Finding the best upright freezer with a built-in ice maker means checking two things: whether the appliance is truly a freezer and whether its ice maker is built in. Of the five products compared here, only the KoolMore freezer column lists both features. The others are a convertible freezer without an ice maker, standalone ice makers, or ice cream makers—useful appliances, but not direct substitutes. If you need a freezer with automatic ice production, start with the KoolMore and confirm that its built-in installation requirements fit your kitchen.
Quick Comparison
| Product | What It Is | Ice Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whynter ICM-201SB Ice Cream Maker | Compressor ice cream maker | Churns frozen desserts, not ice cubes | Making ice cream and sorbet at home |
| ICEVIVAL 7 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer | Convertible freezer and refrigerator | No built-in ice maker listed | Flexible upright food storage |
| Frigidaire EFIC117-SS Ice Maker | Countertop ice maker | Makes bullet-shaped ice | Making ice without replacing a freezer |
| Whynter ICM-128WS Ice Cream Maker | Compact compressor ice cream maker | Churns frozen desserts, not ice cubes | Smaller batches of homemade frozen treats |
| KoolMore Reserve 18-Inch Freezer Column | Built-in freezer column | Automatic ice maker built in | Integrated kitchen storage with ice production |
Our Picks: Best Upright Freezer With Built In Ice Maker reviews
Whynter ICM-201SB: A Compressor Ice Cream Maker for Larger Batches
The Whynter ICM-201SB is an upright automatic ice cream maker, not a food-storage freezer and not an ice-cube maker. Its built-in compressor freezes and churns a prepared mix, so you do not need to pre-freeze a bowl. The listed capacity is 2.1 quarts, and the stainless-steel bowl can be removed for serving and washing.
An LCD timer and audible signal make it easier to keep track of a batch. The upright housing also takes up less counter space than some wider machines, though it still weighs more than 24 pounds. In everyday use, the compressor design is convenient for making another batch without waiting for a bowl to refreeze. The mixture still needs to be prepared, and the machine needs hand washing.
This is a sensible choice if homemade ice cream, gelato, or sorbet is your goal. It does not address the target need for frozen food storage or ready-to-serve ice cubes, so treat it as a separate kitchen appliance rather than a freezer alternative.
Pros:
- Built-in compressor means no pre-frozen bowl is needed.
- 2.1-quart capacity suits larger dessert batches.
- Removable stainless-steel bowl and detachable churn blade simplify cleanup.
- LCD timer and audible signal help you track the cycle.
Cons:
- It makes frozen desserts, not ice cubes or stored frozen food.
- At 24.3 pounds, it is not a lightweight countertop appliance.
Verdict: Choose the ICM-201SB for home-churned frozen desserts, but skip it if you need an upright freezer with an ice maker.
ICEVIVAL 7 Cu. Ft. Upright Freezer: Flexible Storage Without Listed Ice Production
This ICEVIVAL model is a 7-cubic-foot upright appliance that can switch between freezer, refrigerator, and quick-freeze modes. Its five adjustable shelves and drawer offer more structured access than a basic chest freezer, making it easier to sort packaged food, meals, or drinks. The listing does not identify a built-in ice maker, so it is not a match if automatic ice production is essential.
The reversible door, recessed handle, flat back, and adjustable leveling legs offer flexibility for different room layouts. The manufacturer lists operation at 43 dB and says the unit is CSA-certified. Its convertible settings may be useful when your storage needs change, but shoppers should confirm the controls and temperature ranges suit the foods they plan to store.
Compared with the KoolMore, this is the more straightforward option for standalone storage, but it lacks the listed ice-making feature and built-in installation design. It may suit a garage, apartment, or office where adaptable cold storage matters more than an integrated kitchen finish.
Pros:
- 7 cubic feet of upright storage with five shelves and a drawer.
- Convertible freezer, refrigerator, and quick-freeze modes.
- Reversible door and adjustable leveling legs support flexible placement.
- Listed operating noise level is 43 dB.
Cons:
- No built-in ice maker is listed.
- It is not described as a panel-ready built-in column.
Verdict: Consider this freezer if you want convertible upright storage; choose a different model if you need an integrated ice maker.
Frigidaire EFIC117-SS: Compact Countertop Ice Without Freezer Storage
The Frigidaire EFIC117-SS is a compact countertop ice maker, not an upright freezer. It produces bullet-shaped ice in two size options, with a listed maximum production of up to 26 pounds per day. Its basket holds up to 1.5 pounds at a time, so this machine is designed to make ice for immediate use rather than store a large supply.
A 2.1-quart water reservoir, digital controls, viewing window, drain plug, and included scoop make the basic process straightforward. The product information says a batch of nine cubes takes about seven minutes. Because the unit does not provide freezer storage, ice that you want to keep for later needs to be transferred to a separate freezer.
This can be a useful companion to a freezer that lacks an ice maker, especially for a kitchen, office, or gathering space. It is not a replacement for the KoolMore if you want one built-in appliance to handle both frozen storage and ice production.
Pros:
- Compact countertop format fits spaces where a freezer column would not.
- Offers two ice sizes and a clear window to monitor production.
- Drain plug makes emptying and cleaning more convenient.
- Includes an ice scoop and a 2.1-quart water tank.
Cons:
- It does not store frozen food or keep a large quantity of ice frozen.
- The basket holds 1.5 pounds, so ice may need to be moved to a freezer for longer storage.
Verdict: Pick this Frigidaire for countertop ice on demand, not as an upright freezer with a built-in ice maker.
Whynter ICM-128WS: A Smaller Compressor Machine for Frozen Desserts
The Whynter ICM-128WS is a compact upright ice cream maker with a built-in compressor. Like the larger Whynter, it churns a prepared mix into frozen desserts; it is not a food freezer or ice-cube maker. Its 1.28-quart capacity is smaller than the ICM-201SB’s, and its listed dimensions are 11 by 10 by 14 inches.
The removable stainless-steel bowl, detachable BPA-free churn blade, LCD timer, and audible signal make the machine practical for occasional batches. Its compressor avoids the need to freeze a bowl in advance. However, the smaller capacity means it is better suited to modest portions than to producing a large amount for a gathering.
Choose this model if counter space and smaller dessert batches matter more than volume. If your priority is an upright freezer that also makes ice, the KoolMore is the relevant product in this comparison instead.
Pros:
- Built-in compressor removes the need to pre-freeze a bowl.
- Compact dimensions and a 1.28-quart capacity suit smaller batches.
- Removable bowl and detachable churn blade support easier cleanup.
- LCD timer and audible signal help track the process.
Cons:
- It makes ice cream and similar desserts, not ice cubes.
- Its capacity is smaller than the other Whynter machine in this comparison.
Verdict: The ICM-128WS is a compact dessert maker, but it cannot meet a need for freezer storage or built-in ice production.
KoolMore Reserve 18-Inch Freezer Column: The Direct Match for Built-In Ice
The KoolMore Reserve is the only product in this comparison whose supplied specifications list both freezer storage and an automatic built-in ice maker. It is a panel-ready freezer column with 8.6 cubic feet of capacity and a frost-free cooling system. The listing gives a storage temperature range of -11°F to 7°F.
Inside, it has three adjustable glass shelves, four soft-close drawers, and three door bins. The automatic ice maker is listed to produce up to 3.9 pounds of crescent-shaped ice per day, with a 5.5-pound ice storage capacity. That makes it a better fit for a kitchen where you want frozen food and ice in one integrated appliance, rather than a small countertop ice maker.
There are important installation details to verify before buying. The product is intended for built-in installation and requires a compatible custom panel; the listed panel dimensions are 17.6 inches wide, 0.75 inches deep, and 79.92 inches high. The overall listed dimensions are 20.08 inches deep, 26.38 inches wide, and 90.55 inches high, so check the manufacturer’s installation guide and your cabinet opening carefully. Its listed weight is 210 pounds, which also makes delivery and installation planning important.
Pros:
- Built-in automatic ice maker produces crescent-shaped ice.
- 8.6 cubic feet of organized storage with shelves, drawers, and door bins.
- Frost-free system avoids manual defrosting.
- Panel-ready design can blend with compatible kitchen cabinetry.
Cons:
- Built-in installation and custom panel requirements call for careful measurement and planning.
- The listed dimensions and 210-pound weight may make installation challenging in some kitchens.
Verdict: Of these five options, the KoolMore is the clearest match if you want an upright-style freezer column with a built-in ice maker, provided its size and installation requirements work for your kitchen.
How to Choose an Upright Freezer With a Built-In Ice Maker
Confirm That the Ice Maker Is Actually Included
Product names can mention ice or freezing without describing the same appliance type. Look for specifications that clearly identify both a freezer and an automatic ice maker. A countertop ice maker produces cubes but does not store frozen food; an ice cream maker churns desserts; and a freezer without a listed ice maker will not supply ice automatically. In this comparison, only the KoolMore lists both freezer storage and an ice maker.
Measure the Installation Space
Measure the full opening, including height, width, and depth, and account for the door swing and any clearance required by the installation instructions. A panel-ready column also needs a compatible cabinet panel. Compare your measurements with the product’s overall and panel dimensions, not just the “18-inch” description. For a heavy appliance, plan how it will be delivered and moved into place.
Match Ice Output and Storage to Your Routine
Daily ice production and the amount of ice the appliance can hold are different limits. The KoolMore listing specifies up to 3.9 pounds of ice per day and 5.5 pounds of storage. Consider how much ice your household uses, whether you host often, and whether that storage capacity suits your routine. A standalone countertop machine may make ice quickly, but it is not a substitute for an integrated freezer and its ice storage.
Choose Useful Freezer Organization
Shelves, drawers, and door bins make it easier to separate everyday items from bulk food. The KoolMore has three adjustable shelves, four drawers, and three door bins. The ICEVIVAL offers a different layout with five adjustable shelves and a drawer, but its supplied specifications do not list an ice maker. Think about the size of the packages you store and whether adjustable shelves or enclosed drawers are more useful to you.
Decide Whether You Need Frost-Free Operation
Frost-free cooling can reduce the need for manual defrosting. The KoolMore is listed as frost-free, while the supplied information for the other upright freezer does not identify a frost-free system. Check the complete product specifications and care instructions before you buy, especially if reducing routine maintenance is a priority.
Check Temperature Controls and Use Modes
Consider how precise the temperature settings are and whether you need more than freezer operation. The ICEVIVAL can switch among freezer, refrigerator, and quick-freeze modes, which may help when storage needs change. The KoolMore is described as a freezer with a specified temperature range. Match the available controls to your intended use, and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for safe food storage.
Review Delivery, Warranty, and Installation Details
Built-in columns may need professional installation, a matching cabinet panel, and careful handling. The KoolMore listing specifies a three-year parts-and-labor warranty, but confirm the warranty terms and what installation steps are covered before ordering. Also check delivery access, the route into your home, and whether you need help positioning the appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which product in this comparison has a built-in ice maker?
The KoolMore Reserve 18-inch freezer column is the only listed product that includes both freezer storage and an automatic ice maker. The other options are a freezer without a listed ice maker, countertop ice equipment, or ice cream makers.
Is the ICEVIVAL 7-cubic-foot model a freezer with an ice maker?
The ICEVIVAL is a convertible upright freezer and refrigerator, but its supplied product information does not list an ice maker. Do not assume it makes ice automatically; check the complete manufacturer specifications if that feature is essential.
Can a countertop ice maker replace a freezer’s ice maker?
A countertop ice maker can make ice, but it does not replace a freezer. The Frigidaire model has a 1.5-pound basket, and ice intended for longer storage needs to be transferred to a freezer.
What does “panel ready” mean for the KoolMore column?
Panel ready means the appliance is designed to accept a compatible cabinet panel for a more integrated appearance. The listing provides panel dimensions, so confirm the panel and opening requirements before purchasing.
How much ice can the KoolMore make and store?
The supplied specifications list production of up to 3.9 pounds of crescent-shaped ice per day and a storage capacity of 5.5 pounds. Actual needs vary by household, so consider both figures when deciding whether the ice supply will be enough.
Are the Whynter appliances upright freezers?
No. The Whynter ICM-201SB and ICM-128WS are compressor ice cream makers. They freeze and churn dessert mixtures, but they are not designed to store frozen food or make ice cubes.
Final Recommendation
If you specifically want an upright freezer with an integrated ice maker, the KoolMore Reserve is the only direct match among these five products based on the supplied specifications. Its ice production, organized storage, and panel-ready design may suit a planned built-in kitchen, but measure carefully and review the installation requirements before buying. If built-in ice is not essential, the ICEVIVAL offers convertible upright storage; for countertop ice or homemade frozen desserts, choose the Frigidaire or one of the Whynter machines for those separate jobs.
