Scotsman Undercounter Ice Maker Lineup: Choosing the Right Model

As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.

Selecting a commercial undercounter ice maker requires balancing plumbing layout against volume demands and ice form. Shoppers in this category face a fundamental choice between units with integrated mechanical pump drains that route waste water upward to remote sink drains, and gravity drain machines requiring a floor drain directly beneath the cabinet. Beyond drainage mechanics, the selection centers on daily ice volume, bin storage, and cube format—from slow-melting gourmet cubes to high-capacity standard cubes and chewable nugget ice. A thorough scotsman under counter ice maker comparison clarifies which engineering configuration fits your space.

The Scotsman undercounter range is organized around cabinet width, daily production limits, and drainage mechanics. At the 15-inch width, the brand offers its CU50 platform, delivering clear gourmet cubes with options for gravity drainage, internal discharge pumps, outdoor certification, or bundled inline filtration. For higher volume demands, the manufacturer expands into the 20-inch front-breathing CU0920 platform producing classic cubes, alongside specialized 15-inch continuous auger nugget machines. Understanding how these machines differ helps busy buyers determine which scotsman under counter ice maker to buy for their facility.

Criteria matrix What each model in this report is credited with

Rows are the criteria that come up in the pros and cons listed for this lineup. A check means the criterion is named in this report’s write-up of that model; a dash means it is not. Criteria that apply to every model, or to only one, are left out because they separate nothing.

Criterion	Scotsman CU50PA-1A Undercounter Ice 9.2/10	Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice 9.2/10	Scotsman CU0920MA-1 Air-Cooled Cube 8.6/10	Scotsman Undercounter Gourmet Cube 9.0/10	Commercial Undercounter Gourmet Cube 9.8/10	Scotsman UN0815A-1 15-Inch Air-Cooled 8.8/10
Requires	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named
Cabinet	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	Not named	✓Named
Gourmet cubes	✓Named	Not named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named
Pump drain	✓Named	Not named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named
Integrated	✓Named	Not named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named
Water filtration	Not named	Not named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named
Reversible door	Not named	Not named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named
Floor drain	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	Not named	Not named	Not named
Criteria named	5 / 8	3 / 8	2 / 8	5 / 8	6 / 8	2 / 8

Built from the wording of this report, not from a bench test. A dash is not a fault: it only means the write-up does not mention that point for that model. Scores next to each model are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback.

Scotsman Undercounter Ice Makers Lineup at a Glance

The Models in Detail

Scotsman CU50PA-1A Undercounter Ice Maker

Best for: Outdoor installations requiring flexible drain pumping

Pros

• Approved for outdoor environments
• Integrated mechanical drain pump
• Slow-melting clear gourmet cubes

Cons

• Limited to 26-pound storage bin

The Scotsman CU50PA-1A Undercounter Ice Maker is a compact 14.9-inch wide commercial unit designed for locations lacking direct floor drain access. Featuring an integrated mechanical pump drain and power cord, this machine discharges meltwater and purge runoff upward or horizontally into elevated sink drains. Operating on 115-volt single-phase power with a 5.0 amp draw on a required 15-amp circuit, the air-cooled condenser yields up to 65 pounds of ice per 24 hours at 70°F/50°F (49 pounds certified at 90°F/70°F) and holds 26 pounds in its insulated bin.

The scotsman cu50pa-1a produces slow-melting, crystal-clear gourmet cubes that keep cocktails and premium spirits cold without rapid dilution. The control panel communicates water supply conditions, while 1-inch adjustable legs ensure level alignment under casework. This model is explicitly approved for outdoor use, making it ideal for patio wet bars, hospitality suites, and outdoor kitchens needing flexible drain pumping. It gives way to the CU50GA when a floor drain is already located directly beneath the cabinet footprint.

Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Maker

Best for: Locations with direct floor drainage access

Pros

• Automatic hard water purge cycles
• Quiet gravity drain operation
• Slim 15-inch cabinet footprint

Cons

• Requires floor drain access

The Scotsman CU50GA Undercounter Ice Maker relies on a passive gravity drain to evacuate waste water, making it suitable for locations with an accessible floor drain. By omitting a mechanical evacuation pump, gravity drainage provides quiet operation and eliminates an active moving part from the drainage pathway. Built with a 14.9-inch cabinet width, 22-inch depth, and 34.4-inch height, it produces up to 64 pounds of gourmet ice per 24 hours and stores up to 26 pounds.

The scotsman cu50ga features an internal water-quality sensor that detects hard water conditions and automatically purges mineral-laden water at each harvest cycle to lengthen cleaning intervals. The user-friendly control interface confirms active power, provides no-water alerts, and displays a cleaning reminder. It represents the best scotsman undercounter ice machine for venues with an existing floor drain. However, if your layout requires pumping waste lines upward to a sink plumbing trap, this model gives way to the pump-equipped CU50PA-1A.

Scotsman CU0920MA-1 Air-Cooled Cube Undercounter Ice

Best for: High-demand bars requiring maximum daily ice production

Pros

• High 100-pound daily ice yield
• Large 57-pound bin storage
• Front-breathing zero side clearance

Cons

• Wider 20-inch cabinet footprint
• Listing omits drain pump inclusion

For high-demand operations where ice consumption outpaces compact models, the Scotsman CU0920MA-1 Air-Cooled Cube Undercounter Ice maker expands production in a 20-inch wide footprint. This front-breathing commercial machine requires zero side clearance, allowing flush placement between counters while maintaining ADA height compliance. It produces up to 100 pounds per day and stores 57 pounds, utilizing a horizontal evaporator to form dense, crystal-clear cubes that fill glassware predictably.

Constructed with a rust-free front panel and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy side panels, the scotsman cu0920ma-1 includes an ergonomic slide-back door, ice scoop, adjustable legs, and a power cord with a NEMA 5-15P plug. The unit meets federal energy efficiency standards and low-lead drinking water requirements, supported by a 3-year parts and labor warranty on all components. It is the top match for busy dining rooms and cocktail lounges, giving way to the 15-inch CU50 or UN0815A-1 models when cabinet openings are restricted to 15 inches.

Scotsman Undercounter Gourmet Cube 50″ Ice

Best for: Tight bar corridors needing reversible door clearance

Pros

• Field-reversible door swing
• Built-in pump drain included
• Uniform cocktail portioning cube dimensions

Cons

• Lower daily output than 20-inch units

The Scotsman Undercounter Gourmet Cube 50″ Ice maker (model CU50PAX-1) brings added installation versatility to the 15-inch gourmet ice category. Yielding up to 65 pounds of gourmet ice daily with 26 pounds of bin storage, this unit features an integrated pump drain that permits placement away from floor drains. A key mechanical advantage of the scotsman cu50pax-1 is its field-reversible door swing, enabling left or right door opening to match service traffic in tight prep corridors.

Its individual gourmet cubes measure 1 inch by 1.13 inches by 1.25 inches, supporting consistent glass fill and liquid portioning control at the bar. A unit-specific QR code provides quick access to service manuals and cleaning guides, backed by a 3-year commercial parts and labor warranty and a 1-year residential warranty. This model fits custom architectural cabinetry requiring reversible doors, but gives way to the CU50PA-1FF-CP10 for buyers who require an inline water filtration system included in the package.

Commercial Undercounter Gourmet Cube Ice Maker

Best for: Establishments wanting bundled water filtration and drainage

Pros

• Includes dedicated water filtration system
• Built-in pump drain installed
• Reversible door and leveling legs

Cons

• Output drops under higher temperatures

The Commercial Undercounter Gourmet Cube Ice Maker (part number CU50PA-1FF-CP10) bundles Scotsman’s 15-inch gourmet platform with a dedicated inline water filtration system. Producing up to 64 pounds of crystal-clear gourmet cubes per 24 hours at 70°F/50°F (44 pounds at 90°F/70°F) with 26 pounds of storage, this package protects internal valves and evaporator plates by filtering incoming water before freezing.

This commercial undercounter ice maker features an integrated pump drain, reversible door, 1-inch adjustable leveling legs, and an operating draw of 5.0 amps on standard 115-volt power with an attached NEMA 5-15P cord. Measuring 14.88 inches wide, 22 inches deep, and 34.38 inches high, it fits standard undercounter openings. While lighter auxiliary stations might look into a compact frigidaire icemaker countertop for personal use, high-volume hospitality requires the continuous duty cycle of this commercial machine. It gives way to the CU50PA-1A only when an external water treatment system is already installed.

Scotsman UN0815A-1 15-Inch Air-Cooled Nugget Undercounter

Best for: Offices and clinics demanding chewable nugget ice

Pros

• Chewable original nugget ice style
• Energy Star certified operation
• Durable stainless steel auger

Cons

• Softer ice melts faster in liquor

The Scotsman UN0815A-1 15-Inch Air-Cooled Nugget Undercounter machine produces “The Original Chewable Nugget Ice” within a slim 15-inch cabinet footprint. Generating up to 79 pounds of compressed nugget ice per 24 hours at 70°/50° (55 pounds AHRI certified at 90°/70°) and storing 36 pounds, this front-breathing unit requires no side clearance. The scotsman nugget ice maker undercounter employs a stainless steel evaporator and auger mechanism driven by sealed, maintenance-free bearings designed to reduce preventative maintenance.

The scotsman un0815a-1 features aluminum alloy side panels, an ergonomic slide-back door, 6-inch adjustable legs, an ice scoop, and a NEMA 5-15P plug cord. It carries Energy Star certification and meets low-lead standards, supported by a 3-year parts and labor warranty on all components. While personal workspaces might evaluate a goveelife smart countertop ice maker for occasional beverages, corporate breakrooms, clinics, and casual dining bars require this commercial continuous-output machine. For craft cocktail bars prioritizing slow-melting ice, however, this nugget model gives way to the gourmet cube CU50 series.

Matching a Model to Your Setup

• Outdoor Kitchens and Covered Patios: Choose the Scotsman CU50PA-1A for its manufacturer-certified outdoor rating, weather-ready stainless exterior, and integrated pump drain that moves runoff without floor penetrations.
• Locations with Direct Under-Floor Plumbing: Select the Scotsman CU50GA when a floor drain is positioned directly beneath or beside the machine footprint, benefiting from quiet, pump-free gravity drainage and automated mineral purge cycles.
• High-Volume Restaurants and Cocktail Bars: Deploy the Scotsman CU0920MA-1 to secure 100 pounds of daily production and a 57-pound storage bin within an ADA-compliant 20-inch front-breathing cabinet.
• Tight Casework Requiring Specific Traffic Clearance: Install the Scotsman CU50PAX-1 when adjacent casework requires a field-reversible door swing and integrated pump drainage within a standard 15-inch opening.
• Hard Water Areas Needing Bundled Water Treatment: Choose the Commercial Undercounter Gourmet Cube Ice Maker (CU50PA-1FF-CP10) for its bundled water filtration system that protects internal freeze plates from scale accumulation.
• Offices, Breakrooms, and Medical Stations: Select the Scotsman UN0815A-1 for chewable nugget ice production, Energy Star certified efficiency, and a durable stainless steel auger mechanism.

Before You Buy

Before purchasing a Scotsman undercounter ice machine, verify your rough-in plumbing and electrical connections. While listings for the CU50PA-1A, CU50PAX-1, and CU50PA-1FF-CP10 explicitly state that an internal drain pump is built into the chassis, listings for the CU0920MA-1 and UN0815A-1 do not specify whether an internal pump is factory-installed or if they rely exclusively on gravity drainage. If your installation requires discharging waste water upward into an elevated standpipe, verify drain pump requirements prior to delivery. Additionally, while models like the CU0920MA-1, CU50PA-1FF-CP10, and UN0815A-1 include power cords with standard NEMA 5-15P plugs, the listings do not specify exact cord lengths, meaning outlet placement must be confirmed relative to the appliance backplate.

Water supply hardware and installation fittings also require advance planning. The product listings do not specify incoming water supply tubing, shut-off valves, or compression adapters for standard water line hookups. When measuring rough-in openings or planning an ice maker sub zero replacement, checking opening dimensions is critical before selecting a Scotsman unit. Furthermore, only the CU50PA-1FF-CP10 includes an inline water filtration system in the box; for the other five models, external filtration systems must be acquired separately to protect the evaporator assemblies from mineral accumulation.

FAQ

What is the difference between Scotsman gourmet cubes and nugget ice?

Scotsman gourmet cubes are solid, crystal-clear, individually frozen cubes designed to melt slowly and minimize beverage dilution in craft cocktails and fine spirits. In contrast, nugget ice, produced by the UN0815A-1, consists of soft, compacted flake ice that is easy to chew, rapidly cools soft drinks, and absorbs beverage flavors.

Can Scotsman undercounter ice makers be installed without side clearance?

Yes, models equipped with front-breathing ventilation, including the CU0920MA-1 and UN0815A-1, pull in and exhaust air entirely through the front louvers, requiring zero side clearance. The 15-inch CU50 series machines are engineered to fit standard undercounter cabinetry openings without requiring extensive side spacing.

How does a built-in pump drain differ from a gravity drain on Scotsman units?

A gravity drain model, such as the CU50GA, relies purely on gravity to direct meltwater downward into a floor drain located at or below the machine base. Models with a built-in pump drain, like the CU50PA-1A and CU50PAX-1, mechanically pump waste water vertically or horizontally into remote sink drains or wall standpipes.

Which Scotsman undercounter ice maker is certified for outdoor installation?

The Scotsman CU50PA-1A listing explicitly indicates outdoor approval. Its stainless steel exterior, integrated drain pump, and weather-resistant construction make it suitable for outdoor kitchens, covered patios, and poolside beverage bars.

What electrical circuit is required for Scotsman undercounter ice makers?

All models in this lineup run on standard 115-volt, 60 Hz single-phase electrical power. While their operational current draw is modest—listed at 5.0 amps for the CU50 platform—the listings specify that these machines require a dedicated 15-amp electrical circuit with a standard three-prong NEMA 5-15P wall receptacle.