By Brittany Rowland

If you’re looking for a convenient, efficient ice maker, the Maytag MIM1555ZRS fits the bill nicely. With 25 pounds of capacity, it produces up to 50 pounds of ice a day. We appreciated that this Maytag model can be portable or installed under a counter or bar. Another thoughtful feature is the indicator light that goes from green to yellow when it’s time to clean the machine—no more guessing. We were pleased with the sturdy and stylish design of this machine—it goes well with other stainless steel appliances—and its features and performance make it a great investment at $1749.60.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

We were impressed by how the KitchenAid KUIC18NNZS produces up to 51 pounds of clear, uniform ice each day. It has a 35-pound capacity, which means it can store lots of ice for parties and other events. Its filter does a good job of keeping the ice cubes clear and clean-tasting; just be prepared to keep up with maintaining the machine to keep it in peak performance mode. Another feature we really appreciated was the max ice setting, which speeds up ice production by 56%, a handy feature when you have guests to entertain and need more ice quickly. The KitchenAid KUIC18NNZS is available for $1979.10.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

If you have need of an ice maker that makes a tremendous amount of ice, then look no further than the Maxx Ice MIM75, which produces up to 75 pounds of ice daily. It has a 25 pound capacity, but a convenient feature automatically prevents the overfilling of bullet-shaped ice. We were pleased with the quality of construction of the machine, although we wish the controls for the ice settings were easier to access without removing the front cover. Overall, the Maxx Ice MIM75 is a convenient appliance to have in your kitchen, bar, or garage; it’s available for $1189.99.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

The Maytag MIM1555YRS is capable of making 50 pounds of ice every 24 hours. The storage capacity of the machine is 25 pounds, so you know there will be plenty of ice on hand at all times. The machine sells for around $1,899 is quite efficient as well thanks to the high efficiency compressor. It’s even got a factory installed drain pump for convenience sake.The ice maker has a reversible door with a polished horizontal handle across the top. The inside contains simple controls that make regulating the temperature easy. The machine has to be installed over a gravity drain, but otherwise it’s easy to install this model either under a counter or as a freestanding unit.

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Back to Best Ice Makers Top 10 List

Properly cleaning and maintaining your ice maker will ensure a long life for the appliance. If you’re using the ice maker in your bar or in a professional establishment, then it’s especially important to keep the components in working order.

Stainless steel exterior

The stainless steel door is the part of the ice maker that will attract the most attention. Keeping it clean, gleaming, and fingerprint free will require some periodic care.

• Wash the surface with warm, soapy water mixed with an all-purpose cleaner or liquid detergent.
• Use a non-abrasive sponge and never rub against the grain.
• Rinse off the soap with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
• Special stainless steel wipes will restore its shine.
• Finally, wipe it clean with a dry towel until it looks polished.

The water system

As the ice maker performs its freezing cycle, minerals from the water are released and over time form a scaly buildup in the water system. About every six months, or whenever you see buildup on the machine components, it’s necessary to clean off the mineral deposits using a specialized ice maker cleaner. Some models alert you when it’s time to clean the machine.

The condenser

When a condenser becomes dirty or clogged, it’s important to clean it so the air flow isn’t restricted. Otherwise, temperatures in the ice maker can become too high, reducing its ice production and damaging the internal components.

• Turn off or unplug the machine before you remove the lower access panel and the venting grille.
• Use a vacuum cleaner or a brush attachment to clear the condenser of dirt and lint.
• Replace the grille and the panel and turn the machine back on.

Several ice maker models require you to empty the ice bin before running the cleaning cycle. Always read the manufacturer’s manual for the proper cleaning steps for your machine.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Icemakers

You can find some ice makers that produce about 12 pounds of ice a day for a couple hundred dollars; these models may be sufficient for the average family. The larger ice makers with greater ice production and special controls typically cost… [more]

Ice is ice, you might be thinking. What does it matter what shape or color it’s in? You’d be surprised to know that many food industry establishments, businesses, and private homes consider the shape and clarity of the ice they want when purchasing an ice maker. It’s not simply about aesthetics; it comes down to the fact that different ice cubes melt differently in your glass.

Cloudy vs. Clear

Most ice makers on the market produce cloudy, or opaque, ice. This kind of ice isn’t white and cloudy because it’s dirty or impure; rather, the water is frozen at a much greater speed, leaving small air bubbles trapped inside the cubes. Many restaurants appreciate cloudy ice because it’s soft and porous, absorbing the taste of the drink it sits in. It also has the benefit of cooling drinks immediately. Many people enjoy soft ice because it’s light and crunchy, making it appealing to those who chew ice as a habit; fortunately, they won’t damage their teeth as badly as they would with hard, clear ice.

Some ice makers are designed specifically to create clear ice by removing all the air and impurities from the ice during the freezing process. More formal restaurants choose hard ice, which is clear, odorless, and tasteless. Drinks do not penetrate hard ice; on the contrary, hard ice takes longer to melt, does not dilute drinks, and only provides cooling from the outer surface. Clear ice makers are generally the most expensive type on the market.

Different Shapes

Portable, undercounter, and commercial ice makers all produce ice cubes of different shapes.

• Crescent shaped ice is the most common form of ice you’ll see produced by your refrigerator and undercounter ice makers. Flat on one edge and rounded on the other, it’s typically cloudy in appearance.
• Bullet shaped ice looks the way its name suggests: like a cylindrical bullet with a rounded hole in the flat end. Also opaque in color, bullet ice is commonly made by portable ice makers.
• Flake ice is usually completely white and is one of the cheapest forms of ice to make in great quantities. It cools drinks quickly and is convenient for packing and storing food, making it a favorite choice of many restaurant establishments.
• Nugget, or pellet, ice is clear, crisp, and popular as a chewable ice. Because it melts slowly and doesn’t dilute drinks, many people see it as a refreshing option for their soft drinks. Several Scotsman ice maker models produce nugget ice.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Icemakers

You can find some ice makers that produce about 12 pounds of ice a day for a couple hundred dollars; these models may be sufficient for the average family. The larger ice makers with greater ice production and special controls typically cost… [more]

By Brittany Rowland

If you’re looking for an efficient, well-performing ice maker, then you’ll likely be happy with the Whirlpool GI15NDXZS, which produces up to 50 pounds of ice each day. We were satisfied with the ice maker’s performance; while it does make some noise when the water runs, otherwise it ran quietly and efficiently. This ice maker can be installed under the counter or used portably; just be sure that you have a drain nearby. The Whirlpool GI15NDXZS has a clean, attractive stainless steel design that will look nice in a kitchen or bar. It is available for $1484.10.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

An ice maker ideal for the outdoors, this Orien model includes a fully enclosed back and proper insulation to protect it from outdoor elements. It produces clear square cubes quickly and efficiently; you need only scoop the ice forward in the bin so it doesn’t build up in the back and stop the ice production. The removable ice bin is convenient when it comes to filling up coolers. With up to 44 pounds of ice made daily, this Orien model fulfills its purpose more than adequately.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

An ice maker that produces clear ice quickly and efficiently, this EdgeStar undercounter model runs for just $849 and makes up to 45 pounds of ice per day. The removable ice bin stores 25 pounds, and the computerized controls allow you to adjust the density of the ice cubes. The design is simple and attractive, with an elegantly curved stainless steel handle. The noise is not any noticeably louder than similar models. For the ice production and capacity it offers, this EdgeStar model is very reasonably priced.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

If you’re a fan of restaurant-style nugget ice, which keeps soft drinks refreshingly cold, then you’ll appreciate the Scotsman nugget ice maker with 125 pounds of daily ice production. The machine, running at $2,499, is quite efficient, too, using about 40 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than similar models. The ice maker has a reversible door with a polished horizontal handle across the top. The inside contains simple controls that make regulating the temperature easy. The machine has to be installed over a gravity drain, but otherwise it’s easy to install this model either under a counter or as a freestanding unit.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

For $1,099, this undercounter ice maker produces up to 44 pounds of ice a day. Its adjustable ice bin stores 25 pounds. With an automatic shut-off feature, you don’t have to worry about the bin overflowing. Insulated securely with foam, there is little to no condensation inside. The exterior is polished and glossy with a platinum finish door and stainless steel handle. The main hassle comes from having to manually drain the ice maker, but its ice making capabilities and temperature are more than adequate.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

If you like keeping your wine bottles and beverage cans chilled and ready to serve, then you’ll appreciate this undercounter ice maker from Danby with compartments for 8 pounds of ice, 12 wine bottles, and 60 cans. The sleek stainless steel exterior opens with a double set of doors, the inside lit up with a bright LED light. The fan forced cooling system reduces frost and keeps hands-on maintenance to a minimum. For $1,399.99, this Danby 3-in-1 ice maker is a convenient appliance for people who like to entertain.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

For $1,055.70, this Orien undercounter ice maker can produce up to 44 pounds of ice a day. Its removable storage bin holds 25 pounds. Installation can be tricky if you don’t have a gravity drain nearby; you may have to buy a low-profile pump to pull the water to a sink or drain. However, this ice maker produces clear ice fairly quickly and without too much noise. Its reversible stainless steel door looks sleek and polished next to the cabinets or standing alone.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

A stylish, flat stainless steel door lets this Whirlpool ice maker blend in with the surrounding cabinets. Its ice production is fast, with clear, clean-looking cubes. The capacity is quite large, able to store 25 pounds of ice. The daily production can reach up to 50 pounds. If you’re worried about the risk of leaks, install a drip pan so you don’t have to worry about water-damaged floors. For $1,556.49, this Whirlpool ice maker is an efficient worker capable of serving enough ice for parties.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

A reversible stainless steel door with a handle bar, this ice maker from EdgeStar can be installed either under a counter or freestanding. No drain line is necessary, and the front ventilation system allows it to be built in easily. A nice feature of this ice maker is its automatic shut-off when the ice bin is full. It can make up to 12 pounds of ice a day, but external factors like the temperature in your house can affect its total ice output. The machine is fairly noisy, but not more so than a countertop model. For $295, it should yield enough ice each day for the average sized family.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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