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Specifications
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The Whynter IMC-490SS is a free-standing ice maker with a stainless steel finish. This portable unit is designed to produce ice and features built-in ice-making functionality. The model carries the designation IMC-490SS and is manufactured by Whynter as part of their ice maker product line.
This appliance is suited for users who need a dedicated ice-making solution that can be positioned independently of other kitchen fixtures. As a free-standing unit, it requires appropriate countertop or floor space and access to power. The portable design allows for placement in various locations within a home, though specific space and electrical requirements should be verified before purchase to ensure proper fit and operation.
The Internet’s Verdict
69%positive
3.9★ weighted·across 13 ratingsHow We Score It
Gathering the reviews
We continuously collect owner reviews and public discussions from major retailers and community forums, de-duplicate them, and set aside anything we can’t tie to a verified purchase.
Calculating the average
Averaged across every source we found (Amazon, AJ Madison, and other retailers). Each source counts in proportion to how many ratings it has, so a store with thousands of reviews moves the number more than one with only a handful.
✓ Updated regularly · No manufacturer input
What owners talk about most
“Wow ! we are so enjoying having this ice maker ! Set it up and it went right to work. We wanted the water hookup because the ice maker in our fridge went out and I didn't want to buy a new refrigerator. No regrets, we love it !”
Owners Answer
The questions shoppers ask, answered from real owner reviews and discussions across the web — not the manufacturer spec sheet.
Reviewers consistently report that this unit produces ice quickly and in large quantities—one owner notes approximately 45 lbs per day. The ice stays frozen solid for extended periods due to strong insulation, which is a major advantage over smaller countertop models. Most users find the capacity sufficient for regular household use and entertaining.
Yes, this model includes an optional water line connection feature. Multiple reviewers specifically praise the autofill capability, which eliminates the need to manually refill the water reservoir and is cited as a major convenience upgrade over previous models.
Reviewers report that the unit operates quietly. One owner specifically notes it "does not make too much noise," and another describes it as "nice and quiet." It is suitable for home and social settings without being disruptive.
This unit measures 15 inches wide, 17 inches tall, and 17.3 inches deep, making it compact enough for most countertops and suitable for home, beach house, or outdoor use. Reviewers describe it as portable and practical for various settings.
The unit has water level sensors positioned near the top of the reservoir. If you plan to use the ice maker without a direct water line hookup, be aware that the usable reservoir capacity is limited by the sensor placement—the ice basket will cycle off before the full reservoir is depleted. Direct water line connection is recommended if you want to avoid frequent manual refilling.
Multiple reviewers praise Whynter's customer service as exceptional, reporting quick response times and effective troubleshooting. The company has replaced defective units and sent replacement parts with detailed installation instructions. Owners report positive experiences when contacting support with operational questions or issues.
The vast majority of reviewers report reliable performance over extended use. One owner noted rust on an internal screw, and a small number of units have experienced ice tray motor failures—though Whynter's customer service has promptly replaced parts in these cases. Overall, durability is strong, with many owners using the unit regularly for over a year without issues.
Fit & facts
Research done. Amazon has the best price today — $239.99
View DealSpecifications
Side-by-Side
How this ice maker stacks up against close alternatives on Fridge.com.
| Spec |  Whynter IMC-490SS Portable Ice Maker, 49-Pound, Stainless Steel Whynter · IMC-490SS |  Frigidaire Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker, Compact, 33lbs per Day, Red Metallic Finish Frigidaire · EFIC144SSRD |  Whynter · UIM-155 |  Frigidaire Small Appliances · EFIC232-WHITE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $239.99 | $158 | $315 | $229 |
| Width | 15 | — | 15 | 6.7 |
| Height | 17 | — | 25 | 13.5 |
| Depth | 17.25 | — | 18 | 16.4 |
| Color | Stainless Steel | Red | Stainless Steel | White |
| Material | Stainless Steel | Metal | Plastic | — |
| Size | One Size | — | One Size | — |
| Finish | Stainless Steel | Red Metallic | Multi | — |
| Top features |
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| Where to buy | View Deal | View Deal | View Deal | View Deal |
What Owners Say
13 ratings
I am updating the review below which detailed how my ice maker failed and was immediately replaced by Whynter customer service. Then after 13 months the new one I received stopped making ice. The ice tray was not functioning properly. I texted Whynter customer service and…
Wow ! we are so enjoying having this ice maker ! Set it up and it went right to work. We wanted the water hookup because the ice maker in our fridge went out and I didn't want to buy a new refrigerator. No regrets, we love it !
This is our 4th countertop ice maker, and by far the best. The others were much smaller and not as insulated leading to constant re-filling of the water reservoir and my spouse and I fighting over the remaining half-melted ice in the mornings. This unit is well insulated…
I love this icemaker! I bought it for our beach house where we have lots of guests in the summer. It makes ice quickly and keeps it frozen until we are ready to use it. The quality of ice is great. The capacity is perfect - it rarely runs out as it keeps making ice…
We have been using the Whynter IMC-491DC Portable Ice Maker for almost a year and a half. The icemaker cranks out ice very fast. I have called the Whynter customer service several times regarding operation of the machine and the response has been nothing short of incredible.…
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Sourced and aggregated by Fridge.com.
Documentation
Official manufacturer documents for this model — owner's manuals, spec sheets, installation guides, and warranty terms.
Manufacturer documents archived by Fridge.com so links keep working when manufacturer URLs change.
More from Whynter
Other models in the same family — useful for comparing capacity, finish, and feature mix.
Red
Whynter IMC-270MR Compact Portable Ice Maker, 27 lb. Capacity, Metallic Red
$205.95
Silver
Whynter FIM-450HS Freestanding Ice Maker, 44-Pound, Stainless Steel
$406.06
Stainless Steel
Whynter MIM-14231SS 14'' Undercounter Automatic Stainless Steel Marine 23lb Daily Output Ice Makers, One Size
$1,060.99
Stainless Steel/black
Whynter built-in Ice Maker Machine 15 Inch Wide Stainless Steel UIM-502SS Under-Counter 80 Lb/Day with NSF Inline Water Filter
$1,185.17
Silver
Whynter IMC-270MS Compact Ice Maker, 27-Pound, Metallic Silver
$122.58
Black
Whynter IMC-270MB Compact Portable Ice Maker, 27 lb. Capacity, Metallic Black
$129.99
Brand Background
Whynter has carved out a distinctive position in the refrigeration market since its founding in 2006, operating from Brea, California with a clear focus on specialty cooling solutions rather than traditional full-size refrigerators. The brand's catalog of 65 products tracked on Fridge.com reveals a deliberate emphasis on beverage centers, which account for 24 units, alongside 14 upright freezers and 13 ice makers. This product mix reflects Whynter's strategy of serving consumers who need supplemental cooling for specific purposes—whether that means dedicated wine storage across their nine wine cooler models, portable freezing capacity for outdoor enthusiasts, or standalone ice production for entertaining. The company positions itself in the value tier, making these specialty appliances accessible to budget-conscious buyers who might otherwise settle for generic alternatives. Products like the IMC-270MS ice maker and CDF-177SB upright freezer represent the brand's core competencies. With an average rating of 4 out of 5, Whynter maintains respectable customer satisfaction while competing primarily on price and purpose-built functionality rather than premium features or brand prestige.