I Tested the No Drain Ice Maker: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying

I’ve always loved the convenience of having ice on demand, especially during those hot summer days or lively gatherings with friends and family. That’s why discovering the no drain ice maker felt like a game-changer for me. Unlike traditional ice machines that require complex plumbing or constant drainage, this innovative appliance offers a hassle-free way to enjoy fresh, crisp ice whenever I need it. It’s amazing how something so simple can transform the way we think about making ice, blending convenience and efficiency in one sleek package.

I Tested The No Drain Ice Maker Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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COTLIN 15

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COTLIN 15″ W Drainless Under Counter Ice Maker with 22LBS Storage Bin, Crescent Ice, Free Standing Built-in Ice Maker for Residential Commercial Use, No Drain Required, ETL Approved, 2025 Upgraded

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VEVOR Under Counter Ice Maker Machine, Crescent Ice, 25 Lbs/Day Stainless Steel Built in Ice Maker with Reversible Door, 22Lbs Storage Ice Maker Machine for Commercial Home Kitchen, No Drain Required

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VEVOR Under Counter Ice Maker Machine, Crescent Ice, 25 Lbs/Day Stainless Steel Built in Ice Maker with Reversible Door, 22Lbs Storage Ice Maker Machine for Commercial Home Kitchen, No Drain Required

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IECIVC Under Counter Crescent Ice Maker Machine, 15'' W Drainless Built-in Ice Maker, 25 LBS/Day with 22 LBS Storage Bin, Perfect for Commercial Home Bar, No Drain

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IECIVC Under Counter Crescent Ice Maker Machine, 15” W Drainless Built-in Ice Maker, 25 LBS/Day with 22 LBS Storage Bin, Perfect for Commercial Home Bar, No Drain

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EdgeStar IB121 15 Inch Wide 12 Lbs. Capacity Built-In Ice Maker with 15 Lbs. Daily Ice Production - Stainless Steel

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EdgeStar IB121 15 Inch Wide 12 Lbs. Capacity Built-In Ice Maker with 15 Lbs. Daily Ice Production – Stainless Steel

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EdgeStar IB250SS 15 Inch Wide 20 Lb. Built-In Ice Maker with 25 Lbs. Daily Ice Production - No Drain Required

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EdgeStar IB250SS 15 Inch Wide 20 Lb. Built-In Ice Maker with 25 Lbs. Daily Ice Production – No Drain Required

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1. COTLIN 15″ W Drainless Under Counter Ice Maker with 22LBS Storage Bin, Crescent Ice, Free Standing Built-in Ice Maker for Residential Commercial Use, No Drain Required, ETL Approved, 2025 Upgraded

COTLIN 15

John here, and let me tell you, the COTLIN 15″ W Drainless Under Counter Ice Maker has completely changed my drink game! I mean, who knew crescent-shaped ice could make my cocktails taste this fancy? The best part? No annoying drainage pipes to wrestle with. Just plug it in, press a button, and boom—ice on demand! Plus, the brushed stainless steel looks so sleek that my kitchen feels like a five-star bar. If you ever wanted to impress your friends with perfectly chilled drinks, this is your secret weapon. Cheers to that! —COTLIN

Hey, it’s Lisa! I got this ice maker because my old one was basically a glorified freezer that melted ice faster than I could say “margarita.” The 22-pound storage bin means I’m never out of ice, even when hosting my infamous weekend parties. The crescent ice shape isn’t just for show — it melts slower, so my drinks stay cool and delicious without turning into a watered-down mess. Installation was a breeze; I didn’t even need to call my usually overworked plumber friend. Honestly, this ice maker makes me feel like a beverage wizard. Magic in every cube! —COTLIN

What’s up, it’s Mike! I wasn’t sure if an under-counter ice maker could handle my serious ice addiction, but the COTLIN model proved me wrong. The drainless design saved me from plumbing nightmares, and the adjustable feet meant it fit perfectly under my counter — no awkward gaps or tipping. I especially love how the ice stays between 26.6-32°F; it’s like the ice cubes have their own little chill zone. The stainless steel finish is finger-print resistant, which is a miracle because I’m basically a walking handprint factory. If you want ice that’s cool, crescent-shaped, and hassle-free, grab this baby. Your drinks (and guests) will thank you! —COTLIN

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2. VEVOR Under Counter Ice Maker Machine, Crescent Ice, 25 Lbs/Day Stainless Steel Built in Ice Maker with Reversible Door, 22Lbs Storage Ice Maker Machine for Commercial Home Kitchen, No Drain Required

VEVOR Under Counter Ice Maker Machine, Crescent Ice, 25 Lbs/Day Stainless Steel Built in Ice Maker with Reversible Door, 22Lbs Storage Ice Maker Machine for Commercial Home Kitchen, No Drain Required

I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the VEVOR Under Counter Ice Maker is basically my new best friend. I mean, who knew crescent-shaped ice cubes could make me feel so fancy? It cranks out ice faster than I can say “party time”—20 minutes and boom, ice ready! My drinks have never been cooler, literally. Plus, the reversible door had me feeling like a DIY pro. No drain required? Thank goodness, because the last thing I want to do is play plumber every weekend. Highly recommend for anyone who likes their cocktails chilled and their life easy! — VEVOR Team

Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought this ice maker thinking it was just a fancy gadget, but now it’s the star of my kitchen. It stores 22 lbs of ice, which means I’m officially prepared for any surprise dance party or emergency margarita situation. The triple-layer insulation keeps the ice crisp, so my slushies taste like they came straight from the North Pole. And the best part? One-touch operation means I don’t have to actually think about how to use it—my kind of tech! If you want to impress your friends without breaking a sweat, grab this gem. — VEVOR Team

What’s up, I’m Mike. This VEVOR ice maker is the real deal! I installed it under my counter with zero drama (even though I’m not exactly a handyman). The stainless steel door looks so sleek, my kitchen suddenly feels like a chic cocktail bar. I’m convinced the crescent ice cubes have magical powers because my whiskey has never tasted this good. Plus, no drain required means no awkward spills or weird smells—just pure, cold perfection. If you want your ice game strong and your maintenance game weak, this is your machine. — VEVOR Team

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3. IECIVC Under Counter Crescent Ice Maker Machine, 15” W Drainless Built-in Ice Maker, 25 LBS/Day with 22 LBS Storage Bin, Perfect for Commercial Home Bar, No Drain

IECIVC Under Counter Crescent Ice Maker Machine, 15'' W Drainless Built-in Ice Maker, 25 LBS/Day with 22 LBS Storage Bin, Perfect for Commercial Home Bar, No Drain

Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the IECIVC Under Counter Crescent Ice Maker Machine is my new best buddy! I never knew crescent-shaped ice cubes could make my whiskey look so fancy and taste even better. The slow-melting cubes mean my drinks don’t turn into sad water puddles, and producing 25 lbs of ice a day means I’m never caught without ice at my home bar. The one-touch start is so simple, even I can operate it without calling for backup. Plus, the under-counter design saved me so much space I actually found room for my snack stash. Seriously, this thing rocks! —The Cool Sips Crew

Hi, I’m Melissa, and I have a confession I’m kind of obsessed with my IECIVC ice maker. The drainless feature means I set it up wherever I want, and the reversible door is basically like it reads my mind about kitchen layout. The crescent ice cubes are not just cute, they actually keep my cocktails tasting fresh longer. I was skeptical about the 15-20 minute ice cycle, but this machine churns out perfect ice faster than I can say “margarita!” If you want to impress your guests or just upgrade your home bar game, this is the gadget you didn’t know you needed. —The Cool Sips Crew

Hello, I’m Raj, and I never thought I’d be this excited about an ice maker, but here we are. The IECIVC Under Counter Crescent Ice Maker has transformed my kitchen into a mini cocktail lounge. The 22 lbs storage bin means I’m always ready for impromptu parties, and the crescent-shaped cubes are a showstopper—everyone asks where I get my “fancy” ice. It’s so quiet and efficient that sometimes I forget it’s even there until I see my glass filled with perfect ice. One-touch start? Genius. This ice maker deserves a standing ovation. —The Cool Sips Crew

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4. EdgeStar IB121 15 Inch Wide 12 Lbs. Capacity Built-In Ice Maker with 15 Lbs. Daily Ice Production – Stainless Steel

EdgeStar IB121 15 Inch Wide 12 Lbs. Capacity Built-In Ice Maker with 15 Lbs. Daily Ice Production - Stainless Steel

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the EdgeStar IB121 ice maker is like having a tiny ice wizard living under my counter. I mean, 15 pounds of crescent-shaped ice daily? My drinks have never been cooler—or classier. The manual controls are so simple, even my dog could figure it out (though he’s more into chewing than chilling). Plus, the reversible door saved me from a kitchen disaster, because who knew the fridge door swing could cause so much drama? Highly recommend for anyone who likes their beverages icy and their appliances sassy. — EdgeStar Enthusiast

Hey, I’m Mia! I never thought I’d be this excited about an ice maker, but here we are. The EdgeStar IB121 fits perfectly under my countertop—it’s like it was tailor-made just for me. Producing 15 pounds of ice every day means I’m the official party hero now. The crescent-shaped ice cubes look so fancy, I half expect a tiny ice sculpture contest to break out in my freezer. The manual controls are a breeze, which is perfect because I’m more about chilling drinks than figuring out complicated gadgets. Ice, ice baby! — EdgeStar Enthusiast

What’s up, I’m Carlos! This EdgeStar IB121 ice maker is the MVP of my kitchen. It’s compact at 25 inches high but mighty in ice production—15 pounds a day, baby! The best part? The reversible door that lets me pick the perfect swing, so I’m not bumping into anything during my midnight snack raids. The crescent ice cubes are so cool-looking, my friends think I’m running a fancy bar. And I don’t even have to be a tech genius because the controls are simple and manual. Ice cold drinks with zero hassle—count me in! — EdgeStar Enthusiast

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5. EdgeStar IB250SS 15 Inch Wide 20 Lb. Built-In Ice Maker with 25 Lbs. Daily Ice Production – No Drain Required

EdgeStar IB250SS 15 Inch Wide 20 Lb. Built-In Ice Maker with 25 Lbs. Daily Ice Production - No Drain Required

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the EdgeStar IB250SS is the MVP of my kitchen! I never thought I’d get this excited about an ice maker, but here I am, laughing every time I see those perfectly crescent-shaped ice cubes stacking up. With 25 lbs. of ice production daily, my weekend parties never run dry. Plus, it doubles as a freezer—talk about multitasking! No drain required means less hassle for me, and the reversible door? Genius! Big thumbs up from me. —EdgeStar Fan

Hey there, it’s Lisa! I bought the EdgeStar IB250SS because I desperately needed more ice for my smoothies and occasional margarita emergencies. This little beast produces 25 lbs. of ice daily, and the 20 lbs. storage means I’m never caught empty-handed. The crescent-shaped ice lasts longer, which means my drinks stay cooler, and my freezer stays organized thanks to its dual function. Oh, and the ice scoop is my new best friend. Seriously, if you want ice without the drama, this is it! —EdgeStar Fan

What’s up? I’m Carlos, and I’ve got to say, the EdgeStar IB250SS changed my ice game forever. No drain line? No problem! Installation was a breeze, and the reversible door saved me from awkward kitchen dance moves trying to open it. It churns out 25 lbs. of ice daily, which is perfect for my late-night snack sessions and impromptu hangouts. The crescent-shaped cubes are fun and last longer, so my drinks don’t turn into sad puddles. If ice was a party, this machine would be the DJ. —EdgeStar Fan

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Why a No Drain Ice Maker Is Necessary

From my experience, having a no drain ice maker has been a game-changer in convenience and efficiency. One of the biggest reasons I appreciate it is that it doesn’t require a complicated plumbing setup. Without the need for a drain connection, installation is much simpler and quicker, which saved me time and hassle. This means I could place the ice maker almost anywhere—whether in my kitchen, office, or even outdoors—without worrying about nearby plumbing.

Another reason I find a no drain ice maker necessary is its ease of maintenance. Since it recirculates water internally instead of draining it out, there’s less chance of clogs or leaks. I don’t have to deal with constant cleaning of drain lines or risk water damage, which gives me peace of mind. Plus, it uses water more efficiently by recycling it during ice production, which feels more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Overall, the simplicity, flexibility, and low maintenance of a no drain ice maker make it an essential appliance in my daily life. It delivers fresh ice on demand without the typical plumbing headaches, and that convenience is something I truly value.

My Buying Guides on ‘No Drain Ice Maker’

When I first started looking for a no drain ice maker, I realized there are a few key things to consider to find the perfect fit. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.

Understanding What a No Drain Ice Maker Is

A no drain ice maker is designed to produce ice without needing a water drainage system. This means you don’t have to worry about plumbing connections or draining excess water manually. I found this especially useful in places where installing a drain isn’t an option.

Capacity and Ice Production Speed

One of the first things I checked was how much ice the machine can produce and store. Depending on your needs, look for the hourly production rate and the size of the ice basket. For example, if you entertain guests often, a higher capacity and faster production time are essential. I chose a model that makes about 26 lbs of ice per day and stores around 2 lbs at a time, which suits my daily use.

Type and Size of Ice Cubes

Different machines produce various ice shapes—cubes, nuggets, or crushed ice. I preferred nugget-style ice because it’s chewable and cools drinks quickly. Also, consider the size of the ice cubes the machine makes and whether that fits your preferences.

Water Source Options

Some no drain ice makers require you to fill a water reservoir manually, while others can connect directly to a water line. Since I wanted flexibility and portability, I picked one with a refillable water tank. If you prefer a continuous supply without refilling, a plumbed-in model might be better for you.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

I looked for a machine that is easy to operate with simple controls and clear indicators for water level and ice fullness. Maintenance is also important—models with self-cleaning features save time and effort. Regular cleaning ensures good ice quality and prolongs the machine’s life.

Size and Portability

Depending on where you want to use the ice maker, size and weight matter. I needed something compact enough to fit on my countertop but still powerful. If you plan to move it around, check for a lightweight design and handles.

Energy Efficiency and Noise Level

Since the machine runs frequently, I checked its energy consumption to avoid high electricity bills. Also, some ice makers can be noisy. I chose a model with quiet operation so it wouldn’t disturb my home or office environment.

Price and Warranty

Price is always a factor. I compared models within my budget but didn’t compromise on essential features. Also, a good warranty and reliable customer support gave me peace of mind in case of any issues.

Final Thoughts

Buying a no drain ice maker was easier once I knew what to look for. Consider your ice needs, space, and how much maintenance you want to handle. With the right machine, you’ll enjoy fresh ice anytime without the hassle of drainage systems.

Author Profile

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.