COST GUIDES
How much does it cost to install an ice maker? (2026 price guide)
Updated 08/26
Fast Facts
Typical domestic installation: Around £90 for a plumbed fridge freezer water line
Biggest cost driver: Whether you're installing a domestic fridge connection or a commercial ice machine
Average plumber's hourly rate: £50
There's nothing worse than running out of ice just as guests arrive, or relying on bulky ice trays that take up valuable freezer space.
Whether you're adding an ice maker to a family kitchen, creating the ultimate home bar or equipping a commercial space, an automatic ice maker gives you a constant supply of fresh ice whenever you need it.
This guide explains typical ice maker installation costs, what affects the price and when it's worth hiring a plumber or commercial refrigeration engineer.
How much does it cost to install an ice maker?
Most homeowners simply need a cold-water supply connected to a plumbed fridge freezer with an integrated ice maker. This is usually a straightforward plumbing job.
Commercial ice machines are much larger installations and cost considerably more than a domestic fridge freezer connection.
| Item | Unit | Cost - low | Cost - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water line installation | Per typical water line | £60 | £120 | £90 |
| Plumber | Per hour | £40 | £60 | £50 |
| Commercial ice machine | Machine cost | £1,000 | £7,000 | £4,000 |
| Commercial ice machine installation | Delivery and installation cost | £70 | £250 | £160 |
| Last updated: August 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
Domestic ice maker installation
Most homeowners pay between £60 and £120 to have a water line installed for a plumbed fridge freezer.
The final cost depends on:
How far the appliance is from the nearest cold-water supply
Whether a new isolation valve or water filter is required
How accessible the pipework is
Commercial ice machine installation
Commercial ice machines are designed for cafés, pubs, restaurants, bars and hospitality businesses that need a much larger and more consistent supply of ice.
Expect to budget:
£1,000–£7,000 for the machine itself
£70–£250 for delivery and installation
Larger systems often require installation by a commercial refrigeration engineer alongside any necessary plumbing and electrical work.
Compare quotes from checked installers
The easiest way to understand what your installation will cost is to compare quotes from a selection of checked installers working in your area.
When requesting quotes, explain:
Whether the installation is domestic or commercial
Where the appliance will be located
Approximately how far it is from the nearest cold-water supply
Whether electrical work may also be required
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How much does it cost to install an ice maker water line?
Most plumbed fridge freezers need a cold-water supply to feed the ice maker.
Running a typical domestic water line usually costs £60–£120, assuming straightforward access and a nearby cold-water pipe. This is assuming that your plumber's hourly rate is around £40–£60 per hour.
Many installations also include:
A water filter
A pressure limiting valve
If your chosen fridge doesn't require plumbing, you'll avoid these installation costs altogether, although you'll need to refill its water reservoir manually.
If you're planning to fit the water supply yourself, our guide to how to install a fridge water supply line explains what's involved.
What affects the cost?
Several factors can influence the overall price you'll pay for having an ice maker installed.
Type of ice maker: A plumbed fridge freezer is the simplest and cheapest installation. Dedicated domestic ice makers, built-in units and commercial machines require progressively more work
Price of the ice maker: You'll need to factor in the cost of the fridge freezer or ice machine itself. These can range in price hugely depending on things like size, make and quality
Existing water supply: If there's already an accessible cold-water pipe nearby, installation is usually straightforward. Longer pipe runs or difficult access increase labour time
Distance from the water supply: The distance between your ice maker and your kitchen sink will determine how long the water line needs to be. If your ice maker is integrated into your fridge freezer, there'll also need to be room for a mini stop tap, water filter and pressure limiting valve. These could either be installed behind the fridge or in a cupboard next to it
Commercial machine type: Self-contained machines generally cost less than modular systems with separate storage bins
Cooling system: Water-cooled commercial machines usually cost more to buy than air-cooled models. They can operate more efficiently in busy commercial environments, although they use considerably more water
Installation requirements: Domestic fridge installations normally only require plumbing. Commercial installations may also require electrical work, drainage and specialist commissioning
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What's the average cost of a commercial ice machine?
Commercial ice machines vary considerably depending on the amount of ice they produce.
Self-contained ice machines
These combine ice production and storage within a single unit.
Typical cost: £1,000–£3,500
Modular ice machines
These produce larger quantities of ice and store it in a separate bin.
Typical cost: £2,000–£5,500
Air-cooled ice machines
Typically cost: £1,500–£4,500
Water-cooled machines
Typically cost: £2,000–£7,000
They cost more to buy but are often better suited to demanding commercial environments.
How long does installation take?
Running a water line to a domestic fridge freezer usually only takes one to two hours.
Installing a commercial ice machine can take a full day or longer, depending on the size of the equipment and whether additional plumbing or electrical work is required.
Planning an outdoor entertaining space? Ice makers aren't just for busy family kitchens. They're increasingly popular in home bars, garden entertaining spaces and pool houses, where having a steady supply of ice makes hosting much easier.
Ice maker installation cost: job estimator tool
Our cost calculator can help to estimate the cost of installing an ice maker in your property.
Job Estimate Calculator
This calculator provides a guide price only. For an accurate quote, compare a selection of quotes from checked and reviewed tradespeople in your area.
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Can you install an ice maker yourself?
A standalone ice maker that simply plugs into a socket can usually be installed yourself.
However, if your appliance needs connecting to your mains water supply, it's usually worth hiring a plumber.
Poorly installed water connections can leak, potentially damaging flooring, kitchen units and nearby appliances.
Commercial ice machines should always be installed by appropriately qualified professionals.
Benefits of hiring a professional
A professional installer can:
Connect the water supply safely
Fit isolation valves and filters correctly
Minimise the risk of leaks
Ensure commercial equipment is commissioned correctly
Help protect the manufacturer's warranty
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Ice maker installation cost checklist
Before requesting quotes:
How to find a checked installer
Whether you're installing a fridge freezer with an integrated ice maker or a commercial ice machine, choosing the right installer helps ensure the job is completed safely and reliably.
Before requesting quotes, aim to have the following information ready:
The make and model of your appliance
Whether it's domestic or commercial
Where it will be located
The approximate distance from the nearest water supply
Any known access restrictions
Comparing itemised quotes from a selection of checked installers is the best way to understand what's included and find the right tradesperson for your project.
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Key takeaways
Most domestic installations simply involve connecting a water line to a plumbed fridge freezer
Domestic water line installation typically costs £60–£120
Commercial ice machines cost significantly more than domestic installations
Professional installation helps reduce the risk of leaks and protects your manufacturer's warranty
Comparing quotes from checked installers is the easiest way to find a fair price
If your ice maker breaks down later, repair costs are usually lower than a full replacement. For general fridge repair costs, our guide covers what to expect across all common faults.
Ice maker cost FAQs
Yes, if the ice maker needs a water line connected to your mains supply. A plumber will fit the stop tap, water filter and pressure limiting valve correctly, and make sure there's no risk of a leak.
You can if it's a standalone unit that just needs filling and plugging in. If it needs plumbing in, it's best left to a plumber to avoid leaks.
Running a water line to an ice maker typically costs between £60 and £120, based on a plumber's hourly rate of around £40 to £60.
A self-contained ice machine makes and stores ice in one unit. A modular ice machine needs a separate storage bin, but can produce more ice, and costs more as a result.
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