Coolake 80 lb Under‑Counter Ice Maker Review

Intro

If you need a compact machine that can keep ice available for a busy home bar, small café, or service area, the Coolake IM55BS‑80LBS promises high output in a narrow package: the listing states 80 pounds of ice production per day with a 40 pound storage bin. That combination — high daily output and a 15‑inch exterior width — is why shoppers look at this model. It also carries a one‑touch self‑clean cycle, front‑venting for undercounter installs, an LCD control panel for cube thickness, and a listed warranty of "3 Year Parts, 5 Year Compressor."

What it is / first look

On paper the Coolake IM55BS‑80LBS is an under‑counter, commercial‑style ice maker that doubles as a freestanding unit. The listing gives the model number IM55BS‑80LBS and specifies key facts you’ll want to keep in mind to judge fit: dimensions of 20.7" deep × 14.96" wide × 33.07" high, an item weight of 65 pounds, 115 volts operation, listed wattage of 3.43 kwh, and refrigerant R290a. The listing also calls out an attractive stainless steel exterior, a soft‑glow interior LED, and a water filter intended to reduce scale from hard water.

Primary selling points in the listing are clear: rapid production (cycles of 10–20 minutes), selectable cube thickness via the LCD, a 40 lb bin for immediate use, and a one‑touch self‑cleaning mode that the listing says reduces manual maintenance.

• Production: 80 lb/day (listing)
• Storage capacity: 40 lb (listing)
• Footprint: ~15" wide, front‑venting for undercounter or freestanding installs (listing)
• Controls: LCD panel with cube thickness/ice time adjustment (listing)
• Other: One‑touch self‑cleaning; included water filter (listing)

Available finishes

The product images are all consistent with a metal exterior and the listing copy calls out a stainless steel finish. Available colors may include:

• stainless steel

In daily use

Owners who report positive experiences focus on output and looks: several buyers call the machine "fast" and "consistent," praising the production rate and the way the unit looks installed in a kitchen, covered patio, or service area. The auto‑clean function also gets repeated praise as a time‑saver.

Built‑in / under‑counter

This model is explicitly marketed for undercounter use and the listing highlights a front‑venting system that allows the cabinet installation without the side or rear clearances other units sometimes require. The compact width of roughly 15 inches is an obvious advantage if you’re tight on space. Owners who have used it as an undercounter unit say it integrates neatly when venting and clearances are correctly respected.

That said, the listing doesn't detail the exact clearances or whether a condensing pump is included for locations without a floor drain — and owner feedback shows this matters (see Safety & installation notes).

Freestanding / covered patio / boat use

The listing title calls this a "Commercial Outdoor Ice Maker," and owner reports include use on covered patios and boats where the unit performed well for production speed. However, buyer feedback also highlights a disconnect between the product title and the paperwork that arrived with the unit: some owners report the supporting paperwork/labels show it is not rated for open outdoor exposure to sun or rain. If you plan to put the machine outside or in a partially exposed area, verify environment rating on the current listing and the actual shipping paperwork before installation.

Small kitchens & home bars

For a small kitchen, rental unit, or home bar that needs frequent ice for entertaining, the Coolake provides a lot of production for its footprint. Owners like the 40 lb bin capacity for daily entertaining. The tradeoff is plumbing: several owners note this unit produces a lot of waste water and requires a proper drain line or an external pump if a floor drain isn't available.

Materials & build quality

The listing describes the exterior as stainless steel and markets the finish as "pristine" after a quick wipe — that is the language used to sell the material. The machine is listed as 65 pounds, which fits the expected heft for a compressor‑based undercounter ice maker in this class.

Inside the product spec list you’ll find the refrigerant specified as R290a and a listed wattage of 3.43 kwh. The listing also emphasizes a built‑in water filter to reduce the effects of hard water. The control surface is an LCD panel with options for cube thickness adjustments and a one‑touch self‑clean mode.

Owner feedback on build quality is mixed. Positive notes: several buyers call the unit "sleek," "sturdy," and "professional looking," and say the ice production is consistent and fast. Critical notes: multiple reports mention a wiggly or loose handle on delivery and describe installation challenges—particularly wiring and plumbing. One owner described the handle as "cheaply made." Another buyer characterized it as a short‑term appliance and said they expected to upgrade after a couple of years.

Takeaway: the exterior finish and feature list are competitive for the price tier, but repeated owner comments about handle play and the potential for installation headaches are a sign to check fit and hardware closely at delivery.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety first: the two main safety and reliability themes in owner feedback are plumbing/drainage and installation. The listing itself does not specify whether a condensate pump is included or required for setups without a floor drain — it simply lists flexible installation (built‑in or freestanding) and front‑venting. Multiple owners report needing a drain line and, in at least one case, being shipped the wrong pump from customer service. Another owner experienced water dumping after installation and had to shut the machine off.

Key safety and installation facts to check, all grounded in the listing and owner reports:

• Drain requirements: The listing does not explicitly state whether a pump is included. Owner reports repeatedly warn that a floor drain or pump is required in some installs and that the unit produces a noteworthy volume of wastewater.
• Outdoor use: The product title calls the unit an "outdoor" model, but several owners say the paperwork/labels that came with the machine do not support outdoor exposure to rain or direct sun. Confirm the unit’s environmental rating on the current listing and the shipped documentation.
• Handle and hardware: Multiple owners report a wobbly handle on arrival. A loose handle is a safety and usability concern that should be addressed immediately — check and tighten hardware, and if screws or fasteners strip, contact the seller/manufacturer under warranty terms.
• Refrigerant and service: The listing specifies R290a refrigerant. The listing also provides a warranty (3 Year Parts, 5 Year Compressor). For any refrigerant leaks or compressor issues, follow manufacturer instructions and warranty channels for service.

Given the installation reports, factor the cost and logistics of plumbing, a possible external condensate pump, and professional installation into your plan. If you lack a floor drain, confirm whether the purchase includes a compatible condensate pump or whether you must buy one separately; owner experience suggests this is a common pitfall.

Who this is for / who should skip

Good fit:

• Home bars and small kitchens that need heavy daily ice production but have limited width for appliances — the 15" width is the main draw (listing).
• Light commercial users — cafés or offices that want a compact, high‑output machine and have proper drainage and installation support.
• Buyers who prioritize a self‑cleaning cycle, selectable cube thickness, and a stainless steel exterior for matching an integrated kitchen look (listing features).

Who should skip or be cautious:

• If you intend to leave the unit exposed to the elements. The listing’s title includes "outdoor," but owner accounts warn the paperwork may not back that claim. Verify environment rating in the listing and the shipped paperwork before placing outdoors.
• Homes without a floor drain or without a plan for condensate disposal unless you’re comfortable sourcing and installing a compatible condensate pump. Owner reports show situations where a required pump was not the right fit or was delayed by customer‑service issues.
• Buyers who expect a profession‑grade, long‑life commercial unit with flawless hardware — owner notes include a wobbly handle and comments that this machine may be a shorter‑term solution compared with higher‑end commercial brands.

Verdict

The Coolake IM55BS‑80LBS is a value‑oriented, high‑output undercounter ice maker with the kind of daily production and compact footprint that makes it attractive for busy home bars and small commercial spaces. The listing promises 80 pounds of ice per day, a 40 pound bin, front‑venting for undercounter installs, an LCD control panel, a one‑touch self‑clean cycle, and a stainless steel exterior — all useful features for the price point.

Real‑world owner feedback strengthens those core positives: multiple buyers report fast, consistent ice production and appreciate the self‑clean function. But the most important pattern in owner feedback is repeated friction around installation and finish hardware: the machine can demand a dedicated drain or a correctly matched pump, the handle may arrive wobbly, and the supplied paperwork may contradict how the listing markets outdoor suitability.

Bottom line: this model looks like a good value for buyers who plan installs carefully, verify drain/venting needs ahead of time, and confirm outdoor ratings before exposing the unit. If you want a plug‑and‑play outdoor ice maker you can leave in the open, this model’s paperwork vs. title inconsistency and owner reports suggest extra caution.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

• Confirm the current listing and shipped paperwork for outdoor rating—don’t assume "outdoor" from the title alone.
• Plan for drainage: verify whether a condensate pump is included and compatible if you lack a floor drain.
• Measure your opening: confirm 20.7" depth × 14.96" width × 33.07" height will fit, and plan for front‑venting clearance (listing).
• Verify electrical: unit is listed at 115 volts (listing) — confirm your circuit can support the machine and any local code requirements.
• Inspect handles and hardware at delivery — owners report wobbly handles on some units; document any looseness for warranty claims.
• Keep warranty info handy: listing notes "3 Year Parts, 5 Year Compressor."

Final note: If you expect robust, long‑term commercial duty and minimal installation fuss, consider planning for a higher‑specified unit or professional installation budget. If you want high output in a narrow footprint and are prepared to sort drainage and installation details, this Coolake unit delivers strong production and useful controls for the money.

FAQ

• Q: How much ice does the Coolake IM55BS make per day, and what is the storage capacity?

  A: The listing specifies an ice production rate of 80 pounds per day and a storage capacity of 40 pounds.

• Q: Does this model require a drain or condensate pump to dispose of wastewater?

  A: The listing describes flexible installation (built‑in or freestanding) but does not specify whether a condensate pump is included. Owner reports repeatedly caution that a floor drain or external pump is required in many installs and that missing or incompatible pumps have caused problems — verify drain requirements on the current listing and plan accordingly.

• Q: Is this unit safe for outdoor use?

  A: The product title markets it as a commercial outdoor unit, but owner feedback notes that paperwork and labels shipped with some machines do not support outdoor exposure. The listing does not include detailed environmental‑rating specifications, so confirm the current listing and shipped documentation before installing outdoors.

• Q: What refrigerant does the machine use?

  A: The listing specifies refrigerant R290a.

• Q: Does the machine include a self‑clean function and how are cube sizes controlled?

  A: Yes. The listing describes a one‑touch self‑cleaning cycle (activated by holding a button for three seconds) and an LCD control panel that lets you adjust cube thickness by changing ice making time.

• Q: What are the dimensions and power requirements?

  A: The listing gives dimensions of 20.7" D × 14.96" W × 33.07" H and states the unit operates at 115 volts with a listed wattage of 3.43 kwh.

• Q: Is there a warranty?

  A: The listing notes a warranty described as "3 Year Parts, 5 Year Compressor."

• Q: Are there common durability or hardware complaints to watch for?

  A: Owner feedback includes multiple reports of a wiggly or loose handle on arrival and at least one account of installation wiring/plumbing difficulty followed by water draining issues. Some buyers describe the unit as a short‑term, value appliance compared with higher‑end commercial brands.