Imagine this: you’re hosting a party, and suddenly, you realize you’re out of ice. The last thing you want is to scramble for bags of ice at the store, especially when you’re busy entertaining. This is where a refrigerator with a built-in ice maker becomes a true lifesaver, turning a potential party disaster into a smooth success.
Choosing the perfect refrigerator with an ice maker can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many different types, from sleek counter-depth models to spacious French doors, and each one offers unique features. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the jargon and the sheer number of choices. You want a fridge that keeps your food fresh, looks good in your kitchen, and most importantly, reliably churns out ice for your drinks whenever you need it.
Don’t worry, though! By the end of this post, you’ll feel much more confident about picking the right refrigerator with an ice maker for your home. We’ll break down the key things to consider, explain the different types of ice makers, and help you understand what features truly matter. Get ready to find a fridge that not only chills your food but also keeps your beverages perfectly cold, ice included!
Our Top 5 Refrigerator With Ice Maker Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Refrigerator With Ice Maker Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER 18.1 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator with Ice Maker
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 18.1 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator with Ice Maker, the BR1810HIMS. This 2-door fridge is a great addition to any home or apartment kitchen. It offers plenty of space for all your groceries and keeps them perfectly chilled. The stylish stainless look also makes it a nice-looking appliance.
What We Like:
- Generous 18.1 Cu. Ft. Capacity: This fridge gives you lots of room for both fresh and frozen items. It’s perfect for families or anyone who buys in bulk.
- Built-in Ice Maker: Enjoy ice whenever you need it! The ice maker can make up to 3.5 lbs. of ice a day, so you won’t run out during parties.
- Easy Temperature Control: You can set the perfect temperature for your fridge and freezer. This helps keep your food fresh for longer.
- Frost-Free Operation: Say goodbye to messy ice buildup. The auto-defrost feature takes care of it, making cleaning simple and keeping the fridge running smoothly.
- Energy Star Certified: This refrigerator is energy efficient. It uses less power, which saves you money on your electricity bills and is better for the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- Top Freezer Design: Some users prefer a bottom freezer. This design means you have to bend down to access the main refrigerator section.
- Stainless Look Finish: While it looks good, the stainless look finish can sometimes show fingerprints more easily than other finishes.
The BLACK+DECKER BR1810HIMS is a solid choice for those needing a spacious and efficient refrigerator. It offers great features for everyday use and energy savings.
2. Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator. This sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel appliance offers a generous 20 cu. ft. of space, perfect for busy families and those who love to entertain. Its counter-depth design saves valuable kitchen space while still providing ample room for all your fresh and frozen favorites. The Accela Chill feature quickly cools new groceries, and the multi-flow air system keeps everything evenly chilled on every shelf.
What We Like:
- The counter-depth design makes it ideal for smaller kitchens, maximizing your space.
- Accela Chill quickly cools your food, saving you time.
- The multi-flow air system ensures your food stays fresh all over.
- Enjoy filtered water and ice on demand from the convenient dispenser.
- Adjustable, edge-to-edge glass shelves make organization a breeze and are easy to clean.
- ENERGY STAR certification means it’s energy efficient, saving you money on your utility bills.
- Bright LED lighting helps you find what you need easily.
- The fingerprint-resistant finish keeps the stainless steel looking great.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the capacity is good, larger families might need more freezer space.
- The ice maker, while convenient, can sometimes be a bit noisy.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a smart and stylish addition to any home. It balances modern features with practical design for everyday convenience.
3. Kenmore 33 in. 20.4 cu. ft Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer with Full-Width Adjustable Glass Shelving
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the Kenmore 33 in. 20.4 cu. ft Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer. This black appliance offers a generous 20.4 cubic feet of space to hold all your groceries. It’s designed to make organizing easy and keeping food fresh a breeze.
What We Like:
- Generous 20.4 cu. ft. of full-size capacity is great for families.
- Adjustable full-width glass shelves let you customize storage for tall items like drink pitchers or party platters.
- Gallon door storage bins easily fit large drink containers.
- Humidity-controlled crispers keep your fruits and vegetables fresher for longer.
- The covered dairy drawer keeps butter and spreads at the right temperature.
- An included ice maker provides up to 3 pounds of ice daily.
- ENERGY STAR certification helps you save money on your electricity bills.
- Bright LED lighting makes it easy to see everything inside.
What Could Be Improved:
- The freezer door bins are described as full-width, which might limit organization for very small frozen items.
- While it has good capacity, some users might prefer a larger freezer section.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid choice for busy households needing ample, flexible storage. Its smart features help keep food fresh and your energy bills down.
4. Kenmore 30 in. 18.1 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer with Adjustable Glass Shelving
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Kenmore 30 in. 18.1 cu. ft. Refrigerator/Freezer, a smart choice for keeping your food fresh and organized. This fridge fits well in many kitchens. It offers plenty of space without taking up too much room.
What We Like:
- Spacious interior with 18.1 cu. ft. capacity fits lots of groceries.
- Its 30-inch width is great for smaller kitchens.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you fit tall items like pitchers and cakes.
- Humidity-controlled crispers keep fruits and veggies fresh longer.
- Gallon door bins hold big drink containers and condiments.
- A dairy drawer keeps butter and spreads perfectly chilled.
- The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel looks nice and is easy to clean.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, saving you money on electricity bills.
- A factory-installed ice maker gives you ice whenever you need it.
What Could Be Improved:
- Standard-depth design might stick out a bit more than counter-depth models.
- While it has good organization, some users might prefer more specialized drawers for specific items.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid performer, offering smart storage solutions and energy efficiency. It’s a practical addition to most homes.
5. Kenmore 46-62315 30″ Top Mount Refrigerator with Freezer-Adjustable Shelving
Rating: 9.2/10
The Kenmore 46-62315 30″ Top Mount Refrigerator in sleek stainless steel is a smart choice for busy households. It offers a good amount of space without taking up too much room in your kitchen. This fridge helps keep your food fresh and organized, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s spacious inside with 18.2 cu. ft. of room, but still fits into a 30-inch spot. This is great for smaller kitchens.
- The glass shelves can be moved around. You can fit big things like party trays or tall drink bottles easily.
- Door bins are big enough for gallon jugs of milk or juice. The freezer also has bins to keep small frozen items neat.
- Special drawers keep your fruits and veggies fresh for longer. A covered spot is perfect for butter and other dairy items.
- It saves energy, which is good for your wallet and the planet. You can also add an ice maker if you like, which makes up to 3 lbs of ice a day.
- The stainless steel looks nice and resists fingerprints.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ice maker is an optional add-on, so it’s an extra cost if you want it.
- While it’s a good size, some very large families might need even more space.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers practical features and energy efficiency. It’s a solid option for keeping your food organized and fresh.
Choosing Your Perfect Fridge: A Guide to Refrigerators with Ice Makers
So, you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, and you want one that makes ice? Great choice! Having a built-in ice maker is super convenient. It means you’ll always have ice ready for your drinks. This guide will help you find the best refrigerator with an ice maker for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important things in mind:
- Ice Type: Different fridges make different kinds of ice. You can find cubed ice, crushed ice, and even nugget ice (sometimes called “sonic ice”). Think about what you like best for your drinks. Cubed ice is common. Crushed ice is good for cocktails and slushies. Nugget ice is soft and chewy.
- Ice Maker Location: Most ice makers are inside the freezer. Some refrigerators have an ice maker in the door, which saves space inside the freezer. Others have a dispenser on the outside of the door. This lets you get ice without opening the fridge.
- Ice Storage Capacity: How much ice do you need at one time? Some ice makers make ice slowly, while others make it quickly. Check how much ice the bin can hold. If you have big parties or a lot of people in your house, a larger capacity is better.
- Water Dispenser: Many refrigerators with ice makers also have a water dispenser. This is a big plus! It means you can get cold, filtered water whenever you want. Look for dispensers that can fit tall water bottles or pitchers.
- Smart Features: Some newer refrigerators have “smart” features. This could mean a touchscreen, Wi-Fi connection, or even cameras inside. These features can help you manage groceries and get alerts.
Important Materials
The materials used in a refrigerator affect how it looks and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very popular finish. It looks sleek and modern. Stainless steel is also strong and easy to clean. However, it can show fingerprints.
- Black Stainless Steel: This is a newer option. It’s like regular stainless steel but in a dark color. It hides fingerprints better.
- White or Black (Enamel): These are classic colors. They are usually more affordable. They are also easy to clean.
- Interior Shelving: Look for shelves made of strong, spill-proof glass. These shelves are easy to wipe clean if something spills.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a refrigerator better or not as good.
- Build Quality: A well-built refrigerator feels solid. The doors should open and close smoothly. The drawers should slide out easily. Cheaply made fridges might feel flimsy.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the Energy Star label. This means the refrigerator uses less electricity. It will save you money on your power bill and is good for the environment.
- Noise Level: Some refrigerators can be noisy. Listen for a quiet hum. If you have an open-plan living space, a quiet fridge is important.
- Reliability: Read reviews from other customers. They can tell you if a particular model is prone to breaking down. A reliable refrigerator will work well for many years.
- Ease of Cleaning: Some refrigerators have complicated designs that are hard to clean. Look for smooth surfaces and easy-to-remove shelves.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your refrigerator.
- Busy Families: If you have a busy family, an external ice and water dispenser is a lifesaver. Kids can get their own drinks and ice. It also saves time when you’re rushing in the morning.
- Entertaining Guests: If you often have parties, a fridge that makes ice quickly is essential. You don’t want to run out of ice when your friends are over.
- Small Kitchens: If you have limited space, consider a refrigerator with an in-door ice maker. This frees up valuable freezer space.
- Health-Conscious Individuals: A water filter is a great feature if you drink a lot of water. It ensures you have clean, fresh-tasting water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Refrigerators with Ice Makers
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for?
A: The main key features to look for are the type of ice it makes (cubed, crushed, nugget), where the ice maker is located (freezer, door, external dispenser), how much ice it can store, if it has a water dispenser, and any smart features it might offer.
Q: How do I know if a refrigerator is good quality?
A: You can tell if a refrigerator is good quality by its build. It should feel solid, with doors that open and close smoothly and drawers that slide easily. Also, check for an Energy Star label, which means it’s energy efficient.
Q: Is an external ice and water dispenser worth the extra cost?
A: For many people, yes. An external dispenser makes it very easy to get ice and cold water without opening the fridge. This is especially helpful for busy families and when you’re entertaining.
Q: What’s the difference between cubed ice and crushed ice?
A: Cubed ice is the standard, solid ice cubes. Crushed ice is broken into smaller pieces. Crushed ice is great for drinks where you want to chill them quickly or for making things like margaritas.
Q: How do I clean the ice maker?
A: Most manufacturers provide instructions on how to clean the ice maker. Usually, you’ll need to turn it off, remove the ice bin, and wash it with mild soap and water. Some models have self-cleaning cycles.
Q: Will an ice maker use a lot of electricity?
A: Modern refrigerators with ice makers are designed to be energy efficient. Look for an Energy Star certified model, which means it uses less electricity compared to non-certified models.
Q: What if my ice maker stops making ice?
A: There can be a few reasons for this. First, check if the ice maker is turned on. Make sure the water supply is connected and the water line isn’t frozen. If the problem continues, you might need to call a repair technician.
Q: How long does an ice maker last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, an ice maker can last for many years, often as long as the refrigerator itself. Regular cleaning helps it work its best.
Q: Can I add an ice maker to a refrigerator that doesn’t have one?
A: In some cases, yes, but it’s often complicated and expensive. Many refrigerators are not designed to have an ice maker added later. It’s usually better to buy a refrigerator that comes with one.
Q: What are “smart features” on a refrigerator?
A: Smart features can include things like a touchscreen display, Wi-Fi connectivity, and the ability to check the contents of your fridge from your phone. Some can even help you create shopping lists or find recipes.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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!