Ice Machine Battle Royale: 3 Best-Selling Undercounters Go Head-to-Head

Shopping for an ice machine can be a difficult task, especially when you can’t just walk into any old brick-and-mortar store and compare each one up close and in person. We took three of the most popular undercounter ice machines and did the comparing for you, so you can make the best possible buying decision from the comfort of your living room.

Manitowoc NEO UY-0140A

Prima's Opinion: A great choice for ease-of-use, performance, and flexibility.

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Manitowoc’s NEO line is a relatively new contender on the ice machine scene. Despite the success of their Q series, Manitowoc set out to produce a machine that performed even better--an "overachieving undercounter." Improvements in performance, ergonomics, and intelligence are just a few hallmarks of the NEO’s design. They’ve also increased energy efficiency and cleanability for a low-cost, hassle-free ice machine experience.

There’s a lot to love about the 140 lbs. per day UY-0140A, but a few standout innovations quickly won our affections. The NEO’s front controls are insanely handy, featuring pictorial icons and buttons for power, production delay, and cleaning mode. There are also indicators to let you know when the bin is full or the machine needs maintenance. No reaching, straining, or craning your neck to reach the controls on this guy.

We also found maintenance on the NEO to be incredibly simple. Key components that need to be routinely cleaned or replaced, like the water trough and air filter, are easily accessed without any tools at all. This includes the refrigeration components as well. Need some work done on your machine? The entire bin slides forward for quick, safe access to the machine’s inner workings. That means lower service costs and lower chance of damage to your machine. There’s no shortage of "easy" with the NEO UY-0140A.

Other notable features include a high capacity bin, an ergonomic scoop which prevents skin contact with ice, and internal components infused with AlphaSan antimicrobial agents to inhibit bacterial growth.

Ice-O-Matic ICEU150HA

Prima's Opinion: With a high production rate, this is an attractive option for owners/operators who need more ice in grueling environments.

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Ice-O-Matic’s ICEU150HA has become a favorite undercounter ice machine in recent years. At 185 lbs. of ice per day, this tough little machine has the highest production capacity of our three comparison models. Even in extreme temperature conditions, its 130 lbs. harvest rate is very good for a machine this size. If you’re running a fast-paced business and need a lot of ice, this may be the undercounter for you.

Ice-O-Matic offers a unique warranty option on the ICEU150HA. If you buy an Ice-O-Matic water filter for your ice machine and change it every six months, the manufacturer backs the machine’s evaporator with a 7 year parts and labor warranty. We highly recommend keeping your water line filtered regardless of which machine you buy, so the warranty extension is a huge benefit, in our opinion.

A number of other design features solidify the ICEU150HA as a good buying choice. An antimicrobial agent called AgION prevents slime and bacteria. Its ice harvest assist overcomes scaling and ensures that all of the produced ice falls into the bin. Also, the machine’s oversized condenser eliminates the need for an air filter. Lastly, sea salt corrosion protection makes this a great choice for coastal regions. These attentions to detail reduce the need for your attention to the machine.

Hoshizaki KM-151BAH

Prima's Opinion: A solid option for owners who value energy efficiency and long-term reliability

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Hoshizaki is a trusted player in the ice game. Their machines have a reputation for long lasting and high-performing quality, and the KM-151BAH is no different. Producing up to 146 lbs. of Hoshizaki’s signature crescent shaped ice cubes per day, this machine is a solid undercounter for any bar, cafe, or restaurant.

One of the most notable benefits of the KM-151BAH is Hoshizaki’s CycleSaver Design. Rather than producing smaller amounts of ice in more rapid cycles, the KM series takes about 30 minutes per cycle and produces more ice each time. That means it produces the same amount of ice in one cycle as a traditional design would produce in 3 or 4 cycles. This reduces the amount of wear on the evaporator and condenser and prolongs the life of the machine.

The KM-151BAH also wins by a landslide in lowest water usage. At a mere 17.8 gallons per 100 pounds of ice, the KM beats our two other comparison models by approximately 30%. While all three units are Energy Star rated, the Hoshizaki earns the title of "Most Energy Efficient Ice Machine" on our list. When you’re shopping for equipment for your business, the energy bill is a factor you can’t ignore. In that arena, we give the KM-151BAH two thumbs up.

Part of Hoshizaki’s enduring success is due to the quality of their machines’ components. They use stainless steel for the chassis and the evaporator, which reduces wear and tear and the chance of traditional nickel plating flaking off. Their EverCheck alert system gives visual and auditory warnings in case the machine does need maintenance.

The Final Meltdown

So, who’s the victor in this battle royale? We think they’re all great ice machines, so we’ll leave that decision up to you. Each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll have to decide which one best fits your needs. No matter which one you choose, you can pour yourself a drink and toast your victory in buying one of the best-selling ice machines on the market.

Photo credit: claustral via Compfight cc