Imagine this: you’re hosting a party, and the ice bin is bone dry. Not ideal, right? That’s where the magic of a side-by-side refrigerator’s ice maker comes in. It’s a convenience many of us rely on, but choosing the *right* one can feel like navigating a maze. You want perfectly cubed ice for your drinks, but you also worry about ice maker breakdowns or how much space it will take up.
Many people find the sheer variety of features and types overwhelming. Do you need crushed ice? How much ice can it even make? These questions can lead to frustration and a bit of buyer’s remorse. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you cut through the confusion. This post is designed to be your go-to guide for understanding everything about ice makers in side-by-side refrigerators.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know what to look for, understand the common issues to avoid, and feel confident in choosing a model that perfectly suits your needs. We’ll break down the different types of ice makers, discuss important features, and offer tips for keeping yours running smoothly. So, let’s dive in and make sure your next drink is always perfectly chilled!
Our Top 5 Ice Maker In Side By Side Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Ice Maker In Side By Side Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. Kenmore 46-51805 Counter-Depth Side Refrigerator/Freezer with Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.8/10
The Kenmore 46-51805 Counter-Depth Side Refrigerator/Freezer is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a sleek, modern look with its stainless steel finish that resists fingerprints. This 36-inch refrigerator has a 20 cubic foot capacity, which is plenty of space for your groceries. The side-by-side doors make it easy to access both the fridge and freezer sections.
What We Like:
- Stylish, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish.
- Convenient filtered water and ice dispenser.
- Accela Chill feature cools food quickly.
- Multi-Flow air system keeps everything evenly cold.
- Deep gallon-sized door bins and clear crisper drawers offer more storage for your food.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you customize the space.
- ENERGY STAR certified and uses a quiet inverter compressor for energy efficiency.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 20 cu. ft. capacity a bit small for very large families.
- While the fingerprint resistance is good, regular cleaning is still necessary.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid choice for those looking for style, convenience, and energy efficiency. It keeps food fresh and provides easy access to cold drinks.
2. Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity
Rating: 9.3/10
Introducing the Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator, a sleek and spacious addition to any kitchen. With a generous 22.2 cubic feet of total capacity, it offers plenty of room to store all your groceries. The stylish stainless steel finish complements modern kitchen designs. This refrigerator also features an air filter to keep your food smelling fresh and LED interior lighting to easily see everything inside. Plus, the convenient built-in ice maker means you’ll always have ice ready for your drinks.
What We Like:
- Ample 22.2 cu. ft. storage space handles family-sized grocery hauls.
- The air filter helps keep food fresh and prevents odors.
- Bright LED interior lights make finding items simple.
- The integrated ice maker provides a constant supply of ice.
- The stainless steel finish offers a clean, modern look.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific details about the air filter’s lifespan and replacement cost are not provided.
- The “N/A” feature listing suggests some functionalities might be missing or not clearly defined.
This Frigidaire refrigerator offers a good balance of capacity and features for everyday needs. It’s a solid choice for families looking for a functional and attractive appliance.
3. Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator. This sleek stainless steel fridge offers a generous 20 cubic feet of space and a smart design with a side freezer. It’s packed with features to keep your food fresh and your family happy.
What We Like:
- Spacious and Stylish: The 30.79″D x 35.75″W x 69.68″H French door design gives you lots of room. The freezer is on the left and the fridge on the right. Different storage areas help you organize everything.
- Keeps Food Fresh: A special cooling system makes sure your food stays fresh longer. An alarm will remind you if a door is left open for too long, saving energy.
- Effortless Maintenance: You never have to defrost this freezer! It has a program that does it automatically. The door seals are also easy to remove and clean, helping the fridge work its best.
- Smart Temperature Control: The refrigerator uses a microcomputer to accurately control the fridge and freezer temperatures separately. The LED display shows you the temperature, and you can easily adjust it with up or down arrows.
- Double Ice Fun: Get ready for ice! This fridge makes both nugget ice and cube ice. Plus, you can get cold water right from the door.
What Could Be Improved:
- Water Filter Information: The product description doesn’t mention if a water filter is included or how to replace it.
- Noise Level: There’s no information about how quiet the refrigerator is when it’s running.
The Antarctic Star refrigerator brings convenience and modern style to your kitchen. It’s a great choice for families who want fresh food and easy access to ice and water.
4. Maxx Ice MIMC15C
Rating: 8.8/10
The Maxx Ice MIMC15C is a versatile ice maker that can sit on your counter or be built into your cabinetry. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This machine makes ice quickly and efficiently, so you’ll always have plenty of ice for drinks and parties.
What We Like:
- It makes a lot of ice – up to 15 pounds a day! That’s way more than your freezer’s ice maker.
- The ice it makes is crescent-shaped, which is perfect for most drinks.
- You can put it almost anywhere because it doesn’t need a drain. This makes setting it up super easy.
- It has a front-breathing design, meaning it’s designed to fit neatly into a built-in space.
- The ice bin holds 12 pounds of ice and you can take it out to get the ice easily.
- Your ice stays frozen because the inside of the machine acts like a freezer.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention the exact dimensions, which would be helpful for planning built-in spaces.
- It would be good to know if the ice maker needs a water filter or how often to clean it.
Overall, the Maxx Ice MIMC15C is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and convenient ice maker. It delivers on its promise of ample, well-frozen ice with a user-friendly design.
5. Kenmore 33 in. 20.4 cu. ft Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer with Full-Width Adjustable Glass Shelving
Rating: 9.3/10
The Kenmore 33-inch, 20.4 cu. ft. White Refrigerator/Freezer is a solid choice for many kitchens. It offers a good amount of space for your groceries and frozen foods. Its classic white finish fits well in most homes. This fridge is designed to keep your food fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- It has a large 20.4 cu. ft. capacity, so you can store lots of food.
- The adjustable glass shelves let you customize the inside for different-sized items, like tall drink pitchers or big party platters.
- Gallon door bins are great for storing milk jugs and other large drinks.
- Two humidity-controlled crispers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
- The ENERGY STAR certification means it’s good for saving energy and lowering your electricity bill.
- It comes with a factory-installed ice maker that can make up to 3 pounds of ice a day.
- Bright LED lighting makes it easy to see everything inside.
What Could Be Improved:
- The freezer door bins are full-width, which might make it a bit tricky to organize smaller frozen items without them getting lost.
- While it’s a good size, some families might need even more freezer space.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers practical features and good storage for everyday needs. It’s a reliable appliance that helps keep your food organized and fresh.
Your Guide to Ice Makers in Side-by-Side Refrigerators
Choosing a refrigerator with a built-in ice maker can make life a lot easier. No more buying bags of ice! This guide will help you find the perfect one for your kitchen.
Why Choose a Side-by-Side Refrigerator with an Ice Maker?
Side-by-side refrigerators have the freezer on one side and the refrigerator on the other. This layout is popular because it puts both sections at eye level. Having an ice maker built into the door or freezer means you always have cold drinks ready. It’s a convenient way to get ice without any extra effort.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, consider these important features:
- Ice Type: Most refrigerators offer cubed ice. Some also have crushed ice. Crushed ice is great for chilling drinks quickly or for cocktails.
- Ice Storage Capacity: Think about how much ice you use. If you entertain often, you’ll want a larger ice bin.
- Water Dispenser: Many models have a water dispenser that chills water. Some offer filtered water, which tastes better and is healthier.
- Automatic Shut-off: This feature stops the ice maker when the bin is full. It prevents ice from spilling out.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for refrigerators with the ENERGY STAR label. They use less electricity, saving you money on your bills.
- Filter Type and Replacement: If you want filtered water and ice, check the type of filter used and how often it needs to be replaced. This is an ongoing cost.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how long your ice maker lasts and how it works.
- Ice Bin: Most ice bins are made of plastic. Look for durable, BPA-free plastic.
- Ice Maker Components: The internal parts are usually made of metal and plastic. Stainless steel is often used for durability and hygiene.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your ice maker better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built ice maker will last longer. Check for sturdy construction and smooth operation.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have better reliability and customer service.
- Ease of Cleaning: Some ice makers are easier to clean than others. Removable parts make cleaning simpler.
- Ice Production Speed: If you need a lot of ice quickly, look for models that make ice fast. This can depend on the freezer temperature and how often the door is opened.
- Noise Level: Some ice makers can be noisy. Read reviews to see if others have complained about loud operation.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a refrigerator with a built-in ice maker is very straightforward. You simply press a button or lever on the dispenser.
- Everyday Convenience: For families, having ice readily available is a big plus for drinks, snacks, and even for cooling down if you get too warm.
- Entertaining: When you have guests, you won’t run out of ice for their drinks.
- Healthier Hydration: The water dispenser encourages drinking more water. Filtered water makes it even more appealing.
Conclusion
A side-by-side refrigerator with an ice maker is a smart addition to any kitchen. By considering the key features, materials, and quality factors, you can find a model that perfectly suits your needs and makes your life a little cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How does the ice maker work in a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: A water line connects to the refrigerator. The ice maker fills a mold with water. Once frozen, the mold releases the ice cubes into a storage bin. The dispenser then pushes the ice out when you use it.
Q: How often do I need to replace the water filter?
A: Most manufacturers recommend replacing the water filter every six months. However, this can vary depending on your water quality and how much water you use.
Q: Can I turn off the ice maker if I don’t need it?
A: Yes, most models have a switch or setting to turn the ice maker off. This is useful if you are going away or don’t use much ice.
Q: What if the ice maker stops making ice?
A: There are a few common reasons. The water line might be blocked, the freezer temperature might be too high, or the ice maker itself could be faulty. Check the user manual for troubleshooting tips.
Q: Is crushed ice better than cubed ice?
A: It depends on what you’re using it for. Cubed ice melts slower, keeping drinks colder for longer. Crushed ice chills drinks faster and is good for cocktails or smoothies.
Q: Do all side-by-side refrigerators have ice makers?
A: No, not all of them do. Some models are designed without ice makers, especially if they are more basic or budget-friendly options.
Q: How much ice can a refrigerator ice maker typically produce in 24 hours?
A: This varies by model, but many can produce between 2 to 5 pounds of ice per day.
Q: Is it hard to clean the ice maker and dispenser?
A: It can be a bit tricky, but most manufacturers provide instructions in the user manual. Some parts, like the ice bin, are often removable for easier cleaning.
Q: Will the ice maker use a lot of electricity?
A: The ice maker itself uses very little electricity to freeze the water. The main energy consumption comes from the refrigerator’s cooling system.
Q: What should I do if the ice tastes or smells bad?
A: This usually means the water filter needs to be replaced. It’s also a good idea to clean the ice bin and dispenser area regularly.
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.