KoolMore CIM198 undercounter ice maker review

Intro

The KoolMore CIM198 is positioned as a compact undercounter commercial ice maker that promises heavy-duty output in a small footprint. The listing calls it a stainless-steel, free-standing, undercounter-capable ice machine that produces up to 198 pounds of ice in 24 hours, uses a 200-watt compressor, and holds roughly 55 pounds of ice at a time. That combination — relatively high production with a relatively small bin — is what makes this model appealing for everything from a busy home bar to a small café or office that needs backup ice on demand.

This review pulls directly from the product listing and repeated patterns in owner feedback: what the manufacturer claims, what owners repeatedly praise, and where several people experienced problems. If you’re shopping for an undercounter solution, read the “Check before you buy” checklist in the Verdict — several of the owner-reported issues are avoidable with careful delivery and installation.

What it is / first look

On paper the CIM198 is a compact commercial-style ice maker with a marked emphasis on production over storage. Key listing facts you should know up front:

• Listed production: up to 198 lbs of ice per 24 hours (the model name and listing repeat this claim).
• Bin capacity: listed as 55 pounds.
• Compressor/wattage: listing states a 200W compressor; voltage is 115 volts.
• Dimensions and weight: the unit is listed at 17.13" deep x 21.89" wide x 36.2" high and weighs 79.4 pounds — useful for planning undercounter placement and delivery handling.
• Refrigerant: listed as R600a.
• Material and finish: the listing describes a stainless-steel design and the Material Type field lists "Metal."
• Controls/features: the listing calls out a built-in LCD control panel, an adjustable ice-thickness setting, and a see-through front window.
• Included components: ice maker, ice scoop, water inlet hose (listed as "water inlet hoose" in the listing copy), and a drain hose.
• Warranty: 1 year parts and labor as stated in the listing.
• Available sizes: the listing presents a 198-lb model and also a 265-lb variant.

What that means visually and functionally: the machine is compact enough to tuck under a counter or be freestanding in a corner, and it’s aimed at places that need continuous production rather than a giant chest of ice. The see-through front window and LCD control panel are listed features intended to make management and monitoring easier.

In daily use

Owner feedback shows a split between people who value the CIM198’s output and price, and those who ran into reliability or installation problems. Below I break down the most common real-world reports so you can weigh how it will behave in your day-to-day setup.

Home bar, apartment, and small gatherings

Owners who used the CIM198 for seasonal or occasional high-volume needs — filling coolers for parties, supplying a boat, or backing up a smaller machine — appreciated the machine’s production speed. Multiple owners say the unit is "fast" and a "workhorse," with one noting that it kicks out ice every five minutes when running. The compact footprint is handy when undercounter space is limited.

That said, several owners report the bin does not "hold as much as they state," and one comment explicitly warns not to expect the full daily poundage in usable stored ice. In practice this means you can rely on production but don’t count on the onboard bin as a substitute for offloading ice into a secondary freezer or a large bin if you need large on-hand reserves.

Cafés, small restaurants, and offices

The listing positions this as a commercial-grade productivity machine and some small-business owners echo that — one buyer used it as a backup for a coffee shop and found it "just what we needed" during rushes. The adjustable ice thickness and LCD controls are useful features for commercial settings that need flexibility in ice size and want simple visual control.

However, there are recurring reliability reports that matter in a business setting: owners say the machine occasionally goes into "error mode" and shuts down, sometimes melting the ice in the process; others report units that stopped making ice after a few weeks or months; and at least one owner experienced a water-tray failure that caused a leak and floor damage. Those are real-operational risks for a business that depends on continuous ice production.

Undercounter installation vs freestanding placement

The listing says the unit is "easy to install under a counter or place in a corner," which is true as a design statement: the dimensions and weight (17.13" D x 21.89" W x 36.2" H; 79.4 lb) make it manageable for counters designed to accept an undercounter appliance. But owner reports of arrival damage and installation-related leaks suggest you should be cautious:

• Inspect the shipping crate and exterior stainless-steel panels on arrival for dents or punctures — one user received the unit with a dented front corner.
• Confirm the water inlet and drain connections are secure; an owner noted a water tray came off the wall and caused leaking down the back, which led to machine failure.
• Because some people report freezing or "frozen up" conditions requiring defrost, check local ambient temperature and placement recommendations in the current manufacturer documentation before final installation.

Cleaning and maintenance

The listing and owner feedback mention cleaning mode: a critical feature for long-term operation. One owner reported the machine only runs in cleaning mode after a period, which is a sign of either control or sensor issues. The listing includes a scoop and the unit touts an easy-to-manage operating system; owners who report long stretches of reliable use say the machine is straightforward to turn on/off and clean. Follow the manufacturer’s current cleaning instructions and schedule to avoid ice quality or mechanical issues.

Materials & build quality

Manufacturer/listing facts and owner reports paint a mixed picture on build:

• Material: the listing describes a stainless-steel exterior and the Material Type field lists "Metal." Treat the stainless-steel claim as the listing’s description — verify the current product documentation if material finish is important to you.
• Weight and size: at 79.4 pounds and roughly 36.2" tall, the machine is substantial but still manageable for undercounter sites designed for a single appliance.
• Components included: the machine ships with an ice scoop, water inlet hose, and drain hose — owner feedback calls the supplied scoop "cheap plastic" and at least one buyer replaced it with a metal scoop for usability.

Owner feedback on durability is polarized. Positive owners call it a "workhorse" and note quick cycles; critical owners report early failures, leaks, and electronic errors. Several owners explicitly say the machine worked fine for a time (weeks to months) before failing or going into a non-productive cleaning mode. There are isolated remarks about dents on arrival, implying shipping and packing quality may be inconsistent.

Safety considerations

Safety-first: several owner complaints are worth paying attention to before you buy or install this unit.

• Leaks and water damage: multiple owners reported leaks, including at least one report of a water tray detaching and water running down the back and out the drain — one buyer said it "ruined my floor." That’s not a manufacturing safety certification issue, but it is a real risk to property during a failure or mis-installation. Secure water inlet and drain connections and have a waterproof floor protection plan if you place this on a vulnerable surface.
• Operational shutdowns: owners repeatedly mention the machine going into "error mode" and shutting down, sometimes repeatedly. If the unit stops and melts the stored ice during an error cycle, you can end up with no ice when you expect it — plan redundancy if uninterrupted ice is critical.
• Arrival damage and sharp edges: one owner received a dented front corner; check the exterior for damage and for any sharp edge that could be a handling hazard. If the crate looks damaged, photograph it and consider refusing or documenting the delivery for a claims process.
• Refrigerant: the listing specifies R600a as the refrigerant. The listing fact is included here for completeness — follow manufacturer and installer guidance on handling and service of systems that contain refrigerant.
• Warranty and repairs: the listing specifies a 1 year parts-and-labor warranty. If you experience leaks or early failure, that warranty is the route the listing provides for remedy. Several owners mention having to work with the manufacturer for replacement or service.

Bottom line on safety: the listing provides basic safety-relevant specs (refrigerant type, wattage, dimensions) and a 1-year warranty, but owner-reported leaks and early shutdowns are cautionary signals. Proper delivery inspection and careful installation will reduce the chances of a damaging water event.

Who this is for / who should skip

This section lays out fit by use case and kitchen size so you can decide whether the CIM198 makes sense where you plan to put it.

Who this is a good match for

• Home hosts and seasonal entertainers who want a compact machine that produces a lot of ice per day. Owners using it for parties, boats, or backyard events praised the production rate and speed.
• Small cafés, offices, and bars that need a secondary or backup machine. One buyer used it successfully as backup to a primary ice maker during rush hours.
• Under-counter installations where space is limited but steady ice production is needed — the listed dimensions and undercounter-friendly copy make it a reasonable candidate for that role.
• Buyers on a mid-range commercial budget who want LCD controls and adjustable ice thickness without the footprint of larger machines — the CIM198 offers those features in a compact package according to the listing.

Who should probably skip it

• Operations that cannot tolerate downtime and must have continuous, guaranteed ice supply. Owner reports of frequent error modes and a handful of early failures mean this model may not be the most reliable single point of failure for high-dependency commercial operations.
• Buyers who expect the bin to store the full 24-hour production. The listing produces up to 198 lbs/day but the bin is listed at 55 lbs — owners repeatedly say that the machine doesn’t "hold as much as they state" and that you should plan to move ice off the bin if you need large reserves.
• Anyone unable to inspect and secure the water connections on delivery. Multiple leak reports and one instance of a dislodged water tray underline the need for careful installation and inspection.

Verdict

The KoolMore CIM198 is a compact, production-focused ice maker with a lot to like on paper: a listed 198 lb/24 hr output, a 55-lb bin, a 200W compressor, LCD controls, and an adjustable ice thickness setting in a relatively small footprint. Owners who get a good unit praise the speed and usability; those who have problems report leaks, early shutdowns, and arrival damage. That split is the essential take-away: the model delivers strong output and useful features, but reliability and shipping/installation quality appear inconsistent based on repeated owner signals.

If you’re considering the CIM198, prioritize delivery inspection, secure plumbing, and fast engagement of the 1-year parts-and-labor warranty if anything looks wrong. For many home cooks, hosts, and small businesses it will be an excellent compact workhorse; for mission-critical operations that cannot tolerate downtime, consider a model with more robust long-term reliability signals or a redundant backup plan.

Check before you buy (short checklist)

• Confirm the model size you want: the listing shows a 198-lb model and also a 265-lb variant — pick the production size that matches your needs.
• Plan for plumbing: the unit lists a water inlet hose and drain hose in the included components, but secure installation and leak-proof connections are your responsibility.
• Inspect on arrival: photograph packaging and exterior for dents or damage; one owner reported a dented front corner on delivery.
• Test for leaks and error modes quickly: run the machine through a cycle and watch for water-tray stability and any recurring "error mode" behavior that owners have reported.
• Understand bin vs production: listing production is up to 198 lbs/24 hrs; the listed bin capacity is 55 lbs — don’t assume the machine stores a full day’s production onboard.
• Keep the 1-year parts-and-labor warranty info handy: owners who had early failures used the warranty/producer route for replacement or repair.

FAQ

1. How much ice does this make in a day?

   The listing claims the CIM198 can produce up to 198 pounds of ice per 24 hours; a larger 265-pound-per-day variant is also shown as an available size in the listing.

2. How much ice does the bin hold at once?

   The product specification lists capacity as 55 pounds. Several owners note that the unit’s storage bin does not feel as large as they expected compared with total daily production, so plan to move ice off the machine if you need larger on-hand reserves.

3. Can I install it under a counter?

   The listing specifically describes the machine as easy to install under a counter or to place in a corner, and the item dimensions are 17.13" D x 21.89" W x 36.2" H (item weight 79.4 lb). Verify your cabinet opening and local installation requirements before placing an order.

4. What power and refrigerant does it use?

   The listing shows a 200-watt compressor and specifies 115 volts for power. The refrigerant listed on the product page is R600a.

5. What comes in the box?

   The listed included components are the ice maker, an ice scoop, a water inlet hose (the listing copy has a typo "hoose"), and a drain hose.

6. Is the exterior stainless steel?

   The listing describes the machine as a stainless-steel commercial ice maker and the Material Type field lists "Metal." Treat the stainless-steel description as the listing’s claim and verify current product documentation if stainless finish is a requirement for your space.

7. What warranty does the unit have?

   The product listing states a 1 year parts-and-labor warranty.

8. Are there recurring problems I should be aware of?

   Owner feedback repeatedly mentions the machine going into an "error mode" and shutting down, occasional leaks (including at least one report of a water tray detaching), and several reports of units failing after weeks or months. These are recurring owner signals — inspect on arrival and follow the warranty process if you encounter these issues.