Choosing an ice maker from the Monogram range starts with the ice itself, because the type defines how you will use it. A dedicated undercounter ice machine makes far more, and better, ice than a refrigerator icemaker – the question is which style and capacity suit your kitchen.
Clear ice vs nugget ice
- Clear ice – dense, slow-melting, crystal-clear cubes; ideal for spirits and entertaining.
- Nugget ice – soft, chewable, drink-absorbing ice many people love for everyday drinks.
Capacity and drain
Match the daily production and bin size to how much you entertain. Also confirm your drain situation – some installs are gravity drain, others need a drain pump – because it affects placement.
How to decide
- Pick the ice type by how you drink and entertain.
- Match capacity to your typical gathering size.
- Confirm whether your location supports gravity drain or needs a pump.
- Choose a panel-ready front if you want it to integrate with cabinetry.
To understand clear-ice production, read our how clear-ice production works guide. For upkeep that keeps any ice maker performing, see the ice maker maintenance guide.
Buy for the long term
Both clear-ice and nugget machines give years of service with regular descaling. Compare current models and capacities on the manufacturer’s site, monogram.com. When yours needs service, our ice maker repair service can help – book a technician.
Matching the machine to how you entertain
Choosing an ice maker in the Monogram lineup really comes down to one question: what kind of ice do you actually want in the glass? Monogram builds two distinct styles, clear-ice and nugget, and they serve very different drinkers. Getting that choice right matters more than any single spec, because the ice type is fixed by the machine.
Clear ice versus nugget
- Clear-ice makers (UNC/UCC: UNC15NPRII, UCC15NPRII, UCC15NJII). These produce dense, transparent cubes through slow, layered freezing of moving water. The ice melts slowly and dilutes little, making it the choice for cocktails, spirits, and a refined presentation. The trade-off is a measured production pace.
- Nugget makers (ZDIS/ZDIC: ZDIS150WSS, ZDIS150ZSS, ZDIC150ZBB). These make soft, chewable nugget ice that is great for sodas, iced coffee, and households where people simply love crunchable ice. Production tends to be higher-volume and faster than clear ice.
- Integrated built-in (ZIBS: ZIBS240NSS). A panel-ready built-in option (the II suffix marks integrated, panel-ready) for a fully cabinetry-matched install.
Other factors to weigh
- Finish and integration. The suffix tells the story: SS for stainless, BB for black, and II for an integrated, panel-ready front that disappears into cabinetry.
- Plumbing and drainage. Every model needs a water supply and a drain, gravity or pump. Confirm your location can provide both before you commit to a model.
- Capacity and use. Match production and bin size to how often and how heavily you entertain.
- Connectivity. All connect to the SmartHQ app over WiFi Connect for alerts and control.
In the end, choosing an ice maker is mostly about picking your ice: slow, clear, slow-melting cubes for cocktails, or fast, soft nuggets for everyday drinks. Decide that first, then match finish, integration, and plumbing to your space.
Drainage decides the location
Before choosing any model, confirm whether the install spot can drain by gravity or needs a pump, since an ice maker requires a working drain as much as a water supply. A gravity drain needs a continuous downhill run; if the nearest drain sits higher than the unit, plan for a pump.
Finish and integration
Match the suffix to your kitchen: SS stainless to stand out, BB black for contrast, or II integrated panel-ready (as on the ZIBS240NSS) to disappear into cabinetry beside other built-ins.
Get expert Monogram help
Still stuck? Our ice maker repair service uses genuine Monogram parts and a labour warranty. Schedule service any time, and review model details on the manufacturer’s site at monogram.com.
