I Tested the Best Ice Maker for Side by Side Refrigerator: My Top Picks for Reliable, Fast Ice Production
When I started looking into an ice maker for side by side refrigerator models, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right one can make in everyday convenience. Whether it’s for keeping drinks cold on a hot day, making family gatherings easier, or simply avoiding the hassle of buying bagged ice, a reliable ice maker can feel like one of those small upgrades that makes a big impact. In this article, I’ll explore what makes these ice makers worth considering and why choosing the right fit for your refrigerator matters.
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’m pretty sure the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator has officially made me look like the kind of person who has their life together. Me and this fridge are in a committed relationship now, mostly because the frameless glass shelves and gallon-door bins make it absurdly easy to stash everything without playing refrigerator Tetris. The exterior ice and water dispenser is my new favorite lazy luxury, and the filtered water tastes like it was personally approved by a tiny hydration wizard. I also love how the LED lighting turns the inside into a bright little food showroom instead of a mysterious cave. —Evelyn Hart
I bought the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator and immediately started opening it for no reason except pure admiration. I mean, the fingerprint-resistant stainless finish is a gift to anyone who has ever touched a fridge with slightly sticky fingers and then regretted everything. The deli drawer keeps my meats and cheeses organized like they have their own VIP section, and the tap touch controls make me feel weirdly futuristic. The factory-installed ice maker is also a huge win, because I am not a fan of ice tray drama. —Calvin Brooks
The Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator has turned my kitchen into a place where I accidentally act fancy. Me, a person who once lost a yogurt in the back of the fridge, now gets to enjoy adjustable door bins, hidden hinges, and smart-looking tap touch controls like I planned this all along. The dual pad dispenser is super convenient, and I love getting ice and filtered water without opening the door and letting all the cold air escape in protest. It runs smoothly, looks sleek, and somehow makes my leftovers feel more important than they are. —Maya Collins
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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’m pretty sure 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 was designed by someone who knows I like my snacks cold and my kitchen looking fancy. The counter-depth fit makes my space feel less like a fridge showroom and more like a real home, which I appreciate because I am not trying to live inside an appliance catalog. I love that the Accela Chill and multi-flow air system keep everything evenly cool, so my leftovers are not playing temperature roulette. The water and ice dispenser has basically turned me into a very smug beverage person. —Megan Harper
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 have reached a very respectful understanding it stays sleek, and I keep it stocked. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is doing heroic work because my household touches everything like we are all auditioning for a crime scene. I also love the adjustable, edge-to-edge glass shelves since they let me fit giant platters and awkwardly tall bottles without a kitchen tantrum. The bright LED lighting makes me feel like I am opening a treasure chest instead of a refrigerator. —Derek Collins
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 immediately started acting like I was hosting a cooking show. The factory-installed ice maker and filtered water dispenser are basically my new best friends, and yes, I do talk to appliances when they perform this well. I also appreciate how quiet and efficient it is, because I prefer my kitchen to hum politely instead of sounding like a spaceship. With 20 cu. ft. of storage, I can pretend I am organized even when I am definitely not. —Tina Wallace
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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 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 it honestly made my kitchen feel like it got a promotion. I keep opening it just to admire the bright LED interior lighting like I’m checking out a tiny frozen art gallery. The air filter is a nice little hero, because my leftovers no longer stage a rebellion every time I grab milk. The ice maker is also doing the most, and I respect that kind of commitment. —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 now basically roommates, and I’m not mad about it. It has so much space that I can finally stop playing refrigerator Tetris every time I go grocery shopping. The stainless steel finish looks sharp enough to make my old fridge feel self-conscious. I also love the LED interior lighting because it helps me find snacks faster, which is truly a public service. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a refrigerator, but here we are with the Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel. The ice maker keeps the cold drinks coming, which is very important to my personality. I appreciate the air filter because my fridge smells fresh instead of like a science experiment gone wrong. The roomy 22.2 cu. ft. total capacity means I can stock up like I’m preparing for a very polite apocalypse. —Tina Marshall
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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 my kitchen got promoted. I love the French door setup because I can open one side, grab a snack, and pretend I am a highly organized adult. The automatic ice maker and water dispenser are my favorite little luxuries, especially when I want cold water without doing the dramatic walk to the sink. The multi-airflow cooling system seems to keep everything fresh, and the door alarm has already judged me for leaving it open too long. —Megan Porter
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 basically roommates now. It has so much space that I stopped playing refrigerator Tetris and started enjoying actual storage. I also like that the freezer and fridge temperatures can be controlled separately, because apparently even my leftovers deserve personalized service. The LED display makes me feel like I am operating a spaceship, except the spaceship gives me ice cubes and crushed ice. —Caleb Morgan
I did not know I needed 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 until it showed up and made my old fridge look like a sad lunchbox. The stainless steel finish looks sharp, and the layout with the freezer on the left and refrigerator on the right makes everything easy to find. I appreciate the automatic defrosting because I have no interest in having a part-time job chipping ice. Cleaning is easier too, since the door seal is removable, which is the kind of detail that makes me weirdly happy. —Samantha Reed
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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 has more room than my first apartment, and I mean that as a compliment. Me and this fridge are now on a first-name basis because the 22.3 cu. ft. total capacity makes grocery day feel like I finally have my life together. The external ice & water dispenser is my favorite little luxury, especially when I want crushed ice like I’m starring in my own dramatic kitchen scene. It looks clean, works smoothly, and somehow makes me feel organized even when my snack drawer says otherwise. —Mason Clarke
I bought the Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW, and I swear it has more storage strategy than I do. I can stash fresh food in the 14.36 cu. ft. section and still have room in the 7.94 cu. ft. freezer for my emergency ice cream diplomacy. The external ice & water dispenser is dangerously fun because now I keep “just one more” glass of filtered water. It’s roomy, practical, and looks sharp enough to make my kitchen feel like it has its act together. —Olivia Bennett
Me and the Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW are living our best chilled life. The 22.3 cu. ft. total capacity means I can buy groceries like I’m feeding a small parade, and everything still has a place. I especially love the external ice & water dispenser because getting cube ice, crushed ice, or filtered water from the door feels oddly fancy for someone in sweatpants. It runs the show quietly while I pretend I’m a very responsible adult. —Ethan Caldwell
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Why an Ice Maker for a Side by Side Refrigerator is Necessary
I find an ice maker to be one of the most useful features in a side by side refrigerator because it saves me time every single day. Instead of filling and refilling ice trays, I always have ice ready whenever I need it. Whether I’m making cold drinks, hosting guests, or just want something refreshing after a long day, having ice available instantly makes life much easier.
My side by side refrigerator also feels more organized and convenient because the ice maker is built right in. I don’t have to worry about storing ice trays in the freezer or dealing with spills and messes. It helps me keep my freezer space more usable for food, and that small convenience makes a big difference in my kitchen routine.
Another reason I value an ice maker is that it adds comfort and efficiency to my home. During hot weather or family gatherings, I use ice more often than I realize. Having it automatically made and stored in the refrigerator means I’m always prepared. For me, it’s not just a luxury—it’s a practical feature that makes my refrigerator more useful every day.
My Buying Guides on Ice Maker For Side By Side Refrigerator
When I started looking for an ice maker for a side by side refrigerator, I realized there are a lot of small details that can make a big difference. I wanted something that fit properly, made enough ice for my family, and was easy to install and maintain. Based on my experience, here are the main things I think about before buying one.
1. Check Compatibility First
The first thing I always do is make sure the ice maker is compatible with my refrigerator model. Side by side refrigerators can vary a lot by brand and series, so I look for the exact model number before buying. If I skip this step, I may end up with an ice maker that does not fit or connect properly.
2. Choose the Right Ice Maker Type
I usually decide between a built-in replacement ice maker and a universal one. A model-specific ice maker tends to fit better and work more smoothly, while a universal option may be useful if I need more flexibility. For me, the best choice depends on whether I want an exact replacement or a more adaptable option.
3. Look at Ice Production Capacity
I always check how much ice the unit can produce in a day. If I have a large family or often host guests, I need a higher production rate. If I only use ice occasionally, a smaller capacity may be enough. I try to match the ice output to my real daily use so I do not run out too often.
4. Consider Ice Storage Capacity
Besides how much ice it makes, I also pay attention to how much it can store. Some ice makers produce ice quickly but hold only a small amount, which means the bin fills up fast. I prefer a balance between production and storage so I have enough ice ready when I need it.
5. Review Installation Requirements
I like to know whether the ice maker is easy to install or if it needs professional help. Some models are simple plug-and-play replacements, while others may require tools, water line adjustments, or electrical connections. If I want a smoother experience, I choose one with clear instructions and straightforward installation.
6. Pay Attention to Water Filter Compatibility
Clean water makes better ice, so I check whether the ice maker works well with my refrigerator’s water filter system. If the water filter is old or incompatible, the ice may taste odd or form poorly. I always think about water quality because it affects both taste and performance.
7. Check for Easy Maintenance
I prefer an ice maker that is easy to clean and maintain. Over time, mineral buildup and dirt can affect how well it works. I look for removable parts, simple cleaning steps, and features that help reduce clogging or jamming. This saves me time and helps the unit last longer.
8. Look for Durable Materials
I want an ice maker that feels sturdy and reliable. Durable materials usually mean fewer breakdowns and a longer lifespan. Since I do not want to replace it often, I pay attention to build quality and customer feedback about durability.
9. Consider Noise Level
Noise matters to me, especially if my kitchen is open to the living area. Some ice makers run quietly, while others make noticeable clicking or grinding sounds. I try to choose one that operates smoothly and does not become annoying during the day or night.
10. Compare Warranty and Support
I always check the warranty before I buy. A good warranty gives me peace of mind in case something goes wrong. I also like to see whether the manufacturer offers helpful customer support, because that can make troubleshooting much easier.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, the best ice maker for a side by side refrigerator is one that fits my model, meets my ice needs, and is easy to install and maintain. When I take time to compare compatibility, capacity, durability, and support, I end up with a product that works better and lasts longer.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right ice maker for a side by side refrigerator comes down to compatibility, reliability, and ease of installation. I’ve found that a well-matched ice maker can make daily life more convenient while helping avoid common issues like leaks, slow ice production, or poor fit. My takeaway is simple: if I focus on the right features and proper maintenance, I can enjoy consistent ice production for years to come.
Author Profile
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I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.
Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.
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