Covered Outdoor Kitchen - ice maker or no ice maker

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This should not even be a question.

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I want it. the question is if its going to break all the time being outside and if it is going to even hold the ice without being in a climate controlled environment.

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if it is going to even hold the ice without being in a climate controlled environment.

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It will be very cold inside the unit.

I have had 2 outside icemakers (maxx ice 150lb, Kitchen aide 50lb.)over the years. They where both on my patio and now I do not own one. I had to inclination to sit down one day and add up the cost of the buying , repairing, and operating and correlated that to the usage level I was at for a year taking into consideration hunting and fishing use as well and came to the realization that a 8lb bag of ice was costing me over $3.75 when compared to store price of less than $1.50. I pass more than 10 stores a day coming and going from work, all have ice freezers outside.

I skipped the ice maker and opted for a kitchen fridge/freezer with a second ice maker. I have the normal ice maker in the door for regular use, but then I’m the bottom freezer, another lift the bar type ice maker.

I wanted the separate ice maker in the back patio but didn’t think I would use it enough to justify buying another appliance. Cost and room just wasn’t worth it.

The 2nd ice maker in my fridge puts out a ridiculous amount of ice and I usually turn it off so it doesn’t spill over into the freezer. I turn it on a few days before I know company is coming over.

I put a Scotsman undercounter ice maker for outdoor use in mine and it is still going after a few years. I installed an line filter on the water supply side and when the time to clean light comes on, I descale it with ice maker descaling solution. So far so good, but I have talked to a million people who say don't do it because it will just go out. Occasionally the drain pump will get stuck running, so I cut the power to it for a few hours and it works fine after. Also, in the winter, due to the cold temps outside, sometimes it doesn't make ice for a bit because of false thermostat readings internally. Not a huge deal though. I am clad we installed it because we use it all of the time. For sports water coolers, gatherings needing a good bit of ice, ice chests, etc. We use it a ton.

just take a ride to the nearest buc-ees every time you need ice. .99 bags of ice.

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Mr.Perfect

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Get one. My dad just built a brand new really nice fishing "camp" with outdoor kitchen, boatslips, etc etc

And the thing he shows off the most is his damn big arse ice maker He got a nice filter put in with the water line and the thing he shows off to everyone is how clean his ice is

I cant get the cost/size/company from him if you want.

Filters dont help ice machines as much as softeners do.

I would argue that an ice maker on the patio is similar to a swimming pool . . . it’s a “must have” item that is great for the short time that you actually use it, but it’s a pain in the arse that is more work and expense than it’s actually worth.