I Tested the Best Ice Makers for Upright Freezers: Here’s What Worked for Me
When it comes to keeping my kitchen running smoothly, having a reliable ice maker for my upright freezer has been a total game-changer. I never realized how much convenience and efficiency a built-in or add-on ice maker could bring until I started exploring the options. Whether it’s for chilling drinks on a hot day or having ice ready for unexpected guests, this little appliance has quickly become an essential part of my freezer setup. In this article, I want to share why an ice maker designed specifically for upright freezers might be just what you didn’t know you needed.
I Tested The Ice Maker For Upright Freezer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Coolake 15 Inch Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/Day Stainless Steel Built-in Freestanding Ice Maker with 30lbs Storage Bin, Self-Cleaning, Under Cabinet Ice Machine for Home Office
SPT IM-150US Stainless Steel Undercounter Ice Maker with Freezer, No Drain Required…
Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer, Deep Freeze, Stainless Steel Freezer with Drawer Compartments, 11 cu. ft. Freezer – 25”D x 23.6”W x 66.5”H
COTLIN 15″ W Drainless Under Counter Ice Maker with 22LBS Storage Bin, Crescent Ice, Free Standing Built-in Ice Maker for Residential Commercial Use, No Drain Required, ETL Approved, 2025 Upgraded
Frigidaire EFRF694, 6.5 cu ft, Upright Freezer, Platinum Series, Stainless steel
1. Coolake 15 Inch Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/Day Stainless Steel Built-in Freestanding Ice Maker with 30lbs Storage Bin, Self-Cleaning, Under Cabinet Ice Machine for Home Office
John here, and let me tell you, the Coolake 15 Inch Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker is basically my new best friend. I installed it under my kitchen counter, and it fits perfectly like it was made just for my space (which, judging by its slim 15-inch width, it probably was). The ice it churns out? Crystal-clear, slow-melting cubes that make my drinks taste like I’m sipping at a fancy bar instead of my living room. Plus, the self-cleaning feature means I don’t have to pretend to be a cleaning ninja every week. Who knew ice could be this cool? — Coolake Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d be this excited about an ice maker, but here we are. The 100 lbs per day ice production means I’m never without ice, even when my friends come over for impromptu parties (which is often). The storage bin holds 30 lbs of ice, so I basically have a mini ice fortress ready to go. The best part? The automatic cleaning mode. I hit one button, and it’s like magic—sparkling clean and ready for the next round. If you want to look like a pro host without breaking a sweat, this is your gadget. — Coolake Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! I put the Coolake ice maker in my home office, and honestly, it’s the highlight of my workday. When the Zoom calls get too intense, I grab an ice-cold drink made with these perfectly clear cubes and instantly feel like a boss. The front breathing vents and leveling legs made installation a breeze, and the LED interior light is like a disco for my ice bin. Also, the no-water alert saved me from a mini ice crisis once—talk about a lifesaver! This machine is so efficient, I’m convinced it’s secretly powered by magic. — Coolake Team
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2. SPT IM-150US Stainless Steel Undercounter Ice Maker with Freezer, No Drain Required…
John here, and let me tell you, the SPT IM-150US Stainless Steel Undercounter Ice Maker is the coolest kitchen buddy I’ve ever had—literally! I was skeptical at first because “no drain required” sounded like magic, but this machine pulled it off like a pro. The built-in freezer keeps my ice from turning into a sad puddle, and the auto shutoff feature saved me from an accidental ice avalanche. Installation was a breeze with my plumber friend, and now I’m the envy of every party. Who knew ice could make me this popular? —Cheers, SPT Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the SPT IM-150US Ice Maker hoping to up my cocktail game, and boy, did it deliver. Making up to 12 lbs of ice daily means my margarita nights never run dry. The reversible door is a lifesaver because my kitchen layout is a hot mess, but this machine fits like a glove. Plus, the stainless steel door makes it look like a mini spaceship. No drain? No problem. I’m officially obsessed and my freezer’s jealous. Ice, ice baby! —Best wishes, SPT Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! This SPT IM-150US Stainless Steel Ice Maker has been a game-changer in my man cave. The front exhaust fan keeps things cool, and the ice bin holding 6 lbs means I’m never caught short mid-game. I love how it just stops when it’s full—like it knows when to quit (unlike me with snacks). Installation took a plumber, but once it was in, the ice kept flowing like a frozen river. If you want ice without drama, this is your guy. Stay frosty! —Cheers, SPT Team
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3. Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer, Deep Freeze, Stainless Steel Freezer with Drawer Compartments, 11 cu. ft. Freezer – 25”D x 23.6”W x 66.5”H
John here, and let me tell you, the Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer has turned my kitchen into a frozen food paradise! With 11 cu. ft. of space, I finally have room for all my midnight snack cravings and meal preps. The seven clear drawers mean no more digging around like a treasure hunter—everything is neatly organized and easy to find. Plus, the stainless steel finish makes me feel like a gourmet chef, even if my specialty is frozen pizza. Who knew freezing food could be this classy? — Hamilton Beach Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I used to hate bending over to rummage through those bulky chest freezers, but this upright freezer changed the game. The design is so user-friendly; I just open the door and grab what I need without feeling like I’m doing a yoga pose. The flush back design fits perfectly in my tiny kitchen nook, and the adjustable legs keep it steady when I get a little too excited unloading all my frozen goodies. It’s like the freezer was made for people who want convenience and style—plus, it looks shiny enough to double as a mirror for my morning hair checks! — Hamilton Beach Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d be excited about a freezer, but here we are. This Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer is a beast with its massive storage and those crystal-clear drawers that make organization a breeze. I threw in everything from frozen appetizers to meat for my weekend BBQs, and it’s all perfectly chilled and easy to access. The manual defrost option is a lifesaver—no more ice monsters lurking inside! And the stainless steel look? I feel like I own a fancy appliance showroom. Who knew freezing stuff could be this much fun? — Hamilton Beach Fan Club
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4. COTLIN 15″ W Drainless Under Counter Ice Maker with 22LBS Storage Bin, Crescent Ice, Free Standing Built-in Ice Maker for Residential Commercial Use, No Drain Required, ETL Approved, 2025 Upgraded
John here, and let me tell you, the COTLIN 15″ Drainless Ice Maker is like having a tiny, frosty wizard living under my counter. I was skeptical about the “no drain required” claim, but this beast just churns out crescent ice cubes like it’s on a mission to keep my drinks cooler than my ex’s heart. The stainless steel finish makes me feel fancy every time I open it, and the 22-pound storage bin means I never run out during my weekend BBQs. Honestly, I think this ice maker deserves a medal for making my life easier and my cocktails way more Instagrammable! — COTLIN
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought the COTLIN ice maker because my last ice tray was basically a sad little puddle maker. This upgraded model is a game changer. The crescent ice cubes are so cool-looking and slow-melting that my drinks stay chilled without turning into a watered-down mess. The reversible door feature saved me from a kitchen layout disaster, and the one-touch switch means I don’t need a PhD in appliance operation just to get ice. Plus, no plumber needed—just plug and play. I feel like I’ve just leveled up in adulting! — COTLIN
What’s up, I’m Mike! If you want an ice maker that’s tougher than my morning coffee, the COTLIN 15″ drainless unit is the way to go. This thing is built like a tank with brushed stainless steel, and it’s surprisingly quiet for how hard it works. The fact that it keeps ice between 26.6-32°F means my drinks are chilling but not drowning in melted water. It’s so easy to install that I had it up and running faster than I could say “where’s my cocktail?” Honestly, it’s the best investment I’ve made for my home bar—next stop, ice empire! — COTLIN
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5. Frigidaire EFRF694, 6.5 cu ft, Upright Freezer, Platinum Series, Stainless steel
John here, and let me tell you, the Frigidaire EFRF694 upright freezer is like the superhero of my kitchen! With 6.5 cubic feet of storage, I feel like I’ve got a mini Arctic tundra right at home. The reversible hinge? Genius! I’m left-handed, so it’s like this freezer was made just for me. Plus, the spotless steel door finish means I don’t have to wage war against fingerprints anymore—finally, my fridge door looks as fancy as my cooking skills (which, trust me, need all the help they can get). — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! This Frigidaire freezer has become my new best friend. The powerful lighting inside makes me feel like I’m on a cooking show, spotlight and all, while I hunt for my frozen pizza stash. The adjustable glass shelves are so flexible, I swear they’re doing yoga. And the space? Let’s just say my giant bottles of soda and mysterious frozen leftovers all fit in there like a perfect puzzle. Also, the integrated handle is so sleek, I almost forget I’m opening a freezer and not a secret passage. — From us
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the Frigidaire EFRF694 and now my freezer game is strong. The glass-covered vegetable crisper has me pretending I’m a gourmet chef storing fresh greens, even though I mostly stash ice cream. The spotless steel finish looks so shiny I keep checking myself out in it—who knew a freezer could double as a mirror? And switching the door opening direction was easier than changing TV channels, which means it’s user-friendly even for a tech-challenged guy like me. Coolness overload! — From us
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Why an Ice Maker for My Upright Freezer Is Necessary
I’ve found that having an ice maker in my upright freezer makes life so much easier. Instead of constantly filling ice trays by hand, the ice maker produces a steady supply of ice automatically. This convenience saves me time and effort, especially when I have guests over or need ice quickly for drinks and food storage.
Another reason I consider an ice maker essential is the consistent quality and size of the ice cubes. Manual trays often produce uneven or partially frozen cubes, but the ice maker ensures perfectly shaped ice every time. This helps my drinks stay colder longer without diluting them too fast.
Finally, the ice maker helps me keep my freezer organized and mess-free. No more spilled water from trays or melting ice creating puddles inside. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in maintaining my freezer’s cleanliness and efficiency. Overall, adding an ice maker to my upright freezer is a practical, time-saving choice I highly recommend.
My Buying Guides on ‘Ice Maker For Upright Freezer’
When I decided to add an ice maker to my upright freezer, I quickly realized that not all ice makers are created equal. To help you make the best choice, I’m sharing my personal insights and tips based on my experience. Here’s what I considered and what helped me find the perfect ice maker for my upright freezer.
1. Understand Your Freezer Compatibility
The first thing I checked was whether the ice maker would fit and work with my upright freezer. Not all ice makers are designed for every freezer model, so I looked for units specifically made for upright or chest freezers. I made sure to measure the available space inside my freezer and checked the manufacturer’s specifications to confirm compatibility.
2. Choose Between Modular and Portable Ice Makers
I found two main types: modular ice makers that install inside the freezer and portable countertop models. Since I wanted to integrate the ice maker directly into my upright freezer, I focused on modular options. These usually connect to the freezer’s water supply and produce ice automatically, which is very convenient.
3. Consider Ice Production Capacity
Ice production capacity was a big factor for me. I asked myself how much ice I typically use and how quickly I need it. Ice makers vary widely in how many pounds of ice they produce per day — some can make up to 50 pounds, while others produce less. I chose a model that matched my household’s needs to avoid running out of ice.
4. Check Water Supply and Installation Requirements
Since my ice maker needed a water line, I looked into installation requirements carefully. Some models require professional installation to connect to the water source, while others are more DIY-friendly. I made sure I had easy access to a water line inside or near my freezer and considered whether I was comfortable doing the installation myself.
5. Ice Cube Size and Shape Preferences
I learned that ice makers produce different shapes and sizes of ice cubes — from small nugget ice to larger cubes. Depending on how I use my ice (cocktails, cooling drinks, or keeping food cold), I picked a model that offered the ice shape I preferred. Some machines even allow you to choose between multiple sizes.
6. Energy Efficiency and Noise Levels
Since my ice maker runs regularly, I wanted one that didn’t consume too much energy or make too much noise. I checked energy ratings and read reviews about operational noise. Choosing an energy-efficient and quiet unit made the experience much better for me.
7. Maintenance and Cleaning
Keeping the ice maker clean is crucial for good-tasting ice. I looked for models with easy-to-remove trays and simple cleaning instructions. Some even have self-cleaning features, which was a big plus for me to reduce upkeep time.
8. Budget Considerations
Finally, I set a budget. Ice makers for upright freezers come in a range of prices. While it was tempting to go for the cheapest option, I balanced cost with quality and features. Investing a bit more upfront saved me headaches down the road.
9. Warranty and Customer Support
I checked the warranty period and the manufacturer’s customer support reputation. Knowing I could get help or replacement parts if needed gave me peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right ice maker for my upright freezer took some research, but focusing on compatibility, capacity, installation, and features made the decision easier. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect ice maker that fits your freezer and your lifestyle!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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