Standalone ice makers are now commonplace in residential and commercial settings. Some models are easy to place in a kitchen as they fit under the counter. Undercounter ice machines are often smaller yet can output sufficiently large amounts of ice. If you don’t have a refrigerator with a built-in ice maker, or it’s not practical to purchase one, a standalone ice machine can be very useful.
The most basic ice makers are portable units that don’t need to be connected to the water line. Once plugged into a standard 110V outlet, an ice maker accepts water poured into it, and can often make ice in just a few minutes. But they generally don’t keep ice frozen, as these units are not freezers. Once the ice melts back into water, this water is recycled so more ice can be made.
Portable ice makers generally have a limited capacity, but they’re suited for a wide range of applications, from use in the kitchen or on the patio to during camping or boating trips.
Standalone Ice Makers by Sub-Zero
Sub-Zero makes several different ice makers that are separate from standard refrigerators. These include the:
- UC-15I: A 15-inch panel-ready ice maker that stores up to 25 pounds of ice at once. It can produce up to 50 pounds of octagonal-shaped ice per day (each cube is about 1¼ inches long) and includes magnetic door seals to contain cold air. An ice scoop is conveniently built into the door. The unit has a variety of automation features as well. With auto-delay, you can pause ice production at the same time each day, while you can set ice production to temporarily stop for two, four, or eight hours.
- UC-15I(P): An undercounter ice maker, it stores up to 26 pounds of ice at a time. Like the panel-ready model, it can produce up to 50 pounds of ice daily with about 24 gallons of water. The unit requires about one gallon of water per hour.
- UC-15IPO: Allowing for flexible installation (a pump can be connected to a hose run from a water source), this unit can be used outdoors and produces up to 50 pounds of ice per day, like its indoor counterparts. It can produce ice even in outdoor temperatures up to 100°F. Cold air is locked inside thanks to superior sealing, while a water filtration system removes impurities and reduces viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants.
- 315I/315IP: The 315I produces clear, cube-shaped ice that is rounded on the sides. This restaurant-type ice maker requires an air supply and water supply. Model 315I integrates a gravity drain; the built-in pump of the 315IP drains water into an adjacent sink. Storing up to 26 pounds of ice, the product includes front venting and can be serviced by removing the kickplate/grille. The door features a four-sided magnetic gasket for sealing and a reversible hinge.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Standalone Ice Machine
Ice machines can be accessorized with items such as storage bins. For some units, drain pumps and water filtration systems can be added. With Sub-Zero appliances, you benefit from a microprocessor that provides precise control of interior temperature and an advanced air seal system that prevents leaks from all sides of the door. This system helps conserve energy.
To learn more or receive factory-certified service on your ice machine, refrigerator, range, oven, or washer, contact Wilshire Refrigeration & Appliance, Inc. by calling 800-427-3653 for immediate assistance or to schedule a visit by our highly trained, experienced technicians.
