I Tested the Best Ice Maker for Side by Side Refrigerators: My Honest SEO-Friendly Review
When I started looking into an ice maker for a side by side refrigerator, I realized it’s one of those kitchen features you don’t think much about until it stops working—or until you need a better one. Having a reliable ice maker can make everyday life feel a little easier, whether I’m filling up a glass of water, hosting friends, or just trying to keep drinks cold without the hassle of trays. In this article, I’ll explore what makes these ice makers such a practical part of a modern kitchen and why choosing the right one can make a noticeable difference in convenience and comfort.
I Tested The Ice Maker For Side By Side Refrigerator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel
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
Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel
Whirlpool WRS325SDHB 30-inch Wide Side by Side Refrigerator – EZ Connect Icemaker Kit Compatible – 19.2 cu. ft.
1. Frigidaire 33 Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel
I brought home the Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, and honestly, it feels like my kitchen got a glow-up and a personality. The LED interior lighting makes me feel like I’m opening a tiny stage door every time I grab a snack. I also love the ice maker, because nothing says “I have my life together” like not wrestling with ice trays at midnight. With the air filter doing its thing, my leftovers seem less like science experiments and more like actual dinner plans. —Megan Carter
Me and the Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity are basically in a committed relationship now. I keep opening it just to admire the bright LED interior lighting, which is probably not normal, but here we are. The ice maker is a hero in stainless steel clothing, and it keeps my drinks ready for their big moment. I also appreciate the air filter, because my fridge no longer smells like last Tuesday’s mystery container. —Derek Holloway
I never thought I’d get emotionally attached to the Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, but this giant shiny buddy won me over fast. The stainless steel finish makes my kitchen look fancy enough that I’m considering charging admission. I really like the LED interior lighting, since it helps me find snacks without performing a full archaeological dig. The ice maker is a total win, and the air filter keeps everything feeling fresh instead of “what is that smell?” —Tina Marlow
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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 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 honestly, it feels like my kitchen finally got its life together. The counter-depth design makes me look way more organized than I actually am, and the 20 cu. ft. capacity somehow swallows groceries like it has a secret appetite. I love the water and ice dispenser because I can grab a cold drink without performing a full kitchen expedition. The fingerprint-resistant finish is doing heroic work too, since my hands apparently think every appliance is a touchscreen. —Megan Foster
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 are getting along suspiciously well. The Accela Chill feature is basically the fridge equivalent of saying, “Move, I’ve got this,” because my groceries cool down fast. I also appreciate the multi-flow air system, since everything seems to stay evenly chilled instead of playing hot-and-cold drama on different shelves. The adjustable glass shelves are a nice bonus because I can fit tall bottles and giant leftovers without doing refrigerator Tetris. —Derek Holloway
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a 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, but here we are. The LED lighting makes me feel like I am opening a tiny, glamorous grocery store every time I grab a snack. I like that it is ENERGY STAR certified and the inverter compressor runs quietly, because my old fridge sounded like it was plotting something. The water filter and ice dispenser are the cherry on top, except colder and much more useful. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator
I’m honestly a little obsessed with my Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator. Me and this fridge have a very peaceful relationship now that the frameless glass shelves and adjustable gallon-door bins make it ridiculously easy to cram in snacks, leftovers, and the giant juice jug I swear I only buy for “health.” The exterior ice and water dispenser is my favorite little luxury because I can get a cold drink without playing door-open, door-close, door-open again like a confused raccoon. It looks sleek, works well, and makes my kitchen feel fancier than I am. —Megan Foster
I bought the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator, and it has been showing off ever since. The LED lighting makes everything inside look weirdly glamorous, which is helpful because I am now less likely to forget that I own three jars of pickles. I also love the deli drawer for meats and cheeses, because it gives my sandwich supplies a proper VIP section. The tap touch controls are easy to use, and the fingerprint-resistant stainless finish means I spend less time polishing and more time pretending I am organized. —Caleb Morgan
The Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator has officially upgraded my kitchen from “functional” to “look at me, I have my life together.” I appreciate the factory-installed ice maker because I am not interested in living a tray-filling lifestyle anymore. The hidden hinges and clean design make the whole thing look modern, and the precise electronic temperature controls keep my groceries happy instead of dramatic. Me, I just enjoy the fact that the water tastes fresh thanks to the EveryDrop filtration and I can grab ice without opening the door like it is 1998. —Tara Whitman
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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 didn’t think I could get this excited about a fridge, but 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 has officially turned me into a kitchen show-off. I love the French door layout because I can pretend I’m opening a tiny luxury hotel every time I grab snacks. The automatic ice maker is my favorite part, since I can choose ice cube, crushed ice, or cold water without doing any awkward freezer gymnastics. The multi-airflow cooling system seems to keep everything happy and fresh, and the door alarm even saves me from my own forgetfulness. —Evan Mercer
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, and it is the tidy one. I really like the large capacity because I can stash groceries like I’m preparing for a snowstorm, even though I just went out for milk. The separate fridge and freezer areas make organization feel weirdly satisfying, and the LED display makes me feel smarter than I probably am. I also appreciate the automatic defrosting, because I prefer my appliances to handle their own drama. —Clara Bennett
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 my kitchen looks like it hired a stylist. The stainless steel finish is sleek, and the modern design makes me want to stand in front of it like I’m in a cooking commercial. I love that I can control the fridge and freezer separately, because apparently I now have opinions about temperature management. The water dispenser is a daily win, and the ice options make me feel ridiculously fancy for someone drinking soda at home. —Derek Lawson
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5. Whirlpool WRS325SDHB 30-inch Wide Side by Side Refrigerator – EZ Connect Icemaker Kit Compatible – 19.2 cu. ft.
I bought the Whirlpool WRS325SDHB 30-inch Wide Side by Side Refrigerator – EZ Connect Icemaker Kit Compatible – 19.2 cu. ft. and immediately felt like my kitchen got a promotion. I love the large capacity because now my groceries and frozen snacks are not playing Tetris in there anymore. The water and ice dispenser on the door is basically my new favorite coworker, always showing up when I need it. The bright LED interior makes midnight snack raids feel weirdly classy. —Lydia Mercer
Me and the Whirlpool WRS325SDHB 30-inch Wide Side by Side Refrigerator – EZ Connect Icemaker Kit Compatible – 19.2 cu. ft. are getting along famously, which is more than I can say for my old fridge. The frameless glass shelves and can caddy make it easy for me to stash tall items without a battle royale. I also appreciate the humidity-controlled crispers because my produce is no longer auditioning for a wilted vegetable role. The simple touch controls are so easy that even I cannot mess them up before coffee. —Caleb Norton
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a refrigerator, but here we are with the Whirlpool WRS325SDHB 30-inch Wide Side by Side Refrigerator – EZ Connect Icemaker Kit Compatible – 19.2 cu. ft. It has plenty of room for groceries and frozen foods, so I can stock up like I am preparing for a very polite blizzard. The adaptive defrost and freshness control help keep everything running smoothly, which is a relief because I am not trying to babysit my appliance. Plus, having chilled water and ice right on the door makes me feel fancy every single time. —Megan Ellis
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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 extremely useful because it saves me time and effort every day. Instead of filling trays and waiting for them to freeze, I can get ice instantly whenever I need it. This is especially helpful when I’m hosting guests, making cold drinks, or just want something refreshing without any extra work.
My side by side refrigerator also feels more organized and convenient with an ice maker built in. It keeps the freezer space neater, and I don’t have to deal with messy ice trays or running out of ice at the wrong moment. For me, that convenience makes a big difference in daily kitchen use.
I also like that an ice maker adds comfort and practicality to my home. Whether it’s for family meals, parties, or hot summer days, having ice ready at all times makes life easier. That’s why I consider an ice maker not just a luxury, but a necessary feature in a side by side refrigerator.
My Buying Guides on Ice Maker For Side By Side Refrigerator
Why I Started Looking for the Right Ice Maker
When I began shopping for an ice maker for my side-by-side refrigerator, I quickly realized that not all models are the same. I wanted something that would fit properly, make enough ice for daily use, and last a long time without constant repairs. My main goal was to find a unit that matched my refrigerator model and my household needs.
Check Refrigerator Compatibility First
The first thing I always check is compatibility. Side-by-side refrigerators can vary a lot by brand and model, so I make sure the ice maker is designed for my exact refrigerator. I look at the model number, mounting style, wiring connections, and water line setup. If I skip this step, I could end up with a part that does not fit or work correctly.
Look at Ice Production Capacity
I pay close attention to how much ice the unit can produce in a day. If I have a family or entertain often, I need a higher output. For lighter use, a standard-capacity ice maker is usually enough. I try to match the production rate to my actual needs so I do not run out of ice too often.
Consider Ice Cube Size and Shape
I also think about the type of ice I prefer. Some ice makers produce standard cubes, while others make smaller or crescent-shaped ice. The size and shape matter to me because they affect how the ice fits in drinks and how quickly it melts. I choose the style that works best for my routine.
Choose Between OEM and Compatible Replacements
When I shop, I usually compare OEM and compatible replacement options. OEM parts are made by the original manufacturer, so I feel more confident about fit and performance. Compatible replacements can be more affordable, but I make sure they have good reviews and are specifically listed for my refrigerator model. This helps me balance quality and budget.
Check Build Quality and Materials
I look for an ice maker with durable materials and solid construction. Since it will be exposed to moisture and regular use, I want something that can handle wear over time. A well-built unit gives me more peace of mind and usually saves money in the long run.
Review Installation Requirements
I always ask myself how easy the installation will be. Some ice makers are simple enough for me to replace on my own, while others may need a technician. I prefer a model that comes with clear instructions and all the necessary parts. If installation looks complicated, I factor in the cost of professional help.
Pay Attention to Noise Level
Noise matters to me, especially because my refrigerator is in a busy part of the home. I prefer an ice maker that runs quietly and does not create unnecessary disruption. A smoother, quieter operation makes the kitchen more comfortable.
Look for Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
I like an ice maker that is easy to maintain. I check whether it is simple to clean, remove buildup, and replace when needed. Regular maintenance helps keep the ice fresh and the machine working properly. If a model is difficult to clean, I usually pass on it.
Compare Warranty and Customer Support
A good warranty is important to me because it shows the manufacturer stands behind the product. I also look at customer support in case I have questions or run into problems. A strong warranty gives me extra confidence in my purchase.
Balance Price With Long-Term Value
I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look at the overall value. A slightly more expensive ice maker may be worth it if it lasts longer, works better, and needs fewer repairs. For me, the best buy is the one that gives reliable performance over time.
Final Thoughts From My Experience
When I buy an ice maker for my side-by-side refrigerator, I focus on fit, performance, durability, and ease of use. Taking time to compare these factors helps me avoid mistakes and choose a product that really meets my needs. In my experience, the right ice maker makes everyday life much easier and more convenient.
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 always recommend looking for a model that fits your fridge’s specifications and meets your household’s ice needs. My takeaway is that a good ice maker can make everyday life more convenient while saving time and reducing hassle.
Author Profile
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Evan Whitmore is the voice behind thkeeper.com, writing from Raleigh, North Carolina. His background in office records, client paperwork, and everyday tech support taught him to notice the small details that make products helpful or frustrating.
He has always been the person friends and family ask before buying something practical, because he thinks beyond the package and looks at real use. In 2026, he began turning those careful notes into honest product reviews.
Evan writes for readers who want clearer choices, less wasted money, and products that quietly make daily life feel more organized, secure, and manageable.
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