If you want a side-by-side refrigerator that makes ice easy to reach, start by checking exactly where the ice is made and how it’s dispensed. Some models keep the ice maker inside the freezer door but send ice through an outside dispenser; others make ice without clearly stating that it dispenses ice through the door. The picks below highlight those differences, along with capacity, dimensions, and practical fit considerations.

Quick Comparison

Our Picks: Best Side By Side Refrigerator With Ice Maker In Door reviews

Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side: Best for Big Grocery Loads

The Kenmore is the strongest match here for households looking for a large side-by-side with convenient ice and water access. It offers 29 cu. ft. of capacity and a 36-inch-wide profile. Its ice maker is tucked into the freezer door to save shelf space, while the exterior dispenser provides filtered ice and water.

Inside, adjustable glass shelves, gallon-size door bins, crisper drawers, and freezer storage help separate everyday items from bulk purchases. Accela Chill and Accela Freeze are designed to boost cooling after groceries are added, while the Multi-Flow Air System circulates air across the shelves. These features may appeal if your fridge is often restocked with a large grocery haul.

The main trade-off is its size. Some households may need to adjust the kitchen layout or remove doors to get a refrigerator this large into place. Measure the opening, nearby counters, and the delivery route—not just the spot where the fridge will stand. The product information gives its width as 36 inches, but check the full current specifications and installation clearances before ordering.

Pros:

• Large 29 cu. ft. capacity for family groceries
• External dispenser provides filtered ice and water
• Adjustable glass shelves and several storage zones
• Fingerprint-resistant finish and inverter compressor

Cons:

• Its large size can make delivery and kitchen fit challenging
• Ice maker is in the freezer door, not a separate ice maker in the refrigerator door

Verdict: Choose the Kenmore if you want generous storage and an exterior ice-and-water dispenser, and you have confirmed that its size works for your kitchen and delivery path.

Electactic 18.1 cu. ft. Side-by-Side: Best for Cubed and Crushed Ice

This Electactic model is a smaller-capacity side-by-side with a clear focus on dispenser convenience. Its 18.1 cu. ft. is divided between a 12.1 cu. ft. refrigerator and a 6 cu. ft. freezer. The door dispenser is listed as offering chilled water, cubed ice, and crushed ice, so it is a direct fit for shoppers who want more than a basic ice maker.

The model also has slide-out adjustable shelves, LED lighting, frost-free operation, and an inverter compressor. A child lock helps prevent accidental button presses, and a door-open alarm sounds after 60 seconds. The listed dimensions are about 35.83 inches wide, 26.38 inches deep, and 69.69 inches tall; check your space and required clearances before choosing it.

Its capacity is notably lower than the Kenmore’s, so it may be a better match for a smaller household or kitchen than for someone who regularly stores large grocery loads. The product information lists a 45 dB operating noise level and a one-year warranty. Remember to follow the setup instructions for the water filter before using the dispenser.

Pros:

• Dispenses water, cubed ice, and crushed ice from the door
• Compact capacity compared with the largest pick
• Frost-free design and inverter compressor
• Door alarm and child lock add useful everyday safeguards

Cons:

• 18.1 cu. ft. may feel limited for a large household
• Verify water connection and filter setup requirements before installation

Verdict: The Electactic is a practical option if you want a side-by-side with cubed and crushed ice at the door and can work with its more modest storage capacity.

Midea 24.5 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side: Best for a Pitcher Setup

The Midea combines a side-by-side layout with 24.5 cu. ft. of listed capacity, an icemaker, and an autofill water pitcher. Its stainless finish is described as fingerprint-resistant. This makes it worth considering if you like the side-by-side format and prefer a pitcher-based water setup.

There is an important detail to confirm before buying: the supplied product information mentions an icemaker and water dispenser configuration, but does not clearly explain whether ice is dispensed through the refrigerator door. An autofill pitcher is not the same thing as an external ice-and-water dispenser. If door-dispensed ice is a must, check the product listing or manufacturer specifications to confirm the exact setup.

The model is marketed as counter-depth, but its listed dimensions are 36 inches deep, 29 inches wide, and 70 inches high. Those measurements may not deliver the shallow fit some shoppers expect from the term “counter-depth,” so compare them with your kitchen and check how depth is measured. The listed warranty is one year.

Pros:

• 24.5 cu. ft. of listed capacity
• Includes an icemaker and autofill water pitcher
• Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish
• Side-by-side layout keeps fresh and frozen foods easy to separate

Cons:

• Product details do not clearly confirm door-dispensed ice
• Listed 36-inch depth is worth checking carefully against your space

Verdict: Consider the Midea if its pitcher and icemaker arrangement suits you, but verify both the ice-dispensing method and fit before ordering.

RecPro Lusso 19 cu. ft. RV Refrigerator: Best for Compatible RVs

The RecPro Lusso is a specialized option, not a conventional side-by-side refrigerator. It has a French-door design with two bottom freezer drawers and is intended for compatible RV installations. Its 19 cu. ft. of storage includes French-door racks, interior shelves, and a crisper drawer.

The automatic ice maker can connect to an internal water tank or an external water supply. A control panel lets you adjust temperatures and ice-maker speed, and the unit is designed for a 12V DC power supply. These details make it more relevant to an RV owner planning a compatible installation than to someone shopping for a standard home refrigerator with an exterior dispenser.

Its listed dimensions are 30 inches deep, 30.5 inches wide, and 76.4 inches tall. The product information also says it ships on its side and should stand upright for at least 24 hours before it is plugged in. Plan for that handling requirement and confirm the RV opening, power supply, and water connection before purchase.

Pros:

• 19 cu. ft. of storage in a French-door RV layout
• Automatic ice maker supports an internal tank or external water supply
• Digital temperature control and adjustable ice-making speed
• Designed for compatible RV use with 12V DC power

Cons:

• Not a side-by-side refrigerator
• No external ice dispenser is specified

Verdict: Choose the RecPro only if you need an RV refrigerator and have confirmed that its dimensions, power needs, and installation requirements fit your vehicle.

BLACK+DECKER 16 cu. ft. French Door: Best for a Smaller French-Door Alternative

This BLACK+DECKER is another alternative rather than a side-by-side: it has two upper refrigerator doors and a bottom freezer drawer. Its 16 cu. ft. capacity includes 11.15 cu. ft. of refrigerator space and 5.06 cu. ft. of freezer space. The ice maker is built into the bottom-freezer section and can make up to 3.5 pounds of ice per day, depending on operating conditions.

The refrigerator has digital temperature controls, frost-free operation, and an Energy Star certification listed in the product information. At 29 inches deep, 28.3 inches wide, and 69.9 inches tall, it may suit shoppers seeking a smaller footprint than the larger side-by-side options. Check the door swing and installation requirements as well as the cabinet dimensions.

This model does not provide the side-by-side layout or a stated ice dispenser in the door. Its French-door design may be useful if you prefer a bottom freezer, but it is not the best match for someone who specifically wants to collect ice from an exterior dispenser.

Pros:

• Compact 16 cu. ft. capacity among the picks
• Built-in ice maker with a stated maximum output of 3.5 pounds per day
• Digital temperature control and frost-free operation
• Energy Star certified according to the supplied product information

Cons:

• French-door layout is not side-by-side
• No door ice dispenser is specified

Verdict: Consider this BLACK+DECKER if you want a smaller French-door refrigerator with a freezer ice maker, but skip it if a side-by-side layout and door-dispensed ice are essential.

How to Choose a Side-by-Side Refrigerator with an Ice Maker in the Door

Confirm what “ice maker in the door” means

Product descriptions may use similar wording for different setups. An ice maker can sit inside the freezer door while ice is delivered through an exterior dispenser, as with the Kenmore. Another model may make ice but store it in a freezer bin without dispensing it through the door. If you want ice without opening the freezer, look for clear confirmation of an external ice dispenser and check which types of ice it provides.

Match capacity to your shopping habits

Capacity is not the only measure of usable storage, but it is a helpful starting point. The options here range from 16 to 29 cu. ft. A larger model can hold more groceries, while a smaller one may be easier to fit into a compact kitchen. Think about how much fresh food and frozen food you keep, and whether wide items or large containers need to fit on the shelves.

Measure the opening and delivery route

Measure the space where the refrigerator will sit, including height, width, and depth. Then measure the path from the entry point to the kitchen, including doorways, hallways, and tight turns. Account for door swing, ventilation space, nearby cabinets, and any installation clearances listed by the manufacturer. A refrigerator can fit the final opening but still be difficult to get into the home.

Check water, filter, and installation needs

Door dispensers and automatic ice makers typically need the appropriate water setup. Check whether the model requires a water line, what filter it uses, and whether a filter is included. For RV models, confirm power and water requirements separately; the RecPro, for example, is listed for 12V DC power and can use an internal water tank or external water supply. Follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions before using the ice maker or dispenser.

Compare the interior layout

Look beyond the total capacity. Adjustable shelves, gallon-size door bins, crisper drawers, freezer baskets, and pull-out shelves can make a refrigerator easier to organize. Side-by-side models place fresh and frozen sections next to each other, so consider whether their shelf width and vertical storage suit the food you buy most often.

Consider operating features and upkeep

Features such as frost-free operation, LED lighting, temperature controls, door alarms, and child locks can make routine use easier. Check what the product information says about the compressor, noise level, filter replacement, and warranty. A feature list is useful, but it is also worth checking the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, maintenance, and service support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pick most clearly offers ice from an exterior door dispenser?

The Kenmore and Electactic descriptions clearly specify an external dispenser. The Kenmore offers filtered ice and water, while the Electactic lists water, cubed ice, and crushed ice. Confirm the exact installation and water requirements before ordering.

Does an ice maker in the freezer door mean ice dispenses through the refrigerator door?

Not always. The ice maker’s location and the way ice is served are separate details. Look for explicit wording that the refrigerator has an exterior ice dispenser if you want to fill a glass without opening the freezer.

Which refrigerator has the largest capacity?

The Kenmore has the largest listed capacity in this group at 29 cu. ft. Its larger size makes it especially important to measure your kitchen opening and delivery route.

Is the Midea a confirmed choice for door-dispensed ice?

The supplied details list an icemaker and an autofill water pitcher, but they do not clearly confirm door-dispensed ice. Check the current product specifications if an exterior ice dispenser is a requirement.

Are all five options side-by-side refrigerators?

No. The Kenmore, Electactic, and Midea are side-by-side models. The RecPro is a French-door RV refrigerator, and the BLACK+DECKER is a French-door home refrigerator. Those two are alternatives, not direct side-by-side matches.

What should I measure before buying?

Measure the refrigerator opening, its available depth, and the full route from the delivery entrance to the kitchen. Also account for door swing, ventilation, and manufacturer installation clearances. Check the model’s listed dimensions rather than relying on a general label such as “counter-depth.”

Final Recommendation

For a large household that wants a side-by-side refrigerator and an exterior ice-and-water dispenser, the Kenmore is the most compelling fit in this group, provided its size works in your kitchen. Choose the Electactic if you want cubed and crushed ice from the door in a smaller-capacity model. The Midea may suit shoppers who prefer an autofill pitcher, but confirm whether its ice is dispensed through the door. The RecPro and BLACK+DECKER are useful only if you are open to their different French-door layouts and, in the RecPro’s case, an RV-specific installation.