I Tested the Best Ice Maker for Side by Side Refrigerator: My Honest Experience and Top Picks
When I started looking into an ice maker for a side by side refrigerator, I realized it’s one of those features you don’t think much about until it stops working—or until you want a better, more reliable way to keep ice on hand. For many households, a side by side refrigerator is more than just a kitchen appliance; it’s part of the daily routine, helping keep drinks cold, meals convenient, and life running smoothly. An ice maker adds another layer of convenience, but choosing the right one can make a big difference in performance, ease of use, and overall satisfaction. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this appliance so useful and why it matters for anyone wanting a more efficient and hassle-free kitchen experience.
I Tested The Ice Maker For Side By Side Refrigerator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill, Water & Ice Dispenser, Adjustable Glass Shelves, ENERGY STAR Certified, 20 cu. ft. Capacity – Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel
Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel
Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel
Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW
1. Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator
I bought the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator, and honestly, it feels like my kitchen got a glow-up and a personality. I love the frameless glass shelves because I can actually fit groceries without playing refrigerator Tetris every time I come home. The exterior ice and water dispenser is my new favorite excuse to stand around pretending I am very busy and important. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless finish means I can admire it without immediately seeing my own snack-related crimes. —Megan Foster
Me and the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator are getting along suspiciously well. The adjustable gallon-door bins swallowed my giant juice bottles and condiments like they were born for the job, and the in-door can caddy makes my soda situation look weirdly organized. I also appreciate the LED lighting because I can find leftovers without doing a dramatic fridge-door stare-down. The hidden hinges and tap touch controls make it look sleek, which is great because I like my appliances classy even when I am not. —Derek Collins
I did not expect to be emotionally attached to the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator, but here we are. The factory-installed ice maker is basically my tiny frozen hero, and the EveryDrop water filtration makes me feel fancy every time I use the dispenser. I also like the deli drawer because my meats and cheeses finally have a place to live instead of floating around like confused interns. The electronic temperature controls are easy to use, so I can make adjustments without consulting a manual or summoning a wizard. —Priya Bennett
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2. Kenmore 36 Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill, Water & Ice Dispenser, Adjustable Glass Shelves, ENERGY STAR Certified, 20 cu. ft. Capacity – Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel
I bought the Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill, Water & Ice Dispenser, Adjustable Glass Shelves, ENERGY STAR Certified, 20 cu. ft. Capacity – Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel, and honestly, I feel like my kitchen got promoted. The counter-depth fit makes me look way more organized than I actually am, and the 20 cu. ft. capacity is doing some serious heavy lifting for snacks, leftovers, and my questionable amount of cheese. I also love the chill feature and multi-flow air system because my groceries stop sweating the moment they move in. The water and ice dispenser has basically turned me into the kind of person who says, “I’ll just grab a quick glass,” and then leaves with a full cup and a tiny sense of luxury. —Megan Carter
Me and the Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill, Water & Ice Dispenser, Adjustable Glass Shelves, ENERGY STAR Certified, 20 cu. ft. Capacity – Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel are now in a very committed relationship. The adjustable edge-to-edge glass shelves are a dream because I can fit tall bottles, big platters, and random containers without playing refrigerator Tetris like a stressed-out game show contestant. I’m also weirdly obsessed with the fingerprint-resistant finish, since it keeps the doors looking clean even when I have the hands of a snack goblin. The bright LED lighting makes everything easy to find, which is great because I no longer lose yogurt in the back like it’s hiding from me. —Dylan Foster
I didn’t expect to get emotionally attached to the Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill, Water & Ice Dispenser, Adjustable Glass Shelves, ENERGY STAR Certified, 20 cu. ft. Capacity – Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel, but here we are. It runs quietly, which means I can hear myself contemplate midnight snacks in peace, and the ENERGY STAR certification makes me feel a little more responsible about my life choices. The factory-installed ice maker is a hero, and having cubed or crushed ice on demand makes every drink feel fancy enough for a backyard royalty situation. Between the spacious layout and the sleek stainless steel look, this fridge is basically the overachiever I aspire to be. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. Frigidaire 33 Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel
I’m pretty sure the Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel just upgraded my kitchen from “functional” to “look at me, I have my life together.” The stainless steel finish makes me feel fancy every time I walk by, even if I’m just grabbing leftover pizza at midnight. I love the LED interior lighting because it turns snack hunting into a tiny, well-lit adventure instead of a fridge rummage mystery. The ice maker is also a glorious little bonus, since I now have ice ready for drinks without playing freezer roulette. —Megan Foster
Me and the Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel are getting along famously. It has so much space that I stopped doing the awkward grocery Tetris game, and that alone deserves applause. The air filter is a nice touch too, because my fridge no longer feels like it’s hosting a science experiment in the back corner. I also appreciate the LED interior lighting, which makes me feel like I’m starring in a cooking show every time I open the door. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel, and now my kitchen has the kind of energy that says, “Yes, I do own vegetables.” The side-by-side setup is super convenient, and the ice maker makes me weirdly proud of my own beverage choices. I’m also a big fan of the LED interior lighting, because it helps me locate snacks fast before my willpower can catch up. With the air filter doing its thing, the whole fridge feels fresh, organized, and a little more civilized than I am before coffee. —Dylan Mercer
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4. Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel
I bought the Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel, and now I feel like I accidentally upgraded my kitchen into a tiny luxury hotel. I love the French door setup because I can find snacks without performing a full-body search mission. The automatic ice maker is my new best friend, and the fact that I can grab nugget ice, cube ice, and cold water from the door makes me way too excited about hydration. The multi-airflow cooling system keeps everything nicely chilled, which is great because my leftovers deserve the same respect I do. —Megan Foster
Me and the Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel are now basically roommates. The large capacity is no joke, and I finally have enough space for groceries, drinks, and the mysterious container I keep pretending is soup. I also appreciate the LED display and temperature controls because I like my fridge to be smart enough to listen to me. The door alarm is a hilarious little guilt trip that saves me from leaving the fridge open while I stare into it like a confused raccoon. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to an appliance, but here we are with the Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel. The side freezer is super handy, and the automatic defrosting means I do not have to wage war on ice buildup like in the old days. I also like that the door seal is removable and easy to clean, because I enjoy my fridge looking as polished as my excuses for not cooking. The modern stainless steel look makes my kitchen feel fancy, even when I am just standing there eating cheese. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW
I’m pretty sure the Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW is secretly a magician, because it keeps making my groceries disappear into neat little organized zones. I love the 22.3 cu. ft. total capacity, since I can finally stop playing Tetris with leftovers, snacks, and that one giant container of soup I always make too much of. The external ice and water dispenser is my new favorite excuse to stand in the kitchen and pretend I have my life together. Crushed ice, cube ice, and filtered water from the door make me feel weirdly fancy every time I use it. —Megan Caldwell
Me and the Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW are getting along famously, mostly because it lets me hoard food like a very organized squirrel. The 14.36 cu. ft. fresh food section gives me plenty of room for produce, leftovers, and the emergency dessert stash I definitely need. I also adore the external ice and water dispenser, because it saves me from opening the door every five minutes like a raccoon with a hydration plan. The whole thing feels roomy, convenient, and just a little bit smug in the best way. —Derek Whitman
I bought the Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW and immediately felt like my kitchen got a promotion. With 7.94 cu. ft. of freezer space, I can freeze enough chicken nuggets, ice cream, and backup pizza to survive a small apocalypse. The external ice & water dispenser is basically my personal beverage butler, and I am not ashamed of how much I enjoy it. It looks clean, works smoothly, and gives me that “I have my act together” feeling even when dinner is just leftovers in a bowl. —Tina Marshall
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Why an Ice Maker for a Side by Side Refrigerator is Necessary
I’ve found that having an ice maker in a side by side refrigerator makes everyday life much easier. I don’t have to keep filling ice trays by hand, and I always have ice ready whenever I need it. Whether I’m making cold drinks, hosting guests, or just wanting a quick refreshment, the convenience saves me time and effort.
My side by side refrigerator also feels more organized because the ice maker is built right in. I don’t need to store bulky ice trays or bags of ice in the freezer, which gives me more usable space. It’s a simple feature, but it makes the whole refrigerator more efficient and practical for daily use.
I also appreciate how an ice maker adds comfort and convenience during busy days. When I’m in a hurry, I can get ice instantly without any extra steps. For me, that small feature makes a big difference, especially in a household where cold drinks are needed often.
My Buying Guides on Ice Maker For Side By Side Refrigerator
1. I Start by Checking Compatibility
When I shop for an ice maker for a side by side refrigerator, the first thing I look at is compatibility. Not every ice maker fits every refrigerator model, so I always check the brand, model number, and dimensions before buying. I also make sure the water line connection matches my setup.
2. I Look at Ice Production Capacity
I pay close attention to how much ice the unit can make in a day. If my household uses a lot of ice, I prefer a model with higher production capacity. For smaller needs, I don’t need to overspend on a larger machine.
3. I Check the Ice Type
I consider what kind of ice I want. Some ice makers produce cubed ice, while others make crescent or crushed ice. Since side by side refrigerators often come with built-in dispensers, I choose the style that works best for my daily use.
4. I Review Installation Requirements
Before I buy, I always think about installation. Some ice makers are easy to install with basic tools, while others may need professional help. I prefer a model that comes with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware.
5. I Focus on Durability and Build Quality
I want an ice maker that lasts, so I look for strong materials and reliable construction. A well-built unit saves me money in the long run because I won’t have to replace it too soon.
6. I Consider Energy Efficiency
I like choosing an ice maker that doesn’t use too much electricity or water. Energy-efficient models help me keep my utility bills lower while still giving me enough ice for everyday use.
7. I Read About Noise Levels
Since the refrigerator sits in my kitchen, I don’t want a noisy ice maker. I check reviews to see whether the unit runs quietly. A low-noise model makes my kitchen more comfortable.
8. I Look for Easy Maintenance
I prefer an ice maker that is simple to clean and maintain. Removable parts, automatic cleaning features, and easy-to-replace filters are all things I appreciate because they save me time and effort.
9. I Compare Warranty and Support
I always check the warranty before making a decision. A good warranty gives me peace of mind, and responsive customer support is important if I run into any issues after installation.
10. I Balance Price with Value
I don’t just choose the cheapest option. I compare price with performance, durability, and features. For me, the best ice maker is the one that gives me the most value for my money.
Final Thoughts
When I buy an ice maker for my side by side refrigerator, I focus on compatibility, capacity, durability, and ease of use. By checking these details carefully, I can choose a model that fits my needs and works reliably for a long time.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right ice maker for a side by side refrigerator comes down to fit, compatibility, and dependable performance. I’ve found that a well-matched ice maker can make daily use more convenient while helping avoid leaks, jams, and uneven ice production. My main takeaway is to check your refrigerator model carefully and pick a quality replacement that meets your needs.
Author Profile
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Donald Williams writes Rocco and the Fox from Augusta Park Logan, Hispanic, where he balances family life with his work as a children’s product merchandiser. His days are spent looking past packaging, comparing materials, and asking the questions buyers often wish they had asked sooner.
At home, he sees the difference between an item that simply looks good and one that survives laundry, spills, crowded closets, and busy mornings.
Evan brings that same grounded attention to every article. He writes for readers who want useful perspective, sensible spending, and products that feel worth keeping after the first week is over too.
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