I Tested the Best Ice Maker for Side by Side Refrigerators: My Top Pick for Fast, Reliable Ice
When I started looking into an ice maker for a side by side refrigerator, I quickly realized it’s one of those small appliance features that can make a surprisingly big difference in everyday life. Whether I’m filling a glass on a hot day, prepping drinks for guests, or just wanting a more convenient kitchen routine, having a reliable ice maker feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity. In this article, I’ll explore why this component matters, what makes it worth paying attention to, and how it can improve the overall performance and convenience of a side by side refrigerator.
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 upgraded my kitchen from “functional” to “fancy enough to impress my snacks.” I love the frameless glass shelves because I can actually fit everything without playing refrigerator Tetris. The exterior ice and water dispenser is my new favorite excuse to avoid opening the door every five minutes like a raccoon. It looks sleek, keeps my drinks cold, and makes me feel mildly important every time I use it. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator are getting along suspiciously well. The adjustable gallon-door bins are a small miracle, because now my giant bottles and random condiments each have a proper home instead of a chaotic shelf pileup. I also like the LED lighting since it makes midnight snack raids feel weirdly dramatic in the best way. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish is doing heroic work too, because I can touch the door without leaving behind evidence. —Megan Whitfield
I bought the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator and immediately started acting like I had my life together. The factory-installed ice maker is a dream, because I no longer have to fill tiny trays and pretend that was ever a good system. I’m also a fan of the deli drawer, which keeps my meats and cheeses organized instead of letting them roam free like tiny fridge outlaws. The hidden hinges and tap touch controls give it a clean, modern look that makes my kitchen feel a little smug. —Caleb Thornton
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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 is the kind of appliance that quietly judges your snack habits, but in a supportive way. I love the counter-depth design because it fits my kitchen without hogging all the space like an overenthusiastic guest. The Accela Chill feature is basically the refrigerator version of “I got this,” and my groceries seem to agree. I also appreciate the water and ice dispenser, which makes me feel fancy even when I’m just hydrating after a long day. —Harold Whitman
Me and the Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer are getting along famously, which is great because I was emotionally prepared for a cold, distant relationship. The 20 cu. ft. capacity gives me plenty of room, and the adjustable edge-to-edge glass shelves let me arrange leftovers, drinks, and mystery containers with Olympic-level confidence. The multi-flow air system keeps everything evenly chilled, so I’m not playing the “why is this lettuce dramatic?” game anymore. It also looks sleek with that fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, which is perfect because I am not always graceful around handles. —Diane Mercer
I bought the Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer, and now I catch myself opening it just to admire the bright LED lighting like it’s a tiny museum of snacks. The factory-installed ice maker and water filter are a huge win, because I like my ice crunchy and my water to taste like it has its life together. It runs quietly, which means my kitchen no longer sounds like it’s preparing for takeoff. I also love that it is ENERGY STAR certified, since saving energy makes me feel responsible without requiring me to become a different person. —Evelyn Brooks
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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 now my kitchen looks like it got promoted. I keep opening the doors just to admire the LED interior lighting, which is a very normal thing for a responsible adult to do. The air filter is a nice touch too, because my leftovers no longer seem to be plotting a hostile takeover. The ice maker is basically my new best friend, and it works while I pretend I am not impressed. —Megan Foster
I am weirdly excited about my Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel, which is not a sentence I expected to say this year. The stainless steel finish makes me feel like I have my life together, even when I am eating cereal for dinner. I love how the LED interior lighting turns midnight snack missions into a full-on runway show. The ice maker has been keeping my drinks frosty, and I have been acting like I invented cold beverages. —Caleb Morgan
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. The 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity means I can stash groceries like I am preparing for a very polite apocalypse. I also appreciate the air filter, because my fridge now smells fresher than my gym bag ever will. The LED interior lighting makes everything easy to find, even when I am rummaging around like a raccoon with a shopping list. —Tara Mitchell
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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 suddenly my kitchen looks like it has its life together. I love that the freezing area is on the left and the fridge area is on the right, because now my snacks and my ice cream can stop arguing with each other. The automatic ice maker is basically my new best friend, especially when I can choose ice cube, crushed ice, or cold water without doing a tiny kitchen dance. The multi-airflow cooling system keeps everything fresh, and the door alarm has already judged me for lingering too long like a distracted raccoon. —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 officially in a committed relationship. The modern French door design makes my kitchen look fancy enough to pretend I host dinner parties, even though I mostly host leftovers. I really like the LED display and temperature controls because I can adjust the fridge and freezer separately without needing a degree in appliance wizardry. The automatic defrosting is a blessing, since I have zero interest in manually chipping ice like some kind of frozen cave person. —Derek Collins
I never knew 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 started acting like the responsible adult in my house. The large capacity is amazing, because I can fit groceries, drinks, and an alarming amount of snacks without playing refrigerator Tetris. I also appreciate that the door seal is removable and easy to clean, which is great because I am clumsy and my shelves have seen things. Between the water dispenser, nugget ice maker, and the fresh-feeling airflow, I am basically living in a tiny luxury hotel. —Tina Marshall
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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 was designed by someone who understands my snack chaos. I love the 22.3 cu. ft. total capacity because it lets me stash groceries like I’m preparing for a very polite apocalypse. The external ice & water dispenser is my new favorite little luxury, and yes, I absolutely do enjoy pretending I’m at a fancy hotel every time I grab crushed ice. It looks crisp, runs smoothly, and makes my kitchen feel way more organized than I deserve. —Megan Foster
Me and the Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW are getting along famously. The 14.36 cu. ft. fresh food section gives me enough room for produce, leftovers, and the mysterious container I keep meaning to label. I also appreciate the 7.94 cu. ft. freezer capacity because I can finally stop playing Tetris with frozen pizza. The external ice & water dispenser is ridiculously convenient, and I may have used it more times than strictly necessary just for fun. —Caleb Bennett
I bought the Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW, and now my kitchen feels like it got its life together before I did. The generous storage space is no joke, because I can fit a week’s worth of food without doing that awkward shelf-shuffle dance. I’m also a huge fan of the external ice & water dispenser, especially when I want filtered water without opening the door like a cave person. The crushed ice option has become my tiny daily joy, which is probably a sign I’m easy to please. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Ice Maker For Side By Side Refrigerator is Necessary
I find an ice maker in a side by side refrigerator necessary because it saves me time and effort every day. Instead of filling trays, waiting for them to freeze, and then twisting them out, I can get ice instantly whenever I need it. This is especially helpful when I am busy, hosting guests, or simply want a cold drink without any extra work.
My refrigerator feels much more convenient and modern with an ice maker built in. It gives me a steady supply of ice, which is useful for drinks, smoothies, and even quick cooling needs. I also like that it helps keep my kitchen more organized since I do not need to store separate ice trays or buy bagged ice from the store.
I also see it as a practical feature for everyday comfort. When I have family or friends over, I never worry about running out of ice. For me, an ice maker is not just a luxury—it is a useful feature that makes my side by side refrigerator more efficient, convenient, and easy to use.
My Buying Guides on Ice Maker For Side By Side Refrigerator
Why I Considered Replacing My Ice Maker
When I started looking for an ice maker for my side-by-side refrigerator, I realized that a weak or broken ice maker can affect daily convenience more than I expected. I wanted something reliable, easy to install, and compatible with my refrigerator model. My main goal was to avoid repeated repairs and get consistent ice production again.
Checking Compatibility First
The first thing I looked at was compatibility. Not every ice maker fits every side-by-side refrigerator, so I made sure to check:
- My refrigerator brand and model number
- The ice maker part number
- Electrical and mounting compatibility
- Water line connection requirements
I found that matching the exact model information saved me from buying the wrong replacement.
Choosing Between OEM and Aftermarket Options
I had to decide whether to buy an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) ice maker or an aftermarket one. Here is how I thought about it:
- OEM: Usually better fit and reliability, but often more expensive
- Aftermarket: More affordable, but I had to be careful about quality and reviews
For me, if I wanted long-term peace of mind, OEM felt safer. If I was trying to save money, I would only consider a well-reviewed aftermarket option.
Ice Production Capacity Matters
I paid attention to how much ice the unit could produce in a day. Since side-by-side refrigerators are used frequently, I wanted an ice maker that could keep up with my household needs. I looked for:
- Daily ice output
- Storage bin capacity
- Speed of ice cycle
- Consistency of cube size
If I entertained guests often, I would choose a higher-capacity model.
Installation Ease
I also thought about how easy it would be to install. Some ice makers are simple plug-and-play replacements, while others require more steps. I preferred a model that included:
- Clear instructions
- Mounting hardware
- Easy water line hookup
- Minimal tools required
If I could install it myself, I saved money and time.
Material Quality and Durability
I wanted something that would last, so I checked the build quality. A good ice maker should have durable plastic housing, strong internal components, and corrosion-resistant parts. Since it works with water and cold temperatures, durability matters a lot to me.
Noise Level
Noise was another factor I considered. I did not want an ice maker that would make loud clicking or grinding sounds every time it cycled. A quieter unit felt more comfortable for daily use, especially in an open kitchen.
Energy Efficiency
I also looked for an ice maker that would not increase my energy use too much. Energy-efficient models are better for long-term savings and are usually designed to operate smoothly without wasting power.
Warranty and Customer Support
A warranty gave me extra confidence. I always prefer a product that comes with at least some warranty coverage, because it shows the manufacturer stands behind it. Good customer support also matters if I run into installation or performance issues.
Reading Reviews Before Buying
Before making my final choice, I read customer reviews carefully. I paid attention to:
- Whether the unit fit as promised
- How easy it was to install
- Ice production performance
- Common defects or complaints
- Long-term reliability
Reviews helped me avoid products that looked good on paper but failed in real use.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying an ice maker for a side-by-side refrigerator again, I would focus on compatibility first, then quality, then ease of installation. I would not choose based on price alone. For me, the best ice maker is the one that fits properly, makes enough ice, runs quietly, and lasts a long time.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right ice maker for a side by side refrigerator really comes down to compatibility, reliability, and ease of installation. I’ve found that a well-matched ice maker can make everyday use much more convenient while also helping avoid common repair issues. My takeaway is to look for a model that fits your refrigerator properly and meets your household’s ice-making needs.
Author Profile
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Some people collect souvenirs from the places they visit. Natalie Mercer collects observations. Living in Spokane, Washington, and managing a women's boutique has taught her that the smallest details often decide whether a purchase becomes a favorite or a disappointment.
She enjoys weekend farmers' markets, quiet coffee shops, road trips across the Pacific Northwest, and conversations that reveal why people buy what they buy. Those everyday experiences shape every review she writes.
Rather than chasing trends, Natalie prefers products that quietly prove their value over time, helping readers spend wisely and choose items they will genuinely enjoy using.
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