Imagine opening your refrigerator door, ready for a refreshing glass of water, only to find… no ice. It’s a common scenario for many, and if you’re in the market for a side-by-side refrigerator, the absence of an ice maker might seem like a dealbreaker. But what if we told you that choosing a side-by-side model *without* an ice maker could actually be a smart move for your kitchen?
Many people think an ice maker is a must-have. However, the reality is that these features can sometimes be unreliable, take up valuable freezer space, and even lead to water leakage issues. The search for the perfect refrigerator can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance features, budget, and your specific needs. You want a fridge that works for you, not against you.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the world of side-by-side refrigerators that skip the ice maker. You’ll learn about the surprising benefits, discover how to make the most of your freezer space, and find out if this type of refrigerator is the right fit for your home. Get ready to rethink your refrigerator choices and find a model that truly suits your lifestyle.
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 46-51805 Counter-Depth Side Refrigerator/Freezer with Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.4/10
The Kenmore 46-51805 counter-depth side-by-side refrigerator is a fantastic addition to any modern kitchen. It boasts a sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish that adds a touch of style. With 20 cubic feet of storage, it offers plenty of room for your groceries. The convenient filtered water and ice dispenser makes getting a refreshing drink easy.
What We Like:
- The stylish, modern design looks great in any kitchen.
- The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish stays clean.
- Accela Chill technology quickly cools your food.
- The factory-installed ice maker makes up to 3 lbs of ice daily.
- The Multi Flow air system keeps all your food at the perfect temperature.
- Deep door bins hold gallon-sized containers.
- Clear crisper drawers keep your fruits and vegetables fresh.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you organize your fridge easily.
- It’s ENERGY STAR Certified, saving you money on electricity bills.
- The quiet inverter compressor provides efficient and silent operation.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 20 cu. ft. capacity a bit small for very large families.
- While it has a modern look, the interior layout might not suit everyone’s specific storage needs.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a great blend of style, performance, and energy efficiency. It’s a smart choice for those looking to upgrade their kitchen with a reliable and attractive appliance.
2. Kenmore 46-75515 Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer with Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.4/10
The Kenmore 46-75515 Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer is a stylish and modern addition to any kitchen. Its 20.3 cu. ft. capacity offers plenty of room for all your groceries. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish keeps it looking sleek, and the French doors add a touch of elegance.
What We Like:
- It has a large storage capacity of 20.3 cu. ft.
- The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish is easy to keep clean.
- Accela Chill technology cools your food down quickly.
- The factory-installed ice maker makes up to 4 lbs. of ice daily.
- The Multi Flow air system ensures even cooling on every shelf.
- Gallon-sized door bins and a full-width pantry drawer offer great storage options.
- Humidity-controlled crispers keep your fruits and vegetables fresh.
- The two-tier freezer organization makes finding items simple.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you customize the space for taller items.
- It is ENERGY STAR Certified, meaning it saves energy.
- The inverter compressor operates quietly and efficiently.
What Could Be Improved:
- The counter-depth design, while stylish, might offer less interior space than a standard-depth model for some families.
- While the ice maker is convenient, some users might prefer a larger ice production capacity.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a great blend of style, functionality, and energy efficiency. It’s a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their kitchen with a reliable and good-looking appliance.
3. Winia WRFS26ABBD French Door Non-Dispenser Refrigerator
Rating: 8.9/10
The Winia WRFS26ABBD French Door Non-Dispenser Refrigerator in sleek black offers a spacious 26.1 cubic feet of storage, making it a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its French door design provides easy access to fresh food, while the absence of a dispenser keeps the exterior clean and modern. This refrigerator is designed to keep your groceries fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- Factory Installed Icemaker: You get 1.7 lbs. of ice daily, so you always have cold drinks ready.
- Full-Width Pantry Drawer: This drawer is perfect for big platters of food, like for parties. It holds wide items easily.
- 2-Tier Freezer Drawer: Keep your frozen treats and bulk items sorted. One part pulls out for smaller things, and the other is a deep bin for more.
- Dairy Shelf: This shelf keeps butter and cheese just right for spreading. The clear cover lets you see what you have at a glance.
What Could Be Improved:
- No exterior ice or water dispenser, which some users might prefer for quick access.
- The “non-dispenser” feature means you won’t get chilled water or ice directly from the door.
This Winia refrigerator is a solid choice for those who value ample storage and smart organization features. It handles everything from daily snacks to large celebratory platters with ease.
4. Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity
Rating: 8.9/10
The Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator in sleek stainless steel offers a generous 22.2 cubic feet of storage. This appliance is designed to keep your food fresh and organized with its helpful features. It’s a practical addition to any kitchen, aiming to make your daily life a little easier.
What We Like:
- The spacious 22.2 cu. ft. capacity holds a lot of groceries.
- Bright LED interior lighting makes it easy to see everything inside.
- The built-in air filter helps keep odors at bay.
- An automatic ice maker provides a constant supply of ice.
- The stainless steel finish gives it a modern and clean look.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could offer more detailed setup instructions.
- Some users mention that the external ice/water dispenser can be a bit noisy.
This Frigidaire refrigerator is a solid choice for families needing ample storage and convenient features. It brings a touch of modern style while focusing on keeping your food in the best condition.
5. KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C 30-Inch and 18.5 cu. ft. Counter Depth French Refrigerator with Three Doors and Deep Freezer in Stainless-Steel
Rating: 9.0/10
The KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C is a stylish and practical French door refrigerator. It offers a generous 18.5 cubic feet of storage, perfect for busy families. Its counter-depth design means it fits nicely in most kitchens, and the stainless steel finish looks great. This fridge keeps your food fresh with its smart cooling system.
What We Like:
- It has a premium French door design with three doors.
- It provides ample storage space for all your groceries.
- The double crispers with humidity control keep fruits and vegetables fresh.
- The 18.5 cu. ft. capacity is spacious.
- Adjustable glass shelving helps organize your food.
- The counter-depth design fits seamlessly into modern kitchens.
- It has a sleek, modern stainless-steel look with easy-open handles.
- The double-flow cooling system and digital temperature control ensure even cooling.
- This helps keep food fresher for longer.
- It features two large freezer drawers and six door bins for extra storage.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific details about energy efficiency are not provided.
- The exact dimensions for the 30-inch model would be helpful for precise kitchen fitting.
Overall, the KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C is a solid choice for anyone looking for a stylish and functional refrigerator. It offers great features to keep your food fresh and organized.
Finding Your Perfect Fit: A Guide to Side-By-Side Refrigerators Without Ice Makers
Choosing a new refrigerator is a big decision. You want something that works well for your family and fits your kitchen. A side-by-side refrigerator without an ice maker might be just what you need. These fridges offer a good balance of style and function. Let’s explore what makes them a great choice.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a side-by-side fridge without an ice maker, keep these important features in mind:
- Spacious Door Storage: Look for shelves on both doors that can hold gallons of milk, juice, and plenty of condiments.
- Adjustable Shelving: Being able to move shelves up or down helps you fit taller items like pitchers or large bottles.
- Crisper Drawers: These drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer. Some have humidity controls, which is a nice bonus.
- LED Lighting: Bright LED lights make it easy to see everything inside, even in the back. They also use less energy.
- Energy Efficiency: An Energy Star rating means the fridge will save you money on your electricity bill.
- Temperature Controls: Easy-to-use controls let you set the perfect temperature for both the fridge and freezer sections.
Important Materials
The materials used in a refrigerator affect its look and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice because it looks sleek and is durable. It resists rust and fingerprints well, but some finishes are better than others.
- Plastic Interior: Most refrigerators have plastic interiors. Higher-quality plastics are more durable and easier to clean.
- Glass Shelving: Tempered glass shelves are strong and easy to wipe down. They won’t crack easily if you place heavy items on them.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a refrigerator better or not as good.
What Makes a Fridge Better:
- Good Build Quality: A well-built fridge feels sturdy. Doors should open and close smoothly. Shelves should fit securely.
- Quiet Operation: You don’t want a fridge that makes a lot of noise. Look for models that are known for being quiet.
- Consistent Cooling: The fridge should keep food at the right temperature in all areas.
- User-Friendly Controls: The buttons or touch screen should be easy to understand and use.
What Can Reduce Quality:
- Cheaply Made Parts: If the shelves feel flimsy or the doors sag, the quality might be lower.
- Uneven Cooling: Some fridges have cold spots or warm spots, which can spoil food faster.
- Loud Noises: Constant humming or rattling can be annoying.
- Difficult-to-Clean Surfaces: If the interior or exterior is hard to wipe down, it makes maintenance a chore.
User Experience and Use Cases
Side-by-side refrigerators without ice makers are great for many people.
- Families: They offer plenty of space for groceries. The separate fridge and freezer sections make it easy to organize food for everyone.
- People Who Don’t Use Much Ice: If you rarely use ice, or you prefer to make your own ice in trays, skipping the ice maker saves you money and space. It also means fewer parts that could break.
- Those Who Want Simplicity: Without an ice maker, the fridge is simpler. This can mean fewer repairs over time.
- Apartment Dwellers: Many models are designed to fit well in smaller kitchens.
A side-by-side refrigerator without an ice maker is a practical and reliable choice for many households. By focusing on these key features and understanding what makes a quality appliance, you can find the perfect fit for your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why would someone choose a refrigerator without an ice maker?
A: People choose them because they don’t need or want an ice maker. This can save money on the purchase price and reduce the chance of repairs. It also means more usable space in the freezer.
Q: Are side-by-side refrigerators without ice makers more energy efficient?
A: Not necessarily. Energy efficiency depends more on the overall design and the Energy Star rating, not just the presence or absence of an ice maker.
Q: How much space do I save by not having an ice maker?
A: You save the space that the ice bin and the internal ice-making machinery would take up in the freezer. This can be a noticeable amount of extra shelf space.
Q: Can I add an ice maker later if I change my mind?
A: It’s usually not possible or very difficult to add an ice maker to a model that wasn’t designed for it. The plumbing and internal space wouldn’t be there.
Q: How do I keep my drinks cold if I don’t have an ice maker?
A: You can still make ice using ice cube trays and place them in your freezer. You can also use reusable ice packs or chill drinks in the refrigerator.
Q: Are these models more expensive than those with ice makers?
A: Generally, no. Models without ice makers are often slightly less expensive because they have fewer components.
Q: What are the main advantages of a side-by-side design?
A: Side-by-side refrigerators offer easy access to both fresh and frozen foods. The vertical layout makes it simple to organize items.
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 with a damp cloth. Make sure to dry everything thoroughly.
Q: What should I do if my refrigerator isn’t cooling properly?
A: First, check that the temperature settings are correct. Ensure the doors are sealing properly and that nothing is blocking the vents inside the fridge or freezer.
Q: Where is the best place to buy a side-by-side refrigerator without an ice maker?
A: You can find them at major appliance stores, home improvement stores, and online retailers. Reading customer reviews can help you make a good choice.
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.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!