Elevated Ice

Picture the first sip of a well-made drink: crisp, cold, and sparkling with possibility. Behind that moment is ice—the unsung hero of every refreshing beverage. With the new Designer Undercounter Ice Maker, Sub-Zero brings understated luxury to the home. Designed specifically for residential kitchens, it delivers whisper-quiet performance, effortless cleaning, and cubes as pristine as the glasses they fill.

The Promise of Perfect Ice

For years, most home ice makers were simply scaled-down versions of restaurant models. Commercial manufacturers dominated the market, but their products—while adequate in professional kitchens—didn’t always meet the needs of discerning homeowners. Many residential models were noisy and challenging to clean, resulting in beverages chilled with less-than-perfect cubes. They also fell short of the aesthetic polish worthy of high-end kitchens.

“Our previous ice makers served our customers well, but with the new Designer Undercounter Ice Maker, we took the opportunity to reimagine what a residential ice maker could be: designed in-house from the ground up to meet the unique needs of today’s luxury kitchens,” says Chad Wohlrab, Director of Design Engineering.

This new ice maker is not an adaptation or a tweak—it’s a complete reinvention. The engineering team spent six years (nearly eight if you count the earliest conceptualization) developing the product from scratch; even Sub-Zero’s Camelback, Arizona, manufacturing facility was purpose-built for this new product. Starting from a blank slate allowed the team to tackle challenges previous models faced, especially noise and cleanability.

The unrelenting focus on creating a near-silent product was one of the major accomplishments of the team’s efforts, resulting in the new MaxQuiet™ technology that differentiates the new ice maker from others. The product design team also went to great efforts to ensure the design of the new ice maker measured up to the look and feel of other Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances.

A Familiar Sense of Luxury

The Designer Undercounter Ice Maker isn’t just about making ice; it’s about delivering the high-end experience Sub-Zero customers expect. Every detail, from the cube shape (chosen through focus groups for optimal performance and appeal) to the ice scoop’s ergonomics, was informed by consumer insights and rigorous testing. Even the refrigerant was carefully selected to match the rest of the Sub-Zero line, simplifying service and support.

Sub-Zero’s commitment to quality goes beyond the warranty. “Our customers expect quiet operation and longevity—ideally, a 20-year life,” says Principal Engineer Tom Lasecki. “This project was a chance to deliver on that promise and create an ice maker that truly belongs in the Sub-Zero family.”

The Cleanest Cubes Start with a Clean Ice Maker

While homeowners may not think about cleaning their ice maker often, it’s essential for creating cubes with no taste that can affect the flavor of cocktails, soft drinks, or even plain water. “With ice makers, we’re not just keeping food cold; we’re making something people consume,” Lasecki explains.

That’s why the new Designer Undercounter Ice Maker features a completely reimagined cleaning system that makes upkeep easier and more intuitive than ever. The touchscreen guides users through each step in the cleaning process. The machine first descales, then sanitizes. All the user has to do is remove the ice, wipe down the interior, and add the cleaning agents when prompted. The result is consistently clear, fresh-tasting ice with minimal effort.

As the Designer Undercounter Ice Maker makes its debut, the team is excited to see it in homes across the country. The many years of work ultimately come down to the moments this new product will help create: vibrant cocktails shared with friends, ice-cold lemonade on a hot summer day, and the simple pleasure of a glass of water that tastes as pure as it looks.