Ice maker vs. no ice maker in a refrigerator: Which is best?

Are you tired of the constant maintenance of a malfunctioning ice maker or the repetitive task of refilling ice trays? The debate over whether to choose a fridge with or without an ice maker is a common dilemma for homeowners. Dive into the pros and cons right here, and don’t forget to check out our handy how-to video just below for expert guidance on the best decision for your needs!

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Have you ever reached for an ice-cold drink only to realize that the fridge you’re using doesn’t have an ice maker? Or, on the flip side, have you ever owned a fridge with an ice maker that constantly needed to be worked on? If so, then you can begin to understand the great Ice Maker Debate: some people swear by them, while others think they’re just a fancy way for your fridge to break faster.

Choosing between a fridge with an ice maker and one without is often a more complicated decision than it seems on the surface. Sure, having ice on demand is convenient, but is it worth the extra maintenance, cost, and potential leaks? Going without an ice maker can create fewer headaches, but it may also mean filling ice trays like it’s 1990.

So, which is best? Let’s break it down — pros, cons, and everything in between — to help you decide which fridge setup works for you.

And if you happen to need a replacement part for your ice maker or refrigerator, you can use your model number to find what you’re looking for at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix all your major home appliances yourself. 

Why you might want an ice maker in your refrigerator

If you love convenience, an ice maker might be a game-changer. No more fumbling with ice trays, no more waiting for cubes to freeze, and no more running to the store for a last-minute bag of ice. Just push a button or open the freezer, and boom — fresh ice whenever you need it.

Pros to owning a built-in ice maker

• Steady supply of ice
• Perfect for entertaining
• More sanitary than ice trays

Cons to owning a built-in ice maker

• More potential repairs due to the small motors, gears, and water lines that can jam, clog, or just stop working altogether
• More potential for leaks if the water line isn’t properly installed or develops a tiny crack, which can cause water damage and/or mold growth over time
• Takes up more refrigerator / freezer space
• Uses more energy since it requires water and electricity
• Tend to cost more

Options for refrigerator ice makers 

• In-door: Helps save freezer space but can be more prone to breakage
• Built-in freezer: More reliable but takes up room in the freezer
• Dual (fridge + freezer): For those who take their ice seriously

How to decide whether to get a refrigerator with an ice maker

Sometimes, less is more, and that’s exactly why some people prefer a fridge without an ice maker. Here are some of the reasons.

Pros to avoiding a built-in ice maker

• Fewer repairs and less hassle
• More storage space for food and other items
• Lower initial cost
• Potential for longer lifespan since there are fewer parts to malfunction
• No risk of leaks since there’s no water line running to the fridge
• Tend to be more energy efficient

Cons to skipping a built-in ice maker

• Less convenient since you’d have to use ice trays, an external ice machine or buy from a store
• More labor and mess by filling trays, cracking cubes out and hoping no one spills them in or outside the freezer
• Inconsistent ice that can absorb freezer smells or get clumped together if it’s not used quickly enough 
• No cold water dispenser means relying on a faucet or pitcher for water that may not be as cold or freeze as fast

What if you want ice without an ice maker? 

So, you’re leaning toward a no-ice-maker fridge, but you’re not ready to give up ice-cold drinks forever. Good news: there are plenty of ways to get ice without dealing with the potential headaches of a built-in refrigerator ice maker.

• Countertop ice maker: If you want convenience but don’t want to risk leaks and repairs, a small standalone ice maker might be the perfect solution. They’re compact, relatively affordable, and can pump out ice fast. And you can easily store them away when you don’t need them.
• Ice trays: Simple? Yes. Reliable? Also yes. Ice trays take a little effort (and, let’s be real, remembering to refill them), but they never break down or require repairs. If you want something a little fancier, there are easy-release silicone ice trays that make popping out cubes way easier.
• Ice cube storage bins: If you want to avoid the “I forgot to refill the tray” problem, just make extra ice and store it in a freezer-safe bin. That way, you’ll always have a backup supply.
• Ice machine: If you really like the convenience of ice and tend to use a lot of it, you might consider investing in an ice machine. Though it’s a separate appliance to be cleaned and maintained, it can produce a lot of ice in a relatively short amount of time. 

More for you

Have you made a decision? We hope this guide helped you determine which style of fridge works best for you. 

Either way, we’re here to help you with any repairs to your refrigerator or ice maker. AppliancePartsPros.com has replacement parts and step-by-step guides to help you fix it yourself. You can search by model number and find diagrams, repair tips and videos to get the job done.

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