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Ice makers with freezers are not very common. So it’s a great thing that you can get this 12-lbs Sunpentownice maker for less than $400.
Its production capacity is lower than that of most ice makers (including small portable ice makers), but more than makes up for it by freezing your ice cubes for as long as you want.
Thanks to the freezer feature, the Sunpentown IM-150US is our top pick for the best under counter ice maker for the kitchen.
Brand Name | Sunpentown |
Item Weight | 54 lbs |
Product Dimensions | 15" x 18" x 25" inches |
Capacity(24 hrs) | 12 lbs |
Installation Type | built-in/freestanding |
Special Features | thick crescent-shaped ice cubes |
Color | silver/black |
Brand Name | EdgeStar |
Item Weight | 54 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 19.9 x 15 x 25.2 inches |
Capacity(24 hrs) | 12 lbs |
Installation Type | built-in/freestanding |
Special Features | easy, convenient, and inexpensive installation |
Color | silver/black |
Brand Name | U-Line |
Item Weight | 66 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 17 x 13.9 x 25.1 inches |
Capacity(24 hrs) | 23 lbs |
Installation Type | built-in/freestanding |
Special Features | Uses less than three gallons of water for approximately 23 lbs |
Color | black |
Many portable ice makers can produce around 26lbs of ice per day, and larger under-counter models can spew out as much as 80lbs of ice cubes. But they all have one major flaw; they cannot store the ice cubes for long.
You either have to transfer the ice to your freezer or leave it to melt and wastewater.
The Sunpentown IM-150US is one of a few ice makers that come with an integrated freezer function.
It makes ice cubes and stores them for as long as you want. You don’t have to worry about wasting water or finding the bin in a soggy mess. This is a great opportunity to save water or filter life if you use it to get better and more transparent ice.
You can install the ice maker under the counter or leave it freestanding on the floor.
Because the ice doesn’t melt, you don’t need to set up a drain hose. That means there’s no need to locate the unit near any drainage or connect a pump.
This makes for a more comfortable and quicker installation.
Make sure you’ve noted the measurements and check that it will fit under the counter. See specs above for dimensions.
I love the sleek stainless steel door and black cabinet design. It looks modern and is neutral enough that it will blend well with any kitchen.
I wish they allowed one to install their custom door panels. The only change you can make is reversing the swing direction of the door.
Overall it’s an excellent ice maker that is easy to install, a breeze to use and a great addition to your home.
The Sunpentown IM-150US doesn't come anywhere close to winning when it comes to production capacity.
Despite being an under-counter ice maker, it makes less ice per day than many smaller portable ice makers.
But the 12lbs of ice is plenty enough for most families. You’ll probably not even use it all.
To make sure the ice maker maintains production at the highest capacity, store it in a cool place. If the temperature is too high, it will not make as much ice.
If you are going to use it outside, keep it in a shaded area well protected from the elements.
The (refrigerated)ice bin stores up to 6lbs of ice after which a sensor stops the machine from making any more ice.
Tip: If you want a lot of ice for an upcoming event or long-term storage, scoop the ice from the bin and store it in your freezer.
The ice maker will automatically keep making more ice as soon as you scoop it out.
This ice maker makes crescent-shaped ice cubes measuring 3/4” thick and 2.5” long. As the ice from your freezer,
it is mostly clear with a cloudy center. The ice is good for many types of beverages but is a bit too hard for chewing.
There is only one size option for the ice cubes.
The ice quality will depend a lot on the water quality. Use clean potable water and install a filter in the water line to capture particles and eliminate odors and strange tastes from the ice.Do not use deionized water.
Also, check the manual for cleaning guidelines. Regular cleaning clears up the scale and keeps the ice tasting and smelling fresh.
The Sunpentown IM-150US ice maker is easy to install and use. You don’t need to drain it; only a water line is needed.
Once you’ve set it up and plugged it in just press the ON button and that’s it.
As long as there’s water coming in the ice maker will automatically keep making ice until the bin fills up. Once you empty it, it makes some more.
Maintenance involves occasionally cleaning out the inside the machine and defrosting it. The manual has clear instructions on how to do it.
Brand Name | EdgeStar |
Item Weight | 54 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 19.9 x 15 x 25.2 inches |
Capacity(24 hrs) | 12 lbs |
Installation Type | built-in/freestanding |
Special Features | easy, convenient, and inexpensive installation |
Color | silver/black |
Brand Name | U-Line |
Item Weight | 66 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 17 x 13.9 x 25.1 inches |
Capacity(24 hrs) | 23 lbs |
Installation Type | built-in/freestanding |
Special Features | Uses less than three gallons of water for approximately 23 lbs |
Color | black |
Customers say installation is easy & you don’t even need to call a plumber.
The ice is enough for most of their needs, and if they need more, they can simply use their freezer to store extra batches.
The ice maker works reliably with only a few minor issues now and then.
The main complaint is the noise it makes when the ice cubes are falling into the bin.
Customers also say the ice comes out as a sheet which makes scooping ice a bit harder.
The Sunpentown IM-150US is a great buy if you are looking for a compact refrigerated ice maker.
While it has a smaller production capacity than many other ice makers, it’s enough for most people’s needs.
But if you need a larger ice maker with a similar freezer feature, I recommend the 23 lb U-Line BI95B-00 undercounter ice maker
It doesn’t make much ice, but the Sunpentown IM-150US under-counter ice maker makes up for it by doubling up as a mini-freezer.
It’s faster and makes better ice than your fridge’s ice maker for less than $400.
Image Credits - Amazon.com, Photo Stocks.
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Vicky Norris is a legal professional who enjoys researching, reviewing and writing about the latest developments in home appliances. A fan of saving money, Vicky started icemakershub.com when it became clear that a whole new class of less-expensive portable ice makers began replacing what used to be a really expensive built-in kitchen appliance.
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