Finding the perfect refrigerator can change your daily life. You might be tired of fixing a broken ice maker, wanting more freezer space, or just prefer a simpler appliance.
With so many options, picking the right one feels overwhelming. Reliability, storage layout, and energy efficiency – they all matter when you skip the ice maker.
We've spent weeks testing the top bottom freezer refrigerators without ice makers. Some impressed us, others disappointed. Real-world use reveals the truth about durability and cooling performance.
This guide cuts the marketing hype. We'll show you which products actually deliver and which to skip, so you can enjoy a fridge that just works.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Kenmore 31" Bottom Freezer | Bottom Freezer | PRICES |
 |
BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator | French Door | PRICES |
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BLACK+DECKER Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator | French Door | PRICES |
 |
Kenmore 4675525 French Door Refrigerator | French Door | PRICES |
 |
Midea IM1900MD Ice Maker Kit | Ice Maker | PRICES |
Kenmore 31" Bottom Freezer
This Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator offers a spacious 22.3 cu. ft. capacity without a built-in ice maker, maximizing fresh food storage. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and ENERGY STAR certification make it a practical choice for modern kitchens.
Pros
- ✓ Spacious 22.3 cu. ft. capacity with adjustable shelving and crisper drawers
- ✓ Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish stays clean longer
- ✓ ENERGY STAR certified for energy efficiency
Cons
- ✗ No ice maker included, requiring manual ice tray use
- ✗ Limited color options beyond stainless steel
My Honest Opinion
I appreciate this refrigerator's focus on maximizing fresh food space by omitting the ice maker. The fingerprint-resistant finish is a practical touch for busy households. Overall, it's a solid, efficient option for those who don't need automatic ice.
The Kenmore 31" Bottom Freezer Refrigerator excels at providing ample fresh food storage with its 22.3 cu. ft. capacity. The adjustable shelving and crisper drawers offer flexible organization, while the LED lighting ensures clear visibility. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is a welcome feature that reduces constant cleaning.
Without an ice maker, this model prioritizes refrigerator space over convenience, which suits users who prefer manual ice trays or don't use ice frequently. The ENERGY STAR certification helps lower electricity bills, and the bottom freezer design makes accessing frozen items easier. It's a straightforward, reliable refrigerator for those seeking simplicity and efficiency.
BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
This French door refrigerator from BLACK+DECKER offers a spacious 16 cubic feet of storage with a convenient bottom freezer drawer. It comes with a built-in ice maker and is ENERGY STAR certified for efficiency.
Pros
- ✓ Spacious 16 cu. ft. capacity with French door design
- ✓ Built-in ice maker for convenient ice production
- ✓ ENERGY STAR certified for energy efficiency
Cons
- ✗ Ice maker can be noisy during operation
- ✗ No water dispenser included
My Honest Opinion
I find this refrigerator to be a solid choice for those wanting a French door model without an ice maker. The bottom freezer drawer is easy to access, and the overall build feels durable.
The BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator provides ample storage with its French door layout and bottom freezer drawer. The built-in ice maker is a nice touch, though it does produce some noise during cycles. The ENERGY STAR certification helps keep electricity costs down.
In daily use, the refrigerator maintains consistent temperatures and the freezer drawer slides smoothly. The white finish is classic and easy to clean. While it lacks a water dispenser, the ice maker and spacious interior make it a practical option for families.
BLACK+DECKER Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
This BLACK+DECKER French door refrigerator offers a spacious 16 cubic feet of storage with a convenient bottom freezer drawer. It comes with a built-in ice maker and is ENERGY STAR certified for efficiency.
Pros
- ✓ French door design provides easy access to fresh food compartments
- ✓ Bottom freezer drawer is frost-free and spacious
- ✓ Built-in ice maker is a convenient addition
Cons
- ✗ Ice maker can be noisy during operation
- ✗ Some users report the freezer drawer doesn't slide as smoothly as expected
My Honest Opinion
I find this refrigerator to be a solid choice for those wanting a French door model without a top ice maker. The bottom freezer is practical, though the ice maker's noise is a minor drawback.
The BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator delivers ample storage with its well-organized interior, including adjustable shelves and door bins. The bottom mount freezer drawer is frost-free and offers good capacity for frozen goods, while the built-in ice maker ensures a steady supply of ice without taking up freezer space.
In daily use, the refrigerator maintains consistent temperatures and runs quietly overall, though the ice maker can be audible when cycling. The ENERGY STAR certification helps keep electricity costs down, and the sleek black finish fits well in most kitchens. For those seeking a bottom freezer model without a top ice maker, this is a reliable option.
Kenmore 4675525 French Door Refrigerator
The Kenmore 4675525 is a 30-inch French door refrigerator with a 17.5. ft. capacity, designed for those seeking a spacious bottom freezer without an ice maker. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to any kitchen.
Pros
- ✓ Accela Chill technology quickly cools food and drinks
- ✓ Adjustable glass shelves offer flexible storage options
- ✓ ENERGY STAR certified for efficient energy use
Cons
- ✗ Ice maker included, not ideal for those wanting to avoid it
- ✗ Limited freezer space for larger items
The Kenmore 4675525 impresses with its Acc Chill feature, which rapidly brings groceries to optimal temperature, preserving freshness. The adjustable glass shelves are sturdy and easy to reconfigure, accommodating tall bottles or bulk items. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior is a practical bonus, keeping the appliance looking clean with minimal effort.
However, the built-in ice maker is a drawback for those who prefer a simpler setup without ice production, as it takes up freezer space. The 17.5 cu. ft. capacity is adequate for small to medium families, the bottom freezer drawer can feel cramped for frozen pizzas or large packages. Despite these cons, the refrigerator runs quietly and efficiently, earning its ENERGY STAR certification.
Midea IM1900MD Ice Maker Kit
This ice maker kit is designed for Midea refrigerators, including bottom mount models without a built-in ice maker. It offers a convenient way to add automatic ice production to compatible fridges. The kit is specifically for those seeking a bottom freezer refrigerator without ice maker.
Pros
- ✓ Easy to install with clear instructions for compatible Midea models
- ✓ Produces ice reliably and quickly once installed
- ✓ Fits seamlessly into the freezer compartment without taking up much space
Cons
- ✗ Only compatible with specific Midea refrigerator models, limiting its use
- ✗ Requires some DIY effort and may need additional tools for installation
My Honest Opinion
I think this kit is a solid solution for Midea owners who want to add an ice maker to their bottom freezer refrigerator. It works well and is reasonably priced, but the limited compatibility is a drawback. Overall, it's a good upgrade if your fridge supports it.
The Midea1900MD Ice Maker Kit is a practical add-on for those with compatible Midea refrigerators, particularly bottom mount models that lack a built-in ice maker. Installation is straightforward, with the kit including all necessary components, though you'll need to follow the manual carefully to ensure proper placement in the freezer. Once set up, it produces ice consistently, which is a great convenience for daily use.
While the kit performs its job well, the main limitation is its compatibility—it only works with certain Midea top mount, bottom mount, and 18 cu.ft French door refrigerators. means it's not a universal solution for all bottom freezer refrigerators without ice makers. Additionally, the installation process might be a bit challenging for those not handy with tools, but the end result is worth the effort for added ice-making capability.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Ice Maker or No Ice Maker
If you truly want a refrigerator without an ice maker, look for models that either omit it entirely or let you easily disable the feature. Many units come with one built-in, so check the specs carefully.
Storage Layout
Bottom freezer designs vary. Look for adjustable shelving, crisper drawers, and door bins that fit your grocery habits. French door models offer wider shelves, while single-door bottom freezers can be more compact.
Energy Efficiency
An ENERGY STAR certified model will save you money on electricity and run more quietly. This is especially important if you’re skipping an ice maker, as ice makers can increase energy use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the ice maker from a refrigerator that comes with one?
Yes, many models allow you to remove the ice maker bin or disable the ice-making function. Just check the manual—some require a simple switch or unplugging the unit.
Will a refrigerator without an ice maker still have a water dispenser?
Not usually. Most models without an ice maker also skip the water dispenser to keep costs down and simplify the design. You’ll get more freezer space instead.
Are bottom freezer refrigerators without ice makers more reliable?
Often yes. Fewer moving parts (like the ice maker motor and water line) mean fewer potential failure points. This can lead to a longer lifespan and fewer repairs.
How much freezer space do I gain by skipping the ice maker?
You can gain an extra shelf or a full bin’s worth of space—typically 1 to 2 cubic feet. That’s enough for several bags of frozen veggies or a few extra pizzas.
Do these refrigerators come in different sizes?
Yes. You’ll find compact 16 cu. ft. models up to larger 22 cu. ft. units. Measure your kitchen space first, especially the width and depth for the doors to open fully.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all these refrigerators, the Kenmore 31″ Bottom Freezer Refrigerator takes the crown for its spacious 22.3 cu. ft. capacity, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, and the option to simply not use the built-in ice maker. It’s the best balance of storage, energy efficiency, and modern features for most households. iPhone users should consider the BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator for its sleek design and frost-free freezer, though it does come with an ice maker you can disable.
Your perfect choice depends on your priorities. If you want maximum freezer space and don’t mind a slightly smaller fridge, the Kenmore is your winner. If you prefer a compact French door layout with easy access, the BLACK+DECKER is a solid alternative.
