At a Glance
What is a Refrigerator Ice Maker?
Our Best Refrigerator with an Ice Maker Picks
Top Refrigerator Brands with Ice Makers
Refrigerators these days can do some pretty amazing things. From syncing with your home’s Wi-Fi to touchscreen refrigerators that work as a multipurpose hub for recipes, calendars, and more, it’s impressive how far these appliances have come.
With so many possibilities at our fingertips, it’s easy to take for granted all the previous functions that were once considered ahead of their time—like the humble ice maker.
Once a luxury, automatic ice makers are now a common refrigerator upgrade, but that doesn’t mean they’ve become obsolete. From advanced filtration to new shapes and sizes, refrigerator ice makers have been rebranded to provide more functions than ever before, and we’re highlighting them for you in this article.
Follow along for considerations before you buy, the brands to shop, and the top five refrigerators with ice makers recommended by us, your local experts.
What is a Refrigerator Ice Maker?
While refrigerator ice makers haven't yet evolved to mix up your favorite cocktails on demand (fingers crossed for the future), they offer the incredible convenience of always having ice ready when needed. This feature, often overlooked, can significantly upgrade your kitchen. Though adding an ice maker typically increases the cost of a refrigerator by around $200, there are options to fit various budgets.
➼ The Budget-Friendly Option: Refrigerators without external ice dispensers store ice in a freezer bin, often located on the door, to maximize shelf space. These models are more affordable and easier to maintain, making them a practical choice for many households.
➼ The Premium Option: For those willing to splurge, refrigerators with built-in dispensers provide the luxury of water and ice at the push of a button. Some high-end models even offer a selection of ice cube shapes or function as a hot beverage station, dispensing both ice and water at your preferred temperature. For households with high ice demands, a refrigerator with dual ice makers ensures you’ll never run out.
So, how much ice does a refrigerator ice maker produce daily? This varies by brand and model, but on average, you can expect around four pounds of ice per day—about the size of a small bag. For those who entertain frequently, high-end models can produce between 6 to 11 pounds of ice daily, making them an ideal choice for keeping the drinks flowing.
How Does My Fridge Make Ice?
Modern refrigerators are equipped with built-in ice makers that simplify the process of making ice. Here’s how it works:
-
Water Supply: The ice maker is connected to your home’s water supply. When ice is needed, water flows into the ice mold.
-
Freezing: The mold fills with water, which is then frozen into ice cubes.
-
Ejection: Once frozen, a mechanism pushes the ice cubes into the storage bin.
-
Storage: The ice is stored in the freezer’s bin, ready for use. As you use ice, the process repeats to keep the bin filled.
By understanding this process, you can better troubleshoot any issues that might arise with your refrigerator's ice maker, ensuring you always have a fresh supply of ice on hand.
The Benefits of Refrigerators with Automatic Ice Makers
Did you know having an ice maker in your refrigerator has more benefits than convenience? See for yourself all the advantages of installing a refrigerator with an ice maker in your kitchen.
On-Demand Ice: Enjoy the luxury of having ice whenever needed, without the hassle of filling and freezing ice cube trays.
No More Ice Trays: Say goodbye to the inconvenience of manually filling, freezing, and storing ice cube trays.
Variety of Ice Shapes: Many models offer different ice cube shapes, from classic cubes to crushed ice, catering to your preferences.
Space-Saving Design: Free up valuable counter space by eliminating the need for a separate ice maker appliance.
Energy Efficiency: In-door ice dispensers minimize the need to open the freezer, helping to maintain consistent temperatures and conserve energy.
But perhaps the biggest incentive for our Arizona shoppers is the quality and taste of ice you get with an automatic ice maker. Since most models use a filtration system, ice (and water on dispenser models) is purged of harmful chemicals and byproducts that are found in tap water.
→ Learn More 11 Water Impurities (and How to Rid Them)
Our Best Refrigerator with an Ice Maker Picks
An automatic ice maker is a nice perk in the kitchen, but it needs more than a few ice cubes to be considered a top-performing refrigerator. Take a look!
Best Overall:
Frigidaire Gallery 21.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French door refrigerator
Shop Frigidaire Gallery Ice Maker Refrigerator
The Frigidaire Gallery Refrigerator with ice maker is the perfect blend of style and functionality for modern kitchens.
This counter-depth refrigerator is designed to fit seamlessly into your space and offers a sleek, built-in look without compromising storage capacity. Its Smudge-Proof® stainless steel finish ensures your refrigerator stays pristine, resisting fingerprints, and is easy to clean.
The flexible storage options, including adjustable shelving and spacious door bins, make it easy to organize all your groceries. Plus, with advanced cooling technology, your food stays fresher for longer, and the energy-efficient design helps reduce utility costs.
Features
- Counter-Depth Design: Provides a sleek, built-in look while maximizing kitchen space.
- Adjustable Shelving and Door Bins: Customize your storage to fit all your groceries.
- Advanced Cooling Technology: Maintains optimal temperatures to keep your food fresher longer.
- Energy-Efficient Design: Saves on utility costs while providing top performance.
⭐Featured Frigidaire Gallery #GRQC2255BF Review:
"This refrigerator exceeds my expectations! We had a Kitchen Aid that had a larger footprint but we can fit SO much more with the way this refrigerator is configured! We are so happy that it was #1 on Consumer Reports. That was our deciding factor, great choice!"
Best Value:
GE 17.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Freezer Refrigerator
Shop GE Top Freezer Refrigerator
Raise a glass to simple designs that provide major function, like this GE ice maker top freezer refrigerator with 17.5 cubic feet of storage.
The mix includes a factory-installed icemaker for fresh ice made daily, ready to scoop and serve inside your treats and beverages. Skip the guesswork with an uncomplicated layout featuring adjustable shelves, produce crisper drawers, and ample in-door organization that keeps all your items on display and easy to find under the vibrancy of LED interior lighting.
Features
- Factory-Installed Icemaker: Enjoy a steady supply of ice, conveniently available whenever needed.
- Gallon Door Storage Bins: Easily store large containers and free up shelf space for better organization.
- Bright LED Lighting: Energy-efficient LED lights illuminate every corner of your refrigerator, making it easy to find what you need.
- Proudly Made in the U.S.A.: Manufactured with quality craftsmanship in the United States.
Best Luxury:
LG 27.1 Cu. Ft. PrintProof Black Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop LG refrigerator with an ice maker
Brace yourself for a whole new way to handle food preservation with an experience only an LG refrigerator with an ice maker can deliver.
It all starts with a fresh presentation featuring an LG InstaView door that transitions from ordinary to transparent with two gentle knocks. Cool and convenient, this function gives you a look inside for inventory while the main compartment stays shut and cold air stays locked inside.
Along with an in-door ice bin, this pick also showcases Craft Ice technology with a dedicated freezer bin to drop into your signature drinks when the occasion calls.
Features
- Dual Ice Maker with Craft Ice: Enjoy regular ice cubes and slow-melting Craft Ice, perfect for cocktails and special occasions.
- Smooth Touch Ice Dispenser: This dispenser effortlessly dispenses ice, and UVnano technology reduces bacteria to help keep the dispenser clean and hygienic.
- InstaView Door: Easily check inside your fridge without opening the door—just knock twice to illuminate the interior.
- CoolGuard Interior Door Panel: Retains cold air to ensure consistent temperatures, keeping your food fresher for longer.
⭐Featured LG #LRSOS2706D Review:
"Bought this to replace another brand. Larger capacity and side by side instead of french door/bottom freezer. We love it!"
→ Learn More: 4 Best Dual Ice Maker Refrigerators
Best Refrigerator with Dual Ice Makers:
Samsung 22.8 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Celebrate your go-to drink with this Samsung refrigerator, which features two ice makers in a standard cube and crushed ice options for your everyday needs and extra special moments, too.
This ice-making refrigerator produces up to six pounds of cubes daily inside two convenient storage containers, including a door dispenser with a UV deodorizing filter. Additional FlexZone and FlexCrisper compartments, plus Triple Cooling technology, work to ensure everything else you stock stays just as cool, fresh, and preserved.
Features
- Dual Ice Maker: Ensure you always have plenty of ice on hand with two ice makers, perfect for large gatherings and daily use.
- UV Deodorizing Filter: Use advanced UV technology to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh by neutralizing odors.
- FlexZone: Customize your storage with a versatile compartment that easily switches between different temperature settings.
- FlexCrisper: Preserve fruits and vegetables at their optimal freshness with an adjustable crisper drawer that offers precise humidity control.
⭐Featured Samsung #RF23A9671SR Review:
"Perfect size with enough space inside - the quadrant setup is more functional than anticipated. The beverage center is a nice touch. The overall feel of the this Samsung refrigerator is higher end."
Best Small Refrigerator with Ice Makers:
GE 16.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator (GIE17GSNRSS)
Shop GE top freezer refrigerator
Even small refrigerators with ice makers can make a big impact. Take this best-selling GE top freezer refrigerator, which has over 8,000 buyer reviews confirming its top performance.
Its clean presentation and traditional configuration total 16.6 cubic feet of storage. Stocking foods is simple, complete with sliding drawers, spacious shelving, and door bins for all favorite fresh and frozen ingredients.
Features
- Factory-Installed Ice Maker: Enjoy a convenient, built-in ice maker that provides a steady supply of ice whenever needed.
- Sliding Deli Drawer: This smooth-sliding drawer is designed for optimal storage and makes organizing and accessing your deli meats and cheeses easy.
- Edge-to-Edge Glass Shelves: Maximize your storage space with sleek, spill-proof glass shelves that offer a clean and modern look from one side to the other.
- Energy Star Certified: Designed for energy efficiency, helping you save on utility bills while reducing your environmental footprint.
Our Selection Process
Don’t let the luxury of an ice maker trick you into a less-than-pleasant user experience. When poorly designed, an ice maker can jam, cause leaks, or simply not make enough ice for your needs. By following these three specifications, we could pick fully functional ice makers that are worth the upgrade.
Convenience
Hands down, automatic ice makers are the way to go if you’re looking for convenience. There’s no interaction needed, no guesswork, and you’ll always have ice, so long as your water line is running and connected. Points for efficiency were also given to removable bins, especially when you can relocate them inside the freezer to accommodate space for other items and refrigerators with two ice makers. As for the ice itself, various shapes and sizes are great for various applications (try chilled fruit juice over crushed ice for a quick at-home snow cone).
Purification
Smelly ice cubes alone are a good reason every ice maker needs a purification system, but your health is also on the line. The best freezers with water purification remove cysts, bacteria, and minerals from water and ice and remind you when it’s time to replace the filter.
Footprint
The biggest tradeoff of an ice maker is the equity it takes up in the freezer. Smart bins remedy this problem by offering space-friendly bins or, even better, ice compartments built right into the door for maximum freezer storage.
➝ Learn More: 5 Stainless Steel Refrigerators with Ice Makers
Top Refrigerator Brands with Ice Makers
Get your favorite drinking glass ready—these brands are ready to help quench your thirst with standout ice makers we highly recommend to buyers.
Frigidaire Ice Maker Refrigerators
Frigidaire, known for its innovative food organization solutions, offers select refrigerators equipped with ice makers that produce up to three pounds of ice daily. Whether you need single or double ice maker options, Frigidaire has you covered. Enjoy the convenience of cubed and crushed ice, plus advanced filtration with the PureSource Ultra II system, which removes 99.3% lead and 99.9% cysts from your water.
Samsung Ice Maker Refrigerators
Samsung’s ice maker technology is just another reason this brand is a buyer favorite. Entry-level Samsung models feature optional removable, filtered ice makers, while automatic ice makers generate four pounds of ice per day. For those who need more, upgraded models with Ice Max and Ice Master technology can produce 5.5 and 10 pounds of ice daily, respectively.
LG Ice Maker Refrigerators
LG leads the way in ice-making innovation. Beyond the standard cubed and crushed ice, LG offers Craft Ice, perfectly shaped ice spheres that melt slower—ideal for elevating your at-home beverage experience. LG’s refrigerators offer flexibility with Single and Dual Ice Maker options, producing up to 3.8 pounds of ice per bin daily. If maximizing freezer space is your priority, the Slim SpacePlus in-door ice bin is an excellent feature that frees up shelf space for more efficient frozen food storage.
→ Learn More: How to Fix Frigidaire Ice Maker Not Working
Ice Maker Fridge FAQs
Here are few more pointers buyers like you are asking before shopping a refrigerator with an ice maker.
Can a fridge make ice without a water line?
Generally, when an ice maker is included on a refrigerator, a corresponding water line connecting to your kitchen’s water supply is also included. However, some models allow users to manually pour water into the ice bin to produce ice. Always read the manual to see if your model offers this option.
Can I choose the type of ice produced by my refrigerator’s ice maker?
Yes, depending on the brand and model, some refrigerators allow you to choose between different ice types. For example, LG offers Craft Ice for slow-melting spheres, while others provide cubed or crushed ice options.
How much ice can a refrigerator ice maker produce in a day?
Ice production varies by brand and model. A standard refrigerator ice maker can produce between 3 to 10 pounds of ice per day. Some advanced models, like those from Samsung and LG, can produce up to 10 pounds or more daily.
Do all refrigerators come with built-in ice makers?
Not all refrigerators come with built-in ice makers. While many modern models offer this feature, checking the refrigerator specifications you’re interested in to ensure it includes an ice maker is essential. Some models may offer it as an optional upgrade.
Why Trust Us?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Refrigerators With Ice Makers at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop refrigerators online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the best Ice maker refrigerators for your kithcen. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!