Scotsman vs Sub-Zero Ice Maker: which should you buy?
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The short answer
Scotsman vs Sub-Zero ice maker is a near tie on ice and a clear split on price. Both 15-inch machines are rated at 65 lb of clear ice a day and both are approved for outdoor use. The Scotsman Brilliance costs about $1,600 less to start and comes from a commercial ice specialist.
Choose Scotsman if you want the ice for less. Choose Sub-Zero if you want a matching panel-ready kitchen, MaxQuiet noise reduction, app alerts and a longer full warranty.
Key differences at a glance
- Scotsman Brilliance 15-inch Gourmet Clear Ice Machine lists for about $1,631 less ($3,799 vs $5,430).
- Sub-Zero Designer 15-inch Undercounter Ice Maker rates higher for design (5/5 vs 3/5).
- Sub-Zero Designer 15-inch Undercounter Ice Maker rates higher for features (4/5 vs 3/5).
- Scotsman Brilliance 15-inch Gourmet Clear Ice Machine rates higher for value (4/5 vs 3/5).
- Full warranty: 1-yr full vs 2-yr full.
Ratings head to head
5 vs 5
3 vs 5
3 vs 4
4 vs 3
Specs side by side
| Spec | Scotsman Brilliance 15-inch Gourmet Clear Ice Machine | Sub-Zero Designer 15-inch Undercounter Ice Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Scotsman | Sub-Zero |
| Category | Undercounter unit (ice maker) | Undercounter unit (ice maker) |
| Width | 15″ | 15″ |
| Fuel | - | - |
| Installation | Undercounter | Undercounter |
| List price (MSRP) | $3,799-$4,499 | $5,430-$6,750 |
| Full warranty | 1-yr full | 2-yr full |
| Made in | - | - |
| Wi-Fi / app | No | Yes |
| Ice per day (lb) | 65 | 65 |
| Bin storage (lb) | 26 | 25 |
| Ice type | clear gourmet (top-hat) cube | clear square full-size cube |
| Height (in) | 33.375 | 34.5 |
| Depth (in) | 22 | 23.125 |
| Outdoor rated | Yes | Yes |
| Performance rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Design rating | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Features rating | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Value rating | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Where to buy | Check price | Check price |
Prices are manufacturer or retailer list prices when we last checked; luxury brands set minimum advertised prices, so savings usually come from dealer packages and rebates. Ratings are editorial estimates: see how we rate.
How Scotsman and Sub-Zero ice makers differ
On output they match: the Scotsman Brilliance 15 and the Sub-Zero Designer 15 are each rated at 65 lb per day. Scotsman also publishes a hot-weather figure: 49 lb per day at 90°F air and 70°F water, useful if yours goes outside. Bin storage is 26 lb for Scotsman and 25 lb for Sub-Zero.
The ice itself differs. Scotsman makes clear, slow-melting gourmet "top-hat" cubes; Sub-Zero makes clear, square full-size cubes. If you want a classic cocktail cube, Sub-Zero's shape may suit you better.
Scotsman adds a water-quality sensor, no-water alert, cleaning reminder and a lighted bin. Sub-Zero adds MaxQuiet noise reduction, automated cleaning-cycle prompts and Wi-Fi through the Sub-Zero Owner's App. Both offer gravity-drain and pump-drain versions. Scotsman also lists R290 refrigerant and a self-closing, field-reversible door.
Fit and finish
Check heights before you order. The Scotsman is 33.375 inches tall; the Sub-Zero is 34.5 inches, matching other Sub-Zero undercounter units such as the Designer 24 refrigerator drawers. Sub-Zero offers panel-ready, stainless and outdoor stainless door kits; Scotsman comes in stainless or panel-ready.
Who should pick Scotsman vs Sub-Zero
Pick Scotsman if ice is the job and the budget matters, for a bar, a basement or an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens are where they converge. Both are approved outdoors, but only Scotsman publishes how output drops in heat, which helps you plan for summer parties. If you'll need more than about 49 lb on a hot day, keep backup ice on hand or plan a second machine.
Pick Sub-Zero if the ice maker sits in a visible run of matching panels next to other Sub-Zero refrigeration, or you want app alerts. The U-Line 1 Class 15 is a third option at 55 lb per day, though it isn't approved for outdoor use.
Scotsman vs Sub-Zero price, warranty and service
Scotsman runs about $3,799 to $4,499 depending on finish and drain. Sub-Zero lists at about $5,430 to $6,750 by configuration. Warranty favors Sub-Zero: 2 years parts and labor, versus Scotsman's 1 year parts and labor plus 5 years on compressor parts. Ice makers need regular cleaning, so confirm local authorized service for either. More on our best undercounter ice makers list, the clear ice maker guide and the undercounter refrigeration hub. Brand details: Scotsman, Sub-Zero.
Frequently asked questions
Is Scotsman as good as Sub-Zero for ice?
On paper, yes. Both are rated at 65 lb of clear ice per day with roughly 25 lb of storage, and our editorial ratings, estimated from specs rather than tests, score both a 5 for performance. Sub-Zero wins on design, MaxQuiet noise reduction and smart alerts; Scotsman wins on value and publishes a hot-weather output figure.
Can you use a Scotsman or Sub-Zero ice maker outdoors?
Both are approved for outdoor installation. The Scotsman Brilliance is indoor/outdoor rated and lists 49 lb per day in 90°F air with 70°F water. The Sub-Zero Designer 15 is indoor/outdoor approved and offers an outdoor stainless door kit. Follow each brand's installation and drain requirements.
Do I need a pump-drain ice maker?
You need one if there's no floor drain below the ice maker, which is common in islands and outdoor kitchens. Both brands sell pump versions: Scotsman's SRCP065A and Sub-Zero's DEU1550IP. Gravity-drain models cost less but need a drain lower than the unit. Ask your installer before you choose.