Imagine opening your refrigerator door and finding everything perfectly chilled, but no clunky ice maker taking up valuable space. Sounds appealing, right? For many of us, the decision to buy a new side-by-side refrigerator comes with a hidden challenge: navigating the world of models with and without ice makers. It can be confusing to know which is the best fit for your kitchen and your lifestyle.
You might be wondering if a side-by-side without an ice maker is the right choice for you. Maybe you’re tired of dealing with leaky ice bins or want more flexible storage. Or perhaps you simply don’t use much ice and don’t want to pay for a feature you won’t use. These are all valid concerns, and choosing a refrigerator that fits your needs is important.
In this post, we’ll explore the advantages of side-by-side refrigerators that skip the ice maker. We’ll look at how they can offer more storage, be more energy-efficient, and sometimes even save you money. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether this type of refrigerator is the perfect match for your home.
Our Top 5 Side By Side Refrigerator Without Ice Maker Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Side By Side Refrigerator Without Ice Maker Detailed Reviews
1. Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator – a smart addition to any kitchen. It keeps your food fresh and your drinks cool. This fridge is designed to fit perfectly and look great. It’s also good for the planet!
What We Like:
- Space-Saving Design: The counter-depth style fits snugly against your cabinets. This makes your kitchen feel bigger.
- Big Storage: With 20 cubic feet of space, it holds a lot of food. It’s great for families and parties.
- Fast Chilling: Accela Chill gets your groceries cold quickly. The Multi-Flow Air System keeps everything at the right temperature.
- Easy Ice and Water: Get filtered water and ice right from the door. It makes drinks taste pure.
- Flexible Shelves: The adjustable glass shelves are strong and easy to clean. They can handle tall bottles and big platters.
- Energy Efficient: It’s ENERGY STAR certified. This means it saves energy and money.
- Stylish and Clean: The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish stays looking good. Bright LED lights help you find food easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity for Very Large Families: While 20 cu. ft. is good, extremely large families might find it a bit snug.
- Counter-Depth Compromise: The space-saving design means it might not hold as much as a standard-depth fridge of the same width.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid choice for most households. It offers a great blend of style, convenience, and efficiency.
2. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 9.4/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator with Side Doors in Stainless steel offers a smart and spacious solution for your kitchen. Its design focuses on both capacity and convenience, making it a practical addition for busy families. This refrigerator aims to keep your food fresh and your kitchen looking sleek.
What We Like:
- It has a LARGE CAPACITY of 20.6 Cu. Ft., which is great for stocking up for your whole family.
- The SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN makes it easy to see and grab both your fresh and frozen items.
- You can easily control the temperature with the DIGITAL DISPLAY, which is conveniently located inside.
- The OVERSIZE DOOR BINS can hold gallons of drinks, so you have plenty of space for beverages.
- Bright LED INTERIOR LIGHTING helps you see everything inside clearly.
- Its COUNTER DEPTH means it sits flush with your cabinets, giving your kitchen a streamlined look.
- Hamilton Beach offers DELIVERY OPTIONS, including haul-away of your old fridge, to make setup easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has good capacity, the 20.6 cu ft might still feel a bit small for very large households with extensive freezing needs.
- The digital display is inside, which some users might find less convenient than an external display for quick adjustments.
Overall, the Hamilton Beach HBF2064 refrigerator is a solid choice for those seeking a stylish and functional appliance. Its thoughtful features and counter-depth design make it a practical upgrade for many kitchens.
3. Iceblue 15.6 Cu.Ft. Side by Side Refrigerators
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Iceblue 15.6 Cu.Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator, a stylish and functional addition to any modern kitchen. This frost-free beverage fridge with a freezer boasts a sleek black stainless steel finish and offers ample space for all your family’s food and drink needs. Its smart design ensures it fits seamlessly with your existing appliances, bringing both beauty and practicality to your home.
What We Like:
- Generous 15.6 cubic feet of storage, perfect for families.
- Chic black stainless steel design that complements modern kitchens.
- Separate compartments for refrigeration (9.54 cu.ft.) and freezing (6.08 cu.ft.) for organized storage.
- Precise electronic temperature control for both freezer (-10°F to 5°F) and fridge (32°F to 42°F).
- Five adjustable temperature settings for customized cooling.
- Humidity-controlled crisper drawers keep fruits and veggies fresh.
- Dedicated dairy compartment stores butter and spreads at the ideal temperature.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (35.1″W x 26.77″D x 72.6″H) might be large for very small kitchens.
- Specific details on the “zoning temperature control” beyond the main compartment ranges could be clearer.
This Iceblue refrigerator offers excellent organization and precise temperature management. It’s a smart choice for keeping your food fresh and your beverages perfectly chilled.
4. 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Smart Refrigerator w/InstaView and Craft Ice in PrintProof Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.1/10
This 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Smart Refrigerator w/InstaView and Craft Ice in PrintProof Stainless Steel is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a huge amount of space for all your groceries. The smart features make managing your food easier than ever. Plus, the InstaView panel lets you peek inside without opening the door, saving energy. And who doesn’t love perfectly round Craft Ice for their drinks?
What We Like:
- Massive 27 cu. ft. capacity holds a lot of food.
- InstaView door lets you see inside with a quick knock.
- Craft Ice maker creates fun, slow-melting spheres.
- PrintProof Stainless Steel resists fingerprints and smudges.
- Smart features connect to your phone for temperature control and diagnostics.
- Side-by-side design provides easy access to both fridge and freezer.
- “Great tools at a great price” – it’s a good value for all the features.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price, while good for the features, might still be a stretch for some budgets.
- The smart features might be a bit complicated for people who aren’t tech-savvy.
- Craft Ice maker can be a bit slow to produce ice batches.
- Some users might prefer a French door style for easier access to wide items.
This refrigerator really delivers on its promise of advanced features at a reasonable cost. It’s a smart buy for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with modern convenience and style.
5. Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Maker
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for a constant supply of ice with the Frigidaire 26 Lbs per Day Portable Compact Ice Maker. This stylish black stainless steel machine is perfect for any home, party, or office. It makes clear, perfect ice cubes quickly and easily.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: It makes up to 26 pounds of ice every day. The water tank is located under the ice basket.
- EFFICIENT & EASY TO USE: You can make ice in less than 6 minutes. It holds 2.2 pounds of ice at a time. The controls are simple to understand.
- VERSATILE: You can choose to make ice cubes in two different sizes.
- MODERN DESIGN: The black stainless steel looks great. A clear window lets you see the ice being made.
- FUNCTIONALITY: The digital control panel tells you when the ice bin is full or when the water is low. The ice drops into the bucket when it’s ready to serve.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ice bin capacity of 2.2 lbs might be small for very large gatherings.
- While it makes ice quickly, continuous operation might require refilling the water reservoir more often than some users might prefer.
This Frigidaire ice maker is a fantastic addition for anyone who needs plenty of ice. It’s convenient, efficient, and looks good in your kitchen.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Side-By-Side Refrigerator Without an Ice Maker
Looking for a new refrigerator? A side-by-side model without an ice maker might be just what you need. These refrigerators offer a great way to organize your food. They keep your fresh items on one side and your frozen treats on the other. Let’s explore what makes these appliances a smart choice.
Why Choose a Side-By-Side Without an Ice Maker?
Many people love the convenience of a side-by-side layout. You can see everything easily without bending over. Plus, skipping the ice maker can save you money and space. You don’t have to worry about ice jams or replacing filters. This guide will help you find the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
Storage Space
Think about how much food you store. You need enough room for groceries. Look for adjustable shelves. This lets you fit taller items like milk jugs or large platters. Good door bins also help organize condiments and drinks.
Energy Efficiency
An energy-efficient refrigerator saves you money on electricity bills. Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the appliance meets strict energy-saving standards. It’s good for your wallet and the planet.
Temperature Control
You want your food to stay fresh. Good refrigerators have precise temperature controls. This keeps your fridge cool and your freezer frosty. Some models have special drawers for fruits and vegetables. These drawers help keep them at the perfect temperature.
Lighting
Bright interior lighting makes it easy to find what you need. LED lights are a great choice. They are energy-efficient and last a long time. They also don’t produce much heat, which helps keep your food colder.
Important Materials
Exterior Finish
Most refrigerators have stainless steel exteriors. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. It’s also durable and resists fingerprints. Some models offer other finishes like black or white. Choose a finish that matches your kitchen decor.
Interior Shelving
Glass shelves are common. They are easy to clean and look nice. Some shelves are spill-proof. This means if something spills, it won’t drip onto the food below. Wire shelves are less common now. They can be harder to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built refrigerator will last longer. Check for sturdy door hinges and smooth-gliding drawers. Read reviews to see what other users say about durability. Higher-quality materials often mean a longer lifespan.
Noise Level
Some refrigerators can be noisy. Look for models that are advertised as quiet. This is important if your kitchen is near a living area. A quiet appliance improves your home’s peace.
Brand Reputation
Trusted brands often make better appliances. Research different brands. See which ones have good customer service and reliable products. A good reputation usually means you’re buying a quality item.
User Experience and Use Cases
Side-by-side refrigerators without ice makers are great for families. They offer lots of space for groceries. People who buy a lot of frozen foods will find the freezer side very useful. If you prefer to make your own ice or use ice trays, this model is perfect for you. It simplifies the appliance and often lowers the cost. Homeowners who want a clean, organized kitchen will appreciate the layout. It makes finding items quick and easy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why would someone choose a refrigerator without an ice maker?
A: People choose them to save money, gain extra freezer space, and avoid maintenance issues with ice makers.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators without ice makers energy efficient?
A: Yes, many models are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they use less energy.
Q: How much storage space can I expect?
A: Storage space varies by model, but look for adjustable shelves and door bins for maximum organization.
Q: What are common exterior materials?
A: Stainless steel is very popular for its durability and appearance. Other options like black and white are also available.
Q: Are glass shelves easy to clean?
A: Yes, glass shelves are generally easy to wipe down. Spill-proof shelves offer extra protection.
Q: How can I tell if a refrigerator is good quality?
A: Look for sturdy construction, smooth-operating parts, and read customer reviews about durability.
Q: Can these refrigerators be noisy?
A: Some can be. Look for models specifically advertised as quiet for a more peaceful kitchen.
Q: Do I need to buy ice separately?
A: Yes, you would need to buy bagged ice or make your own with ice trays.
Q: Are these models more affordable?
A: Often, yes. Removing the ice maker can reduce the overall manufacturing cost, which can be passed on to the consumer.
Q: Where can I find reviews for these refrigerators?
A: You can find reviews on retailer websites, appliance review blogs, and consumer reporting sites.
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.