A refrigerator with an ice maker makes cold drinks easier and cuts down on filled trays. It suits busy homes, families, and anyone who serves drinks often. This guide to the best ice maker in side by side refrigerator compares models with useful ice features and clear buying notes.
A weak ice maker can turn a handy feature into a daily annoyance. Ice may run out when guests arrive, a dispenser may take up space, or a water line may not fit your kitchen. Some listings also mix refrigerator styles, so shoppers can mistake a top-freezer or French-door model for a side-by-side. Before you buy, check the exact model, ice-maker details, dimensions, and water needs. The right choice should fit your room and routine, not just look good in a product photo.
I focus on practical appliance details, including layout, listed ice features, capacity, and the questions buyers should check before ordering. I compared the supplied product information rather than assuming every model has the same ice setup. This guide to the best ice maker in side by side refrigerator prioritizes clear fit notes, useful trade-offs, and options for different homes.
What you’ll learn
- How to check ice-maker and water connection details before buying
- Which listed models are true side-by-side refrigerators
- How capacity and layout affect daily use
- What trade-offs to weigh when comparing these refrigerators
In This Article
How To Choose The Best best ice maker in side by side refrigerator
Choosing the best ice maker in side by side refrigerator means checking more than the door style. A poor fit can leave you without a water hookup, room for the doors to open, or the ice supply you expect. Listings may also group different fridge styles together, and not every model name confirms an included ice maker. Check the exact model details, installation needs, size, and return terms before you order. A few minutes of checking can prevent a costly kitchen headache.
Confirm the Ice Maker and Water Setup
First, confirm that the exact model includes an ice maker. Product titles can mention a water dispenser without clearly stating that ice is included. Check the model’s full feature list and installation guide, then see whether it needs a water line or offers another fill method. Do not assume a dispenser means ice is part of the package. This matters most if you want automatic ice for daily use. The Electactic listing names a built-in ice maker, while the supplied Midea and Kenmore titles do not confirm one. Verify before choosing the best ice maker in side by side refrigerator for your home.
Measure the Space and Check the Fridge Style
Measure the opening, nearby counters, and the path into your kitchen before you buy. Leave room for doors to swing and drawers to open. Capacity alone does not tell you whether a refrigerator will fit. Also check the layout: a side-by-side model has fresh food and freezer sections beside each other, while a top-mount or French-door design works differently. The BLACK+DECKER is listed as a top-mount model, and the Antarctic Star is described as French door. Choose the best ice maker in side by side refrigerator only if its style and size suit your space.
Match Capacity and Features to Your Routine
A larger fridge can help a big household, but it may use more room and may not suit a narrow kitchen. Compare listed capacity, shelf layout, freezer access, and dispenser features with your daily habits. A family that uses lots of frozen food may value freezer space, while a couple may prefer a compact footprint. Treat terms like garage ready or counter-depth as useful clues, not a substitute for checking measurements and installation rules. The best ice maker in side by side refrigerator should fit your routine, not simply offer the biggest number.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electactic 18.1 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side | Ice maker listed | Homes wanting a built-in ice maker | 18.1 cu. ft.; water dispenser | Amazon |
| Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side | Large capacity | Larger households | 29 cu. ft.; 36-inch wide | Amazon |
| Antarctic Star French Door Fridge | Nugget and cube ice | Shoppers who want two ice styles | 20 cu. ft.; nugget and cube ice | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER 24 Cu. Ft. Top Mount | Top-mount alternative | Buyers open to a top-freezer layout | 24 cu. ft.; ice maker in title | Amazon |
| Midea 24.5 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth | Side-by-side | A streamlined kitchen fit | 24.5 cu. ft.; AutoFill water pitcher | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews for best ice maker in side by side refrigerator
1.
Electactic 18.1 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side
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The Electactic offers 18.1 cubic feet of storage in a two-door side-by-side design. Its listing calls out a built-in ice maker, water dispenser, and digital temperature control. Those features make it a strong match for shoppers seeking the best ice maker in side by side refrigerator. The white finish keeps the look simple, while the garage-ready claim may suit more flexible placement.
The side-by-side layout keeps fresh food and frozen items easy to reach without a wide freezer door. A water dispenser adds quick access for drinks, and digital controls make temperature changes more direct. This model may suit smaller households that want ice and water features without a very large capacity. Check its measurements and hookup needs before planning installation.
The smooth exterior should be simple to wipe clean, while removable shelves and bins can help with routine care; confirm details in the manual. Its listed features offer useful value in one appliance. Before ordering, verify the warranty, installation requirements, and whether the stated garage-ready use fits your climate.
Why It’s Great
- The listing explicitly names a built-in ice maker.
- A water dispenser offers handy drink access.
- Digital temperature control makes settings easier to adjust.
- Side-by-side doors provide separate fresh and frozen sections.
- The 18.1-cubic-foot size may suit homes that do not need an oversized fridge.
Good to Know
- The supplied title does not give ice production or storage rates.
- Confirm water-line needs, dimensions, and door clearance before purchase.
- Garage-ready performance can depend on room temperature and installation guidance.
2.
Kenmore 29 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side
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The Kenmore is a 29-cubic-foot, 36-inch-wide side-by-side refrigerator in fingerprint-resistant stainless steel. Its generous listed capacity makes it worth a look for larger households or frequent hosts. The supplied title does not confirm an ice maker, so buyers seeking the best ice maker in side by side refrigerator should verify the exact model configuration before ordering.
A side-by-side layout places chilled food and frozen goods in tall sections, which can make everyday items easier to spot. The broad capacity may help households that shop in bulk, though the listed width calls for careful measuring. Fingerprint-resistant steel can help the exterior look neat between cleans. Check shelf layout and dispenser details in the full listing.
Stainless steel needs a soft cloth and suitable cleaner to avoid marks. The large capacity may offer practical value for busy homes, but value depends on fit and included features. Confirm the ice-maker option, installation needs, warranty, and door swing before purchase so the refrigerator meets your expectations.
Why It’s Great
- The listed 29-cubic-foot capacity offers substantial storage.
- Its side-by-side layout keeps freezer and fridge areas distinct.
- A 36-inch width is clearly stated for planning.
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel may help reduce visible smudges.
- It may suit families that store bulk groceries.
Good to Know
- The supplied product title does not state that an ice maker is included.
- Its 36-inch width may not fit smaller kitchen openings.
- Check the exact feature set and installation requirements before ordering.
3.
Antarctic Star 20 Cu. Ft. French Door
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The Antarctic Star listing describes a 20-cubic-foot French-door refrigerator with a side freezer, water dispenser, nugget ice maker, and cube ice. Two ice styles stand out for shoppers who want options for drinks and snacks. This is not a standard side-by-side layout, so compare its design carefully when searching for the best ice maker in side by side refrigerator.
French doors give a wide view of the fresh-food area, while the side freezer keeps frozen goods separate. The listed adjustable thermostat offers control over settings. This model may suit shoppers who value nugget and cube ice more than a traditional side-by-side layout. Check the dimensions, water connection, and exact dispenser arrangement before deciding.
The stainless steel finish calls for regular wiping to keep it tidy. Ice features add convenience, but the listing does not provide output or bin capacity in the supplied details. Review the manual, warranty, and maintenance steps before buying. Its value will depend on whether its two ice styles fit your daily needs.
Why It’s Great
- The product title lists both nugget and cube ice.
- A water dispenser adds another useful drink feature.
- The 20-cubic-foot capacity may suit many households.
- An adjustable thermostat gives users temperature control.
- French-door fresh-food access can make wide items easier to reach.
Good to Know
- This is described as a French-door model, not a classic side-by-side.
- The provided title does not state ice output or bin capacity.
- Check dimensions and water hookup details before purchase.
4.
BLACK+DECKER 24 Cu. Ft. Top Mount
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The BLACK+DECKER BR2400JIMW is listed as a 24-cubic-foot top-mount refrigerator with an ice maker. Its larger capacity and named ice feature make it a useful alternative for shoppers comparing the best ice maker in side by side refrigerator. However, the top-freezer layout is not side-by-side, so this model suits buyers who are open to a different style.
A top-mounted freezer puts frozen food above the fresh-food section, a familiar layout for many homes. The 24-cubic-foot capacity may appeal to households that need room for weekly groceries. The product title identifies an ice maker, but buyers should check whether a water line or other setup is needed. Measure the full unit and delivery path first.
The white finish can be wiped clean with a soft cloth, and simple surfaces may make routine care easy. Review the manual for shelf removal and ice-maker care. Its value depends on your preferred layout, kitchen fit, and included features, so confirm the warranty and connection details before purchase.
Why It’s Great
- The product title explicitly includes an ice maker.
- The listed 24-cubic-foot capacity offers room for groceries.
- A top-freezer layout may feel familiar to many users.
- The model name is provided for checking exact specifications.
- It gives shoppers an alternative to side-by-side door layouts.
Good to Know
- This is a top-mount refrigerator, not a side-by-side model.
- The supplied details do not state ice output or bin size.
- Confirm the water connection and delivery clearances before buying.
5.
Midea 24.5 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth
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The Midea MRS25I7BST is listed as a 24.5-cubic-foot stainless counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator with an AutoFill water pitcher. Its counter-depth design may create a neater line with nearby cabinets. The supplied title does not confirm an ice maker, so shoppers seeking the best ice maker in side by side refrigerator should check the full feature list first.
The side-by-side layout keeps fresh and frozen items in separate vertical spaces. The AutoFill pitcher is a water feature, not proof of an ice maker, so do not treat the two as the same. This model may suit kitchens where a counter-depth look matters. Compare the actual depth, door clearance, and usable storage before buying.
Stainless steel calls for gentle cleaning to limit smears. The listed capacity and counter-depth style may offer a useful blend of storage and fit, but exact dimensions matter. Confirm ice-maker availability, installation steps, warranty, and shelf details in the current listing to judge the overall value for your home.
Why It’s Great
- The listed 24.5-cubic-foot capacity provides substantial storage.
- It is identified as a side-by-side refrigerator.
- Counter-depth design may sit closer to nearby cabinets.
- The AutoFill pitcher provides a convenient water feature.
- Stainless steel offers a clean, classic kitchen look.
Good to Know
- The supplied title does not confirm an included ice maker.
- An AutoFill water pitcher is not the same as automatic ice.
- Counter-depth dimensions and usable storage should be checked carefully.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
My personal top pick is the Electactic 18.1 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side because its listing clearly names a built-in ice maker, water dispenser, and digital temperature control. That makes it the clearest match for the best ice maker in side by side refrigerator among these options. Still, check its size and water setup before ordering.
For a larger home, consider the Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side, but confirm whether your exact version includes an ice maker. The Antarctic Star offers nugget and cube ice in a French-door design, while the BLACK+DECKER is a top-freezer alternative. Pick the layout and features that fit your kitchen, routine, and budget.