting the DAMAZON ice machine
Technical Information
| Trade name | EdgeStar |
| Product weight | 54 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 19.9 x 15 x 25.2 inches |
| Capacity | 6 GBP |
| Type of installation | free/integrated |
| Characteristics | automatic switch-off when the icebunker is full |
| Colour | black/silver |
It is true that most counter top ice machines are expensive. The best are not with a value of less than $600 , but some, such as 65 pounds Scottish gourmet glacier with a value of over $1000.
But you don’t have to use portable ice generators, you have a budget. EdgeStar IB120SS is a major ice cream producer costing just $ $300. It doesn’t produce as much ice cream as other ice cream makers under the counter, but it does produce enough for most families.
Unlike many expensive ice machines, it has a built-in freezer. So you can keep the ice cream as long as you want.
best properties
1. 12 pounds for production and 6 pounds for storage
EdgeStar IB120SS can produce 12 pounds of ice per day. This is sufficient for most households where ice is only needed once a day and at weekends. It is also appropriate if you want to receive friends.
The storage bunker can hold between and 6 pounds of ice. Once filled, it won’t make any more ice until it’s empty.
2. Freezing function
The storage container also serves as an integrated freezer. Unlike most ice machines where you can’t leave the ice cubes long to prevent them from melting, you can keep the ice cubes in this machine for as long as you need them.
3. Front ventilation
The EdgeStar IB120SS is vented at the front. This means that you can safely use the of the as an integrated ice machine. You can also save it separately. The black stainless steel housing and the combination door look very elegant and modern.
Problems
It’s a little noisy.
AMAZON
Best High Performance Bottom Ice Machine: Why UIM-502SS Integrated/Exceptional Clear Ice Cube Manufacturer
Counting the DAMAZON ice machine
Technical Information
| Trade name | What for? |
| Product weight | 77 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 24.5 x 15 x 32.5 inches |
| Capacity | 50 cubic metres |
| Type of installation | excellent |
| Characteristics | can hold up to 25 pounds of ice. |
| Colour | silver-black |
The Whynter UIM-502SS ice machine produces 50 pounds of ice a day. This roughly corresponds to the amount of ice cream produced in many restaurants and bars by commercial ice cream producers. The ice is clean and hard. These are not the kind of fast-moving clouds your freezer produces.
best properties
1. £50 for production and £25 for storage
It is one of the best manufacturers of commercial ice cream. With 50 pounds of ice cream per day, this is more than enough for most households. This is especially useful if you want to organize home events andparties. You can also install the in your office.
The storage container can hold up to 25 pounds of ice. The ice generator switches off automatically when the tank is full.
2. Luxury glass
The Whynter UIM-502SS produces clear ice cubes; the same type is served in bars and restaurants. Ice cubes are harder than normal cubes, so they melt slower and do not dilute the drinks.
3. Elegant design with reversible door
The ice-cream maker has an elegant stainless steel door and a black housing. You can just leave it separate in the kitchen and it will always look great.
The door is reversible so that the door can be installed in accordance with the available space.
Problems
This is a rather noisy. A customer says it looks like a dishwasher that works.
AMAZON
The most versatile ice cream maker: U-Line BI95B-00 14″ Ice cream manufacturer
Counting the DAMAZON ice machine
Technical Information
| Trade name | Metro line |
| Product weight | 66 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 17 x 13.9 x 25.1 inch |
| Type of installation | Integrated/open |
| Characteristics | daily ice limit up to 23 pounds |
| Colour | black |
This all black ice machine looks elegant, but it will cost you a lot of money: about 1,100 to be exact. The price is particularly surprising given that it produces less ice than most dumped units.
But most customers say it’s one of the best units they’ve ever had. This super silent , makes the ice fast and easy to use. It also has a built-in freezing function.
best properties
1. 23 lbs production + 12 lbs storage capacity
The ice machine produces about 23 pounds of ice a day. That’s enough for most houses, even with guests. The storage bunker can hold up to 12 pounds of ice.
2. Built-in freezer
As long as the device is connected, your ice cubes remain hard. The storage basket also functions as a mini-freezer . So you can leave your ice cream there as long as you want, without worrying about melting.
3. Accepts user panel
You can change the orientation of the door. If you want a more individual look that integrates perfectly with your with yourkitchen, the U-Line BI95B-00 Ice Maker accepts custom panels. Refer to the manual for installation instructions.
Problems
It’s frustrating that this ice cream maker doesn’t produce gourmet ice cream.
AMAZON
Best integrated office ice machine: Cold Front KIM450BL Integrated Ice Maker
AMAZON
Technical Information
| Trade name | Coldfront |
| Product weight | 76.7 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 23.4 x 14.6 x 32.6 inches |
| Capacity | 25 GBP |
| Type of installation | Integrated/open |
| Characteristics | Up to 50 pounds of ice a day. |
| Colour | black |
This is a cheaper alternative to the CU50GA-1Agourmet Scottish ice cream maker. It produces clear ice and although its capacity is lower,50 pounds of ice per day is still a lot and more than enough for most households.
best properties
1. £50 for production and £25 for storage
The KIM450BLmodel can produce to 50 pounds of ice a day. At full capacity it can easily serve a bar or restaurant. At home it is ideal for families with many children and for those who want to receive many guests. It is also ideal for offices.
You can store 25 pounds of ice cubes in a removable basket. Please note that this ice cream maker does not have a freezing function. When your ice cubes are ready, take them outside and store them in the freezer. Otherwise they start melting a few hours after .
2. Stainless steel reversible door
The ice machine comes with a stainless steel door. You can customize it to suit your installation needs. The legs are also adjustable in .
3. Gourmet ice cream
Cold front KIM450BL produces restaurant quality ice cubes. They look elegant and melt much slower than ordinary ice.
Problems
The main complaint from customers is that the ice-cream manufacturer produces sheets that are difficult to break. Some users have found a button on the back to adjust the plate thickness and make breaking into blocks easier.
Unfortunately, there is not a single word on this subject in the manual.
AMAZON
Best for the kitchen: Sunpentown IM-150US Ice Maker with freezer
Counting the DAMAZON ice machine
Technical Information
| Trade name | SUNPENTOWN |
| Product weight | 55 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 18 x 15 x 25 inch |
| Type of installation | Integrated/open |
| Characteristics | Revolving door |
| Colour | silver-black |
The main limitation for most ice cream manufacturers is that they cannot store ice cubes for a longer period of time. If you let them rest long enough, they’ll start to melt. This is because most appliances do not have a freezing function.
The model Sunpentown IM-150US is different. Besides making ice cream, he can keep it as long as he wants. The storage container is type in the built-in freezer.
This is the main reason why we chose it as the best ice cream manufacturer for kitchens. Most families don’t have to use all the ice cream at the same time. The possibility of storing them for a long period of time will prove useful. You don’t have to make new ice cubes every time you need , and you don’t have to use the valuable space in the fridge to store ice cubes.
Another reason why we recommend it for most kitchens is that offers the best value for money. It costs about 380. In return you get an elegant integrated ice cream maker , a powerful freezer and afreezer.
best properties
1. 12 lbs for production and 6 lbs for storageCapacity
The Sunpentown IM-150US produces up to 12 pounds of crescent-shaped ice cubes every 24 hours. The storage container can contain only half of this quantity at a time. When the ice tray is full, the machine automatically stops producing more ice.
2. Integrated/non-integrated project
You can use the Sunpentown IM-150US as an integrated or stand-alone ice cream maker. The front ventilation ensures normal operation if you decide to install it under the counter.
Note the dimensions (15W x 18D x 25H inches) to make sure it is suitable for measuring or wherever you want to install it.
3. Elegant design with reversible door
The stainless steel door of the ice-cream maker fits perfectly in your closet. The door is reversible, so you can decorate it according to the design of your kitchen and your personal preferences.
4. Built-in freezer
Excellent function for storing finished ice for a long period of time. It won’t melt and you don’t have to drain the melted water.
Problems
The installation is a bit heavy. The manufacturer strongly recommends to call aplumber with a license. But even with a professional installer, most customers still had a few hiccups. It’s gonna take some work to get the ice machine up and running.
AMAZON
Best open ice machine: SPT Stainless steel IM-600US under the ice knife
Counting the DAMAZON ice machine
Technical Information
| Trade name | SPT |
| Product weight | 84 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 23.6 x 14.6 x 32.8 inches |
| Capacity | 1.67 cubic metres |
| Type of installation | Integrated/open |
| Characteristics | automatic stop when the ice container is full |
| Colour | Silver |
With an ice production capacity of 50 pounds, the SPT IM-600US basic ice machine is large enough for small and medium-sized offices or even for summer coffee shops and patios. The reversible door and stainless steel exhaust manifold on the front make installation easy and ensure a good fit.
best properties
1. £50 for production and £25 for storage
50 pounds of ice is enough to keep all drinks in the office cool. The dumpster contains to 25 pounds of ice at a time. So you can leave the car to make ice cream for the night and in the morning you will find the bin full.
If you want to work directly with another party, empty the ice cubes and store them in the freezer. The icemaker doesn’t work when the dustbin is full.
2. Gourmet ice cream
The SPT IM-600US model produces crystal clear gourmet ice cubes that melt slowly and do not dilute beverages.
3. Stainless steel reversible door
The stainless steel door can be opened from the other side. This makes it easy to install the ice machine in accordance with the available space.
In terms of style, the stainless steel finish is excellent and goes well with other woodworkers.
Problems
The ice comes out in the shape of a plate and not in the shape of a cube. We have to separate them. When you buy this ice machine, also buy a stainless steel bucket to break the ice. The plastic in the kit is practically useless.
AMAZON
Best commercial ice cream machine for counting: FS-55IM Integrated 44 lb. ice machine for counting.
Counting the DAMAZON ice machine
Technical Information
| Trade name | Orientation |
| Product weight | 113 pounds |
| Product dimensions | 23 x 14.6 x 33.5 inches |
| Equipment | Integrated/open |
| Characteristics | CFC-free |
| Colour | silver-black |
This is the Energy Star approved calculation of the Big ice cream machine for those who want a batch ofclear ice. Since linear and gravity drainage is required, a professional installation is highly recommended.
best properties
1. Clear ice
The Orien FS-55IM model produces clear gourmet ice cubes in the format ¾ x ¾.. In order to obtain better quality ice cubes, the manufacturer recommends the use of a built-in water filter.
The ice cubes are ideal for cocktails, spirits and premium liqueurs. They melt slowly and look more elegant.
2. 44 pounds for production and 25 pounds for storage.
The ice machine can produce to 44 pounds of ice a day. The removable storage container can hold 25 pounds of ice. During filling, the integrated overflow protection switches the unit off until themegawatt waste container or the ice cubes melt.
3. Rear door
Depending on your spatial and personal preferences, you can change the orientation of the stainless steel door opening.
Problems
Like many large ice machines, this machine tends to produce little noise, especially when it stands alone. Most of the sound comes from the ice cubes falling into the storage container.
AMAZON
Worktop ice machines: What should I look out for when buying aproduct?
1. Ice quality
There are different types of ice cream . What is best for you depends on your needs.
If you want ice cream for your whisky cocktail, look in section for a machine that makes clean ice. If you want soft chew ice cream, buy a machine to make native ice cream.
Also check the size of the ice cubes, the speed at which they melt in the drinks and their shape.
2. Daily ice capacity
The production capacity of the ice machine, also called the production capacity , is the amount of ice the unit can produce 24 hours a day in a period of .
The right number depends on your needs. If you need a lot of ice during the day, we recommend the 40lb+ ice machine. If the ice machine only serves 1 or 2 people, then even a budget of 12 pounds is sufficient if you count the ice machine .
3. Storage basket
The next important figure to consider after production is storage capacity. This is the maximum amount of ice that can be stored in the storage bunker of the unit. It often accounts for half of the production capacity.
For example, a sub-counter ice machine with a capacity of 45 pounds will have a capacity of 25 pounds.
The more ice you need, the more storage capacity you need.
Another feature of the storage bunker is that it is either insulated or cooled . Most models have insulated bunkers, which means that the stored ice melts after a certain time. To get rid of the melt water, these ice generators often need a drain connection.
Other models have a refrigerated container. Your ice cubes stay hard, even if you leave them there for a few days. These models often do not require a drain connection.
We recommended the fridge.
Surprisingly, refrigerated models are not always the most expensive.
In terms of this, in most cases, $1000+ are insulated under the counter of the ice machines, not the chillers. In the cheaper models you will probably find an ice cream maker with a freezer compartment.
4. Disposal
When it comes to the drainage of the ice machine, three types of situations are possible: without drainage, without gravity drainage or without pump drainage.
Of course, no ice removal machine is the most practical and easy to install. Manufacturers of chilled ice generally do not have to dispose of it.
For the removal of ice by gravity, a pipe must be connected to the device from which the waste water or melt water can escape by gravity.
If your kitchen sink or drain is not accessible due to gravity, you will need a model that can work with a pump drain. The drain pump can discharge melted water into the sink or into the drain above the unit.
5. Cooling system
The compressors of the ice machine can be either air-cooled or water-cooled .
Almost all modern ice cream makers use air-cooled compressors. Fans and blowers circulate the air from the room into the compressor to cool it. The hot air is discharged to the outside and the cooler air is sucked in to continue the cooling process.
Air-cooled units consume more energy and can increase air conditioning costs (through the release of hot air), but do not require additional water, except that used to make ice.
Unit with water cooling used water to cool the system The hot service water is drained off.
Water-cooled units consume less than , but require a lot of water to operate. They are therefore forced to leave the market.
If you buy an ice-cream machine under the counter, you buy an air-cooled machine.
6. Water supply
You don’t really have a choice, because all ice machines under the curtain need a in line. They do not add water to the tank, like the small ice generators.
Please note that most manufacturers recommend the installation of built-in water filters from to to preserve the quality of the ice and protect the ice generator. Only one of the above devices, the Scotsman CU50GA-1A, has a water quality sensor that detects hard water and automatically cleans it from mineral deposits.
7. Cleaning and maintenance
Find a device that is easy to clean and maintain. Some devices have a cleaning button . When the button is pressed, water flows automatically through the device and a vacuum is created.
However, in most cases it is always useful to call a specialist if something is wrong. They are equipped with highly developed systems and numerous components that can easily be damaged during repair attempts.
8. Other characteristics
Check that the unit is equipped with a reversible door. This is important because it gives you the freedom to install the ice machine wherever you want, without a wall or cabinet that prevents the door from opening properly.
In the same context, check whether the can be used with thecontrol panel. This allows you to change the style of your ice cream maker.
Finally, read the customers’ voices to see how noisy the device is. If all units make a little noise, others won’t give you peace of mind if they run. Avoid them.
How ice machines work
The place for all ice machines, whether portable , stand-alone or under load, is that they turn water into ice. The actual process is much more complex and requires multiple parties.
The heart of the ice machine is the compressor. The compressor pushes the refrigerant (in the form of gas) through a series of tubes, collectively called capacitors. In the condenser the refrigerant is cooled with water or air . This is what water and air-cooled ice machines refer to.
In the case of a water-cooled machine, the cooling water is discharged via the pipe. In the case of an air-cooled ice machine, the warm air comes out through the rear or front vents.
The liquid enters a part called the evaporator. Here it absorbs heat from the environment and is converted back into gas. The evaporator is constantly flooded with water. It gradually cools down as the loses heat and turns into ice.
Ice is formed in the form of several cubes, which are joined together to form a plate. It is pressed by a piston or heats the surface underneath. When they fall into the basket, the breaks into individual cubes (but not always – sometimes you have to break them yourself).
The evaporator can be designed to produce different forms of ice, such as solid cubes, half cubes, bulbs or rolls.
With native ice plants, the final process is slightly different than with . The evaporator is designed as a cylinder and the water freezes on the inner walls. The screw then scrapes off the ice in the form of soft purchase flakes.
Of course, the specificity of can vary from one ice cream machine to another. For example, manufacturers of gourmet ice cream use a more intensive process to keep the ice clean and hard. But that’s how ice cubes are made when you press the button on an ice machine.
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