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The best clear ice maker undercounter models give a steady supply of clear cubes from a built-in unit, with no reservoir to refill. Width, daily output, drain type and venting decide which one fits your cabinet run.
We compared clear ice makers sold on Amazon by listed output, ice type, size and install needs, using maker information. Output figures are maker claims.
Quick Answer: The Best Clear Ice Maker Undercounter
- Best OverallEdgeStar IB250SS 15"
- Best 15″ Output15" 30 lb Built-In Clear
- Best With Drain PumpEdgeStar Undercounter + Pump
- Best Energy StarWhynter UIM-502SS 50 lb
- Best High OutputNewair 80 lb Undercounter
- Best Countertop FallbackLuma Comfort 40 lb Clear
EdgeStar’s IB250SS is the best clear ice maker undercounter pick for most kitchens: 15 inches wide with 25 lbs a day. A 30 lb 15-inch unit adds output, EdgeStar’s pump model needs no floor drain, Whynter makes 50 lbs, Newair makes 80 lbs and Luma Comfort is the countertop fallback.
Best Clear Ice Maker Undercounter Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EdgeStar IB250SS 15" | Best Overall | Built-in clear ice maker | 15", 25 lbs/day | Check Price |
| 15" 30 lb Built-In Clear | Best 15″ Output | Built-in clear ice maker | 30 lbs/day | Check Price |
| EdgeStar Undercounter + Pump | Best With Drain Pump | Undercounter clear ice maker | Drain pump | Check Price |
| Whynter UIM-502SS 50 lb | Best Energy Star | Built-in clear ice maker | 50 lbs/day | Check Price |
| Newair 80 lb Undercounter | Best High Output | Undercounter clear ice maker | 80 lbs/day | Check Price |
| Luma Comfort 40 lb Clear | Best Countertop Fallback | Countertop clear ice maker | 40 lbs/day | Check Price |
The 6 Clear Ice Picks We Recommend
Check the ice shape, batch size, freezer or counter space and how the clear ice is made before you order. Specs below come from each listing and the maker.
1. EdgeStar IB250SS 15 Inch Built-In Clear Ice Maker, 25 lb Daily Production
1. Fits standard openings.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fits a 15-inch opening
- Clear cubes
- Adjustable harvest control
Cons
- Needs a water line
- Modest output for built-in
📄 Detailed Review
- Width: 15 in
- Output: 25 lbs per day (listed)
- Install: Built-in or freestanding
- Brand: EdgeStar
EdgeStar’s IB250SS is a 15-inch built-in machine that lists 25 lbs of clear ice a day.
Clear.
2. 15-Inch Wide 30 lb Built-In Clear Ice Maker
2. More ice.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Undercounter fit
- Steady supply
- Clear cubes
Cons
- Brand details limited on listing
- Needs water line and drain
📄 Detailed Review
- Width: 15 in
- Output: 30 lbs per day (listed)
- Install: Built-in undercounter
- Ice type: Clear cubes
This 15-inch built-in unit lists 30 lbs of clear ice a day for undercounter installs.
Built-in.
3. EdgeStar Undercounter Clear Ice Maker with Drain Pump
3. No floor drain needed.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Drain pump eases install
- Clear cubes
- Built-in look
Cons
- Check output on listing
- Needs water line
📄 Detailed Review
- Install: Undercounter
- Drain: Drain pump (listed)
- Ice type: Clear cubes
- Brand: EdgeStar
EdgeStar’s undercounter clear ice maker includes a drain pump, which helps where there is no floor drain.
EdgeStar.
4. Whynter UIM-502SS Built-In/Freestanding Clear Ice Maker, 50 lb
4. Efficient.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- High output
- Energy Star
- Flexible install
Cons
- Needs water line
- Higher price
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 50 lbs per day (listed)
- Install: Built-in or freestanding
- Rating: ENERGY STAR (maker)
- Brand: Whynter
Whynter’s UIM-502SS lists 50 lbs of clear ice a day and works built-in or freestanding.
Flexible install.
5. Newair 80 lb Undercounter Clear Ice Maker
5. Busy bars.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very high output
- Built for bars and big families
Cons
- Large and costly
- Needs water line and drain
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 80 lbs per day (listed)
- Install: Undercounter
- Ice type: Clear cubes
- Brand: Newair
Newair’s undercounter clear ice maker lists 80 lbs a day, enough for busy home bars.
Newair.
6. Luma Comfort Countertop Clear Ice Maker, 40 lbs per Day
6. No install.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- High output for a countertop clear machine
- Quick first batch
- No plumbing
Cons
- Bin not refrigerated
- Needs counter depth
📄 Detailed Review
- Output: 40 lbs per 24 hours (listed)
- First ice: About 15 minutes (listed)
- Ice type: Clear cubes
- Brand: Luma Comfort
Luma Comfort’s clear ice machine lists 40 lbs a day with first cubes in about 15 minutes.
Plug in.
How We Chose the Best Clear Ice Maker Undercounter
To choose the best clear ice maker undercounter, we compared clear ice makers and molds sold on Amazon in the U.S. on how they make clear ice (directional freezing or a layered machine process), ice shape and size, batch size or daily output, freezer or counter space and ease of release and cleaning, using each listing and the maker’s information. We read owner feedback for recurring problems such as cloudy centers, cracked ice, leaks and slow batches. We did not run our own lab tests, so output and timing figures are maker claims.
We checked efficiency claims against ENERGY STAR refrigerator guidance and food-safety temperatures against the FDA’s food storage advice (40°F or colder in the fridge, 0°F in the freezer). Our full process is explained on our How We Test page. We do not list prices or star ratings because they change daily.
How to Choose the Best Clear Ice Maker Undercounter
Gravity drain or drain pump
A gravity drain needs a floor drain below the machine. Without one, choose a model with a drain pump that pushes water up to a sink drain.
Front venting
Built-in machines must vent from the front. Freestanding-only models can overheat when boxed into cabinets.
Clear machine versus mold
A clear ice machine makes cubes continuously on your counter, while a mold needs a day in the freezer for a small batch. Machines cost more but suit people who use a lot of ice every day.
Cube size from machines
Most countertop clear ice machines make smaller cubes than molds. Adjustable thickness lets you trade speed for bigger, slower-melting ice.
Why normal ice is cloudy
Ordinary trays freeze from every side at once. Air bubbles and dissolved minerals get pushed to the middle and trapped, which leaves the white, cloudy core you see in most home ice.
How directional freezing works
Directional freezing insulates the sides and top of the water so it freezes slowly from one direction. Bubbles and impurities are pushed into the last bit of water to freeze, which you then discard, leaving clear ice above it.
How clear ice machines work
Countertop clear ice machines freeze water in thin layers on chilled prongs or plates while the water keeps moving. Moving water lets air escape, so the cubes come out clear instead of cloudy.
Why bartenders prefer clear ice
Clear ice is dense, so it melts more slowly and dilutes a drink less. It also looks better in the glass and does not add the off flavors that cloudy freezer ice can pick up.
Boiled water is not a magic fix
Boiling or using distilled water removes some air, but it rarely gives fully clear ice on its own. The freezing direction matters far more than the water you start with.
Tips for Making Crystal-Clear Ice
- Use filtered water Less scale, cleaner taste.
- Bag ice in the freezer The bin is not a freezer.
- Descale on schedule Keeps cubes clear.
- Leave space around vents Better output.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best clear ice maker undercounter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best clear ice maker undercounter?
EdgeStar IB250SS for most kitchens, Whynter UIM-502SS for efficiency and Newair 80 lb for high output.
How long does a clear ice maker take?
Many list first cubes in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Do clear ice makers keep ice frozen?
Most countertop models do not; bag ice in the freezer.
Do clear ice makers need plumbing?
Countertop models do not; built-in models need a water line and drain.
How often should I clean one?
Follow the maker; many suggest cleaning every few weeks.
How do you make clear ice at home?
Use a directional freezing mold or a small insulated cooler so the water freezes from the top down, or buy a clear ice machine.
Why is my homemade ice cloudy?
Trapped air and minerals freeze into the middle when ice freezes from all sides at once.
Final Verdict
EdgeStar’s IB250SS is the best clear ice maker undercounter pick for most kitchens, with Whynter UIM-502SS and Newair 80 lb for more output. Plan the drain before buying the best clear ice maker undercounter.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the retailer listing for the current price, warranty and exact dimensions before you buy.
