Finding a side-by-side counter-depth refrigerator that does not have an ice maker takes careful checking: a product listing may simply leave the ice-maker details unclear. In this group, the Element and Forno are the closest side-by-side options, but their supplied descriptions do not confirm whether an ice maker is included. The Hamilton Beach is also side-by-side, while the Sharp is a compact bottom-freezer model and the Samsung is a French-door refrigerator. Compare the configurations below, and confirm the appliance’s ice-maker setup with the seller before you buy.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Configuration | Capacity | Counter-depth details | Ice-maker information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 cu. ft. Refrigerator | Bottom freezer | 11.5 cu. ft. | Listed as counter-depth; 24 in. wide | Not specified |
| Element 21.4 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator | Side-by-side | 21.4 cu. ft. | Counter-depth status not stated in supplied details | Not specified |
| Forno Salerno 33-inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator | Side-by-side | 15.6 cu. ft. | Described as counter-depth; 32.9 in. wide | Not specified |
| Hamilton Beach HBF1558 Side-by-Side Refrigerator | Side-by-side | 15.6 cu. ft. | Listed as counter-depth; about 32.91 in. wide | Not specified |
| Samsung 17.5 cu. ft. French-Door Refrigerator | French door | 18 cu. ft. | Described as counter-depth | Supplied details mention a water line for an ice maker; confirm the exact configuration |
Our Picks: Best Side By Side Counter Depth Refrigerator Without Ice Maker reviews
1. Sharp SJB1255GS: A Narrow Counter-Depth Alternative
The Sharp SJB1255GS is a compact, 24-inch-wide refrigerator with a bottom freezer, not a side-by-side layout. It is included because its narrow, counter-depth design may suit a small kitchen where a standard-width refrigerator will not fit. Its total capacity is 11.5 cubic feet, including a 7.3-cubic-foot fresh-food section and a 4.2-cubic-foot freezer.
Features include multi-airflow cooling, a removable wine rack, and a fresh converter drawer that can be set up for chilling or produce storage. Vacation mode lets you turn off the refrigerator cavity while keeping the freezer running. The slim footprint is useful when space is tight, but the smaller capacity may feel limiting if you shop for a large household or like to keep plenty of frozen food on hand.
The supplied product details do not specify whether this model has an ice maker. Its bottom-freezer configuration also means it does not meet the side-by-side requirement. Treat it as a compact alternative, not a direct match, and confirm the ice-maker setup before ordering.
Pros:
- Compact 24-inch width for narrower kitchen spaces
- Counter-depth design and reversible door
- Converter drawer offers a choice of chilling or crisper use
- Vacation mode can keep the freezer on while the refrigerator section is off
Cons:
- Bottom-freezer layout is not side-by-side
- 11.5-cubic-foot capacity may be too small for some households
Verdict: Consider the Sharp if a narrow counter-depth refrigerator matters more than a side-by-side layout, but verify its ice-maker configuration and available storage before buying.
2. Element 21.4 cu. ft.: The Largest Side-by-Side Option Here
The Element ERX21FDS is a full-size, frost-free side-by-side refrigerator with 21.4 cubic feet of storage. Its vertical compartments keep fresh and frozen food in separate sections, which can make everyday items easier to see and reach than in a deep single-door layout. The product details list adjustable tempered-glass shelves, door bins, crisper drawers, and LED interior lighting.
This is the strongest capacity choice among the side-by-side models in this selection. The listed storage features should help with organizing groceries, though the product information provided here does not include its dimensions or confirm that it is counter-depth. That makes measuring especially important if a flush, built-in look is a priority.
The listing does not specify whether an ice maker is included or absent. Because the target is a refrigerator without an ice maker, do not assume this model qualifies based on the supplied description alone. Check the exact product configuration with the seller before purchasing.
Pros:
- Largest listed capacity among the side-by-side picks
- Adjustable tempered-glass shelves and door storage
- Frost-free operation and LED interior lighting
- Two-year limited warranty is listed in the supplied product details
Cons:
- Counter-depth status and dimensions are not provided in the supplied details
- Ice-maker inclusion or absence is not specified
Verdict: The Element is worth considering if you want generous side-by-side storage, but confirm both the depth and ice-maker configuration before treating it as a match.
3. Forno Salerno: A Feature-Rich Counter-Depth Side-by-Side
The Forno Salerno is a 15.6-cubic-foot side-by-side refrigerator described as counter-depth. It measures 32.9 inches wide, 27.42 inches deep, and 70.14 inches high, so compare those figures with your cabinet opening and allow for door clearance. The split layout gives you a fresh-food section and a freezer section, with both areas arranged for access without bending into a wide bottom freezer drawer.
Inside, the supplied details list adjustable glass shelves, crisper drawers, door bins, and LED lighting. Fast Cool and Fast Freeze settings are designed to lower temperatures after adding groceries, while vacation mode and Sabbath mode add operating options. Spill-proof shelf borders and automatic frost-free operation can also make routine cleanup and upkeep easier.
The supplied description does not say whether an ice maker is included. Its listed features make it a strong design match for shoppers seeking a counter-depth side-by-side, but buyers who specifically want no ice maker should get confirmation of the exact configuration first. Its capacity is also smaller than the Element’s.
Pros:
- Counter-depth side-by-side design with stated dimensions
- Adjustable shelves, crisper drawers, and spill-proof glass shelves
- Fast Cool, Fast Freeze, vacation, and Sabbath modes
- Two-year limited warranty is listed in the supplied details
Cons:
- Ice-maker status is not specified
- Less total capacity than the Element side-by-side
Verdict: The Forno is a promising fit for a counter-depth side-by-side layout, provided its dimensions suit your kitchen and the seller confirms it can be purchased without an ice maker.
4. Hamilton Beach HBF1558: A Practical Mid-Size Side-by-Side
The Hamilton Beach HBF1558 is a 15.6-cubic-foot, stainless-steel side-by-side refrigerator listed as counter-depth. Its dimensions are 32.91 inches wide, 25.04 inches deep, and 70.08 inches high. The product description highlights gallon-size door bins, adjustable or removable shelves, and a digital temperature control panel inside the refrigerator door.
This model may suit households that want separate vertical freezer and refrigerator compartments without moving up to the Element’s larger capacity. Its listed annual energy consumption is 378 kWh, though actual energy use can depend on conditions and use. The product details specify a one-year parts-and-labor warranty.
The available information does not confirm whether the refrigerator has an ice maker. It is labeled counter-depth, but check the listed dimensions against your kitchen and verify the ice-maker setup directly before ordering. Its simpler feature set may appeal if you do not need specialty modes or extra cooling functions.
Pros:
- Side-by-side layout with 15.6 cubic feet of capacity
- Gallon-size door bins for larger containers
- Digital temperature controls and adjustable shelves
- Dimensions are provided for fit planning
Cons:
- Ice-maker status is not specified
- One-year parts-and-labor warranty is shorter than the Forno’s listed warranty
Verdict: Choose the Hamilton Beach if its dimensions and straightforward storage suit your kitchen, but confirm that the specific unit is sold without an ice maker.
5. Samsung RF18A5101SR/AA: A Counter-Depth French-Door Alternative
The Samsung RF18A5101SR/AA is a counter-depth French-door refrigerator, not a side-by-side model. It offers 18 cubic feet of capacity, Wi-Fi connectivity, a fingerprint-resistant finish, and separate cooling controls for the refrigerator and freezer. Those features may appeal if you want a built-in look and prefer two upper refrigerator doors with a lower freezer compartment.
This model is not a clear fit for a no-ice-maker search. The supplied product information includes a user account mentioning installation of a water line for an ice maker, but it does not clearly establish the exact included configuration. If avoiding an ice maker is important, verify the product specifications with the seller rather than relying on the model name alone.
It also differs from the requested side-by-side format. Consider it only if you are open to a French-door layout and confirm both the ice-maker configuration and the refrigerator’s fit in your kitchen.
Pros:
- Counter-depth French-door design
- Wi-Fi connectivity and app-related features are listed
- Independent refrigerator and freezer controls
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
Cons:
- French-door layout is not side-by-side
- Supplied details do not confirm a no-ice-maker configuration
Verdict: The Samsung may suit shoppers open to a French-door refrigerator, but it is not a direct match for a side-by-side model without an ice maker.
How to Choose a Side-by-Side Counter-Depth Refrigerator Without an Ice Maker
Confirm the Ice-Maker Configuration
Check the exact model’s specifications or ask the seller whether an ice maker is installed, included as an option, or absent. A product description that does not mention an ice maker does not prove that the appliance is ice-maker-free. Also ask whether the refrigerator has a water connection or dispenser if you want to avoid plumbing as well as ice production.
Check the Layout Before Comparing Features
A side-by-side refrigerator has the fresh-food and freezer sections next to each other behind separate vertical doors. A bottom-freezer or French-door model is a different layout, even if it is counter-depth. Confirm the configuration first so you do not choose a compact alternative that fails your main requirement.
Measure the Full Installation Space
Measure the opening’s width, height, and depth, and compare those numbers with the refrigerator’s listed dimensions. Leave room for doors to open and for the appliance’s installation and ventilation requirements. Counter-depth describes the intended fit relative to kitchen counters; it does not mean every part of the refrigerator will sit perfectly flush with cabinetry.
Match Capacity to Your Shopping Habits
Think about how much fresh food and frozen food you keep at home. The Element has the largest listed capacity in this selection, while the Forno and Hamilton Beach each list 15.6 cubic feet. The Sharp is substantially smaller and uses a bottom-freezer layout. More capacity can help with bulk shopping, but the refrigerator still needs to fit your kitchen and daily routine.
Look at 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 help organize produce, and spill-proof shelf edges can contain some messes. Compare the storage layout with the food you buy most often rather than relying on total capacity alone.
Compare Controls, Modes, and Maintenance
Frost-free operation helps prevent ice buildup inside the freezer, but it is separate from whether the refrigerator has an ice maker. Look at useful extras such as digital temperature controls, fast-cooling modes, vacation settings, and lighting. Choose features you expect to use, and review the warranty and care requirements before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a refrigerator without an ice maker still need a water line?
Not necessarily. A refrigerator without an ice maker may not need a water line, but some models can have optional water-related features. Check the specific model’s installation requirements and confirm whether any water connection is needed.
Which options in this selection are side-by-side?
The Element, Forno Salerno, and Hamilton Beach HBF1558 are listed as side-by-side models. The Sharp is a bottom-freezer refrigerator, and the Samsung is a French-door refrigerator.
Which listed model has the most capacity?
The Element has the largest stated capacity among the side-by-side options at 21.4 cubic feet. The supplied product details do not state that it is counter-depth, so verify its measurements before choosing it for a counter-depth space.
Are the Element, Forno, and Hamilton Beach confirmed to be ice-maker-free?
No. Their supplied descriptions do not specify whether an ice maker is included or absent. Contact the seller or check the exact model specifications before buying if a no-ice-maker configuration is essential.
What is the difference between counter-depth and standard-depth?
A counter-depth refrigerator is designed to sit closer to the depth of kitchen counters than many standard-depth models. The doors and handles may still extend beyond the cabinets, so check the appliance’s full dimensions and door-clearance needs.
Is frost-free the same as having an ice maker?
No. Frost-free describes how the freezer manages frost buildup. An ice maker is a separate feature that produces ice, so a frost-free refrigerator can have an ice maker or may be sold without one.
Final Recommendation
For a true side-by-side counter-depth layout, the Forno Salerno and Hamilton Beach HBF1558 are the clearest matches in the supplied product details, while the Element offers more capacity but lacks stated counter-depth dimensions. None of their descriptions confirms that the refrigerator is sold without an ice maker. Before choosing, verify the exact ice-maker configuration and measure your installation space. If you are flexible on layout, the Sharp is a narrow bottom-freezer alternative, and the Samsung is a counter-depth French-door option—not a side-by-side model.
