Ice maker buying guide: Types and features

Freezer ice vs. ice machine ice

The main difference between ice made in your freezer, either manually or with a built-in ice maker kit, and ice from an ice machine is how the water is frozen. Regular freezer ice is made by filling a mold with water either by hand or with a built-in water pump and freezing until the ice is solid, and it can be cloudy in appearance.

Ice machines may produce clearer ice than their traditional counterparts due to their freezing method. They work by running a steady stream of water over a chilled surface to freeze the ice from the inside out. Whirlpool brand offers ice maker options with Clear Ice Technology that removes the air bubbles and impurities that create cloudy ice so your beverages taste fresh.

Are ice makers worth it?

Ice makers are a smart decision for families who use a great deal of ice regularly, as well as homes that have a separate entertainment space from their kitchen. If your fridge or freezer didn’t come with a built-in machine, you have likely been relying on individual ice trays.

These trays make 6-18 ice cubes at a time, while a typical independent machine can make 1-2 lbs of ice per hour. Even if your fridge or freezer has an ice maker built in, most stand-alone machines produce and store more ice and would likely benefit you if you frequently entertain in your home.

Types of ice makers

Different types of ice makers include undercounter, freestanding, countertop and portable and freezer ice maker kits, each of which can vary in ice production, installation requirements, ease of use, maintenance and more. Read on to discover which type of ice maker will be the right fit for your home.

1. Undercounter ice makers

Undercounter ice makers are built into your kitchen’s cabinets and produce large quantities of ice in 24 hours. Many undercounter ice makers are counter-depth and remain flush with their surroundings. These models can enhance spaces like a rec room, three-season room or even an outdoor space, with select models. Undercounter ice makers often offer an insulated storage bin to hold 20 to 50 pounds’ worth of ice.

These models may require a drain pump, designated water line, proper electrical supply and sufficient ventilation with no obstructions in front of the unit.

2. Freestanding ice makers

Freestanding ice makers come in a similar size and shape to undercounter models and can produce the same amount of ice. Instead of only fitting under a kitchen counter, freestanding ice makers can be installed nearly anywhere in your home. Though flexible enough for unique spaces like a garage, outdoor kitchen or rec room, these ice makers still often require a water line for installation.

Shop Whirlpool^® Undercounter and Freestanding Ice Makers

Add convenience to both your family’s daily routines and special occasions with an ice maker from Whirlpool^® brand. Select Whirlpool^® models feature a 25-lb Capacity, Self-Cleaning Cycle and a Reversible Door, making it easy to keep ice at the ready. 

3. Countertop and portable ice makers

Countertop and portable ice makers are smaller in size and easy to clean and store, making them an excellent option if you live in an apartment or have a small kitchen. Countertop ice makers generally produce around 10 to 30 pounds of ice a day, although models vary, with some producing 40+ pounds of ice in a day.

4. Freezer ice maker kits

Ice maker kits are add-ons for freezers that did not originally come with an ice maker. These kits are a great option for homes that have limited cabinet and counter space for external ice machines.

Shop Whirlpool^® Ice Maker Kits

Help your refrigerator do more when you install an Ice Maker Kit from Whirlpool brand. Select Whirlpool^® Ice Maker Kits are compatible with several refrigerator brands and include the ice maker, bin and all the parts you’ll need for installation.

5. Refrigerators that make nugget ice

Though they’re just approaching the market, you can soon find refrigerator models that make increasingly popular nugget ice—a soft, chewable ice sometimes found at restaurants—right in the refrigerator. For instance, Whirlpool brand is preparing to launch an industry-first refrigerator with dual ice makers, one providing in-door nugget ice and another producing traditional cubed ice.

Types of ice

Another key factor to think about is which type of ice will best fit your needs, as different shapes are best suited for certain uses. If you primarily use ice for sodas and other carbonated beverages, you might want to look for ice makers that produce cube, small cube and crescent-shaped ice. Common types of ice include:

• Nugget: Sometimes called pellet ice, this type of ice is soft and easy to chew. Thin layers of flaked ice are compressed into small cylinders that help produce small air pockets, letting the ice cool drinks quickly.

• Cubed: Solid and dense, cubed ice melts slowly and is ideal for keeping beverages cool or helping to keep items frozen in a cooler.  

• Bullet: This type of ice features a hollow and rounded shape. Softer than traditional ice cubes but more dense than nugget ice, it tends to melt slowly in beverages.

• Crescent: Shaped like a half moon, this kind of ice moves well in a glass without packing together, allowing beverages to flow smoothly.

• Clear: Ice makers that produce clear ice—like this Whirlpool^® Ice Maker with Clear Ice Technology—help reduce foam in carbonated drinks. The  freezing process helps remove air bubbles and impurities that cloud your drink.

Select Whirlpool^® Ice Makers offer features like Clear Ice Technology to produce great-tasting ice whenever you need it.

Which type of ice machine is best?

Determining which type of ice maker is best depends on the needs of your kitchen. If you are regularly the host of large cocktail parties, undercounter and freestanding ice machines are great options because they often produce more ice in a single day than other options. Homes with smaller kitchens and less space for large appliances would likely benefit from a countertop or portable model.

What should I look for when buying an ice maker?

There are several factors to consider when shopping for an ice maker to ensure you’re getting the right option for your home, including everything from ice production and storage capacity to installation requirements and filtering. Learn more about each consideration below. 

Ice production: Families that go through large amounts of ice every day should consider machines with a higher production rate, which can vary significantly by ice maker type.

Storage capacity: If you need your ice maker to fill coolers, look for a machine with a larger storage capacity. For instance, some freestanding models can keep up to 25 lbs of ice on hand, while, for reference, some Whirlpool^® Refrigerators with Large Capacity Freezer Ice Storage can store over 7 lbs of ice with a built-in ice maker in the freezer. 

Installation: Consider if your kitchen has the cabinet space to install an undercounter ice maker or if you need to shop for freestanding or countertop options. You may also need to consider whether your ice maker requires a designated water line. 

Drainage options: Undercounter and freestanding machines require drainage lines for melted ice, while countertop models do not. For those who need a drainage solution, you may be able to install an ice maker directly above a floor drain and allow gravity to drain the unit. Or, if no floor drain is available, you can find ice makers with a pump system that can funnel water into an under-sink drain.

Water filters: Filters remove sediment from the water before freezing to help improve taste and smell. Some models come with built-in filters, while others have filters that are sold separately. Combined with regular cleaning, filters help your ice stay crisp and clear.

Style and design: Most ice makers come in similar finishes to other major appliances so you can select an option that matches your kitchen’s color scheme.

Ice maker buying guide FAQs

Having the information you need can help you choose the right ice maker for your family’s space and lifestyle. Explore answers to common ice maker questions below to learn more about ice maker kits, how long it takes to make ice, ice maker drain requirements and more.

Can you put an ice maker in any freezer?

Not every freezer supports an ice maker. Many refrigerators and freezers are designed to be “ice maker ready,” meaning they can accept a compatible kit. Others don’t have the necessary wiring or space, so it’s best to check your model before installing.

What’s the difference between an in-door ice maker and a freezer ice maker?

In-door ice makers are built into the refrigerator door for easy access and to free up freezer space. Freezer ice makers sit inside the freezer compartment and may offer more storage room for ice but can take up usable freezer space.

Do freestanding ice makers need a drain?

Many freestanding ice makers require a drain line to remove excess water from melted ice. Some models offer gravity or pump drains, while smaller portable units may not need one since water is added and removed manually.

How long does it take to make ice?

Refrigerator ice makers can typically produce a batch of 8-10 ice cubes in about 90 minutes, depending on the model. Filling an empty ice bin can take about 2-3 days, while a new unit may take up to 24 hours to start making ice and several days to fully fill the bin.

What is the best type of water to use to make ice?

Clean, filtered water is typically optimal for making ice. Filters help reduce particles and impurities, which can improve taste, clarity and overall quality, helping your ice look and taste fresher.

Shop Whirlpool^® Ice Machines

Find just the right combination of size, features and ice production for your family when you explore ice makers from Whirlpool brand. And, when you’re ready for more flexibility with ice production, explore upcoming Whirlpool^® Refrigerators with dual ice makers that produce both nugget and traditional ice cubes.