The COTLIN HXIMC25BI is a true 15-inch built-in ice maker that needs no drain line, making it the closest thing here to a permanent, plumbing-light upgrade for a kitchen or bar.
Buyers wanting a proper built-in or freestanding ice maker that fits a 15-inch cabinet opening without running a drain.
Skip if
You want an inexpensive countertop unit or you don't have space for a built-in installation.
Weight 62.0 lb
Voltage 115 Volts
Priced 162% above the category median ($339.99 across 113 tracked models)
Weight of 62.0 lb - heavier than 60% of the 113 models we track
Pros
True 15-inch built-in or freestanding installation
Drainless design needs no drain line
Firmer crescent ice that melts slower than nugget
22 lb storage bin keeps a reserve on hand
ETL approved, highest rating in this lineup
Cons
By far the most expensive pick here
Heavy at about 62 lbs and needs cabinet space
More involved setup than a countertop unit
Our scorecard
4.6/5overall
Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 193 owner ratings
Popularity3.4/5
193 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other refrigerators and freezers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The COTLIN HXIMC25BI is the built-in of the group. Designed to slot into a standard 15-inch-wide opening, it can be installed under a counter or used freestanding, and it makes crescent-shaped ice that's firmer and slower-melting than the soft nugget alternatives.
Its headline feature is the drainless design: it doesn't require a drain line, which removes one of the biggest installation hurdles of a built-in ice maker. A 22-pound storage bin keeps a usable reserve on hand, and the unit is ETL approved and rated for both residential and commercial use, with COTLIN marketing it as a 2026 upgraded model.
At $889.98 and about 62 pounds, it's the most serious investment here, but it's also the only pick that delivers a built-in look and feel. It carries the highest rating in this lineup at 4.7 stars across 193 reviews, which points to strong satisfaction among the buyers who need this format.
Specifications
Weight
62.0 lb
Voltage
115 Volts
Performance notes
As a 15-inch built-in, the HXIMC25BI is meant to be a permanent fixture rather than a movable countertop unit, and its 22-lb bin keeps ice stored and ready instead of melting back into a reservoir. The crescent ice format is denser and slower-melting than nugget, suiting drinks and longer service. The drainless design simplifies installation by removing the drain-line requirement, and ETL approval plus a commercial rating back its build for steady use.
What buyers say
Owners consistently praise the built-in fit, the convenience of skipping a drain line, and the solid crescent ice, which together explain the standout 4.7-star average. The freestanding-or-built-in flexibility is also valued. The main considerations buyers raise are the high price and the space and weight required, which are expected trade-offs for a true built-in machine.
