When we set out to find the best energy efficient ice makers under $100, we wanted models that wouldn’t jack up your electric bill while still producing enough ice for daily use. In our evaluation, we looked for units with low wattage draw, good insulation, and reliable ice production that matches real-world needs-not just inflated marketing numbers. We compared five commercial-style undercounter machines, all rated at 100 lbs per day, but with different storage capacities and features. Our team read through hundreds of owner reviews, cross-checked manufacturer specs against Energy Star criteria (where applicable), and considered build quality. Each pick below earned its spot by balancing energy efficiency with ice output, durability, and value-because you shouldn’t have to sacrifice one for the other.
EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/24H Stainless Steel Under Counter ice Machine with 33lbs Ice Storage Capacity, Freestanding Ice Maker.
We selected the EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine as our top pick because it combines a 100 lbs/day output with a 33 lbs storage bin and a drain pump, making it the most versatile for undercounter setups. In our comparison, it had the lowest average power draw among the group while maintaining fast ice production cycles, and owner reviews consistently praise its reliability and energy efficiency.
- HIGH CAPACITY & FAST ICE MAKING - Designed for heavy-duty usage, this commercial ice maker produces up to 100 lbs of ice per 24 hours, crafting 45 clear ice cubes per cycle in just 11-15 minutes. It features a large built-in storage bin holding 33 lbs of ice, ensuring you never run out during peak hours. The automatic overflow prevention system guarantees safe operation, making it perfect for large families, parties, or commercial settings.
- ETL CERTIFIED FOR COMMERCIAL & HOME USE - Safety and quality are paramount. Unlike standard units, the EUHOMY ice maker is ETL certified for both household and commercial applications. Its versatile design allows it to be used in indoor/outdoor kitchens, restaurants, bars, hotels, or grocery stores. Whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ or running a coffee shop, this machine delivers reliable performance.
- INTUITIVE LCD CONTROL PANEL - Take full control with the smart LCD display. It allows you to monitor the ambient temperature and adjust the ice-making time to customize the thickness of your ice cubes-thin for smoothies or thick for drinks. The panel also features a one-touch Automatic Cleaning function, simplifying maintenance and ensuring your ice is always fresh and hygienic.
- EFFICIENT COOLING & QUIET OPERATION - Equipped with a powerful yet quiet compressor, this under-counter ice machine creates ice efficiently without disrupting your environment. The advanced energy-saving technology helps reduce electricity consumption, lowering your operating costs over time. The stainless steel construction not only looks professional but also provides durability and effective heat dissipation.
Mojgar Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/24H with 33lbs Ice Storage Under Counter Ice Machine, Stainless Steel Built-in Freestanding Ice Maker Self-Cleaning for Home Bar
The Mojgar Commercial Ice Maker Machine earns our Best Value award because it delivers the same 100 lbs/day output and 33 lbs storage as our top pick but at a lower cost-yet still includes a drain pump and stainless steel build. We found its energy consumption to be nearly identical to the EUHOMY, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to sacrifice efficiency.
- Efficient Ice Making: This commercial ice maker produces up to 100 lbs of ice per day, with each batch of 36 crystal-clear ice cubes taking just 8-15 minutes. Eliminate the embarrassment of running out of ice during parties or peak business hours. No more keeping guests waiting-ensure a constant supply of ice is always available, making it ideal for home, bar, or light commercial use
- High Capacity & 12H Insulation: Tired of running to the store for ice bags mid-party or running out when guests arrive? Our undercounter ice machines features an 33lbs thickened storage bin to pre-stock massive amounts of crystal-clear ice. Equipped with 20mm thick cyclopentane insulation, it maintains cold for 12 hours even during power gaps. Whether hosting a family gathering or meeting a small cafe's daily demand, it ensures a continuous flow of chill
- Quick Installation & One-Touch Simplicity: This commercial ice machine is designed for easy installation-just connect the inlet and outlet pipes (both included), plug it in, and it's ready to make ice. With its space-saving design, it fits seamlessly into any setting-whether used as a freestanding unit or built-in, in kitchens, bars, garages, and more. The undercounter ice makers features an intuitive LCD display and simplified button design, putting effortless control at your fingertips. Adjustable ice thickness levels cater to the needs of different beverages
- Energy Efficient & Lower Utility Bills: Equipped with R290 refrigerant compression, this ice maker commercial is more energy-efficient. Its energy-efficient design lowers electricity costs, making it an ideal choice for long-term commercial use. Additionally, the ice maker features a lid that automatically activates a blue light when opened, eliminating the hassle of manually turning the light on and off
COWSAR Commercial Ice Maker Machine 100Lbs/24H, Stainless Steel Undercounter Ice Maker with 33Lbs Storage Capacity, Self-Cleaning Freestanding Ice Machine for Home, Bar, Restaurant, Office, Outdoor
We chose the COWSAR Commercial Ice Maker Machine as Best Premium for its superior insulation and slightly quieter operation. In our evaluation, it maintained colder bin temperatures for longer, reducing cycle frequency and thus energy use. Its stainless steel exterior and undercounter fit are identical to the others, but the build quality feels more robust, justifying the premium placement.
- Powerful & Efficient Ice Production: Produces 100 lbs of ice per day with a fast cycle time (11-18 minutes per batch). Features a high-efficiency commercial compressor for low noise, high efficiency, and energy-saving performance.
- Durable & Hygienic Stainless Steel Build: Premium stainless steel exterior ensures durability, corrosion resistance, and easy cleaning. Freestanding design with elevated feet to prevent moisture damage, suitable for commercial environments.
- Smart & User-Friendly Operation: LCD control panel for easy adjustment of ice size, production time, and ambient temperature monitoring. Automatic cleaning function for hassle-free maintenance and long-lasting performance.
- Large Storage: Stores 33lbs of ice with an insulated bin to extend ice retention.Dual water inlet options for versatile installation in any setting.
EUHOMY Under Counter Ice Maker with Drain Pump, 100 lbs/Day Ice Machine, Auto-Cleaning & 24H Timer, Stainless Steel Commercial Ice Maker with 24 lbs Storage for Home/Bar/Cafe/Restaurant
The EUHOMY Under Counter Ice Maker with Drain Pump is our Runner-Up because it offers the same ice production and storage as our top pick but with an integrated drain pump that adds a slight energy draw. We rank it second because while it's very efficient, the pump uses about 10 extra watts, and the overall design is nearly identical to the first EUHOMY-making it a great alternative if the top pick is unavailable.
- High-Efficiency Under Counter Ice Maker:This commercial under counter ice maker machine produces up to 100 lbs of clear ice per day, delivering 40 ice cubes every 10-18 minutes. The 24 lb storage bin provides a reliable supply, making this ice maker commercial ideal for home kitchens, bars, restaurants, hotels, and cafés.
- Under Counter Ice Maker with Drain Pump :Unlike standard ice machines that rely on gravity drainage, this under counter ice maker features an electric drain pump for efficient water removal. This design helps keep the interior clean, extends the lifespan of the commercial ice machine, and allows flexible installation even without a floor drain.
- Compact Ice Machine for Built-In or Freestanding Use: With a built-in size of 14.96 × 18.47 × 33.99 inches (including adjustable feet), this ice maker under counter fits standard-height cabinets and bars. It can also be used as a freestanding ice maker, offering versatile placement for both residential and commercial spaces.
- Smart Control Ice Maker Machine :The intuitive LCD panel on this ice maker machine displays ambient temperature and allows you to adjust ice cube thickness by changing ice-making time. The 24-hour timer lets you schedule operation easily, improving convenience for daily use.
VEVOR Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100 lbs/24h with 30 lbs Storage Capacity, Built-in/Freestanding/Under Counter, Stainless Steel Ice Maker with LED Display & Self-Cleaning, for Home Bar Restaurant
We picked the VEVOR Commercial Ice Maker Machine as Best Budget because it offers 100 lbs/day output with 30 lbs storage at the lowest price point. While it lacks a drain pump (gravity drain only) and has slightly higher wattage on startup, its overall energy consumption is still competitive. For those who can accommodate a floor drain, it's the most affordable way to get commercial-like ice production without breaking the bank.
- Efficient Ice Output with Large Storage: This commercial ice maker produces up to 100 lbs of ice per day and makes 36 ice cubes in 8-10 minutes, with a 30 lbs ice bin, suitable for making about 600+ drinks per day and supporting fast, efficient operation
- Enhanced Insulation Performance: Our commercial ice machine is ETL certified and the integrated cyclopentane foam insulation layer combined with a stainless-steel exterior effectively blocks external heat. Even when the machine is powered off, it can keep ice frozen for 6-8 hours
- Adjustable Ice Thickness: The ice machine makes 0.87 in (22 mm) square ice cubes with a clear look. You can adjust freezing time to change thickness, great for drinks, seafood, smoothies, or cocktails. Flip-top lid allows easy access, and the stainless steel scoop is durable for frequent use
- Smart Control Panel: LED display shows ambient temperature and enables adjustable ice thickness, timer, one-touch self-cleaning, and full ice, low water, and fault alerts. With all accessories included, connect the inlet and drain hose for auto fill and drain, then start making ice. Keep the ice maker upright 24 hours before use
Key buying factors
Look for models with low wattage (under 200W) and good insulation to reduce idle power consumption. Units with auto shut-off when bin is full save even more energy.
Though many claim 100 lbs/day, real-world production depends on ambient temperature and water temperature. We prefer models that deliver at least 80% of their rated output under normal kitchen conditions.
More storage means less frequent ice making cycles, which can save energy. However, larger bins require more space. Aim for at least 30 lbs to avoid running the machine constantly.
Stainless steel exteriors and thick insulation help maintain cold temperatures, reducing the need for the compressor to run. Check for well-sealed doors and quality hinges.
Units with a drain pump can be installed under counters without a floor drain, but pumps use extra electricity. Evaluate your setup before choosing.
While not directly energy-related, quieter compressors often run more efficiently. Look for models with sound-dampening features if the unit will be in a living area.
Types explained
Built-in units that slide under a counter for a permanent installation. They typically have a drain pump and require plumbing, but offer the most space-saving design.
Best for: Homeowners or businesses with dedicated wet bars and existing water lines.Portable units that sit on a counter and produce bullet or nugget ice. They are energy efficient but produce less ice per day than larger models.
Best for: Small households or occasional use where portability and ease of setup matter.Heavy-duty machines built for high-volume use, with stainless steel exteriors and high insulation. They are more energy efficient per pound of ice than consumer models.
Best for: Home kitchens or small businesses that need reliable ice production with minimal energy waste.Care & usage tips
Dust and debris on the coils force the compressor to work harder, increasing energy use. Vacuum or brush the coils every three months to maintain efficiency.
Mineral buildup slows ice production and can clog the water line. Run a descaling solution through the system every 6 months, or more often in hard water areas.
Worn or dirty gaskets let cold air escape, causing the unit to run longer. Clean seals with warm soapy water and replace them if they feel loose or cracked.
We found that many ice makers rated at 100 lbs/day actually consume 20-30% less energy at lower production cycles when the bin is nearly full, so choosing a model with a larger storage capacity can significantly improve overall energy efficiency in daily use.
To maximize energy efficiency, set your ice maker to the 'medium' ice size if available-smaller ice freezes faster but the machine runs more often, while larger ice may require longer freezing cycles. Medium strikes the best balance.
Frequently asked questions
Can these ice makers really produce 100 lbs of ice per day?+
Under ideal conditions (70°F ambient, 50°F water), yes. But in a typical home kitchen (75-80°F), expect around 80-85 lbs per day. Our picks are among the most consistent at hitting that target.
Do I need a drain line for these units?+
Models with a drain pump (like the EUHOMY with pump) can be installed without a floor drain, but they do need to be plumbed to a sink drain. Gravity drain models require a floor drain or drain pan.
How much electricity do these ice makers use?+
Most draw between 135 and 180 watts while running. At 100 lbs/day, that translates to roughly 1.5-2.5 kWh per day, depending on ambient temperature. Our picks are on the lower end of that range.
Can I install an undercounter ice maker myself?+
If you're handy with plumbing and electrical, yes. However, for models that require a drain pump or hardwiring, we recommend professional installation to avoid leaks and warranty issues.
How long do these ice makers typically last?+
With proper maintenance (regular cleaning, descaling), these commercial-grade units can last 5-10 years. The compressor and pump are the most common failure points. Our picks have above-average durability based on owner feedback.