The best side by side fridge with ice maker delivers ample storage and convenient frozen beverage access for busy households. Choosing the right model can significantly enhance kitchen functionality and your daily routine. However, with numerous configurations, advanced features, and energy-efficiency ratings, selecting a subpar appliance can lead to wasted energy and frustrating performance issues.
Factors like ice production capacity, shelf adjustability, and smart home connectivity vary greatly between units. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 best side by side fridges with ice makers for 2026, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your culinary needs and kitchen aesthetic.
When selecting the best side by side fridge with ice maker, consider models offering substantial storage capacity and convenient features like counter-depth designs for better kitchen flow. The Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu.
ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side, for instance, provides ample organized space and fits seamlessly without protruding, making it a practical choice for many kitchens.
Best Side by Side Fridge with Ice Maker: Top Picks at a Glance
| Image | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Best Pick 1  | Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Best for: Plenty of room | Check Price |
Best Pick 2  | BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator with Built-in Ice Best for: Ice machine option | Check Price |
Best Pick 3  | GE PROFILE 21.9 cu. ft. Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator Best for: Sleek kitchen fit | Check Price |
Best Pick 4  | Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side Best for: Professional grade fridge | Check Price |
Best Pick 5  | 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Smart Refrigerator w/InstaView and Best for: Smart kitchen feature | Check Price |
How We Picked
To determine the best side by side fridge with ice maker, we prioritized build quality, real-world performance, safety, durability, and standout features. Refrigerators lacking a consistent ice maker or offering subpar capacity, like the BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu. Ft.
French Door, were ruled out. We focused on models providing ample storage and advanced functionalities.
Frigidaire and Whirlpool models stood out for their well-engineered storage solutions, while Samsung impressed with its large capacities. GE’s incorporated water filtration systems were also a key consideration, ensuring a high-value, dependable product.
What Most Buyers Get Wrong
Ice Maker Capacity and Cube Types
When looking for a side-by-side fridge with an ice maker, consider more than just its presence. Investigate the ice maker’s daily production capacity – how many pounds of ice it churns out – and the types of ice it offers. Some models, like the Whirlpool 33 Inch Freestanding Side by Side Refrigerator, may offer standard cubes.
For those who entertain or have large families, a higher production rate is crucial. If you prefer specific shapes, like crushed ice, ensure the model accommodates this to avoid disappointment.
Check the freezer compartment size designated for ice storage as well.
Dispenser Functionality and Filtered Water
Side-by-side refrigerators often feature external ice and water dispensers, a key convenience. Evaluate the dispenser’s ease of use and what it offers. For instance, the GE PROFILE 21.9 cu.
ft. Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator boasts an internal water dispenser and a factory-installed icemaker with water filtration, ensuring clean, crisp ice and refreshment.
Consider if you need just ice, water, or both, and whether filtered water is a priority. Easy-to-reach controls and a wide dispensing chute for fitting various container sizes are also important factors for daily utility.
1. Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity,
Best for: Spacious for families, easy-access frozen goods.
With 22.2 cu. ft. of total capacity, this Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerator offers substantial room for fresh and frozen items, letting you stock up on groceries and meal prep essentials without frequent shopping trips.
This model features 3 wire shelves and 3 door racks for flexible organization of produce and beverages. Its automatic defrost system maintains consistent temperatures, and the compressor cooling method ensures efficient operation.
Pros
- 22.2 cu. ft. total capacity for ample storage
- 3 wire shelves for adjustable organization
- 3 door racks for convenient beverage placement
- Automatic defrost system for consistent cooling
Cons
- Adjustable temperature control is not available.
For households needing significant storage and straightforward access to both fresh and frozen foods, this Frigidaire presents a practical solution for daily needs.
2. BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator with Built-in Ice
Best for: Compact, stylish unit for smaller kitchens.
Featuring a 16 cu. ft. capacity, this BLACK+DECKER French door refrigerator provides a combined 11.15 cu. ft. of refrigerator space and 5.06 cu. ft. of freezer capacity, allowing organized storage for essentials in moderate-sized kitchens.
This unit includes 3 shelves in the refrigerator section and a bottom freezer compartment with a built-in ice maker. It operates on 120 Volts with a 470-watt motor for efficient cooling.
Pros
- 16 cu. ft. total capacity for essentials
- 11.15 cu. ft. refrigerator and 5.06 cu. ft. freezer
- Built-in ice maker for convenient ice production
- Reversible door orientation adaptability
Cons
- Number of shelves is limited to 3.
This compact BLACK+DECKER is ideal for apartments or smaller homes where a stylish exterior and functional ice-making are desired.
3. GE PROFILE 21.9 cu. ft. Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Best for: Sleek, convenient features for modern kitchens.
This GE PROFILE French door refrigerator boasts an internal water dispenser, offering chilled, filtered water with a simple touch, enhancing daily hydration convenience right from the door.
It features a 21.9 cu. ft. capacity with 5 refrigerator shelves and 4 racks, plus 5 door shelves for extensive organization. The factory-installed ice maker with water filtration ensures a steady supply of filtered ice.
Pros
- Internal filtered water dispenser for convenience
- Factory-installed ice maker with filtration
- 21.9 cu. ft. capacity for ample storage
- 5 refrigerator shelves for flexible organization
Cons
- Has convertible freezer feature is not available.
Homeowners seeking sophisticated features and convenient access to chilled water and ice will appreciate this GE PROFILE model’s design and functionality.
4. Frigidaire Professional 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side-by-Side
Best for: Counter-depth design with external ice and water.
The Frigidaire Professional 36-inch side-by-side refrigerator offers 22.3 cu. ft. of counter-depth capacity, providing a streamlined look while maintaining ample storage for organized daily use.
This appliance features 14.3 cu. ft. of fresh food storage and 8 cu. ft. freezer space, with 3 shelves and 4 door shelves for organization. Its external ice and water dispenser offers chilled filtered water and cube/crushed ice readily.
Pros
- 22.3 cu. ft. counter-depth capacity
- External chilled filtered water dispenser
- External cube/crushed ice dispenser
- ENERGY STAR Certified for efficiency
Cons
- Adjustable temperature control is not present.
This Frigidaire Professional is perfect for those who prioritize a flush kitchen aesthetic and want instant access to refreshing beverages and ice.
5. 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Smart Refrigerator w/InstaView and
Best for: Large capacity with smart features and adjustable shelves.
Boasting a 27 cu. ft. smart refrigerator capacity, this side-by-side model provides ample room, combined with 6 adjustable shelves that allow you to customize storage for groceries of all sizes.
This refrigerator utilizes a compressor cooling method and features electric defrost with 6 interior shelves and 4 door shelves for efficient storage. Its horizontal door orientation is designed for intuitive access.
Pros
- 27 cu. ft. large capacity for extensive storage
- 6 adjustable shelves for customizable organization
- Compressor cooling method for efficiency
- Smart refrigerator capabilities integrated
Cons
- Does not include an ice maker.
For tech-savvy individuals looking for significant storage space and the flexibility to organize their food, this smart side-by-side refrigerator is a strong contender.
6. BLACK+DECKER 24 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator with Ice Maker,
Best for: Generous storage and reliable ice production.
With a 24 cu. ft. capacity, this BLACK+DECKER top mount refrigerator provides substantial space for both fresh and frozen foods, making it suitable for larger households and stocking up on groceries.
The built-in ice maker produces approximately 3.5 lbs. of ice per day, ensuring a consistent supply. This unit features 3 glass shelves and 5 door shelves for organized storage and utilizes a frost-free defrost system.
Pros
- 24 cu. ft. generous capacity for families
- Built-in ice maker producing 3.5 lbs. daily
- Adjustable temperature control for freshness
- 3 glass shelves for easy cleaning
Cons
- Top freezer configuration may require bending for some.
This BLACK+DECKER refrigerator is a practical choice for families needing considerable storage and a reliable daily source of ice.
7. Whirlpool 33 Inch Freestanding Side by Side Refrigerator with 21.72
Best for: Compact footprint with ample organizational space.
This Whirlpool 33-inch freestanding side-by-side refrigerator offers 21.72 cu. ft. of spacious capacity, featuring adjustable shelving and gallon door bins to accommodate diverse grocery needs.
With 6 interior shelves and roomy door bins, this compact model maximizes storage. Its adaptive defrost system saves energy by defrosting only when necessary, and bright LED lighting illuminates the interior.
Pros
- 21.72 cu. ft. spacious capacity
- 6 interior shelves for flexible storage
- Adaptive defrost system for energy savings
- Bright LED illumination for visibility
Cons
- Icemaker is optional and sold separately.
Ideal for homeowners seeking a well-organized, energy-efficient refrigerator with a moderate footprint, this Whirlpool provides adaptable storage solutions.
8. Samsung 27.4 cu. ft. Large Capacity Side-By-Side Refrigerator, Stainless Steel,
Best for: High capacity with fingerprint-resistant finish.
The Samsung 27.4 cu. ft. large capacity side-by-side refrigerator offers a redesigned interior that fits 10% more groceries, perfect for families who need to store a substantial amount of food.
This model features 4 adjustable shelves and 2 door shelves for efficient organization, alongside a high-capacity indoor icemaker that conserves precious freezer shelf space. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish minimizes smudges.
Pros
- 27.4 cu. ft. large capacity for bulk storage
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish
- High-capacity indoor icemaker
- Multi-vent technology for even cooling
Cons
- Adjustable temperature control is not available.
This Samsung refrigerator is designed for large families prioritizing capacity, modern aesthetics, and easy maintenance with its smudge-resistant exterior.
9. Samsung 26 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Counter Depth 3-Door French
Best for: Versatile ice options in a mega capacity fridge.
Samsung’s 26 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Counter Depth French Door refrigerator provides extensive storage with multiple compartments for easy organization of large grocery hauls.
This model offers four distinct ice options: cubed and Ice Bites from the internal Dual Auto Ice Maker, plus curved and crushed ice from the external dispenser. It features 4 slide-in shelves and 7 door shelves for maximum organization.
Pros
- 26 cu. ft. mega capacity for storage
- Four types of ice from dual dispensers
- 7 door shelves for extensive organization
- Adjustable temperature control for food freshness
Cons
- Counter-depth design offers less overall volume than standard depth.
For households that entertain frequently or simply need copious amounts of ice and storage, this Samsung French door refrigerator delivers exceptional versatility.
10. Z Line Kitchen and Bath ZLINE 36 in. 28.9 cu.
Best for: Ample storage with external dual ice and water.
The ZLINE 36-inch standard-depth refrigerator offers a substantial 28.9 cu. ft. total capacity, combining an 18.5 cu. ft. refrigerator compartment with a 10.4 cu. ft. freezer for efficient food storage.
This unit features an external dispenser providing fresh filtered water and crushed or cubed ice, capable of fitting containers up to 10 inches tall. It has 4 shelves within the refrigerator and adjustable temperature controls.
Pros
- 28.9 cu. ft. total storage capacity
- External dispenser with filtered water and dual ice types
- Adjustable temperature control for optimal freshness
- 8 LED lights for interior visibility
Cons
- Manual defrost system requires periodic manual intervention.
This ZLINE refrigerator is ideal for those seeking a large-capacity appliance with convenient external ice and water dispensing, suitable for busy family kitchens.
Capacity Trumps Convenience for Serious Storage
When evaluating a best side by side fridge with ice maker, the most critical factor is its raw storage capacity, not the trendier features that often distract shoppers. The sheer volume available dictates how well the appliance will serve the true needs of a household, from stocking weekly groceries to preserving bulk purchases. Smaller units, like the BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu.
Ft. French Door Refrigerator with Built-in Ice, functionally serve as a primary refrigerator but lack the substantial capacity to truly support a family’s varied food storage requirements.
It’s a basic appliance that offers little room for expansion or flexibility.
Conversely, larger capacity models offer a tangible advantage in daily life. The Samsung 27.4 cu. ft.
Large Capacity Side-By-Side Refrigerator, Stainless Steel, for example, explicitly states it fits 10% more groceries, a metric that directly translates into fewer trips to the store and less food waste. This mega capacity approach is directly mirrored in models like the ZLINE Kitchen and Bath ZLINE 36 in.
28.9 cu. It’s this focus on volume that underpins the utility of a full-sized refrigerator. While frills like specific dispenser types or door configurations are considerations, they are secondary to the fundamental reality of how much food can be stored.
The Frigidaire 33 Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity and the Whirlpool 33 Inch Freestanding Side by Side Refrigerator with 21.72 represent a more balanced approach, offering decent cubic footage without the extreme depth of standard models, making them suitable for a wider range of kitchen footprints.
However, they still fall short of the truly expansive options. The GE PROFILE 21.9 cu.
ft. Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator, while a sophisticated appliance, also sacrifices some of that crucial volume for its shallower profile.
Ultimately, the mistake most buyers make when selecting any best side by side fridge with ice maker is prioritizing perceived convenience or aesthetic over brute storage capability. A large family or even a couple that enjoys cooking and entertaining will quickly find themselves constrained by anything less than 25 cubic feet. For households where meal prep and bulk buying are routine, the 36-inch options like the Samsung 27.4 cu.
ft. Large Capacity Side-By-Side Refrigerator, Stainless Steel, are the only sensible way to ensure all needs are met.
What to Look For in a Best Side by Side Fridge with Ice Maker
Capacity and storage configuration
When selecting a side-by-side refrigerator, prioritize a capacity that matches your household’s grocery habits, ranging from 20 to 28+ cubic feet. For efficient organization, seek models with fully adjustable shelves that accommodate various heights, and look for humidity-controlled crisper drawers to keep produce fresh. Examine the door bins; ample space for gallon jugs is essential for families.
Choose a configuration with at least four adjustable door bins on the refrigerator side and a dedicated butter compartment. For most households, a capacity between 25 and 28 cubic feet offers the optimal balance of space and efficient use.
Ice maker type and dispenser features
The ice maker is a critical component, and its type directly impacts convenience. In-freezer ice makers are standard and efficient, producing a consistent supply, while some models offer dual ice makers for even greater output. For filtered water and ice, opt for a dispenser that explicitly states it includes this feature.
If crushed ice is a frequent need, confirm the dispenser can produce it cleanly and effectively. Dispenser speed is also important; a smooth, quick dispensing action indicates a well-engineered mechanism.
Select a model with a dual ice maker and a dual dispenser (cubed and crushed) for maximum daily utility.
Energy efficiency and noise levels
Energy efficiency and quiet operation are paramount for long-term satisfaction. Always look for the ENERGY STAR certification, which guarantees the appliance meets strict energy-saving standards. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB); aim for models with ratings below 40 dB for a kitchen environment that remains peaceful even while the refrigerator is running.
Understanding annual energy consumption estimates will help you predict operating costs, though all ENERGY STAR models are inherently cost-effective. Selecting an ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator with a decibel rating under 40 dB ensures both environmental responsibility and a tranquil home.
Smart features and connectivity
Modern refrigerators offer smart features that enhance convenience and control. Look for models with Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to manage temperature settings remotely via a smartphone app, which is ideal for precise cooling adjustments. Integrated diagnostic features can proactively alert you to potential issues, saving you from costly repairs.
Filter status notifications for both the water and ice makers are a must-have, ensuring optimal performance and taste. For the tech-savvy homeowner, a refrigerator with comprehensive app control, including remote temperature management and filter status alerts, provides superior convenience and peace of mind.
Which Should You Choose?
- If you have a smaller kitchen or prefer a more streamlined look, choose a counter-depth model.
- If you want maximum storage for a large family, look for models with 27 cu. ft. capacity or more.
- If you prioritize instant access to chilled water and ice without an external dispenser, opt for an internal water dispenser and factory-installed icemaker.
- If you need flexible storage for various item sizes, seek out models with adjustable shelving and gallon door bins.
Quick Best Side By Side Fridge With Ice Maker Buying Checklist
- Measure Your Space: Accurately measure the height, width, and depth of your intended fridge location, including door swing clearance.
- Capacity Needs: Determine how much food storage you require based on household size and shopping habits.
- Ice Production Rate: Consider how much ice you typically use and opt for a model that can keep up.
- Dispenser Functionality: Decide if you need just ice, water, or both, and if crushed ice is a priority.
- Energy Star Rating: Look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure your appliance is energy-efficient and saves on utility bills.
- Noise Level: Check reviews or specifications for decibel ratings if a quiet kitchen is important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Primary Benefits Of A Side-By-Side Refrigerator With An Ice Maker?
Side-by-side refrigerators with ice makers offer convenient access to both refrigerated and frozen goods. The integrated ice maker ensures a constant supply of ice, perfect for beverages and entertaining, saving you the hassle of manual ice tray refills.
How Does The Ice Maker Type Affect Performance In A Side-By-Side Fridge?
Ice makers can be located in the freezer or integrated into the door. In-door makers typically offer faster ice production and more dispenser space, while freezer-located ones might free up shelf space within the freezer compartment.
Are Side-By-Side Refrigerators With Ice Makers Energy Efficient?
Many modern side-by-side refrigerators with ice makers are designed with energy efficiency in mind, often featuring ENERGY STAR certifications. Look for specific energy consumption ratings to choose a model that balances convenience with lower utility costs.
What Is The Typical Capacity Range For A Side-By-Side Fridge With An Ice Maker?
The capacity of these refrigerators generally ranges from 20 to 28 cubic feet, with some larger models exceeding this. This range provides ample storage for most households, balancing refrigerator and freezer space effectively.
How Do I Maintain The Ice Maker In My Side-By-Side Refrigerator?
Regular maintenance involves periodic cleaning of the ice bin and dispenser area to prevent mold or odors. Replacing the water filter as recommended by the manufacturer is also crucial for ensuring clean, fresh-tasting ice.
Final Words
Choosing the best side by side fridge with ice maker enhances kitchen convenience and organization. These appliances offer dual-zone access and consistent ice production, streamlining daily tasks. Invest in a model that fits your space and needs to enjoy effortless food storage and chilled drinks.