Imagine hosting a summer barbecue. Friends and family gather, laughter fills the air, and everyone reaches for a cold drink. But what happens when the ice runs out too fast? That’s where the ice maker in your side-by-side refrigerator becomes a true hero—or a total headache if it’s not the right one!
Choosing the perfect ice maker for a side-by-side fridge is trickier than it looks. Do you need crushed ice, perfect cubes, or maybe nugget ice? Poor choices lead to slow production, bulky freezer space, or constant repairs. Nobody wants a refrigerator that can’t keep up with their cool drink demands. We know you want reliable, fast ice without sacrificing precious storage room.
This post dives deep into the world of built-in ice makers. We will break down the different types, share tips for maximizing ice production, and explain what features truly matter. By the end, you will know exactly what to look for to ensure your next side-by-side refrigerator delivers perfectly chilled drinks every single time. Let’s start chilling!
Top Ice Maker In Side By Side Refrigerator Recommendations
- Counter Depth, Large Capacity: This 36-inch, counter-depth refrigerator offers 20 cu. ft. of space-saving storage, maximizing your kitchen’s footprint while providing ample room for fresh and frozen foods - perfect for families and entertaining
- Chill & Multi-Flow Air System: Quickly cool groceries with a dedicated chill feature, and enjoy even temperature throughout with a multi-flow air system for fresh food on every shelf
- Water & Ice Dispenser with Water Filter: Enjoy fresh, filtered water and cubed or crushed ice instantly with a factory-installed ice maker and dispenser. Every drink tastes pure—perfect for any kitchen
- Adjustable, Edge-to-Edge Glass Shelves: Sleek, spill-proof glass shelving stretches from edge to edge for a modern finish and flexible storage. Easily customize your refrigerator interior to fit platters, jugs
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Bright LED lighting illuminates every area, so food never gets lost, while the inverter compressor runs quietly and efficiently; the fingerprint-resistant finish keeps your refrigerator stylish
- Large capacity and modern design: This French door refrigerator 30.79"D x 35.75"W x 69.68"H, with freezing area on the left and refrigerator area on the right, different storage structures and large storage enough to suit the various needs of the home
- Keep fresh:This refrigerator features a multi-airflow cooling system to keep food fresh, and If you leave any of your doors open for longer than 1-minute the alarm system will remind you to close the door.
- Automatic defrosting and easy clean:This Freezer is equipped with a program that controls the frequency and duration of defrosting your freezer. This will make sure that you never need to manually defrost the freezer.And door seal is removable.They are easy to remove and clean, allowing the product to operate efficiently for longer.
- Intelligent control:Microcomputer control systems are able to separately control both the fridge and freezer more accurately.It has LED display and temperature controls.The control board respectively displays the fridge and freezer temperatures. To change the setting in either section simply press the up or down arrow depending on the chance you would like made.
- Automatic ice maker and Water Dispenser:The refrigerator has the function of automatic ice making, and users can take ice cube, crushed ice and cold water outside the door
- Spacious 20.1 Cu. Ft. Capacity: This full size refrigerator with freezer provides ample space for your fresh and frozen foods. Top freezer refrigerator is ideal for kitchens in homes and apartments
- Top Freezer with Ice Machine: Included ice maker with ice probe sensor produces approximately 3.5 lbs. of ice per day, depending on the temperature of the freezer and other operating conditions
- Adjustable Temperature Control: Maintain optimal freshness with the adjustable temperature control feature. Set the perfect cooling levels for both the refrigerator and top freezer sections
- Frost-Free Design: Enjoy maintenance-free convenience with frost-free operation. Ensure your refrigerators stay free from ice build-up, making it efficient and easier to keep clean
- Energy Star Certified: This refrigerator full size features an inverter compressor, ensuring energy efficiency and quiet operation. Ideal for those seeking a full size refrigerator with freezer that is environmentally friendly
- Spacious Yet Compact: This 30-inch, white refrigerator offers 18.1 cu. ft. of standard-depth storage space, giving you plenty of room for groceries without crowding smaller kitchens
- Adjustable Full-Width Glass Shelves: Tempered glass shelves adjust to fit party trays, drink pitchers, or sheet cakes. Customize your refrigerator layout with flexible storage for tall or oversized items
- Gallon Door Storage + Freezer Bins: 3 clear refrigerator door bins hold gallon jugs, condiments, and more. 2 full-width freezer door bins keep smaller frozen items organized and easy to reach
- Humidity-Controlled Crispers and Dairy Drawer: Store produce in 2 clear humidity-controlled crispers to help it stay fresher longer. A covered dairy compartment keeps butter and spreads at the perfect temp
- ENERGY STAR Certified with Factory Installed Icemaker: Long-lasting LED lighting brightens the interior. ENERGY STAR certified to help save on utilities. Factory installed icemaker gives you ice at the ready with up to 3 lbs. of ice per day
- Great tools at a great price
- 𝟐𝟎 𝐂𝐔. 𝐅𝐓. 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐃𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆: Forno kitchen fridge with a spacious 19.2 cu. ft. interior capacity you can store all of your items, avoiding frequent trips to the store and two large freezer drawers, keep your food organized and you can easily access.
- 𝐓𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍: The Forno 36"" frost free fridge eliminates the need for manual defrosting, saving you time and effort. It also helps to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the refrigerator, which can help to extend the life of your food.
- 𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈 𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐖 𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌: The Forno refrigerator has a multi air flow cooling system which circulates cool air throughout the refrigerator, ensuring that all of your food is stored at the proper temperature. This helps to prevent spoilage and keep your food fresher for longer.
- 𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐋 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐊 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄: The Forno fridge with easily usable LED display allows you to quickly change temperatures for the refrigerator, crisper drawer, and freeze compartments without having to open the doors. Child Lock safety feature provides peace of mind by preventing children from tampering with the refrigerator controls.
- 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐇 𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒: The kitchen fridge features like 3 glass shelves with 12.12 cu.ft, 1 gallon bin, 2 pull-out freezer drawers with 7.14 cu. ft capacity. This allows you for easy organization and you can keep everything in its place, making it easier to find what you need.
- Full Size Capacity Refrigerator: This 33-inch, white refrigerator offers 20.4 cu. ft. of total storage space, giving you plenty of room for groceries
- Adjustable Full-Width Glass Shelves: Tempered glass shelves adjust to fit party trays, drink pitchers, or sheet cakes. Customize your refrigerator layout with flexible storage for tall or oversized items
- Gallon Door Storage + Freezer Bins: 3 clear refrigerator door bins hold gallon jugs, condiments, and more. 2 full-width freezer door bins keep smaller frozen items organized and easy to reach
- Humidity-Controlled Crispers and Dairy Drawer: Store produce in 2 clear humidity-controlled crispers to help it stay fresher longer. A covered dairy compartment keeps butter and spreads at the perfect temp
- ENERGY STAR Certified with Factory Installed Icemaker: Long-lasting LED lighting brightens the interior. ENERGY STAR certified to help save on utilities. Factory installed icemaker gives you ice at the ready with up to 3 lbs. of ice per day
- Capacity Extra Large 21 Cu. Ft - Stock-up on groceries with the extra large 21 cu. ft. capacity in a space-saving footprint that is only 33" wide
- Garage Ready - Garage Ready model complete with an innovative temperature sensor for optimal performance in a wide range of climates
- Crisper Bins & Humidity-Controlled - Choose the ideal humidity level with Humidity-Controlled Crispers - high for leafy veggies, low for longer lasting fruits
- Multi Air Flow - Strategically placed vents distribute cool air evenly throughout the entire refrigerator to maintain ideal temperatures in every nook and cranny.
- Utility Drawer - A bonus drawer in the refrigerator allows you to keep snacks, deli items, smaller foods, and other munchable organized and accessible.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best In-Side-By-Side Refrigerator with an Ice Maker
Buying a new side-by-side refrigerator is a big deal. You want one that keeps your food fresh and makes plenty of ice for drinks. The ice maker is a key part of this appliance. This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, pay close attention to what the ice maker can actually do. These features make a big difference in your daily life.
Ice Production Rate
How much ice does the machine make in 24 hours? If you host parties often, you need a high production rate—maybe 10 to 15 pounds daily. For a smaller family, 5 to 8 pounds might be enough.
Ice Types
Do you just want regular ice cubes? Some modern refrigerators offer more options. Look for crushed ice or nugget ice (sometimes called “chewable” ice). Different ice types fit different needs.
Dispenser Location and Functionality
Most in-door dispensers offer ice and water. Check if the dispenser is easy to reach. Can it fit a tall water bottle underneath? Some dispensers have child locks or lights, which are very handy.
Ice Maker Location (Inside vs. Door)
Some ice makers sit inside the freezer compartment. Others are built into the refrigerator door. Door models save freezer space but might sometimes slow down ice production slightly.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used determine how long your ice maker lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Ice Bin and Auger Material
The bin holds the ice. Look for durable, clear plastic bins. The auger (the part that pushes the ice out) should be made of strong metal or reinforced plastic. Cheap plastic can crack over time.
Water Filter System
Clean water makes better-tasting ice. Make sure the refrigerator has an accessible, easy-to-replace water filter. Good filters remove bad tastes and odors. Check how often you need to change the filter—usually every six months.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few design choices can either boost your ice maker’s performance or cause headaches later on.
Factors That Improve Quality (Pros)
- Automatic Shut-Off: A good ice maker stops making ice when the bin is full. This saves energy and prevents jamming.
- Easy Access for Cleaning: Can you easily remove the ice maker unit for deep cleaning? Simple removal means you are more likely to keep it clean.
- Reliable Mechanism: Brands known for quality often use better motors and sensors, leading to fewer repairs.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Cons)
- Noise Level: Some older or cheaper models make loud crunching or humming noises when making ice. Test the noise level if you can.
- Freezer Space Loss: Ice makers take up space. If you need maximum freezer storage, a smaller, more compact ice maker is better.
- Complex Repairs: If the ice maker breaks, how easy is it to fix? Built-in door units can sometimes be harder and more expensive to repair than simple freezer models.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you actually use ice and water every day.
Everyday Use
If you drink iced coffee every morning, you need fast, reliable ice dispensing. A dispenser that works quickly will make your mornings smoother. If kids use the fridge, make sure the dispenser controls are simple to operate.
Entertaining and Parties
Hosting a big barbecue? You will need an ice maker that can keep up with demand. Look for models that have an “Ice Boost” feature. This temporarily speeds up ice production when you know you will need extra.
Maintenance
A great user experience means low maintenance. Choose a model where cleaning the dispenser chute (where the ice comes out) is simple. Nobody wants to deal with sticky, old ice residue.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About In-Side-By-Side Refrigerator Ice Makers
Q: How often should I clean the ice maker?
A: You should clean the ice bin and dispenser area every three to six months. This keeps the ice tasting fresh.
Q: Can I turn the ice maker off?
A: Yes, almost all models allow you to turn the ice maker off using a switch or control panel setting. This is useful when you are going on vacation.
Q: Why is my ice maker not making ice?
A: First, check if the ice maker is turned on. Next, check the water supply line connection. Finally, make sure the freezer temperature is cold enough (usually 0°F or below).
Q: What is an “Ice Boost” feature?
A: Ice Boost temporarily increases the rate at which the machine produces ice. It is great before guests arrive.
Q: Does the ice maker use a lot of electricity?
A: Modern ice makers do not use a huge amount of power, but they use more energy than the rest of the refrigerator because the motor and cooling system run periodically.
Q: What is the difference between cubed and crushed ice?
A: Cubed ice is the standard, solid block of ice. Crushed ice is broken into small pieces, which cools drinks faster.
Q: How long does the water filter last?
A: Most refrigerator water filters need replacement every six months, but always check your owner’s manual.
Q: Do ice makers need plumbing installed?
A: Yes, for the ice maker and water dispenser to work, the refrigerator must be connected to your home’s cold water line.
Q: Will an in-door ice maker take up too much door storage?
A: Yes, the mechanism takes up some space. If you use all your door shelves for condiments, an in-door unit might feel cramped.
Q: What happens if the ice maker jams?
A: If the ice maker jams, turn it off for a few minutes to let any stuck ice melt slightly. Then, turn it back on. If it jams often, you might need a service technician.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!