Imagine opening your refrigerator door, only to find a perfectly organized space, free from the clutter and water lines that often come with an ice maker. Does that sound like a dream? For many, the idea of a Side By Side refrigerator without an ice maker is a welcome change, offering a simpler, more streamlined approach to keeping food fresh.
But finding one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You might be wondering if they even exist, or if you’re missing out on essential features. The truth is, many people face this exact dilemma, unsure of where to begin or what to look for. The worry about sacrificing convenience for simplicity is real.
This post will guide you through the world of Side By Side refrigerators without ice makers. You’ll learn why some people choose this option, what benefits it offers, and how to identify the best models for your kitchen. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your decision, knowing exactly what to look for to get the perfect refrigerator for your needs.
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: 9.0/10
The Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish stays looking sharp, and the counter-depth design saves valuable space. Inside, you’ll find plenty of room for all your groceries thanks to its 20 cu. ft. capacity. This fridge is designed to make your life easier, from keeping your food perfectly chilled to offering refreshing filtered water and ice right at your fingertips.
What We Like:
- Space-Saving Design: The 36-inch counter-depth fits snugly into your kitchen, giving you more floor space.
- Generous Capacity: 20 cu. ft. of storage holds lots of food for families and parties.
- Quick Cooling: Accela Chill gets new groceries cold fast.
- Even Cooling: The Multi-Flow Air System keeps every shelf at the right temperature.
- Convenient Water & Ice: The built-in dispenser provides filtered water and cubed or crushed ice, making drinks extra refreshing.
- Flexible Storage: Adjustable, edge-to-edge glass shelves are easy to clean and fit large items.
- Energy Efficient: ENERGY STAR certification means it uses less electricity, saving you money.
- Bright LED Lighting: You can easily see everything inside, so no food gets forgotten.
- Quiet Operation: The inverter compressor runs quietly.
- Stays Clean: The fingerprint-resistant finish means less wiping.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 20 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for very large families or those who buy groceries in bulk.
- While the counter-depth design saves space, it might offer slightly less internal storage than a non-counter-depth model of the same width.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a great balance of style, convenience, and efficiency. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen and simplifying your daily routine.
2. Iceblue Refrigerator
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the Iceblue Refrigerator, a 15.6 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side model in sleek Black Stainless Steel. This versatile appliance functions as both a beverage fridge and a freezer, offering precise temperature control and a frost-free design. Its modern look and smart features make it a standout addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It has a large capacity of 15.6 cubic feet, great for families.
- The Black Stainless Steel finish looks modern and matches other appliances.
- You can control the temperature separately for the fridge and freezer.
- It comes with special drawers to keep fruits and veggies fresh.
- The design is flat and has easy-to-open handles.
- It’s a thoughtful gift idea for holidays or special occasions.
- The freezer can go down to -10°F, keeping food perfectly frozen.
- The fridge compartment stays between 32°F and 42°F.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s large, the exact split between fridge and freezer space might not suit everyone’s needs.
- The dimensions (35.1″ W x 26.77″ D x 72.6″ H) mean you need to measure your kitchen space carefully.
This Iceblue refrigerator offers a stylish and practical solution for your cooling needs. Its thoughtful features and generous capacity make it a worthwhile consideration for your home.
3. Kenmore 46-62319 30″ Top Mount Refrigerator with Freezer – Adjustable Shelving
Rating: 9.5/10
The Kenmore 46-62319 30″ Top Mount Refrigerator with Freezer in sleek black is a fantastic choice for busy families and individuals. It offers a smart balance of spaciousness and compact design, making it ideal for kitchens of all sizes. You’ll love how much food it holds and how easy it is to keep organized.
What We Like:
- Spacious Yet Compact: It fits perfectly in a 30-inch space but gives you a generous 18.2 cu. ft. of storage, so you can stock up without worry.
- Adjustable Shelving: Tempered glass shelves move up and down, letting you fit tall drink pitchers or large party platters with ease.
- Smart Door Storage: The door bins are perfect for gallon-sized milk jugs and all your favorite condiments. Plus, the freezer door bins keep small frozen items neat.
- Fresh Produce: Two humidity-controlled crispers keep your fruits and veggies crisp and fresh for longer. A special dairy compartment keeps butter and cheese just right.
- Energy Efficient: This fridge is ENERGY STAR certified, which means it saves you money on your electricity bill. The bright LED lights inside make it easy to find what you need.
- Optional Ice Maker: You can add an ice maker for extra convenience, producing up to 3 lbs. of ice daily.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ice maker is an optional add-on, meaning an extra purchase if you want it.
- While compact, it’s still a standard-depth refrigerator, so very deep items might not fit perfectly across the entire width.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a great value, offering smart features and ample storage for your everyday needs. It’s a reliable appliance that will help keep your food fresh and organized.
4. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator. This stainless steel beauty offers a large capacity for your family’s groceries. Its side-by-side doors make finding your food a breeze. Plus, it fits neatly into your kitchen without sticking out too far.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: 20.6 cu ft is plenty of room for everyone’s favorite foods.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: Easily see and grab your fresh and frozen items.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Adjust settings quickly and easily from the inside panel.
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: Store gallons of drinks and other large items in the door.
- INTERIOR LIGHTING: Bright LED lights help you see everything inside.
- COUNTER DEPTH: It sits flush with your counters, giving your kitchen a sleeker look.
- DELIVERY OPTIONS: Take advantage of convenient delivery and setup services.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is located inside the refrigerator, which might be less convenient for some users.
- While the capacity is large, the counter-depth design means it might not hold as much as a standard-depth fridge of the same cubic footage.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator is a smart choice for families needing space and style. Its thoughtful design and helpful features make it a practical addition to any kitchen.
5. Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer with 20 Cubic Ft.- Stainless Steel French Door Built-In Ice Maker Fridge
Rating: 8.7/10
The Forno Salerno 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator and Freezer offers a spacious and stylish solution for your kitchen. Its stainless steel French doors and built-in ice maker add a touch of modern elegance, while its 20 cubic feet of capacity ensures you have plenty of room for all your groceries.
What We Like:
- Generous 20 cubic feet of total storage space.
- Separate fresh food and freezer zones for organized storage.
- Multi-air flow cooling system keeps food fresh.
- Adjustable glass shelves and crisper drawers in the fridge.
- Two freezer drawers and side-door shelves for easy freezer access.
- Soft alert sound if the freezer door is left open.
- Fast freeze setting for quick cooling.
- Built-in ice maker that makes both solid and crushed ice.
- Intelligence chip temperature control for precise temperature management.
- Digital controls with child lock, vacation, and Sabbath modes.
- Interior LED lighting for easy visibility.
- Stylish stainless steel door panel and dark grey side cabinet.
- E-star energy rating for energy efficiency.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are standard, but might require careful measurement for existing kitchen spaces.
- The white plastic air duct cover and white glass shelves trim might not match all kitchen aesthetics.
This refrigerator is a solid choice for families looking for ample storage and convenient features. Its thoughtful design and energy efficiency make it a valuable addition to any modern kitchen.
Your Guide to Smart Side-By-Side Refrigerators (No Ice Maker Needed!)
Looking for a new refrigerator? A side-by-side model without an ice maker might be just what you need. These fridges offer a clean look and often come with great features. Let’s dive into what makes them a good choice for your kitchen.
Why a Side-By-Side Without an Ice Maker?
Sometimes, you don’t need or want an ice maker. Maybe you prefer to buy bagged ice, or you’ve had issues with ice makers in the past. A model without one can be simpler, more reliable, and sometimes even more affordable. You still get the convenient vertical split of a side-by-side, with the fridge on one side and the freezer on the other.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food do you need to store? Look at the total cubic feet. A good rule of thumb is about 4-6 cubic feet per adult in your household.
- Shelving and Drawer Layout: Do the shelves adjust easily? Are there crisper drawers to keep fruits and veggies fresh? Consider spill-proof shelves, too.
- Temperature Control: Digital controls let you set the exact temperature for the fridge and freezer. Look for separate controls for each compartment.
- Energy Efficiency: An Energy Star certified refrigerator uses less electricity. This saves you money on your power bill and is better for the environment.
- Door Storage: Are there enough shelves in the doors for drinks, condiments, and jars? Adjustable door bins are a big plus.
- Interior Lighting: Bright LED lights help you see everything inside, even in the back.
- Finish: Stainless steel is popular, but you can also find finishes like black stainless, white, or black. Choose one that matches your kitchen.
Important Materials
The materials used in a refrigerator affect its look, durability, and how easy it is to clean.
- Exterior Finish:
- Stainless Steel: This is a classic choice. It looks modern and is generally durable. However, it can show fingerprints. Some stainless steel finishes are fingerprint-resistant.
- Painted Steel (White, Black, etc.): These are often more budget-friendly. They are easy to clean but can scratch more easily than stainless steel.
- Interior:
- Glass Shelves: These are strong and easy to wipe clean. Look for tempered glass, which is more resistant to breaking.
- Plastic Drawers and Bins: These are lightweight. Make sure the plastic feels sturdy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a refrigerator better or less desirable.
- Build Quality: A well-built refrigerator feels solid. Doors should open and close smoothly. Components like drawers and shelves should feel sturdy, not flimsy.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable appliances that last a long time. Reading reviews from other customers can help you understand a brand’s quality.
- Noise Level: A quiet refrigerator is a good thing. Look for models that mention quiet operation.
- Ease of Cleaning: Smooth surfaces, spill-proof shelves, and removable drawers make cleaning much easier.
- Warranty: A good warranty, especially on the sealed system (the compressor and cooling parts), shows the manufacturer stands behind their product.
User Experience and Use Cases
A side-by-side refrigerator without an ice maker is great for many people.
- Simplicity: If you don’t need ice, this is a straightforward appliance. It has fewer parts that could break.
- Space: The vertical split means you can store tall items easily in both the fridge and freezer.
- Organization: It’s easy to see what you have because the fridge and freezer compartments are separate and side-by-side.
- Families: Plenty of space for groceries and easy access for everyone.
- Apartments or Smaller Homes: Many models come in counter-depth sizes, which don’t stick out as far into your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why would someone choose a side-by-side refrigerator without an ice maker?
A: People choose this option because they don’t need or want an ice maker. It can lead to a simpler, more reliable appliance, and sometimes a lower price.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators without ice makers energy efficient?
A: Yes, many models are Energy Star certified, which means they use less electricity. Always look for the Energy Star label.
Q: How much space do I need for a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: You need enough width for the refrigerator doors to open fully. Also, consider the depth, especially if you choose a counter-depth model.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators without ice makers good for small kitchens?
A: Yes, especially counter-depth models. They don’t stick out as much, which can make a small kitchen feel more spacious.
Q: What is the average capacity of these refrigerators?
A: Capacities vary, but you can find models ranging from around 20 to 28 cubic feet. Think about how much food your household consumes.
Q: How do I clean the interior of a side-by-side refrigerator?
A: Use a mild soap and water solution. Wipe down shelves and drawers. Removable parts can often be washed in the sink.
Q: What kind of warranty should I expect?
A: Most refrigerators come with a one-year limited warranty. The sealed system often has a longer warranty, sometimes five or even ten years.
Q: Can I add an ice maker later if I change my mind?
A: In most cases, no. Refrigerators are designed with or without specific features. Adding one later is usually not possible or very difficult.
Q: Are these refrigerators more expensive than models with ice makers?
A: Not always. Sometimes, a model without an ice maker can be less expensive because it has fewer components.
Q: What should I do if I notice strange noises from my refrigerator?
A: Some noises are normal, like the hum of the compressor. However, loud or unusual noises might mean there’s an issue. Check your owner’s manual or contact customer support.
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.