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Many ice makers with integrated freezers tend to compromise on production capacity.
The Sunpentown IM-150US and EdgeStar IB120SS, for instance, can store ice for as long as necessary but they only produce 12 lbs of it per day.
On the other hand, the U-Line BI95B-00 provides a freezer function while still producing a party-friendly 23 lbs of ice per day.
So if you are looking for a high-capacity ice maker with an integrated freezer, we highly recommend this one.
This is why we picked it as the best under counter ice maker for large kitchens and home bars.
Brand Name | U-Line |
Item Weight | 53 lbs |
Product Dimensions | 13.9" x 17" x 25.1" inches |
Capacity(24 hrs) | 23 lbs |
Installation Type | built-in/freestanding |
Special Features | only requires a 1/4 inch outside diameter water line connection |
Color | black |
Brand Name | U-Line |
Item Weight | 106 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 28.2 x 17.5 x 36.5 inches |
Capacity(24 hrs) | no information |
Installation Type | built-in/freestanding |
Special Features | reversible door |
Color | silver/black |
Brand Name | U-Line |
Item Weight | 86 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 28.2 x 17.5 x 36.5 inches |
Ice Storage | 25 pounds |
Installation Type | built-in/freestanding |
Special Features | reversible door |
Color | silver/black |
Clad in an all-black exterior, the U-Line BI95B-00 looks great. It will blend in well with any kitchen décor.
More importantly, it will give you a continuous supply of good quality ice cubes and even store them frozen for you in the refrigerated bin.
It’s a mini-freezer that happens to make ice. But unlike the ice maker in your refrigerator, it’s quicker and makes more & better ice cubes.
The venting is at the front so you can install it under your counter without worrying about ventilation. You can also leave it standing though it might not blend as seamlessly into your kitchen.
If you decide to install it under the counter, take careful note of the measurements (see the specs above). It’s around 14” wide and 25” high.
Because the ice doesn’t melt, you only need to connect a water line and then plug the ice maker into a grounded outlet. Use soft water or use filters to get high-quality clear ice without extra minerals and tastes. You can also use boiled water.
I love that you can use your own custom door panel. Make sure it’s a quarter inch thick and 13.4” high.
You can also change the door’s swing direction depending on your kitchen’s layout.
The ice maker produces small crescent-shaped ice cubes measuring around half an inch thick and two and a quarter inches long.
It works quietly with just a few occasional noises as the ice drops into the bin.
Unlike most freezer-integrated ice makers, the U-Line BI95B-00 does not compromise much on production capacity.
It is still lower than the 26 lbs/day capacity of portable ice makers, but it’s double what other refrigerated ice makers can achieve.
So if you have a large family or love hosting often, this ice maker is perfect for you.
You get 23 lbs of ice per day, and the storage bin can hold 12 lbs of ice. In just one batch, you get enough ice to chill all the drinks at a dinner party.
Unfortunately, you have to wait around 12 hours if you need another batch.
If you were hosting a lot of guests, store several quantities in your freezer several days before and then leave an extra bunch in the bin.
Note: Install the ice maker in a cool location. Too much heat will reduce ice-making capacity.
Ice Quality
The ice produced by the U-Line BI95B-00 falls somewhere in the middle of the gourmet ice and nugget ice.
It’s not crystal clear or hard like gourmet ice cubes (it’s clear but with a cloudy center) nor is it as soft and chewable as nugget ice.
They are small crescent-shaped cubes that measure around two and a quarter inches long and half an inch thick
.The ice is great for cocktails, fruit smoothies, and juices, iced tea, and margaritas.
But I don’t recommend it for chewing (too hard)or certain beverages like whiskey (they melt too fast).
I highly recommend installing a filter on your water line to prevent any strange odors and tastes in the ice.
Also, remember to clean the ice maker as directed in the manual regularly.
One of the advantages of refrigerated ice makers is that you don’t need to drain them. This makes installation and setup a whole lot easier and faster.
You need to hook up the water line, plug the unit into a grounded outlet and then push it under the counter.
There is only one button for switching on the ice maker. The machine will then automatically pause or continue production depending on the level of ice in the bin.
I wish there were indicators for when there is no water coming in and when the ice bin is full.
But you can quickly open the door to check the level of ice.
If you want to stop ice production before the bin is full, just raise the bin arm and lock it into position.
Brand Name | U-Line |
Item Weight | 106 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 28.2 x 17.5 x 36.5 inches |
Capacity(24 hrs) | no information |
Installation Type | built-in/freestanding |
Special Features | reversible door |
Color | silver/black |
Brand Name | U-Line |
Item Weight | 86 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 28.2 x 17.5 x 36.5 inches |
Ice Storage | 25 pounds |
Installation Type | built-in/freestanding |
Special Features | reversible door |
Color | silver/black |
Looking at the Amazon ratings, the U-Line BI95B-00 has nearly 80% favorable rating (4 stars and above) from customers.
Customers love that it makes a lot of ice and that they can leave it in the ice maker without melting
.It works quietly, reliably and maintenance is not a problem.
The only (minor) complaint is that the ice comes out as a sheet. But it’s easy to break up.
Buy this ice maker if there is high demand for ice at your house especially during summer.
You get a double advantage of refrigerated ice storage and enough ice to chill everyone’s margaritas and cocktails.
Note: If you are looking for a machine that makes soft chewable ice or clear gourmet ice, this is not for you.
The U-Line BI95B-00 will serve you well whether you need a couple of ice cubes for your afternoon iced tea or 23lbs of ice for your pool party.
And if you don’t need to use all the ice immediately, just leave it in the ice maker for later.
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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