Imagine this: You’re hosting a party, and the ice bin is almost empty. Panic sets in! Or maybe you’re just trying to enjoy a cool drink on a hot day, and the ice maker in your side-by-side refrigerator has stopped working. We’ve all been there, and that’s why choosing the right ice maker for your side-by-side refrigerator is so important.
With so many different models and features out there, it can feel like a puzzle trying to pick the best one. You want something that makes plenty of ice, fits your budget, and doesn’t give you headaches down the road. But where do you even start? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices and technical terms.
Don’t worry! This guide is here to help you navigate the world of side-by-side refrigerator ice makers. We’ll break down what you need to know, from different types of ice to helpful features. By the end, you’ll feel confident in picking an ice maker that keeps your drinks perfectly chilled and your life a little bit cooler.
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 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill
Rating: 8.5/10
The Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer is a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish looks great and is easy to keep clean. This refrigerator offers plenty of space for all your food and drinks, making it ideal for busy families or those who love to entertain.
What We Like:
- Space-Saving Design: The counter-depth feature means it fits neatly into your kitchen without sticking out, but still gives you a generous 20 cu. ft. of storage.
- Quick Cooling Power: Accela Chill gets your groceries cold fast. The multi-flow air system keeps everything at the right temperature on every shelf.
- Convenient Water & Ice: The built-in dispenser provides filtered water, cubed, and crushed ice right when you need it. Your drinks will always taste fresh.
- Flexible Storage: The adjustable, edge-to-edge glass shelves are easy to clean and let you fit big items like platters and jugs.
- Energy Efficient: It’s ENERGY STAR Certified, meaning it saves energy and runs quietly thanks to its inverter compressor. The bright LED lights help you find food easily.
- Stylish Finish: The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel looks modern and stays looking good with minimal effort.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers ample space for its size, larger households might find the 20 cu. ft. capacity a little tight if they store a lot of bulk items.
- The specific features of the Accela Chill and Multi-Flow Air System are not detailed beyond their basic function, leaving some room for consumer curiosity about the exact technology involved.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a great balance of style, functionality, and energy efficiency. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen.
2. 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 is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. This French door model offers a generous 20 cubic feet of storage, keeping your food fresh and organized with its smart design and advanced features.
What We Like:
- Ample fresh food storage with 3 adjustable glass shelves and crisper drawers.
- Convenient dual freezer drawers for easy access to frozen goods.
- Built-in ice maker that produces both solid and crushed ice.
- Intelligent chip temperature control ensures food stays at the perfect temperature.
- User-friendly electronic touch controls with a child lock and vacation mode.
- Interior LED lighting makes it easy to see everything inside.
- Frost-free design means no more manual defrosting.
- Energy-efficient with an E-star rating.
What Could Be Improved:
- The soft alert sound for an open door could be more noticeable.
- The White plastic air duct cover and White glass shelves trim might not match all kitchen decors.
This refrigerator offers a great balance of style and practicality. It’s a solid choice for families looking for a reliable and feature-rich appliance.
3. Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge
Rating: 9.5/10
The Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its large 20 cubic feet capacity and stainless steel finish offer ample storage and a modern look. The unique French door design with a side freezer makes accessing your food easy and convenient. Plus, with both nugget and cube ice makers, plus a water dispenser, it’s ready for any beverage need.
What We Like:
- Large capacity (20 Cu Ft) fits plenty of groceries.
- French door design with a side freezer offers great organization.
- Built-in nugget and cube ice makers plus a water dispenser are super handy.
- Multi-airflow cooling keeps food fresh longer.
- Door alarm reminds you if a door is left open.
- Automatic defrosting means no more manual defrosting!
- Removable door seals are easy to clean.
- Intelligent microcomputer control lets you easily adjust fridge and freezer temps.
- LED display clearly shows temperatures.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (30.79″D x 35.75″W x 69.68″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
This refrigerator is a smart choice for busy families who need lots of space and convenient features. It keeps food fresh and provides ice and water with ease.
4. Kenmore 33 in. 20.4 cu. ft Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer with Full-Width Adjustable Glass Shelving
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Kenmore 33-inch Black Refrigerator/Freezer, a spacious and smart appliance designed to handle your family’s grocery needs. With its 20.4 cubic feet of storage, it offers ample room for everything from weekly shopping to party platters. This refrigerator blends practical features with energy efficiency, making it a solid addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Generous 20.4 cu. ft. capacity fits plenty of food.
- Adjustable full-width glass shelves let you customize storage for tall items like pitchers or cakes.
- Gallon door bins are perfect for storing large drink containers and condiments.
- Humidity-controlled crispers keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
- A covered dairy drawer keeps butter and spreads at the right temperature.
- The factory-installed ice maker provides up to 3 lbs. of ice daily, so you’re always ready for a cold drink.
- 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 bins are full-width, which might make it harder to organize smaller frozen items compared to divided bins.
- While the capacity is good, some larger families might need even more space.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a great balance of storage, organization, and efficiency. It’s a practical choice for households looking for reliable cooling and smart features.
5. Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge
Rating: 8.5/10
The Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its stainless steel finish and French door design offer a modern look, while the generous 20 cubic feet of space provides ample room for all your groceries. With a side-by-side freezer and convenient water and ice dispensers, this refrigerator makes everyday kitchen tasks a breeze.
What We Like:
- The large 20 cu ft capacity easily holds food for a big family. Its French door style with a side freezer is super convenient.
- Keeping food fresh is easy with the multi-airflow cooling system. The door alarm is a smart feature that reminds you if a door is left open.
- You’ll never have to defrost this freezer again! The automatic defrost program handles it. Plus, the removable door seals make cleaning simple and help the fridge work better.
- The intelligent microcomputer control lets you adjust fridge and freezer temperatures separately. The LED display shows you the exact temperature.
- Enjoy ice in any form you like! This fridge makes both nugget and cube ice, and dispenses cold water right from the door.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (30.79″D x 35.75″W x 69.68″H) might be a bit large for smaller kitchens.
- While the ice maker offers variety, some users might prefer a dedicated crushed ice dispenser if that’s a primary need.
This Antarctic Star refrigerator offers a great blend of style and smart features. It’s a solid choice for families looking for ample storage and convenient ice and water dispensing.
Your Guide to the Best Ice Maker in Your Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Having an ice maker built right into your side-by-side refrigerator is a real game-changer. No more trips to the store for ice bags! This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Ice Production Rate: How much ice can it make in a day? If you have a big family or entertain often, you’ll need one that makes a lot of ice quickly.
- Ice Shapes: Most refrigerators make crescent-shaped ice. Some offer other options like cubes or even crushed ice. Think about what you use most.
- Storage Capacity: How much ice can the bin hold? A larger bin means you won’t run out as quickly.
- Water Filter: A good water filter makes your ice taste better and keeps the ice maker clean. Look for filters that are easy to replace.
- Energy Efficiency: Some ice makers use less electricity. This can save you money on your power bill.
- Smart Features: Some newer models let you control the ice maker from your phone. You can turn it on or off, or check how much ice you have.
Important Materials
The parts of your ice maker matter. They affect how long it lasts and how well it works.
- Ice Bin: Most ice bins are made of plastic. Look for durable, BPA-free plastic.
- Water Lines: These are usually made of plastic or copper. Plastic is common and works well.
- Internal Components: The parts that actually make the ice are often made of metal and plastic. Higher quality materials usually mean a longer-lasting ice maker.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make your ice maker experience great or not so great.
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping the ice maker clean is super important. This prevents bad smells and tastes. A clean ice maker makes better ice.
- Water Quality: The water you use affects the ice. If your tap water tastes bad, your ice will too. A good filter helps a lot.
- Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance. This keeps everything running smoothly.
- Freezing Issues: Sometimes, ice can jam. This can happen if the temperature isn’t right or if the water line freezes.
- Noise: Some ice makers are louder than others when they make ice. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for quieter models.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your ice maker.
- Daily Use: For families who use ice every day, a fast and efficient ice maker is a must.
- Entertaining: If you host parties, you’ll need an ice maker that can keep up with demand.
- Convenience: The biggest win is the convenience. Always having ice ready is a huge plus.
- Health and Safety: A well-maintained ice maker with a good filter ensures you’re drinking clean, safe ice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in a refrigerator ice maker?
A: The most important feature is usually the ice production rate. You want it to make enough ice for your needs.
Q: How often should I clean my ice maker?
A: It’s a good idea to clean your ice maker every 3-6 months, or more often if you notice any smells or tastes.
Q: Will a water filter really make my ice taste better?
A: Yes, a good water filter removes impurities that can affect the taste and smell of your ice.
Q: Can I turn off the ice maker if I don’t need it?
A: Most side-by-side refrigerators allow you to turn the ice maker off. This can save energy.
Q: What causes ice to jam in the maker?
A: Ice can jam due to temperature fluctuations, a blocked water line, or if the ice bin is overfilled.
Q: Are all ice makers the same shape?
A: No, most make crescent shapes, but some offer cubes or crushed ice options.
Q: How long do refrigerator ice makers usually last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, many ice makers can last for 5-10 years or even longer.
Q: Is it hard to replace the water filter?
A: Usually, it’s very easy. Most filters just twist or snap into place.
Q: What if my ice maker stops making ice?
A: First, check if it’s turned on and if the water supply is connected. Then, check for any blockages or error lights.
Q: Are smart ice makers worth the extra cost?
A: If you like controlling appliances from your phone and want extra convenience, they can be worth it. For others, basic features are enough.
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.