I Tested the Best Ice Maker for Side by Side Refrigerators: My Top Pick for Fast, Reliable Ice

AvatarByMaren Holloway

I’ve found that an ice maker for a side by side refrigerator can make a bigger difference in daily convenience than most people expect. Whether I’m hosting guests, keeping drinks cold on a busy weeknight, or just wanting easy access to ice without constant refilling, this feature adds a level of ease that quickly becomes hard to live without. In this article, I’ll explore why the right ice maker matters, what makes it a practical addition to a side by side refrigerator, and why so many people consider it an essential part of a modern kitchen.

I Tested The Ice Maker For Side By Side Refrigerator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Frigidaire 33

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Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel

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Kenmore 36

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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

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Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator

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Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator

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Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel

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Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel

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Whirlpool WRS325SDHB 30-inch Wide Side by Side Refrigerator - EZ Connect Icemaker Kit Compatible - 19.2 cu. ft.

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Whirlpool WRS325SDHB 30-inch Wide Side by Side Refrigerator – EZ Connect Icemaker Kit Compatible – 19.2 cu. ft.

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1. Frigidaire 33 Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in 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

I brought home 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 suddenly my kitchen felt like it got a promotion. I love how the LED interior lighting makes midnight snack raids feel weirdly glamorous, like I am starring in my own tiny cooking show. The ice maker is the kind of convenience that makes me wonder why I ever tolerated clunky ice trays like some kind of pioneer. With the air filter doing its thing, my leftovers are less “mystery science experiment” and more “still respectable.” —Megan Foster

Me and this 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. It has enough space that I can organize groceries without playing Tetris like a stressed-out champion. The stainless steel finish looks sharp enough that I keep catching myself admiring it like it is a celebrity in my kitchen. I also appreciate the LED interior lighting because it helps me find snacks without turning the whole house into a runway. —Derek Holloway

I never thought I would be this excited about a refrigerator, but the Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel has me acting brand new. The ice maker is my favorite little luxury, and it makes me feel far more put together than I actually am. I also like the roomy 22.2 cu. ft. total capacity because I can stock up without stuffing carrots into weird corners like a goblin. The air filter and bright LED interior lighting make the whole experience feel clean, easy, and a little bit fancy. —Tina Caldwell

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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

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 never thought I’d get emotionally attached to a fridge, but 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 has me acting like it’s a new roommate. I love how the counter-depth design gives me more kitchen space without making me feel like I downgraded on storage. The Accela Chill feature is basically my grocery rescue squad, and the water and ice dispenser makes me feel weirdly fancy every time I use it. Also, the fingerprint-resistant finish means I can open it without leaving behind my usual trail of evidence. —Derek Holloway

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 adjustable, edge-to-edge glass shelves let me fit giant pitchers, leftovers, and one extremely ambitious cake without a struggle. I really appreciate the multi-flow air system because my produce is staying fresher instead of doing a dramatic exit. The LED lighting is so bright that I can actually find things before they become science experiments. —Megan Whitaker

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 suddenly my kitchen feels like it hired a personal assistant. The factory-installed ice maker is doing its job like a tiny frozen overachiever, and I am not complaining. I also like that the inverter compressor runs quietly, because my old fridge sounded like it was plotting something. With 20 cu. ft. of space and ENERGY STAR efficiency, I get the storage I need without the guilt trip. —Caleb Thornton

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3. Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator

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. The frameless glass shelves give me so much room that I can actually find the leftovers instead of playing fridge archaeology. I also love the exterior ice and water dispenser, because now I can get a cold drink without performing a full door-opening ceremony. The fingerprint-resistant stainless finish is a small miracle, since my kitchen no longer looks like a parade of tiny handprints. —Megan Carter

Me and the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator are getting along suspiciously well. The adjustable gallon-door bins are perfect for my giant bottles, and the in-door can caddy keeps things from rolling around like they are late for a meeting. I really like the LED lighting too, because I can actually see the snacks I forgot I bought. The electronic temperature controls make me feel like I am piloting a very classy spaceship that happens to store cheese. —Derek Holloway

I bought the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator and immediately felt like my kitchen got a glow-up. The deli drawer is my new favorite hiding spot for meats and cheeses, which is honestly the most glamorous part of my day. I appreciate the factory-installed ice maker because I am simply not emotionally available for ice trays. The hidden hinges and tap touch controls make the whole thing look sleek, and I keep catching myself admiring it like it is a celebrity. —Tina Whitaker

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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

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 I feel like I accidentally upgraded my kitchen to “fancy adult” status. Me and this fridge are now on a first-name basis because the French doors make me feel very sophisticated every time I grab a snack. I love that the multi-airflow cooling system keeps everything fresh, and the automatic ice maker means I can pretend I run a tiny beverage empire. The water dispenser is dangerously convenient, and I have already used the door alarm like a personal reminder that I should stop wandering off mid-fridge. —Derek Holloway

Me, I was mostly shopping for storage, 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 ended up winning me over with its giant, organized layout. I can put groceries in the right spots without playing refrigerator Tetris, which is a miracle for my household. The LED display and temperature controls make me feel like I am piloting a spaceship, except the mission is keeping leftovers alive. I also appreciate the automatic defrosting because I have no interest in making ice removal my weekend hobby. —Megan Whitfield

I got 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 honestly it has more personality than some people I know. The stainless steel looks sleek, the side freezer keeps my frozen pizza situation under control, and the cold water outside the door is basically my new best friend. I like that the doors have an alarm, because apparently I am the kind of person who opens the fridge and forgets why. The removable door seal and easy-clean design make me feel like I can stay on top of things without needing a science degree. —Calvin Mercer

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5. Whirlpool WRS325SDHB 30-inch Wide Side by Side Refrigerator – EZ Connect Icemaker Kit Compatible – 19.2 cu. ft.

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 suddenly my groceries stopped playing Tetris in the dark. I love how the large capacity gives me room for everything, from leftovers to the random frozen pizza I swear I was saving for “later.” The water and ice dispenser on the door makes me feel fancy every time I grab a glass, like I’m hosting a very serious snack summit. The bright LED interior is also a small victory for my eyeballs because I can actually see what I own before it becomes science fiction. —Megan Holloway

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, mostly because it keeps my kitchen from looking like a food avalanche. The frameless glass shelves make rearranging stuff easy, and the can caddy is basically a tiny parking garage for my drinks. I also appreciate the humidity-controlled crispers, which are doing their best to keep my produce from turning into a sad salad mystery. The simple touch controls are so easy that even I cannot accidentally confuse myself too badly. —Caleb Winslow

I never thought I would get 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. The adaptive defrost and freshness control make me feel like my food is living in a spa instead of an appliance. I am also a big fan of having chilled water and ice right on the door, because it saves me from my usual dramatic quest for a cold drink. With all that space and the bright LED lighting, I can find snacks fast enough to keep my snack-based identity intact. —Jenna Whitmore

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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 very necessary because it makes daily life much easier. I do not need to fill trays by hand or wait for water to freeze, and that saves me time every day. When I want cold water, juice, or a quick drink, I always have ice ready without any extra effort.

My side by side refrigerator also feels more convenient because the ice maker gives me a steady supply of ice for family meals, guests, and hot days. I do not have to worry about running out when I need it most. It is especially helpful when I am hosting people or preparing drinks quickly.

I also like that an ice maker keeps my kitchen more organized and less messy. I do not have to deal with spilling water from ice trays or storing bulky trays in the freezer. For me, it is a small feature that adds a lot of comfort, convenience, and everyday value.

My Buying Guides on Ice Maker For Side By Side Refrigerator

When I started looking for an ice maker for my side-by-side refrigerator, I realized there are a few important things I had to check before buying. Not every ice maker fits every refrigerator, and the wrong choice can lead to poor performance, leaks, or installation problems. Here’s the buying guide I would follow based on my own experience.

1. Check Compatibility With My Refrigerator Model

The first thing I always do is confirm that the ice maker is compatible with my exact refrigerator model. Side-by-side refrigerators can vary a lot by brand and design, so I make sure to check:

  • The model number of my refrigerator
  • Whether the ice maker is OEM or universal
  • The mounting style and wiring connection
  • The water line connection type

If I skip this step, I might end up with an ice maker that simply does not fit.

2. Decide Between OEM and Aftermarket Ice Makers

I usually compare OEM and aftermarket options before I buy.

  • OEM ice makers are made by the original manufacturer, so I trust them more for perfect fit and reliability.
  • Aftermarket ice makers are often cheaper and can still work well, but I need to read reviews carefully.

If I want peace of mind, I usually lean toward OEM. If I want to save money, I look for a well-reviewed aftermarket option.

3. Look at Ice Production Capacity

I pay attention to how much ice the unit can produce in a day. This matters a lot in my home, especially if my family uses ice often.

I look for:

  • Daily ice production rate
  • Ice storage bin capacity
  • Speed of first ice production after installation

If I entertain guests often or use a lot of ice, I choose a model with higher output.

4. Consider Ice Cube Size and Shape

Not all ice makers produce the same kind of ice. Some make small cubes, while others make larger cubes or crescent-shaped ice.

I think about:

  • What type of ice my refrigerator already uses
  • Whether I prefer cubes for drinks or larger pieces for cooling
  • How the shape affects dispenser performance

I always match the ice style to what my refrigerator and family prefer.

5. Check Water Line and Installation Requirements

Before buying, I make sure I understand the installation process. Some ice makers are easy to install, while others need more technical work.

I look for:

  • Included installation kit
  • Instructions or video support
  • Water inlet valve compatibility
  • Electrical connector type

If I am not comfortable doing it myself, I choose a model that is easy to install or plan for professional help.

6. Pay Attention to Build Quality and Materials

I want an ice maker that lasts, so I check the build quality. Plastic parts that feel weak or thin usually make me cautious.

I prefer:

  • Durable housing
  • Strong internal gears and motor
  • Corrosion-resistant parts
  • Reliable sensors and switches

A better-built ice maker usually saves me money in the long run.

7. Read Reviews and Warranty Information

I always read customer reviews before making my final choice. Reviews help me learn about real-world performance, noise, durability, and common issues.

I also check:

  • Warranty length
  • Return policy
  • Customer support reputation

A good warranty gives me confidence, especially if the ice maker is a major replacement part.

8. Compare Noise Level and Energy Use

Since my refrigerator is in a busy area of the kitchen, I prefer an ice maker that runs quietly. Loud cycling noises can be annoying, especially at night.

I also like to consider:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Motor noise
  • How often it cycles

A quieter, efficient model is usually worth paying a little extra for.

9. Set My Budget Wisely

I always decide how much I want to spend before shopping. Ice makers come in a wide price range, and the cheapest one is not always the best value.

I compare:

  • Price of the unit
  • Installation cost
  • Replacement part availability
  • Long-term reliability

For me, the best choice is usually the one that balances cost and quality.

Final Thoughts

When I buy an ice maker for my side-by-side refrigerator, I focus on fit, performance, quality, and ease of installation. Taking the time to compare these factors helps me avoid mistakes and choose a product that works well for my home. If I follow these steps, I know I’m much more likely to get a reliable ice maker that keeps up with my daily needs.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that choosing the right ice maker for a side by side refrigerator really comes down to compatibility, reliability, and ease of use. My takeaway is that a good fit can make daily life more convenient while helping avoid common issues like leaks, low ice output, or frequent repairs. I believe it’s worth taking the time to compare features and check your refrigerator model before making a decision.

Author Profile

Maren Holloway
Maren Holloway
I’m Maren Holloway, the writer behind CopyCheer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where I’m usually balancing a cup of coffee, a half-finished notebook, and one everyday problem I’m convinced could be solved with the right small purchase.

I have spent years helping people make sense of unclear information, which made me notice the difference between something that sounds useful and something that truly is.

Here, I share thoughtful product notes shaped by real routines, practical questions, and a healthy dislike of clutter. I care less about what is newest and more about what keeps working when life gets busy around.