Hoshizaki C-101BAH Cubelet Ice Maker Review

Intro

This review covers the Hoshizaki undercounter self-contained cubelet ice maker (listed as C-101BAH / C-80BAJ-AD), a compact 15" footprint machine the listing positions for hotel suites, office breakrooms, and residential kitchens. The listing calls out an approximate 92 lb per day ice production rate and a built-in storage bin that holds up to 20 lb. It’s described as air-cooled with front in / front out airflow (which the listing says eliminates side and rear clearance), has a reversible door and front access, and is listed as stainless steel. Important installation notes in the listing include: 115 volts, refrigerant R134a, and that a drain pump is not included.

What it is / first look

At a glance this is a compact undercounter cubelet (chewable/sonic-style) ice maker from Hoshizaki listed as an undercounter, self-contained unit. The listing titles it with part/model identifiers C-80BAJ-AD and C-101BAH and describes it as an air-cooled, front-access machine with a shorter height that the listing claims complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Key listing specs

• Ice production per day: listed as 92 pounds
• Built-in storage capacity: listed as 20 pounds
• Item dimensions (D x W x H): listed as 22.63"D x 14.88"W x 32.5"H
• Item weight: listed as 120 pounds
• Voltage: listed as 115 volts
• Wattage: listed as 17.3 kwh (as written in the listing)
• Refrigerant: listed as R134a
• Material type: listed as stainless steel
• Drain pump: not included (listing explicitly states this)

The title emphasizes "15"" but the spec sheet shows a width of 14.88"—the listing therefore presents a compact footprint intended for undercounter installation. The listing also notes an air-cooled design with front airflow, which the manufacturer describes as eliminating the need for side and rear clearance (useful in tight spaces).

What’s in the box

The listing lists the included components concisely as: Undercounter Self-Contained Cubelet Ice Maker. No separate drain pump or extra accessories are listed as included in the product description.

In daily use

The listing markets this unit for hotel suites, office breakrooms, and residential kitchens. That’s useful context because owners’ real-world experience clusters around two consistent patterns: excellent ice quality and loud operation.

Where it fits best

Owners report that the cubelet ice quality is what you’d expect from a commercial-style cuber: small, chewable cubelets that are good for drinks and blending. The listing’s description and owners’ feedback suggest it’s best placed where noise is tolerable — utility rooms, pantries, or service areas rather than directly in living spaces or a quiet kitchen island.

Noise and daily rhythm

Multiple owners describe the machine as "very loud" or "loud as heck." The pattern in owner feedback is strong: the unit is noticeably noisy while making ice. Some owners found the noise tolerable in a pantry or mechanical closet, while others calling out placement in an open-plan island or adjacent living area regretted it. If you want a whisper-quiet undercounter option for an open kitchen, owner feedback repeatedly points you toward seeking a quieter model or accepting the noise trade-off.

Installation and plumbing

The unit is heavy — the listing states an item weight of 120 pounds — so plan for professional handling during installation. The listing also explicitly notes that a drain pump is not included, so if your install location needs pumped drainage (e.g., a sink cavity with higher-outlet plumbing), you’ll need to add a drain pump or a condensate pump separately. The listing’s front-in / front-out airflow claim means side and rear clearance may not be necessary; that can simplify installation in a tight undercounter opening.

Performance and reliability — owner signals

Owner feedback shows a split: many owners praise the ice quality and call the unit "commercial quality" and "works excellent, easy install," while several owners report significant reliability problems. Critical reports include thermostat failure after only a few days, gearbox failure, solenoid issues that caused flooding, and units that simply stopped making ice. One pattern to note is that when mechanical failures occur, repair costs and downtime tend to be significant — owners give concrete examples of expensive parts and labor bills and one owner who had to ship a unit back at their own cost.

There are also owners who had long service lives from Hoshizaki cubers (one owner replaced a 10-year-old Hoshizaki with this newer model). The mixed signal suggests that while the basic engineering and ice quality can be excellent, there is variability in long-term reliability in the sampled owner feedback.

Materials & build quality

The listing identifies the machine as stainless steel (Material Type: Stainless Steel). That aligns with its positioning as a compact commercial-style undercounter cubelet maker. Owners who praised the unit used phrases like "commercial quality" and "great ice," which reinforces the sense that the unit is designed for heavy use.

However, listing facts and owner reports together create a nuanced picture: the external build and ice output are likely to feel robust and commercial, but internal mechanical components have been reported to fail in some owners’ experience (thermostat, solenoid, gearbox). That combination—solid external materials with occasional internal mechanical issues—points to a mixed build-quality signal: the outer shell and dispensing/bins match commercial expectations, while some internal mechanical longevity is inconsistent based on owner feedback.

Identifiers and naming

The listing title and the specs contain multiple model/part identifiers (C-80BAJ-AD in the title, and Model Number C-101BAH / Part Number C-80BAJ in the spec fields). If you’re sourcing spare parts or service, verify the exact model/part number on the unit label and the current listing or manufacturer documentation before ordering parts or scheduling service.

Safety considerations

Kitchen safety comes first: the listing and owner feedback combine to highlight two practical safety areas to plan for—installation/weight handling and potential water incidents tied to component failures.

• Weight and handling: The item weight is listed as 120 pounds. That makes the unit heavy for an undercounter appliance. Plan for appropriate handling equipment or professional installers when moving the unit into a cabinet or through doorways.
• Drainage and flooding risk: The listing states a drain pump is not included. Several owners reported solenoid or other component failures that led to flooding and expensive repairs. Because the listing explicitly warns the drain pump isn’t included, make sure your drain and overflows are installed to handle condensate or a potential leak; a floor drain or reliable pumped drain line and a nearby electrical shutoff are good practical measures.
• Noise as an operational hazard: While noise isn't a classic safety hazard, owners repeatedly report the unit is very loud during ice cycles; that can mask other appliance sounds and create communication challenges in a busy space. Place it where the noise won’t affect critical living or working activities.
• Electrical & refrigerant facts: The listing gives the voltage as 115 volts and refrigerant as R134a. For electrical and refrigerant service, follow professional electrician and technician guidance and use authorized service parts; the listing doesn’t provide service intervals or a warranty duration.

Owner reports of early component failures (thermostat, gearbox, solenoid) mean you should confirm local service options and replacement-part availability before committing to an install in a difficult-to-access location.

Who this is for / who should skip

This Hoshizaki unit is aimed at buyers who want compact, commercial-style cubelet ice production in a small footprint and who can accommodate louder operation and plan for robust installation and service access.

Great fit

• Small commercial settings such as hotel suites, coffee bars, or office breakrooms where a compact undercounter cubelet supply is needed and noise can be tolerated.
• Home cooks or homeowners who want a commercial-style cubelet machine and can locate it in a pantry, garage-adjacent laundry/utility room, or service closet where noise won’t be a nuisance.
• Installations where front airflow and minimal side/rear clearance are priorities—tight undercounter spots that need front ventilation.

Skip this if

• You need a whisper-quiet ice maker for an open-plan kitchen or an island install—owner feedback repeatedly flags very loud operation while making ice.
• You don’t have convenient floor drainage or don’t want to purchase and install a separate drain pump—listing explicitly states the drain pump is not included.
• You can’t accommodate a heavy unit (listed item weight 120 lb) or can’t get professional help for moving and installation.

Verdict

The Hoshizaki C-101BAH (listed variously as C-80BAJ-AD / C-101BAH) is a compact, stainless-steel undercounter cubelet ice maker that the listing positions for both commercial and residential use. It is listed to produce around 92 lb of cubelet ice per day with a 20 lb built-in storage bin, and it’s intended for tight undercounter spaces thanks to front airflow and drain accessibility. Owners consistently praise the ice quality and describe a commercial feel. That said, owner feedback repeatedly calls out very loud operation and a nontrivial set of reliability complaints ranging from early thermostat failures to solenoid flooding and gearbox issues.

Check before you buy

• Measure your opening: The listing dimensions are 22.63"D x 14.88"W x 32.5"H—confirm these against your cabinet or undercounter opening (the title also references a 15" footprint).
• Plan for weight and handling: Item weight is listed as 120 pounds—arrange for pro handling and install.
• Drainage: The listing explicitly states the drain pump is not included—confirm your drain route and whether you need a separate pump.
• Electrical specifics: The listing gives voltage as 115 volts and wattage as 17.3 kwh (as written in the listing)—verify your circuit and outlet placement before purchase.
• Ventilation: The listing’s air-cooled, front in/front out airflow claim indicates side/rear clearance may not be required, but follow local codes and installer recommendations.
• Noise tolerance: Owners repeatedly describe the unit as very loud when making ice—plan placement accordingly.
• Service and parts: Owner reports of thermostat, solenoid, and gearbox failures mean you should confirm local service availability and replacement-part pricing before buying.
• Confirm model/part numbers: The listing shows multiple identifiers (C-80BAJ-AD, C-101BAH, Part Number C-80BAJ). Check the unit label and current manufacturer docs when ordering parts or service.
• Warranty and paperwork: The listing doesn’t specify warranty length or service terms—verify current manufacturer warranty details with the seller or Hoshizaki before purchase.

Bottom line: if your priority is reliable, commercial-style cubelet ice and you can site the machine where noise and a heavy installation are acceptable, this Hoshizaki model looks like a strong production performer on paper and in many owners’ kitchens. If you need whisper-quiet operation or minimal service risk, owner feedback suggests you should either consider quieter competitors or confirm local support and parts availability first.

Available finish

• stainless steel

FAQ

• Q: How much ice will this make in a day?

  A: The listing states the unit is capable of producing approximately 92 pounds of cubelet ice per day, with a built-in storage bin that will hold up to 20 pounds.

• Q: Will this fit under a standard counter?

  A: The listing gives item dimensions as 22.63" deep x 14.88" wide x 32.5" high; compare those numbers to your cabinet opening and under-sink plumbing. The title also describes the unit as a 15" undercounter design.

• Q: Is a drain pump included?

  A: No. The listing specifically notes "Drain pump not included," so if your drain location requires pumping, you’ll need to supply a separate pump.

• Q: Is this quiet enough for an open kitchen island?

  A: Owners repeatedly report the machine is loud while making ice. Several owners called it "very loud" and recommended placing it in a utility area rather than on an open island. If quiet operation is essential, the owner pattern suggests looking for a quieter model.

• Q: What electrical and refrigerant specs should I know?

  A: The listing states voltage as 115 volts, wattage as 17.3 kwh (as written in the listing), and refrigerant listed as R134a. Verify these on the current listing and with your electrician before install.

• Q: What is the material and finish?

  A: The listing identifies the material type as stainless steel. If you need specific material or food-contact certifications, the listing should be checked for current manufacturer claims.

• Q: How reliable is this machine long-term?

  A: Owner feedback is mixed. Several owners praise the ice quality and say it feels commercial. However, multiple owners report significant mechanical failures (thermostat, solenoid flooding, gearbox failure) and short-lived units in some cases. Confirm local service and part availability before purchase.

• Q: What model/part should I reference for service or parts?

  A: The listing includes multiple identifiers—C-80BAJ-AD (title), Model Number C-101BAH, and Part Number C-80BAJ in the specs. Verify the exact model/part on the unit label and current manufacturer documentation before ordering parts or scheduling service.