Key takeaways
- Daily production. Quoted per 24 hours under standard test conditions. Real output drops in a hot garage or when the water is warm.
- Storage bin. The bin holds finished ice. Production is not the same as capacity, so a machine that makes 50 pounds a day but stores 25 pounds will stop making ice once the bin is full.
- Drain type. Gravity drain needs a floor drain or a drain line lower than the machine. A drain pump variant, marked with a P in the EdgeStar naming, can push water to a higher drain. Drainless designs reuse or evaporate melt water.
- Cube type. The IB450 makes square clear cubes. The IP210 makes bullet-shaped ice. Clear cubes melt slowly and look good in spirits. Bullet ice cools drinks fast.
- Footprint. Undercounter units are about 15 inches wide, so confirm cabinet cutout dimensions before ordering.
For a home bar or kitchen island, the EdgeStar IB250SS suits buyers who want modest clear-ice output without plumbing a drain, the IB450 family suits households that entertain often and can provide a drain, and the older IP210 countertop unit suits renters who only need a few pounds of bullet-style ice but is now listed as discontinued at one major distributor. Those three describe the shape of the EdgeStar range, according to maker listings, retailer spec sheets and independent summaries. This guide explains how they differ, what the numbers mean, and what installation questions to answer before buying.
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How EdgeStar ice makers are organized
EdgeStar sells its ice makers in two broad families. The first is built-in or undercounter clear-ice machines, usually in stainless steel, which sit in a cabinet opening or stand free. The second is small portable countertop makers that fill a basket with bullet-shaped cubes in minutes. They solve different problems, and the biggest mistake buyers make is comparing them on price alone.
Independent coverage is limited. Several of the review pages that appear in search results look like affiliate summaries, and one uses a price from many years ago. The specifications below come from the distributors’ spec sheets and owner’s manual listings, and review verdicts are attributed to their outlets.
Key specs to understand
- Daily production. Quoted per 24 hours under standard test conditions. Real output drops in a hot garage or when the water is warm.
- Storage bin. The bin holds finished ice. Production is not the same as capacity, so a machine that makes 50 pounds a day but stores 25 pounds will stop making ice once the bin is full.
- Drain type. Gravity drain needs a floor drain or a drain line lower than the machine. A drain pump variant, marked with a P in the EdgeStar naming, can push water to a higher drain. Drainless designs reuse or evaporate melt water.
- Cube type. The IB450 makes square clear cubes. The IP210 makes bullet-shaped ice. Clear cubes melt slowly and look good in spirits. Bullet ice cools drinks fast.
- Footprint. Undercounter units are about 15 inches wide, so confirm cabinet cutout dimensions before ordering.
At a glance: main EdgeStar models
| Model | Best for | Key stated specs | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EdgeStar IB450SS (gravity drain) | Frequent entertaining with a floor drain nearby | Up to 50 lb of clear ice per day, about 25 lb storage, 15 inch wide, reversible door, manual defrost; some sources list 45 lb | Needs a drain, noisy while making ice per one reviewer, premium tier |
| EdgeStar IB450SSP (drain pump) | Installs where gravity drain is not possible | Same output with an internal drain pump, drain location within about 4.5 feet, about 82 lb, 115 volts at 4.8 amps | Pump adds a part that can fail or hum, heavy |
| EdgeStar IB250SS | Home bar or island with no drain access | Up to 25 lb a day, drainless design according to IceMakerVerdict | Lower output, storage smaller than the IB450 |
| EdgeStar IB120SS | Small bars needing a compact built-in | Part of the built-in lineup reviewed by IceMakerVerdict | Smaller than the IB250SS, so best for light use |
| EdgeStar IP210 (portable) | Countertop use where a small batch is enough | Up to 28 lb a day, 2.5 lb basket, small, medium or large bullet ice in about 10 minutes, about 24 lb, no drain needed | Listed as discontinued at one distributor, small bin, bullet ice melts faster |
EdgeStar IB450: the high-output clear-ice option
Retailer spec sheets list the IB450 family at up to 50 pounds of clear ice per day, with about 25 pounds of storage. The exterior is roughly 14.6 inches wide, 23.4 inches deep and 32.6 inches tall, with a cutout around 15 inches wide, 25.4 inches deep and 32.9 inches tall. The IB450SSP weighs about 82 pounds and the black IB450BL about 79. A reversible door lets you choose which way it opens, and defrost is manual.
PlumbingLab calls the IB450SS the best home-use undercounter clear-ice maker, and lists output slightly lower at 45 pounds per day. BestChoice scores the IB450SSP in the high seven out of ten range, praising clear cubes, output and the stainless door, and noting noise while ice is made. IceMakerVerdict says the IB450SS makes sense mainly if clear ice and higher output outweigh the extra plumbing. That is a fair summary: this is a machine for hosts, not for a couple who use ice for evening drinks.
Drain choices and installation
Drainage decides which variant to buy. The gravity-drain IB450SS needs a nearby floor drain or a condensate pump to move meltwater. The IB450SSP includes an internal drain pump and requires a drain location within about 4.5 feet of the unit. Straight.com recommends installing with a licensed plumber, and that is sensible advice for anyone who is not comfortable with water lines and cabinet cutouts. The machine also needs a dedicated water supply, clearance for ventilation as shown in the manual, and an appropriate electrical outlet. If you are unsure about the circuit, ask a licensed electrician.
EdgeStar IB250SS: the drainless middle path
IceMakerVerdict names the IB250SS the best all-around choice for a home bar or kitchen island. It reports output up to 25 pounds a day and a drainless design that avoids a floor drain or pump. That removes the hardest part of many installations and is the main reason to choose it over the IB450. The cost is output and storage. If your guests drink a lot of cocktails, a 25 pound day will run out sooner than a 50 pound one.
EdgeStar IP210: the compact portable
The IP210 is a countertop machine rated by the maker at up to 28 pounds of ice a day with a 2.5 pound basket. It makes small, medium or large bullet ice in about 10 minutes, uses touch controls and reuses melted ice water to make new ice. Dimensions are about 11.7 inches wide, 14.4 inches deep and 14.9 inches tall, and it weighs about 24 pounds. It draws 1.9 amps at 115 volts, needs no drain, and uses R-134a refrigerant. The warranty is listed as one year on parts and 90 days on labor. One major distributor lists the unit as discontinued, so treat it as a previous-generation model and expect limited availability. If you see it on sale, understand that you are buying a small, simple machine.
Budget tiers
- Budget. Portable countertop machines in the IP210 style, which need no plumbing.
- Mid-range. Drainless undercounter machines such as the IB250SS.
- Premium. The IB450 family, which sits at the top of the EdgeStar range. Total cost rises further with the pump variant and professional installation.
Choosing between output tiers
Estimate demand before you pick. A household that uses ice for a few drinks a night rarely needs more than 25 pounds a day, because the bin refills overnight. A host who fills coolers for a party draws down a bin quickly, and the larger IB450 refills faster and stores more. Remember that the quoted daily figure assumes cool room air and cool incoming water; a warm garage or a hot kitchen lowers it. If you only need ice a few weekends a year, a small countertop machine costs less to buy and avoids installation altogether, although it makes smaller, faster-melting ice and runs more often.
Noise is the other practical factor. Clear-ice machines freeze water slowly and then release a slab, so they make occasional clunks and water sounds. BestChoice lists noise during ice making as the main con of the IB450SSP. If the unit will sit near a seating area or a bedroom wall, factor that in, and follow the manual’s guidance on leveling and spacing so the cabinet does not amplify it.
Care and operating notes
- Cleaning. Clean the interior on the schedule in the manual, using the cleaner the maker recommends, so that scale does not affect ice quality.
- Water filter. Hard water produces scale. A filter on the supply line can help, per the usual advice on clear-ice machines.
- Ventilation. Leave the clearances the manual specifies.
- Outdoor use. Only use models rated for outdoor installation outdoors.
- Power. Use a grounded outlet and follow local code.
Pick X if you
| If you | Pick |
|---|---|
| Host often and have a floor drain | EdgeStar IB450SS |
| Need a drain pump | EdgeStar IB450SSP |
| Want clear ice without a drain | EdgeStar IB250SS |
| Need a very small built-in | EdgeStar IB120SS |
| Want a plug-and-go countertop machine | EdgeStar IP210 where available |
| Prefer chewable nugget ice | A nugget maker from another brand |
Alternatives
Other undercounter clear-ice makers. Brands such as Scotsman, Kegco, and U-Line sell comparable machines, and are worth a look if EdgeStar stock is limited.
Nugget ice makers. The EdgeStar IB450 is a clear-ice cube maker, not a nugget maker. Anyone looking for soft nugget ice needs another brand.
Portable countertop makers. Brands such as Igloo, Frigidaire and Newair sell small bullet-ice machines for patios and RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EdgeStar make a nugget ice maker?
No nugget undercounter model turned up in the sources reviewed. The IB450 is described as a clear cube maker, and the IP210 makes bullet-shaped ice.
Do I need a drain?
For the IB450SS, yes: a floor drain or condensate pump. The IB450SSP has a built-in pump, and the IB250SS is described as drainless.
How much ice can I actually get?
Makers quote up to 50 pounds a day for the IB450 and 25 pounds for the IB250SS. Real output depends on ambient temperature and water temperature, and the bin limits what you can have on hand.
Is the IP210 still sold?
One major distributor lists it as discontinued, though other sellers still show it. Treat it as previous generation.
Is clear ice better?
Clear ice is denser and melts more slowly, which suits spirits. For soft drinks, bullet ice cools faster.
Can I install it myself?
Some people do, but water and electrical connections are best handled by a qualified plumber or electrician. Follow the installation manual for clearances and cutout sizes.
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