Replacing an Under Counter Kitchenaid Ice Maker....With What?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

We have an under counter (separate) Kitchen Aid ice maker that is leaking AGAIN. It was put in by the PO in 2003 or 2004 and is very loud. We've had it worked on probably four of five times since 2005 when we bought the house. The last guy to fix it now is throwing up his hands in defeat saying he doesnt know why it is leaking (after a $350 repair). I am ready for a new one and am crossing Kitchen Aid off my list. Does anyone have an IM they would recommend? Has anyone tried the Scotsman brand? They make commercial ice makers so i thought they might produce something more reliable for residential use. Hoshizaki is another commercial maker that has a smaller IM suitable for homes.....anyone try that manufacturer?

Many thanks in advance for your help!

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Comments (10)

plllog
8 years ago
Last I knew (which was a few years back), Scotsman was well thought of. I think they were making the SubZero model.
User
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks , pillog. We just replaced a 22 year old subzero refrigerator last November so if they make SubZ's ice maker that's certainly a point in their favor.

There is no authorized subzero repair person within 50 miles (we live in a fairly rural area) but there is a Scotsman dealer not too far away.
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Daniel Peterson
8 years ago
I found this site: http://goo.gl/sgCUGC have product reviews and comparison table. Hope that help you pick a good one!
1_ohio_bald_eagle
8 years ago
A Couple of points to clear up.

1) Scotsman does not make the current Sub-Zero ice machines. UC-15I or UC-15IP

2) Noise is a subject issue. All ice machines make noise. What maybe acceptable to someone else may not be acceptable to you. The larger production models will fill the bin faster and not cycle on / off as frequently. Get to a store that has one hook-up live and listen for yourself.

If you are a fan of chewing ice consider the nugget ice machine by Scotsman. See the following YouTube video of a nugget ice machine in action.

Tim Carter - AskTheBuilder - Scotsman Nugget Ice Machine
1_ohio_bald_eagle
8 years ago
I believe the Sub-Zero ice machine is made for them by Manitowoc Ice.
PRO
Joe Henderson
8 years ago
Manitowoc is definitely the maker of the current unit. The older 315I was made by Scotsman.

Scotsman is the best bang for your buck IMHO. They have always been reliable (for an icemaker, that is). The DCE33 is basically the same machine they have been making forever. The SCC30 and SCC50 models are the newer, more efficient version that have been out for about 3 years now.

Noise is tough to say. Icemakers are noisy by nature, ice is constantly falling into a bin of varying fullness. The pump if needed will make noise when in use. I don't think you will be able to discern noise levels between the units.
User
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Thanks for your replies, everyone. I have been checking online and talking with various mfgs reps and appliance stores in the nearest large city. We have decided to go with a commercial Hoshizaki, which is more expensive than the others but has the best warranty. We do like our ice!
tempe110
8 years ago
Would the warranty be valid since you are putting a commercial ice machine in a residential setting?
motherwallace
8 years ago
Why commercial Hoshizaki? Talk about noise…goodness they are loud. We put in the Scotsman Nugget Ice Machine two weeks ago. Love it! I'm in Dallas where it's been 102 degrees and I have landscapers working and I've been giving them ice throughout the day. Haven't run out yet!!! I did a ton of research and considered the Hoshizaki but found the Scotsman to be a better option. Hoshizaki only recently started making residential machines and they haven't performed as well. I was told there might also be issues when needing to find a repairman.
User
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes, it comes with a warranty, and yes, there's a repair person only 45 minutes away. Nothing could be louder than our current (kitchen aid) ice maker, unless perhaps it was one of the two we had at our former house and the one that was replaced twice at our lake house. We've now had four brands/ models of ice makers throughout the years and the word "residential" has become synonymous with "repair nightmare."

I am determined to try something different this time. :-)

Replacing an Under Counter Kitchenaid Ice Maker....With What?

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plllog

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Replacing an Under Counter Kitchenaid Ice Maker....With What?

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