It uses tons of electricity to get an ice maker that isn't refrigerated, but the whole idea of an ice maker is to get fresh-tasting ice that hasn't been stored for long periods of time, so it's a 50/50 call and should be based on how you use it. If you use a lot of ice throughout the day, I'd go with the non-refrigerated one. If you are not using up the ice maker's capacity on a regular basis, then refrigerated, I guess, but you could also put a trash compactor or a 15" trash bin pull-out in the spot. There are a lot of discussions here at Houzz on what to put in a 15" space if you decide against an ice maker.

Just put in a refrigerator with ice maker for the same money, and 1 1/0 the energy use.

any ideas on what "tons" or 10x the energy usage approximately equates to in dollars per month? I know when we purchased a hot tub they told us our electricity bill would go up $30 per month, it was more like $60. Thanks!

I haven't researched the dollar cost, but if you'll research archived threads here at Houzz, the opinions vary with some pro designers saying the energy costs of a non-refrigerated icemaker are very noticeable on the bill each month while individual users sometimes saying that the jump in cost wasn't too horrid. The general consensus from Houzz contributors is that a non-refrigerated icemaker is a waste of money unless you entertain large crowds constantly. Even for that you can get a countertop electric icemaker for special occasions and save money. Also people sometimes regret giving up the 15" cabinetry space when they could have had a trash compactor or roll-out trash bin there.

Cost depends on energy rate. $30-$60 per month going down the drain. And you have to buy the pump to get rid of the melt. Which is not nearly as quiet as a refrigerator compressor.

When we bought our current house, we took out a 15" ice-maker, which had caused a major leak for the previous owners a few years before. We put in a 15" U-Line beverage fridge in its place.

I wanted one and hubby nixed it. We did a 2nd fridge with ice maker in pantry...And my primary fridge can make a full tray of ice for those occasions when I need more ice [Bosch 800].

My friend has one and loves it. Frigidaire or whirlpool can't remember. It was like $1500. She did say it's 'high maintenance' but she definitely is glad she has it. She has a pitcher of unsweet tea that she brews every day. lol