Choosing the best side by side refrigerator with ice maker means balancing storage, kitchen fit, and the type of ice and water access you want. These five models range from a large-capacity Kenmore to a more compact Electactic, with options from Midea, Amana, and Forno in between. Compare their listed features and measurements carefully, then confirm the refrigerator will fit through your doorway and into its final space.
| Refrigerator | Capacity | Ice and water | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side | 29 cu. ft. | External filtered ice and water dispenser | Large capacity and space-saving ice maker |
| Electactic 18.1 cu. ft. Side-by-Side | 18.1 cu. ft. | Door dispenser with cubed and crushed ice and water | Compact capacity, frost-free design, and child lock |
| Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side | 24.5 cu. ft. | Icemaker and water dispenser; autofill pitcher | Counter-depth design |
| Amana 24.6 cu. ft. Side-by-Side | 24.57 cu. ft. | External ice and water dispenser | Full-size capacity and touch controls |
| Forno Salerno 20 cu. ft. Side-by-Side | 20 cu. ft. | External filtered water, cubed ice, and crushed ice | Inverter cooling and flexible storage |
Our Picks: Best Side By Side Refrigerator With Ice Maker reviews
Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side: Best for Big Grocery Loads
The Kenmore is the largest-capacity choice here, with 29 cubic feet of storage in a traditional 36-inch-wide format. It is designed for households that buy groceries in bulk, prep meals ahead, or need room for family-sized food containers. Edge-to-edge glass shelves, adjustable shelving, four gallon-size door bins, crisper drawers, and organized freezer storage help make that space more usable.
Its ice maker sits inside the freezer door to preserve shelf space, and the external dispenser provides filtered ice and water. The listed ice production is up to three pounds per day. Accela Chill and Accela Freeze boost airflow to cool or freeze newly added groceries, while the Multi-Flow Air System circulates air across the shelves. These features may be useful after a large grocery trip, but they do not replace checking the manual for recommended settings and loading practices.
The fingerprint-resistant finish and bright LED lighting are practical touches for a busy kitchen. The main drawback is the size: owners have reported that the refrigerator can be deeper and harder to move into place than expected. Measure the kitchen opening, nearby counters, and the whole delivery path—including turns and doorways—before ordering.
Pros:
- Generous 29 cu. ft. capacity for larger households
- Space-saving freezer-door ice maker and external filtered water dispenser
- Adjustable glass shelves and multiple bins support flexible organization
- Fingerprint-resistant finish and enhanced LED lighting
Cons:
- Its size and depth may make delivery and kitchen fit challenging
- The supplied information does not specify a counter-depth design
Verdict: Choose the Kenmore if you want the most listed capacity and have room for a full-size, deep refrigerator.
Electactic 18.1 cu. ft. Side-by-Side: Best for a Smaller Capacity
At 18.1 cubic feet, the Electactic offers a smaller total capacity than the other full-size options in this guide. Its listed dimensions are 35.83 inches wide, 26.38 inches deep, and 69.69 inches high, so it may suit a kitchen where a larger-capacity model is not practical. The fresh-food section holds 12.1 cubic feet, with a 6-cubic-foot freezer.
The door dispenser offers water, cubed ice, and crushed ice. The product details also specify a built-in ice maker, frost-free operation, an inverter compressor, adjustable slide-out shelves, and LED lighting. A door-open alarm sounds after 60 seconds, and a child lock helps prevent unintended control changes. The listed noise level is 45 dB, though actual sound can vary with placement and operation.
This model offers several everyday conveniences in a comparatively compact capacity. Its dimensions still need to be checked against your space, and the product information recommends installing the water filter before use. With less total storage than the Kenmore, Midea, and Amana, it is a better match for modest grocery loads than for shoppers who need room for bulk buying.
Pros:
- Smaller capacity than the other full-size choices in this lineup
- Dispenses water plus cubed and crushed ice
- Frost-free operation and inverter compressor
- Child lock and door-open alarm add useful controls
Cons:
- Less storage capacity than the larger models in this guide
- Water filter installation is an important setup step
Verdict: Consider the Electactic if its dimensions and 18.1 cu. ft. capacity suit your kitchen and household, and you want both crushed and cubed ice.
Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side: Best for a More Streamlined Fit
The Midea pairs a 24.5-cubic-foot capacity with a counter-depth design, making it a potential fit for kitchens where a refrigerator that projects less into the room is a priority. It has a stainless finish, an icemaker, and a water dispenser. An autofill water pitcher is another listed feature, offering a way to keep a pitcher filled without relying only on the dispenser.
Its listed dimensions are 29 inches wide, 36 inches deep, and 70 inches high. Those measurements deserve extra attention: the listed depth is greater than the listed width, so confirm the manufacturer’s current installation specifications and measure your space before buying. Do not assume the “counter-depth” label alone guarantees a flush fit with your cabinets.
The capacity is close to the Amana’s and below the Kenmore’s, so it offers a middle ground for storage. The available product details are fairly brief, with no specific shelf layout or ice-production rate provided. If those details matter to you, check the product listing or manufacturer documentation before deciding.
Pros:
- 24.5 cu. ft. capacity in a counter-depth model
- Includes an icemaker and water dispenser
- Autofill water pitcher adds another convenient water option
- Stainless finish
Cons:
- Listed measurements should be verified carefully before installation
- Available product details do not specify ice output or interior organization
Verdict: The Midea is worth considering if you want counter-depth styling with substantial capacity, but confirm its measurements and installation requirements first.
Amana 24.6 cu. ft. Side-by-Side: Best for Straightforward Full-Size Storage
The Amana provides 24.57 cubic feet of side-by-side storage, including a listed 15.46 cubic feet of fresh-food capacity. It has an external ice and water dispenser and touch controls. Its dimensions are 35.87 inches wide, 34.12 inches deep, and 69.25 inches high, placing it in the full-size category rather than the compact or counter-depth group.
The product title describes a stainless-steel finish, while some of the supplied listing details are inconsistent about the model and color. Confirm the exact finish and model number on the product page before ordering, particularly if you are coordinating it with other appliances. The listed shelf type is wire, which is worth noting if you prefer the glass shelving found in several other picks.
Compared with the Kenmore, the Amana gives up some capacity and does not list the same cooling modes or fingerprint-resistant finish. Compared with the Electactic, it offers more total storage. The available details are less specific about its ice type and organizational layout, so check those points if they are important to your routine.
Pros:
- Large 24.57 cu. ft. total capacity
- External ice and water dispenser
- Touch controls
- Full-size dimensions suit households needing substantial storage
Cons:
- Supplied listing details differ on model and finish, so verify before ordering
- Listed with wire shelves rather than glass shelves
Verdict: Choose the Amana if you want a full-size refrigerator with a dispenser and can confirm the exact model and finish before purchase.
Forno Salerno 20 cu. ft. Side-by-Side: Best for Flexible Ice and Water Choices
The Forno Salerno has a total capacity of 20 cubic feet, divided between a 13.48-cubic-foot fresh-food section and a 6.53-cubic-foot freezer. Its external dispenser provides filtered water, cubed ice, or crushed ice. This is a useful combination if you want a choice of ice styles without giving up door access to drinking water.
The interior includes four adjustable, spill-proof glass shelves and two produce drawers in the refrigerator, plus three glass shelves, two drawers, and door bins in the freezer. The fingerprint-resistant exterior is described as resisting scratches and dents, although that should not be treated as a guarantee against damage. LED lighting, a frost-free cooling system, multi-air flow, and an inverter compressor round out the feature set.
At 20 cubic feet, it offers less capacity than the Kenmore, Midea, and Amana, but its detailed interior layout may make that space easier to organize. Sabbath mode and temperature memory are also listed. The supplied information does not provide dimensions beyond the 36-inch width in the product title, so verify height, depth, and delivery clearance before purchase.
Pros:
- External dispenser offers filtered water, cubed ice, and crushed ice
- Adjustable spill-proof glass shelves and multiple drawers
- Inverter compressor and frost-free, multi-air flow cooling system
- Fingerprint-resistant finish, LED lighting, and Sabbath mode
Cons:
- 20 cu. ft. capacity is lower than several alternatives here
- Full dimensions are not provided in the supplied product details
Verdict: The Forno is a good fit if you value flexible ice choices and organized storage more than maximum capacity.
How to Choose a Side-by-Side Refrigerator With an Ice Maker
Measure the opening and delivery path
Start with the refrigerator’s width, height, and depth, then measure the space where it will sit. Account for nearby counters, cabinets, walls, and the room needed to open both doors. Measure the full delivery route too, including exterior doors, hallways, and tight turns. A large refrigerator can fit its kitchen opening but still be difficult to bring inside.
Match capacity to your shopping habits
Capacity ranges from 18.1 cubic feet for the Electactic to 29 cubic feet for the Kenmore among these picks. A larger household or bulk shopper may value the extra room, while a smaller household may prefer a model that takes up less space. Look at the split between refrigerator and freezer capacity as well as the total, especially if you keep a lot of frozen food.
Check what the ice maker and dispenser provide
Not all ice makers offer the same setup. The Electactic and Forno list cubed and crushed ice, while the Kenmore specifies cubed ice and filtered water. The Amana lists an external ice and water dispenser but does not specify ice styles in the supplied details. Check whether the ice maker is built into the door or freezer, what type of ice it makes, and whether water filtration is included or requires a separate filter.
Think through shelf and door storage
Adjustable shelves make it easier to fit tall containers, while door bins can keep frequently used items within reach. Crisper drawers provide a dedicated place for produce, and the Forno’s spill-proof shelves may help contain messes. Compare the actual interior layout with the food and containers you use most, rather than choosing by capacity alone.
Consider depth and kitchen style
Counter-depth models are intended for a more streamlined appearance beside cabinetry, but the label does not replace careful measuring. The Midea is identified as counter-depth, and its supplied dimensions should be confirmed before ordering. For other models, check the product specifications for depth, finish, and door swing so the refrigerator works with both your layout and the look of your kitchen.
Review the installation and care details
Before checkout, confirm the required water connection, filter setup, electrical needs, and space for ventilation according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The Electactic product details call out installing the water filter before use. Also check delivery, installation, and old-appliance removal arrangements so you understand what is included and can protect floors and doorways during the move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which refrigerator in this guide has the most capacity?
The Kenmore has the largest listed capacity at 29 cubic feet. The Midea and Amana are both around 24.5 cubic feet, while the Forno and Electactic offer 20 and 18.1 cubic feet, respectively.
Which models offer crushed ice?
The Electactic and Forno list both cubed and crushed ice. The supplied Kenmore details specify cubed ice. The Amana and Midea details confirm an ice maker or dispenser but do not specify the ice style.
Does every model dispense water from the door?
The product details list an external water dispenser for the Kenmore, Electactic, Amana, and Forno. The Midea is listed with a water dispenser and an autofill water pitcher. Confirm the dispenser configuration and filter requirements on the product page before ordering.
Is counter-depth the same as standard depth?
No. Counter-depth models are designed to sit more in line with kitchen counters than many standard-depth refrigerators. Actual fit depends on the appliance’s measurements, cabinetry, and required clearances, so check the dimensions and installation guide.
How much space should I leave for delivery?
Measure the refrigerator opening and the entire route from the delivery entrance to the kitchen. Include doorways, hallways, stairways, and turns. For larger models such as the Kenmore, check whether the refrigerator can pass through the route as packaged and whether door removal is an option under the delivery plan.
Which option is best for a smaller household?
The Electactic has the lowest listed capacity in this group at 18.1 cubic feet. It may suit shoppers who do not need as much storage, provided its dimensions fit the kitchen. A smaller capacity is not automatically a better fit, so consider your usual grocery load and freezer needs.
Final Recommendation
The Kenmore is the strongest all-around choice if you need maximum capacity, adjustable storage, and filtered ice and water. The Electactic is worth a look when a more modest capacity and cubed-and-crushed-ice dispenser are priorities. For a counter-depth design, compare the Midea’s specifications closely with your kitchen measurements. Whichever model you choose, confirm the exact dimensions, finish, water setup, and delivery path before ordering.
