Outdoor Ice Makers

What is the difference between an ice maker and an ice bin?

An ice maker is powered equipment that produces its own ice, so it needs a water supply, a drain and an electrical circuit routed into the bay before the island is closed up. An ice bin is unpowered insulated storage that simply holds ice you bring to it, so it needs no water and no power. If you are tired of hauling bags, you want a maker; if you only need somewhere cold to keep bagged ice during a party, a bin is cheaper and far simpler to install. Compare the alternatives in drop-in and pull-out ice bins.

Does an outdoor ice maker need a drain?

Yes. Meltwater has to go somewhere, and most units here drain by gravity: the TrueFlame 15" cube and nugget makers include a drain hose for gravity drainage with no pump plumbing required, and the RCS REFR3A uses a gravity drain with the RPUMP condensate pump sold separately for installations where gravity is not available. U-Line's UOCP115 is the clear ice machine that includes a pump. Where the drain actually terminates is a plumbing question: have the water supply and drain run by a licensed plumber to your local code and the unit's installation manual.

What is the difference between nugget, crescent, clear and cube ice?

Nugget ice is the soft, chewable style people buy a machine for when the drinks are the point; the U-Line UONP115, the TrueFlame AMD-IM-15N and the RCS REFR3A all make it. Crescent ice is the everyday all-purpose shape, made by the U-Line UOCR115 and the Coyote 15" built-in. Clear ice is the slow-melting, dense choice for cocktails, made by the U-Line UOCL115 and the pump-equipped UOCP115. Cube ice, from the TrueFlame AMD-IM-15 with its adjustable cube setting on the RCS REFR3, is the familiar solid cube for general chilling.

How much ice will an outdoor ice maker actually produce?

Daily production and onboard storage are two different numbers and both matter. The RCS REFR3A is listed at up to 55 lbs a day with 26 lbs of storage, the RCS REFR3 at 44 lbs a day with 26 lbs of storage, and both TrueFlame 15" models at up to 50 lbs a day with 25 lbs of storage. The Coyote 15" crescent maker is listed at up to 15 lbs a day with a 5 lb bin, which suits topping up rather than supplying a party. Production figures are not published on the U-Line 15" listings here, so check those on the product page or in the manufacturer's specification.

Can I put an indoor ice maker in an outdoor kitchen?

No. Outdoor-rated units are built differently, and the rating is what your warranty depends on. Both TrueFlame 15" makers and both RCS models are UL certified or UL rated for outdoor use, and U-Line builds its Outdoor Collection with more robust components than its indoor equivalents, chosen for the humidity and temperature swings of a covered outdoor area. U-Line also specifies a covered location, so plan for a roof, a solid-covered pergola or an overhang rather than full exposure to weather.

What cutout does a 15-inch ice maker need?

The nominal width is 15 inches but the actual framed opening varies by model, so use the figure published for the unit you buy. Both TrueFlame 15" makers list a cutout of 15 5/8" W x 23 1/2" D x 34 3/8" H, the RCS REFR3 lists 15" W x 24" D x 33 1/2" H, and the RCS REFR3A lists 15-1/4" W x 34-1/4" H x 22-1/2" D. Cutout height and depth are not published on the U-Line 15" listings here, so confirm them for that model before framing. All of these are front vented, so the venting must stay unobstructed.

What utilities does an outdoor ice maker need?

Water, drainage and a dedicated electrical supply, all routed before the island is finished. Published electrical figures vary: the RCS REFR3A lists 110V/60 Hz at 400 watts, the TrueFlame 15" cube maker calls for a nearby 120V/15A outlet, and the Coyote 15" crescent maker lists a 115V standard outlet. Take the circuit, water and drain requirements from your model's own installation manual, and have the electrical and plumbing connections made by licensed professionals working to your local code.