Imagine this: You’re hosting a summer barbecue, and your drinks are perfectly chilled, but there’s no ice! Or maybe you’ve dealt with the annoyance of a constantly overflowing ice bin, or the mystery of why your ice maker suddenly stopped working. If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves wondering if a refrigerator without an ice maker is the right choice for their home.
Choosing a new refrigerator can feel overwhelming, and the decision about whether or not to include an ice maker is a big one. Some people worry about missing out on convenience, while others are tired of the potential problems that come with these built-in features. It’s a common dilemma, and understanding the pros and cons can make all the difference.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about refrigerators without ice makers. We’ll explore the advantages, discuss who might benefit most from this option, and even give you tips on how to ensure you always have plenty of ice, even without a built-in maker. By the end, you’ll be much more confident in making the best decision for your kitchen and your lifestyle.
Our Top 5 Refrigerator Without Ice Maker Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Refrigerator Without Ice Maker Detailed Reviews
1. Kenmore 33 in. 20.5 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer with Full-Width Adjustable Glass Shelving
Rating: 9.0/10
The Kenmore 33 in. 20.5 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer in sleek black is a smart choice for your kitchen. It offers plenty of storage without taking up too much space, making it ideal for many homes. Its design focuses on keeping your food fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- It’s a full-size refrigerator and freezer with 20.5 cubic feet of space.
- The 33-inch width fits well in many kitchens, saving valuable space.
- Adjustable, full-width glass shelves let you store tall items easily.
- Humidity-controlled crisper drawers keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer.
- A clear dairy compartment is perfect for butter and spreads.
- Clear door bins, including gallon-sized ones, help keep things organized.
- It’s ENERGY STAR Certified, which means it’s energy-efficient and helps save on electricity bills.
- An optional icemaker can be added to make up to 3 lbs. of ice daily.
What Could Be Improved:
- The black finish might show fingerprints more easily than other colors.
- An icemaker is optional, meaning an extra purchase if you want one.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a good balance of style, functionality, and efficiency. It’s a solid appliance that will help you keep your food organized and fresh.
2. 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 30-inch French door refrigerator. It has a capacity of 18.5 cubic feet and a sleek stainless-steel finish. This fridge is designed to fit perfectly against your kitchen counters, giving your kitchen a modern look. It offers plenty of space for all your groceries and keeps them fresh.
What We Like:
- This refrigerator has a premium French door design. It gives you lots of storage and makes it easy to reach your food and drinks.
- It comes with two crisper drawers that help control humidity. This keeps your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
- The fridge has a spacious 18.5 cu. ft. capacity. It lines up with your kitchen counters for a clean look.
- Inside, you’ll find two large freezer drawers, six door bins, and adjustable glass shelves. This makes organizing your food simple.
- The modern stainless-steel design with easy-open handles fits well with other appliances. Its height and depth are perfect for today’s kitchens.
- It features a double-flow cooling system and digital temperature control. This ensures cool air is spread evenly to keep food fresher.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the capacity is good for many, larger families might find 18.5 cu. ft. a bit small.
- The cooling system is effective, but some users might prefer more advanced features like smart connectivity.
Overall, the KoolMore KM-RERFDSS-18C is a stylish and functional refrigerator. It’s a great addition to any modern kitchen looking for good storage and reliable cooling.
3. Kenmore 33 in. 20.5 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer with Full-Width Adjustable Glass Shelving
Rating: 8.7/10
The Kenmore 33 in. 20.5 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer in classic white is a smart choice for kitchens that need a reliable and spacious appliance. It combines a standard-depth design with a space-saving 33-inch footprint, making it a great fit for many homes. This refrigerator offers plenty of room for your groceries and keeps them fresh with thoughtful features.
What We Like:
- Spacious Storage: With 20.5 cubic feet of space, you can easily store all your food.
- Customizable Shelving: Full-width adjustable glass shelves let you fit tall items like milk jugs and soda bottles easily.
- Fresh Produce: Humidity-controlled crisper drawers keep your fruits and veggies crisp and delicious.
- Organized Door Storage: Clear door bins are perfect for gallons of milk, and the freezer also has handy bins.
- Energy Efficient: It’s ENERGY STAR Certified, meaning it uses less electricity and saves you money on your energy bills.
- Sleek Look: The white finish gives your kitchen a clean and modern appearance.
- Optional Ice Maker: You can add an ice maker to get up to 3 pounds of ice daily.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description doesn’t mention specific features like adjustable temperature controls for different compartments.
- While it has a standard-depth design, it might still stick out a bit from shallower cabinets.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid option for families who need good storage and want to save on energy costs. Its practical features make organizing your food simple and efficient.
4. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 8.8/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator in Stainless Steel is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a large capacity and a sleek design that fits seamlessly with your countertops. This fridge is built to make your life easier, keeping your food fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: With 20.6 cubic feet of space, it’s big enough for a whole family’s groceries.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: You can easily see and grab both your fresh and frozen items.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Adjusting temperature and settings is simple with the easy-to-use digital control panel.
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: The gallon-size bins hold lots of drinks and condiments.
- INTERIOR LIGHTING: Bright LED lights make it easy to find everything inside.
- COUNTER DEPTH: It sits flush with your cabinets, creating a clean, built-in look.
- DELIVERY OPTIONS: You can get it delivered and set up, with options for hauling away your old fridge.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 60 hertz frequency is standard, but some users might prefer variable frequency options.
- While the digital display is inside, some might prefer an external display for quick checks.
This refrigerator is a great choice for families needing ample storage and a modern look. Its smart design and convenient features make it a practical and stylish appliance for your home.
5. Kenmore 46-75525 29.88 Inch Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer with Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.3/10
The Kenmore 46-75525 refrigerator is a stylish, modern appliance that fits perfectly into your kitchen. Its counter-depth design means it won’t stick out, giving your kitchen a sleek look. With 17.5 cubic feet of space, it holds a lot of food. The French doors open up to a bright interior, making it easy to find what you need.
What We Like:
- It has a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, so it always looks clean.
- The Accela Chill feature cools your food down fast.
- An ice maker is built-in and makes up to 4 pounds of ice a day.
- The Multi Flow air system keeps every shelf at the right temperature.
- Deep door bins can hold gallon-sized milk jugs.
- Crisper drawers keep your fruits and vegetables fresh.
- The two-tier freezer makes finding frozen food simple.
- Adjustable glass shelves let you fit taller items easily.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, saving you money on electricity bills.
- The quiet inverter compressor runs smoothly and efficiently.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 17.5 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for very large families.
- While the freezer organization is good, some users might prefer more drawer options.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a smart choice for updating your kitchen with both style and useful features. It offers efficient cooling and smart storage solutions.
Choosing a Refrigerator Without an Ice Maker: Your Smart Guide
Are you tired of dealing with a leaky ice maker or simply don’t need one? A refrigerator without an ice maker can be a fantastic choice for many households. These models often offer more storage space and can be more budget-friendly. Let’s dive into what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
1. Storage Capacity and Layout
- Total Cubic Feet: This tells you how much food your fridge can hold. Think about how much groceries you buy each week.
- Adjustable Shelving: Shelves that move up and down let you fit taller items like milk jugs or soda bottles.
- Crisper Drawers: These drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh longer by controlling humidity.
- Door Bins: Good door bin storage is great for condiments, drinks, and smaller items.
2. Energy Efficiency
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Look for this label. It means the refrigerator uses less electricity, saving you money on your bills and helping the environment.
- kWh Rating: This number shows how much energy the fridge uses per year. Lower is better.
3. Temperature Control
- Digital Temperature Controls: These let you set the exact temperature for both the fridge and freezer. This keeps your food at the right coldness.
- Even Cooling: Some fridges have special systems to make sure the cold air reaches all parts of the fridge evenly.
4. Design and Finish
- Style: Decide if you want a top-freezer, bottom-freezer, or side-by-side model.
- Finish: Common finishes include stainless steel, black, white, and custom panels. Choose one that matches your kitchen.
Important Materials
1. Interior and Shelving
- Glass Shelves: These are strong and easy to clean. Spills won’t leak to the shelves below.
- Wire Shelves: These are usually found in freezers and are durable.
- Plastic Drawers: Most crisper drawers and deli drawers are made of clear, sturdy plastic.
2. Exterior
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice because it looks modern and is durable. It can show fingerprints, though.
- Coated Steel: This is often found in white or black models. It’s easy to clean and resists fingerprints better than some stainless steel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
1. Improving Quality
- Good Seals: Strong door seals keep cold air inside. This makes the fridge work less and saves energy.
- Quiet Operation: Look for reviews that mention how quiet the refrigerator is. A noisy fridge can be annoying.
- Build Quality: Sturdy drawers and well-made shelves show good craftsmanship.
2. Reducing Quality
- Flimsy Shelves: Shelves that bend easily might not hold up well over time.
- Poor Insulation: This can make the fridge run more often, using more energy and not cooling as well.
- Cheap Plastic: Plastic parts that feel brittle might break easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
Refrigerators without ice makers are perfect for people who:
- Don’t use much ice: If you primarily drink beverages that don’t need ice, why pay for a feature you won’t use?
- Want more freezer space: The space where an ice maker would be is now free for more frozen foods.
- Have hard water: Hard water can clog and damage ice makers.
- Are on a budget: These models are often less expensive than those with ice makers.
- Prefer to buy bagged ice: Some people like having control over the type of ice they use.
The user experience is often simpler. You don’t have to worry about ice maker malfunctions or water line hookups. They are generally more straightforward to maintain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why would someone choose a refrigerator without an ice maker?
A: People choose them to save money, get more storage space, or because they don’t use ice. They also avoid potential issues with ice maker repairs.
Q: Are refrigerators without ice makers less expensive?
A: Yes, they are often cheaper because they have fewer parts and less complex systems.
Q: Do refrigerators without ice makers have less freezer space?
A: No, they often have *more* freezer space because the area that would be used for the ice maker is available for food storage.
Q: How do I keep my refrigerator cold without an ice maker?
A: The refrigerator’s compressor and cooling system do all the work of keeping it cold. The ice maker is an extra feature.
Q: What if I need ice sometimes?
A: You can easily buy bags of ice from the grocery store or convenience store.
Q: Are these refrigerators harder to install?
A: No, they are usually easier to install because you don’t need to connect a water line for the ice maker.
Q: What are the main advantages of not having an ice maker?
A: The main advantages are cost savings, more storage space, and fewer potential repair issues.
Q: What are the disadvantages of not having an ice maker?
A: The main disadvantage is not having ice readily available from the refrigerator itself.
Q: Can I add an ice maker later?
A: In most cases, no. Refrigerators are built with or without ice maker compartments and water lines.
Q: How do I clean a refrigerator without an ice maker?
A: Cleaning is the same as any other refrigerator. You clean the interior, shelves, and door bins with mild soap and water.
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!