Ice Makers

Find the Best Ice Makers in the UK: A Practical Guide to Buying, Comparing and Choosing

Why invest in a dedicated ice maker?

Have you ever run out of ice mid-party or had your drinks diluted by quickly melting cubes? A dedicated ice maker solves that everyday annoyance and gives you reliable, restaurant-quality ice on demand. Whether you host regularly, run a small café, or simply love a chilled beverage after gardening, an ice machine saves time and stress. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about consistency. A countertop machine can crank out dozens of pounds of ice in a day, while a compact undercounter unit serves a small bar without taking over the kitchen. Think of an ice maker like a coffee machine for cold drinks: once you have it, you wonder how you managed without it.

Types of ice makers available in the UK

Ice makers come in different shapes and sizes depending on usage. Generally, you’ll find portable countertop units, freestanding machines, undercounter or built-in options designed for bars and kitchens, and heavy-duty commercial models. For most households, a portable or countertop ice maker is the sweet spot — compact, easy to install and perfect for parties or everyday use. If you’re outfitting a restaurant, hotel or busy office, a commercial or undercounter machine that produces larger volumes will be the better choice. Understanding the category that fits your needs is the first step toward a smart purchase.

Countertop and portable machines

Countertop ice makers are lightweight, plug-and-play devices that sit on a worktop. They’re ideal for short-term use or smaller spaces and typically require no plumbing — you just fill the reservoir and switch on. These models are the most common choice for homes and small offices in the UK because they balance cost, size and production rate. They’re perfect if you entertain occasionally or need extra ice for outdoor events.

Built-in, undercounter and commercial units

Built-in and undercounter machines are more permanent, often hardwired into a water supply and drainage system. They deliver higher output and are designed to blend into cabinetry, making them popular in bars, restaurants and luxury kitchens. Commercial units, on the other hand, are engineered for continuous heavy-duty use, with stainless steel bodies, larger compressors and higher daily production — ideal when you need consistent ice throughout the day.

Key features to compare before you buy

When comparing ice makers, certain features always make the difference between “good” and “great.” First, check the daily production rate — how many pounds of ice the unit can make in 24 hours. Next, look at the reservoir capacity in quarts or gallons; a larger tank reduces the frequency of topping up. Also consider ice size and shape — nugget, bullet or cube — since this affects how the ice chills drinks and how quickly it melts. Finally, material and build quality, like stainless steel bodies, influence longevity, especially in busy settings.

Production rate and reservoir capacity

Production rate, usually quoted in pounds per day, tells you how much ice you can expect over a full day. For instance, a small home countertop machine may produce 20–40 pounds of ice per day, while undercounter units often exceed 100 pounds. Reservoir capacity matters too: a 2–3 quart tank will need refilling more frequently than a 5–6 quart one. Think about your peak needs — a Friday night gathering or weekly BBQ — and choose a model whose hourly or daily output matches those moments.

Ice shape, size and clarity

Ice shape affects cooling performance and presentation. Nugget ice chews easily and absorbs drinks slowly, while large cubes chill beverages longer without diluting them quickly. Clear ice, created through slower freezing or directional freezing systems, looks professional and melts more slowly. If aesthetics matter to you — say, for cocktail nights — prioritize machines that make larger, clearer cubes or offer selectable sizes.

Spotlight: Caso Design Ice Chef Pro

Caso Design has built a reputation for sleek, well-engineered kitchen gadgets, and the Ice Chef Pro series sits squarely in that tradition. Available in finishes like white and stainless steel, these machines tend to marry attractive design with sensible performance. They’re aimed at home users who want a reliable countertop solution with a premium look. While you’ll find more affordable no-brand options, Caso’s kit usually offers better materials, quieter compressors and smarter controls, which translate into longer life and fewer headaches when you’re entertaining.

Spotlight: Coffee Friend ice makers

Coffee Friend models bring the same customer-focused thinking you’d expect from accessories aimed at the home beverage market. These machines often emphasize rapid cycle times and compact footprints, making them excellent companions for kitchen counters where space is at a premium. If your focus is on creating café-style drinks at home — espresso-based cocktails or iced coffee — a Coffee Friend ice maker is designed to be convenient, with easy-to-clean components and steady output for small to medium gatherings.

Other trusted brands and models you’ll find in the UK

Beyond Caso Design and Coffee Friend, the UK market includes a strong mix of international and local brands. Look for Klarstein for stylish European designs, Whynter and NewAir for robust portable freezers and ice makers, and respected appliance makers like Breville or Smeg when they offer related refrigeration products. Retailers often stock these brands, and Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO.com, Screwfix and Lakeland are common places to compare prices, read reviews and check specifications side by side. Choosing a known brand usually gives you better support, replacement parts and confidence over the product lifespan.

Where to buy ice makers in the UK

Shopping in person lets you get a feel for build quality and noise levels, but online shopping opens up a wider selection and often better deals. John Lewis offers trusted warranty options and often carries premium finishes, while Currys and AO.com cater to household and kitchen appliances with good filtering tools. Screwfix is useful for more commercial-style or heavy-duty units, and Lakeland occasionally lists compact machines aimed at home entertainers. Of course, Amazon UK aggregates multiple sellers and user reviews, providing an easy way to compare many models at once. Be sure to read user reviews that mention real-world production, noise and reliability.

How much do ice makers cost?

Expect to pay anywhere from a modest amount for basic countertop models up to several thousand pounds for commercial undercounter units. For an idea in imperial terms: a reliable home countertop machine typically falls in the low hundreds to mid hundreds of pounds, giving you roughly 20–50 pounds of ice a day and a reservoir measured in quarts. Mid-range undercounter or integrated units jump into the higher hundreds to a few thousand, with daily capacities measured in the hundreds of pounds. Decide whether you’re buying for occasional entertaining or continuous commercial service — that will guide your budget.

Maintenance, cleaning and lifespan

Simple maintenance keeps any ice maker humming. Regular limescale or mineral buildup can shorten performance, so descaling and sanitizing the reservoir every few weeks is sensible if you use it often. Replace filters as recommended and keep vents dust-free to ensure efficient cooling. Parts like water lines and seals may need replacing after several years, but quality stainless steel models and well-built compressors can last a decade or more with proper care. Think of maintenance like a little oiling to a bicycle chain: a small investment of time prevents big problems later.

Installation tips and space considerations

Before you click “buy,” measure the intended location carefully in inches and check door and cabinet clearances. For countertop models, leave several inches of clearance behind and on the sides for ventilation. For built-in or undercounter machines, you’ll need to arrange plumbing for a water inlet and often a drain outlet; some models come with a pump to handle drainage if a gravity-fed option isn’t available. If you’re not confident with plumbing, a quick call to a local handyman can prevent leaks and ensure the unit performs as intended.

Energy use, noise and environmental considerations

Ice makers use power to freeze water fast, so look for energy-star style information or manufacturer efficiency specs when possible. Noise can vary widely: small portable machines are surprisingly quiet these days, but higher-output units make more compressor noise. If the unit will sit near living areas, prioritize quieter models or place them in a utility room. Consider the environmental angle too; machines that use less water per pound of ice or have eco-friendly refrigerants reduce long-term impact. Buying well-built equipment also reduces waste by avoiding frequent replacements.

Tips for choosing the right model

Start by listing your needs: how many people are you serving, how often, and what ice style do you prefer? Match those needs to a production rate in pounds per day and a reservoir capacity that saves you from constant refills. Read user reviews focusing on real-world production, noise and build quality rather than marketing claims. If possible, select a brand with spare parts availability and clear cleaning instructions. Finally, compare warranties and the availability of local service centres in the UK — a small peace-of-mind factor that pays off if something goes wrong.

Making the final decision

Selecting the right ice maker comes down to balancing capacity, convenience and cost. Caso Design and Coffee Friend offer attractive, performance-minded options for home entertainers who want reliability and style. If your needs are heavier, explore undercounter or commercial options from brands stocked by retailers like John Lewis, Currys, AO.com, Screwfix and Lakeland. Remember: the best machine is the one you’ll use often, that fits your space and that won’t leave you scrambling for ice when guests arrive.

In short, take your time to measure, compare production rates in pounds per day, read user feedback, and pick the model that aligns with both your entertaining habits and budget. With the right choice, you’ll always have the perfect cube at hand — and that’s worth raising a glass to.