Global demand for undercounter ice makers in the global market is anticipated to experience a consistent expansion over the forecast period, attributed to rising demand from commercial and residential end users in search of space-saving design and high ice production capacity.
In hospitality, bars, restaurants and hotels all need an effective piece of equipment that can create ice reliably to meet customer demand but does not take up a huge footprint. At the same time, the residential market is seeing an increasing number of homeowners adding undercounter ice makers to kitchens and home bars for enhanced convenience and entertainment capability.
Technological advancements, including energy-saving designs, and smart features like remote monitoring and self-cleaning functions are also accelerating growth of the market. Furthermore, the increasing focus on energy conservation and environmental sustainability is driving manufacturers to create environmentally friendly models that require lesser water and electricity as per the global trend of lowering carbon footprints.
The market is anticipated to grow at a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 3.7% during the forecast period, 2034 and is anticipated to reach up to USD 1,202.3 Million by 2035, up from USD 836 Million in 2025.
Key Market Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 836 Million |
| Projected Market Size in 2035 | USD 1,202.3 Million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035 ) | 3.7% |
Explore FMI!
Book a free demo
The undercounter ice makers market in North America is expected to be dominated by the developed countries in the region owing to a consolidated hospitality sector coupled with a high propensity for consumer for premium kitchen appliances. The trend of undercounter ice makers has gained traction in the United States, especially in commercial spaces and households that prioritize convenience. While energy-efficient model launches and technological innovations further accelerate market growth within this region.
The undercounter ice makers market in Europe is anticipated to grow steadily, owing to the expansion of the food service industry and the increasing trend of home renovations making use of modern kitchen appliances. Germany, France, and the UK, among others, seem to be leading the way, and consumers become more sovereign towards compact and energy-saving ice-makers. Demand for eco-friendly models in the region is also driven by the emphasis on energy conservation and environmental sustainability.
The fastest growing market will be in the Asia-Pacific region; led by rapid urbanization, growing disposable incomes, and an expanding hospitality sector. Countries such as China, Japan and India are witnessing an increase in demand for undercounter ice maker driven by growth in food service industries and demand for enhanced home appliances. This only helps encourage the usage of ice-making solutions in this region further as health standards rise with increasing trends in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Challenges
Space Constraints, Maintenance Requirements, and Water-Energy Efficiency Issues
Limited Space in Small Commercial Kitchens and Home Settings to Hinder the Growth of Undercounter Ice Makers. The main bottleneck for the undercounter ice makers market is the limited installation space, especially in the case of small commercial kitchens and home settings, which limits unit size and ice production capacity.
Most models need regular servicing like changing the filter, descaling and draining the system for hygienic operation and to avoid breakdowns. Also, water and energy are still used, mostly when the model years are old and have no eco-friendly certifications. Regulatory demands for greater efficiency are mounting, and the industry has to comply with and increasingly stringent environmental and safety standards.
Opportunities
Expansion of Foodservice and Hospitality Sectors, and Smart Compact Appliance Demand
In spite of the adversities, the market for undercounter ice makers is witnessing gradual growth, supported by increase demand in restaurant, cafes, bars and hotels, as well as in home entertainment spaces. Not only do these appliances provide a small-footprint option for ice-on-demand, but they also conserve precious counter space. This market benefits from global growth in hospitality, food delivery, and outdoor dining, where in-packet, quick ice-access solutions are needed.
Niche opportunities are projected to get on the energy-efficient, low-noise, and smart-enabled egg laying chicken coops models. Antimicrobial interiors, dual-functionality (ice and water dispensers) and programmable ice cycles are growing consumer favorites. Manufacturers are also adding sustainable refrigerants, touchless operation and built-in sensors for monitoring performance. In turn, growth in luxury home kitchens, RV appliances and boutique hotel designs are also driving demand for aesthetic, built-in ice-making solutions.
The pandemic led to strong disruptions in the hospitality market between 2020 to 2024, though demand sustained within the residential market as consumers continued to invest in home upgrades and kitchen convenience. Ice makers grew in popularity for at-home entertaining, outdoor kitchens, and specialty beverages. But the complexity of installing such systems and periodic shortages limited rapid adoption.
Envisioning 2025 to 2035, the market is trending to be more oriented toward connected, low-maintenance, and energy-rated appliances that are increasingly in line with smart home ecosystems and sustainable building standards. Regulations promoting water-efficient appliances, demand for modular kitchen systems, and increasing use in healthcare, corporate lounges, and recreational spaces will support growth.
Market Shifts: A Comparative Analysis 2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035
| Market Shift | 2020 to 2024 Trends |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Basic energy and safety certifications |
| Consumer Trends | Focus on compact residential appliances and foodservice convenience |
| Industry Adoption | Common in bars, cafes, and premium home kitchens |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Relied on OEM refrigeration equipment manufacturers |
| Market Competition | Dominated by kitchen appliance brands and commercial refrigeration firms |
| Market Growth Drivers | Influenced by hospitality recovery and residential kitchen trends |
| Sustainability and Environmental Impact | Low focus on water or refrigerant sustainability |
| Integration of Smart Technologies | Minimal smart functionality beyond timers |
| Advancements in Product Design | Emphasis on durability, ice shape options, and compact footprint |
| Market Shift | 2025 to 2035 Projections |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Emphasis on Energy Star ratings, eco-refrigerants, and water usage compliance |
| Consumer Trends | Rising demand for smart-enabled, low-noise, and aesthetic undercounter units |
| Industry Adoption | Expansion into healthcare, office lounges, outdoor kitchens, and RVs |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Growth in custom-built solutions, modular appliance packages, and eco-material sourcing |
| Market Competition | Entry of home tech innovators, luxury appliance designers, and IoT-integrated product makers |
| Market Growth Drivers | Accelerated by connected kitchen ecosystems, food safety needs, and water-saving mandates |
| Sustainability and Environmental Impact | Adoption of R290 refrigerants, auto-cleaning systems, and energy-saving cycles |
| Integration of Smart Technologies | Advanced models with app control, diagnostics, and integration with smart home assistants |
| Advancements in Product Design | Innovation in panel-ready finishes, dual-use dispensers, and silent operation |
Hospitality venues, residential kitchens, and commercial bars are the key end-users of undercounter ice makers, and this is the reason to why the USA market is at the forefront of the adoption for undercounter ice makers. The highest spec appliances have built-in design, the ability to customize finishes, and the production of ice within minutes. Energy-efficient models with smart controls are catching on with homeowners and small restaurants.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 3.8% |
Demand in the UK is supported by the increase in the number of compact foodservice outlets, luxury apartments, and outdoor kitchen installations. Restaurants and hotels like quiet, low-footprint machines, while residential users are buying integrated units featuring high-end finishes and multi-ice format capabilities.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| UK | 3.6% |
Several commercial kitchens, bars, and resort chains are moving towards the energy-compliant, space-saving ice solutions for the EU market, which is expanding. Germany, Italy and Spain are low-noise units with recyclable materials and frost-free technologies that comply with evolving environmental standards.
| Region | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| EU | 3.7% |
Japan’s appetite is fueled by the requirements of compact appliances in urban dwellings, small coffee houses, and digital kitchens. Consumers want quiet, efficient machines that favor modern lines and low-profile undercounter integration, especially for minimalist and multifunctional kitchen areas.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 3.7% |
South Korea is on an upward trajectory thanks now to the rise of home cooking, convenience stores, and smaller luxury appliances. Manufacturers are launching models equipped with touchless dispensers, UV sterilization and smart diagnostics in a match with the country’s push for high-tech, hygienic appliances.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 3.8% |
Type-wise, the undercounter ice makers market is led by ice making head and remote condensing unit segments, owing to the increasing demand for compact and high volume ice production across healthcare, foodservice and hospitality industries. These equipment types maximize space, energy, and maintenance accessibility in high-demand environments.
Its compact design, all-in-one construction, and suitability for undercounter placement contributed to the strong market adoption of the ice making heads. These units integrate ice production and storage in a single footprint, making them well-suited for compact kitchens and service counters, which is unlike modular systems.
The increasing infiltration of ice making heads gamut is accelerated by rapid utilization of back-bar ice makers, office breakroom coolers, and hotel mini-service areas. According to studies, self-contained units lower installation time, as well as maintenance complexity, which makes them attractive to small and mid-sized commercial users.
The explosion of air- and water-cooled variants, combined with adjustable ice size settings and anti-microbial interiors, aided market growth in cafes, convenience stores, and boutique bars.Smart diagnostics, programmable cleaning cycles, and energy-efficient compressors have been adopted even more intensively, allowing for consistent performance with little to no user oversight. Close mounting to wall, customer-facing design, and front venting have helped fine-tune low noise operation in a limited space environment without compromising end-user satisfaction.
Despite the simplicity and small footprint offered by ice making heads, they present issues such as the restricted scalability and fixed production capacities. Still, developments like modular upgrade kits, better insulation, and IoT-enabled performance monitoring are boosting function and will maintain demand.
Remote Condensing Units in large-scale applications which require the ability to produce ice at high volumes in low noise environments.Remote condensing units are increasingly popular solutions for commercial kitchens and institutional applications when a higher noise level and greater ice production is a concern. These systems, in which the compressor is separated from the ice bin, generate less heat and noise in indoor spaces than self-contained heads.
Growing demand for centralized cooling equipment in healthcare, hospitality, and high-volume food safe features has fueled the adoption of remote condensing systems.The increasing availability of split-system arrangements and custom line sets, as well as condensers meeting exterior dimensional and drainage requirements, has bolstered the market appeal of systems in operations where continuous ice generation is paramount.Adoption has also been fueled by the use of smart defrost cycles, variable-speed fans and R290-compatible refrigerants that maintain sustainable performance standards.
Designs of these systems have evolved to be based on modular bin pairings, cold-ambient compatibility, and corrosion resistant enclosures that assure maximum reliability and long-term operational robustness.Although remote condensing units provide improved performance and quieter acoustics, the added complexity to installation and higher capital cost must be overcome. But advances in plug-and-play customization, service friendly components, and cloud-based reminders are opening access and assuring growth.
Based on the type, the undercounter ice makers market can be segmented into continuous, nugget, flake, and batch.Continuous Ice Makers Lead Market Demand as High-Throughput Production Supports Fast-Paced EnvironmentsContinuous ice makers are popular in environments where there is a need for a constant supply of ice, without interruption. Continuous models produce a constant ice output and have a shorter recovery time than batch systems.
Adoption has been driven by rising demand in quick-service restaurants, cafeterias and event venues. This equipment streamlines workflow and minimizes pressure in busier times.Additionally, functionality was bolstered through the incorporation of adaptive controls, real-time diagnostics and low-water alerts to guarantee uninterrupted operation.Recent advancements in compact, undercounter continuous equipment, high-efficiency compressors, and dynamic or "smart" cycle timers have helped optimize their use in high traffic areas.
User Comfort and Versatility Become Priority in Expansion of Nugget and Flake Ice Types . Nugget ice has a slow melt rate and is chewable, which has led to a high adoption in healthcare and hospitality segments. Nugget ice is patient-friendly in texture and tactility, as well as offers a better mix with beverages than other forms of ice you can find.
Its rising demand in settings such as fast-casual dining, smoothie chains and beverage stations in hospitals has driven adoption.Ice makers that produce flake ice have also expanded, especially in seafood displays, preservation of food as well as medical cooling. Flake ice moulds into uneven shapes and cools rapidly because of its large surface area.The adoption has been further accelerated by the development of dual-mode units that produce both nugget and flake ice, further driving adoption in mixed-use environments.
Batch ice makers are still used for restaurants, bars and hotels that demand standard cube ice for beverages and food prep. These systems provide predictable output and improved water usage.Growing need for standardization and cost-efficacy has been propelling adoption of these, primarily in small-to-medium establishments.Energy-saving batch cycles, variable cube sizing and small ice bins have improved these systems for undercounter applications.
But even though ice types can do a lot, they contend with some challenges specific to a freeze type system cleaning frequency, in addition to some application-specific limitations. But advancements in anti-scale filtration, touchscreen controls, and automatic sanitization are enhancing usability, providing continued growth for ice maker types.
The undercounter ice makers market is growing due to increased demand for space-efficient ice production in commercial kitchens, hospitality, healthcare, and residential applications. Companies are focusing on energy-efficient units, low-noise operation, antimicrobial interiors, and modular connectivity.
Key players include commercial refrigeration manufacturers, foodservice equipment providers, and premium home appliance brands. Innovations emphasize self-cleaning features, variable ice size selection, smart diagnostics, and sustainable refrigerant systems that comply with updated environmental standards.
Market Share Analysis by Key Players & Undercounter Ice Maker Manufacturers
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Hoshizaki Corporation | 14-18% |
| Scotsman Ice Systems (Pentair) | 12-16% |
| Manitowoc Ice (Welbilt) | 10-14% |
| Follett Products LLC (Middleby) | 8-12% |
| Ice-O-Matic | 6-9% |
| Other Ice Maker Brands | 30-40% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Hoshizaki Corporation | Manufactures energy-efficient undercounter crescent and cube ice makers with antimicrobial systems and stainless steel exteriors. |
| Scotsman Ice Systems | Provides compact undercounter models with built-in storage, eco-friendly refrigerants, and multiple ice shape options. |
| Manitowoc Ice | Offers space-saving ice machines with intelligent diagnostics, delay start features, and LED status indicators. |
| Follett Products LLC | Specializes in undercounter nugget ice machines with chewable ice, industry-leading sanitation features, and healthcare-grade reliability. |
| Ice-O-Matic | Delivers compact, air-cooled undercounter machines with adjustable legs and fast production cycles for restaurants and offices. |
Key Market Insights
Hoshizaki Corporation (14-18%)
Hoshizaki leads with a comprehensive line of undercounter ice machines designed for high durability, quiet operation, and hygienic ice production. Its ENERGY STAR® models support sustainability in commercial and residential settings.
Scotsman Ice Systems (12-16%)
Scotsman offers versatile undercounter units with Prodigy® smart control systems, adaptive purge cycles, and low-maintenance operation. Their machines are favored in hospitality and food retail sectors.
Manitowoc Ice (10-14%)
Manitowoc combines functionality and convenience, offering compact units with built-in water filtration, delay timer settings, and tool-free access to internal components for faster maintenance.
Follett Products LLC (8-12%)
Follett excels in healthcare and beverage service environments, offering undercounter nugget ice systems known for superior cooling performance, water savings, and quiet output.
Ice-O-Matic (6-9%)
Ice-O-Matic delivers user-friendly undercounter machines with quick ice cycles, corrosion-resistant parts, and field-reversible doors, making them ideal for cafés, bars, and office breakrooms.
Other Key Players (30-40% Combined)
Many regional and emerging brands contribute to innovation in affordability, smart connectivity, and aesthetic integration for modern kitchens and compact service areas. These include:
The overall market size for the undercounter ice makers market was USD 836 Million in 2025.
The undercounter ice makers market is expected to reach USD 1,202.3 Million in 2035.
The demand for undercounter ice makers is rising due to increasing use in foodservice, hospitality, and healthcare settings where space-saving and on-demand ice production is essential. Growing emphasis on hygiene, energy-efficient refrigeration, and compact kitchen designs are further driving market growth.
The top 5 countries driving the development of the undercounter ice makers market are the USA, China, Japan, Germany, and the UK
Ice Making Heads and Remote Condensing Units are expected to command a significant share over the assessment period.
Cattle Supplies Market Analysis & Forecast for 2025 to 2035
Beer Keg System Market Forecast & Outlook for 2025 to 2035
Food Dehydrators Market Analysis by Type and End-Use Industry Through 2035
Electric Commercial Deep Fryers Market Analysis – Trends, Growth & Forecast 2025 to 2035
Brewery Equipment Market Analysis by Fermentation equipment, Brew house equipment, Carbonation and other Product Type Through 2025 to 2035
Ice Cream Service Supplies Market - Premium Serving Essentials 2025 to 2035
Undercounter Ice Makers Market
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
