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If you constantly use clear ice at home or in the office, the EdgeStar IB250SS ice maker is an excellent choice.
It can produce up to 25 lbs of ice per day and store 20 lbs of it in the bin.
The ice is clear and hard, the same kind you get at an upscale bar or restaurant. It’s perfect for drinks that you don’t want to be diluted by melting ice.
Read on for my full review of the EdgeStar IB250SS undercounter ice maker.
If this is not the ice maker you are looking for, then see my list of the best undercounter ice makers for more options.
About the EdgeStar IB250SS Built-in Ice Maker
- Production capacity: 25lbs/day
- Storage capacity: 20lbs
- Dimensions: 20.1” deep, 33.3” high, 14.9” wide
- Weight: 64lbs
- Type of ice: Clear crescent-shaped ice
Comparison Table
Technical Details
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| 20.1” x 33.3” x 14.9” inches |
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| clear crescent-shaped ice |
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Technical Details
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| restaurant quality clear ice cubes |
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Technical Details
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| on/off power switch; Auto shut-off when ice bin is full |
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For most families, a compact ice maker that produces between 10lbs and 20lbs of ice per day is enough. But for large homes or if you host guests often, you’ll need something bigger.
The EdgeStar IB250SS, with its 25lbs daily production capacity, is perfect for your needs. It’s also great for offices and venues.
Because it produces clear gourmet ice, it’s also ideal for use in restaurants and bars.
The only slight downside is the installation. With portable and countertop ice makers, you just plug it in, add some water and wait for the ice.
The EdgeStar IB250SS is slightly more complicated since you need to set up a water line and drain it as well. So in addition to the purchase costs, you have to pay for a plumber to install it.
But once it’s installed, it’s fairly easy to use.
It looks good too with a beautiful stainless steel finish. I just wish it accepted custom panels. The only thing you can do is change the door’s orientation.
But it still looks great and blends nicely in any kitchen or home bar. It is invisible due to its type of installation and universal design.
Ice Making Ability
The EdgeStar can make 25lbs of ice per day. That’s just about the same as other undercounter ice machines.
This is plenty for most homes. But if it’s not enough for your needs, consider buying a large ice maker such as the 65lb Scotsman CU50GA-1A or the 50lb SPT IM-600US.
The storage bin can hold up to 20lbs of ice and takes several hours to fill up. Once it is full, an automatic mechanism stops the ice maker from making more ice until you empty the bin.
If you need more than the 25lbs of ice at a time, e.g. if you have a home party, scoop the ice out (a plastic scoop is included) and store it in your freezer.
Unlike many other ice machines, which don't allow to leave the ice in the bin for too long, this unit operates as a freezer. It will keep the ice solid for as much time as you need, without melting.
Ice Quality
The EdgeStar IB250SS produces clear gourmet ice cubes.
This is the same kind of ice you get at a bar or restaurant. Its crescent-shaped ice is clear and is denser and harder than normal ice cubes.
The extra hardness and density makes it ideal for drinks that you want to chill without diluting such as whiskey, brandy and other premium drinks.
Aesthetically, the large clear ice cubes also look more elegant.
But you can also use the ice in whichever drink you want. But for certain drinks like margaritas and smoothies, I’d recommend you get a nugget ice machine which produces sonic-style soft chewable ice.
Ease of Use
The installation is the most involving bit. But you are not supposed to do it anyway so there’s no need to worry about it. Just get a certified plumber to properly install it for you.
Note that you don’t have to install it undercounter. You can also use it as a freestanding ice machine as long as there is water flowing in and you are able to drain waste water out.
The door is reversible and the feet are adjustable, which gives you more flexibility when it comes to installation.
Using the ice maker is pretty easy. Just make sure the water is flowing and you’ve connected the power cable and then flip the switch to ICE. The machine will automatically start making ice cubes and dropping them into the bin.
Some customers discovered there is a hidden button at the back that you can use to adjust ice cube thickness to make it easier to break the sheet. The manual doesn’t mention any such setting so you have to go snooping around at the back yourself.
For Pool Party And Patio:
- Production capacity: 25lbs/day
- Storage capacity: 20lbs
- Dimensions: 20.06” deep, 33.31” high, 14.9” wide
- Weight: 64lbs
- Type of ice: Clear crescent-shaped ice
EdgeStar IB250SSOD is the outdoor version of this ice machine. You can use it in your patio, open veranda cafe or by the pool in summer.
The EdgeStar IB250SSOD has similar features except some constructional improvements aimed to defend the outdoor ice maker from harsh outside conditions. It doesn't mean that the unit can handle heavy rain or very cold weather though.
Other Options
Technical Details
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| restaurant quality clear ice cubes |
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Pros
- 2 installing options
- Clear ice
- Sleek steel door
Technical Details
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| on/off power switch; Auto shut-off when ice bin is full |
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Pros
- Affordable price
- Inexpensive installation
- Operates as a freezer
What Others Say
Other than that issue of breaking the ice, most customers are happy with their purchase. They say the machine makes a lot of quality ice and is easy to use.
They also note how quietly it runs. Unless you are right next to it, you won’t hear the motor whirring or the ice cubes dropping into the bin.
If you think you’ll need a lot of ice cubes, either for your family or your frequent guests, the EdgeStar IB250SS is worth it.
The price tag is actually a bargain when compared to other undercounter ice makers especially those that make gourmet ice.
If you need a bigger or smaller clear ice maker, see our list of the best gourmet ice makers. It includes small portable models as well as large restaurant-grade machines.
While a bit pricey, the EdgeStar IB250SS proves its worth over time.
It’s easy to use, makes high-quality clear ice and will last for years without requiring much in terms of maintenance.
Whether it’s for your kitchen, your home bar or your office, this is one of the best undercounter clear ice makers.
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