Running out of ice during a family gathering is frustrating. So is opening the freezer and finding one small bin filled with clumped, stale-smelling cubes.
Modern refrigerators have improved far beyond the traditional single ice tray. Depending on the model, you can now get standard cubes, crushed ice, small drink-friendly pieces, slow-melting round ice, and even multiple ice bins inside the same refrigerator.
However, a refrigerator with an impressive ice system is not automatically a good refrigerator. Ice makers take up storage space, require a reliable water connection, and introduce additional components that may eventually need cleaning or service.
For this guide, I compared five refrigerators with some of the most useful built-in ice-making systems currently listed on Amazon. The recommendations cover buyers who want several ice styles, high-volume production, premium Craft Ice, smart-kitchen functions, or a convenient hands-free dispenser.
Every featured product had an active Amazon purchasing option when checked on August 4, 2026. Prices, sellers, delivery dates, and availability can change based on your location.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, RefrigeratorSolve earns from qualifying purchases. This does not increase the price you pay.
Best Refrigerators With Ice Makers at a Glance
| Product | Advertised Capacity | Ice System | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG LRYKC2606S Counter-Depth Refrigerator | 26 cu. ft. | Four ice types, including Craft Ice | Best overall | View on Amazon |
| Frigidaire Gallery GRFS2853AF Refrigerator | 27.8 cu. ft. | High-capacity dual ice maker | Best for heavy ice use | View on Amazon |
| LG LRMVS3006S Four-Door Refrigerator | 30 cu. ft. | Dual ice makers with Craft Ice | Best for entertaining | View on Amazon |
| Samsung Bespoke RF29DB9900QD 4-Door Flex Refrigerator | 28.6 cu. ft. | Cubed ice and Ice Bites | Best smart refrigerator | View on Amazon |
| GE Profile PVD28BYNFS Four-Door Refrigerator | 27.9 cu. ft. | External ice dispenser with AutoFill | Best hands-free dispenser | View on Amazon |
1. LG LRYKC2606S 26 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Refrigerator — Best Overall
Credit: Amazon
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The LG LRYKC2606S takes the top position because it offers more ice variety than most household refrigerators without forcing buyers into a large standard-depth cabinet.
LG advertises four types of ice, including its slow-melting Craft Ice. This gives you different options for everyday water, soft drinks, iced coffee, cocktails, pitchers, and entertaining. The Amazon listing also identifies it specifically as a refrigerator with four ice types.
The refrigerator has approximately 26 cubic feet of capacity and a counter-depth design. That combination is important because many counter-depth refrigerators sacrifice a noticeable amount of storage. This model still provides enough room for a family’s weekly groceries while fitting closer to surrounding cabinetry.
Its Mirror InstaView panel lets you see part of the interior after knocking on the glass. When not in use, the panel returns to a reflective finish. A tall external dispenser is designed to accommodate larger glasses and pitchers.
The main reason to buy this refrigerator, however, is the ice system. Instead of choosing a refrigerator that produces only one standard cube, you get options for everyday drinks and slower-melting specialty beverages in the same appliance.
Pros
- Four available ice types
- Includes slow-melting Craft Ice
- Approximately 26 cubic feet of capacity
- Counter-depth cabinet
- Tall water and ice dispenser
- Mirror InstaView door panel
- Suitable for everyday drinks and entertaining
- Large capacity for a counter-depth model
- Smart monitoring through LG ThinQ
- Modern stainless steel design
Cons
- Premium purchase price
- Multiple ice-making components add complexity
- Ice bins occupy freezer or door space
- Specialty Craft Ice is produced more slowly than ordinary cubes
- Counter-depth shelves are shallower than standard-depth shelves
- External dispenser requires regular wiping
- Requires a properly installed water line
My Honest Opinion
This is the best choice for someone specifically shopping for the best ice makers in refrigerators rather than simply looking for a refrigerator that happens to include ice.
The four-ice arrangement gives the system a real purpose. Standard ice works for everyday drinks, while Craft Ice is better suited to beverages you want to keep cold without diluting as quickly.
That does not mean every household needs four options. If your family only uses ordinary cubes, paying for multiple ice systems provides little practical value. The extra mechanisms also make this refrigerator more complicated than a basic freezer-mounted ice maker.
The counter-depth design is another strong advantage. You receive a high-capacity refrigerator without having the cabinet project as far into the room as many 30-cubic-foot models.
Choose the LRYKC2606S when ice variety, entertaining, and a cleaner counter-depth installation are all important.
Best for: Households that want several ice styles, counter-depth installation, premium drinks, and frequent entertaining.
2. Frigidaire Gallery GRFS2853AF 27.8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator — Best for Heavy Ice Use
Credit: Amazon
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The Frigidaire Gallery GRFS2853AF is a better fit for buyers who care more about having plenty of ice than producing several decorative shapes.
Its high-capacity dual ice-maker system is designed to maintain a larger available supply. Frigidaire says the system holds twice as much ice as the leading competitor cited in its product comparison. The refrigerator has 27.8 cubic feet of total capacity and a standard 36-inch width.
This kind of system makes sense for large families, sports households, frequent parties, and anyone who regularly fills insulated bottles or coolers. Instead of depending on one small ice bin, the dual system gives you more stored ice for periods of heavy use.
The refrigerator also includes an adjustable-temperature drawer, flexible SpaceWise organization, large door bins, and CrispSeal Plus produce drawers. Its EvenTemp system is designed to distribute cooled air through the refrigerator and freezer, while the PurePour filter serves the water and ice system.
The exterior uses Frigidaire’s Smudge-Proof stainless steel treatment, which helps reduce the appearance of fingerprints. The dispenser area will still need cleaning because water droplets and small ice fragments can collect around the recess.
Pros
- High-capacity dual ice-maker system
- Large 27.8-cubic-foot interior
- Useful for large families and parties
- External water and ice access
- Adjustable-temperature storage drawer
- Flexible SpaceWise organization
- CrispSeal Plus produce drawers
- PurePour water and ice filtration
- Smudge-Proof stainless steel
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Large door-storage bins
Cons
- Standard-depth cabinet extends beyond most counters
- Requires a full 36-inch opening
- Dual ice equipment takes up storage space
- External dispenser can develop water spots
- Does not offer the same specialty ice variety as the LG models
- More ice-making equipment means more components to maintain
- Large cabinet may overwhelm a compact kitchen
My Honest Opinion
The GRFS2853AF is the sensible choice when quantity matters more than novelty.
A household that goes through several pitchers of iced drinks every day may receive more value from a large dual ice supply than from slow-melting round ice. The same applies to families that fill multiple water bottles before work, school, or sports activities.
Its large refrigerator compartment also makes it more practical for a family than a smaller specialty-focused appliance. You are buying a capable food-storage refrigerator first and a high-output ice system second.
The trade-off is space. This is a standard-depth model, so it will project farther into the kitchen than the LG LRYKC2606S. Measure the walkway between the refrigerator and any nearby island before ordering.
Best for: Large households, sports families, frequent parties, coolers, and buyers who regularly run out of ordinary ice.
3. LG LRMVS3006S 30 Cu. Ft. Four-Door Refrigerator — Best for Craft Ice and Entertaining
Credit: Amazon
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The LG LRMVS3006S combines a very large refrigerator with dual ice makers, including LG’s slow-melting Craft Ice.
LG describes it as a 30-cubic-foot smart InstaView refrigerator. Its dual ice makers automatically produce conventional ice and round Craft Ice, giving you everyday capacity alongside a specialty option for cocktails, spirits, iced coffee, and other slowly sipped beverages.
The four-door layout includes a Full-Convert drawer with five temperature settings. Depending on your needs, that compartment can hold chilled drinks, deli food, meat, snacks, or additional frozen items.
An InstaView panel provides a quick look inside without opening the full refrigerator, while the Door-in-Door section gives quicker access to frequently used foods and drinks. The tall external dispenser is designed for larger containers.
This is a standard-depth refrigerator with a substantial footprint. It delivers excellent storage for a busy household, but it needs more kitchen space than a typical counter-depth appliance.
Pros
- Dual ice makers
- Produces slow-melting Craft Ice
- Large 30-cubic-foot capacity
- Full-Convert drawer with five settings
- Four-door organization
- InstaView panel
- Door-in-Door access
- Tall water and ice dispenser
- Smart ThinQ monitoring
- Suitable for large gatherings
- Flexible fresh-food and freezer storage
Cons
- Large standard-depth cabinet
- Premium price
- Requires a wide installation area
- Craft Ice production is relatively slow
- Multiple doors and ice systems increase complexity
- External dispenser needs routine cleaning
- May be excessive for one or two people
- Careful delivery-route measurement is necessary
My Honest Opinion
This LG is a strong entertaining refrigerator rather than simply an appliance with a clever ice feature.
The 30-cubic-foot interior gives you room for platters, beverages, ingredients, and frozen food. The convertible drawer can be changed for a party or holiday without reorganizing the entire refrigerator.
Craft Ice is useful for drinks that remain in the glass for a longer period. The round pieces have less exposed surface area than many small cubes, which helps them melt more slowly. However, they are not produced at the same speed as ordinary ice.
That makes the dual arrangement important. Standard ice handles everyday demand while Craft Ice builds gradually for special drinks.
Buy this model when you need both substantial food capacity and specialty ice. Buyers primarily concerned with cabinet alignment should choose the counter-depth LRYKC2606S instead.
Best for: Large families, home bars, cocktail drinkers, holiday gatherings, and frequent entertainers.
4. Samsung Bespoke RF29DB9900QD 4-Door Flex Refrigerator — Best Smart Refrigerator
Credit: Amazon
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The Samsung Bespoke RF29DB9900QD is aimed at buyers who want their refrigerator to function as a connected kitchen center as well as an ice-making appliance.
Samsung’s current Bespoke 4-Door Flex configuration with Family Hub offers approximately 28.6 cubic feet of capacity, a Beverage Center, standard cubed ice, and smaller Ice Bites. The two sizes let you choose a traditional cube or smaller pieces that fit more easily into reusable bottles and narrow glasses.
The concealed Beverage Center keeps the main exterior relatively clean while providing filtered water access behind the door. The four-door layout also includes flexible lower storage that can be adapted to changing refrigerator or freezer needs, depending on the exact configuration.
Family Hub adds a large connected display for calendars, music, recipes, household communication, and compatible smart-home controls. These functions can be useful in an active family kitchen, but they are not essential to refrigeration or ice production.
The main appeal of the ice system is practicality. Ice Bites are smaller and easier to pour into bottles, while ordinary cubes remain suitable for glasses and pitchers.
Pros
- Two useful ice sizes
- Standard cubed ice and smaller Ice Bites
- Approximately 28.6 cubic feet of capacity
- Family Hub connected display
- Concealed Beverage Center
- Flexible four-door layout
- Suitable for bottles and everyday drinks
- Modern Bespoke exterior
- Smart-family and entertainment functions
- Large food-storage capacity
- Active Amazon purchasing option when checked
Cons
- High purchase price
- Large display may be unnecessary for some buyers
- More electronic complexity than a standard refrigerator
- Ice system still occupies freezer space
- Four-door cabinet requires substantial room
- Smart functions depend on software and connectivity
- Repair costs may be higher than for a basic model
- Exact features can differ among visually similar Samsung Bespoke models
My Honest Opinion
The Samsung is the best choice when smart functions matter almost as much as ice.
Ice Bites are genuinely useful rather than purely decorative. Their smaller size makes them easier to pour into insulated bottles and allows them to cool drinks quickly. Standard cubes remain available when you prefer slower melting.
The Beverage Center is also a thoughtful design because it hides the water area behind the exterior door. This keeps the front cleaner than a large exposed dispenser recess.
The Family Hub screen is more subjective. A connected household may use calendars, recipes, music, and smart-home controls every day. Other buyers may view it as an expensive screen attached to an appliance that should mainly keep food cold.
Choose this model when you will use its smart functions. Buyers focused entirely on ice output can save money with the Frigidaire.
Best for: Connected households, families using reusable bottles, smart kitchens, and buyers who want both cubed ice and smaller Ice Bites.
5. GE Profile PVD28BYNFS Four-Door Refrigerator — Best Hands-Free Dispenser
Credit: Amazon
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The GE Profile PVD28BYNFS focuses on dispenser convenience rather than unusual ice shapes.
Its Hands-Free AutoFill feature is designed to recognize a container, fill it with filtered water, and stop automatically. This can be helpful when you are preparing food, packing lunches, or filling a large bottle while handling another kitchen task.
The refrigerator has approximately 27.9 cubic feet of capacity and a four-door configuration. Its middle drawer provides flexible temperature-controlled storage, while the Door-in-Door section offers quicker access to frequently used items. GE lists dimensions of approximately 69.875 inches high, 35.625 inches wide, and 36.75 inches deep.
The external dispenser supplies water and ice without opening the refrigerator. Built-in Wi-Fi supports compatible SmartHQ monitoring, alerts, and connected functions.
Amazon displayed a Buy Now option for this model when checked. However, GE’s official page says it is no longer being manufactured and may have limited remaining inventory. Buyers should therefore verify the Amazon seller, appliance condition, warranty coverage, and return terms carefully before ordering.
Pros
- Convenient external water and ice dispenser
- Hands-Free AutoFill
- Approximately 27.9 cubic feet of storage
- Four-door organization
- Temperature-controlled middle drawer
- Door-in-Door access
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Built-in SmartHQ Wi-Fi
- Large family-friendly capacity
- Useful for filling bottles and pitchers
Cons
- GE says the model is no longer being manufactured
- Remaining Amazon inventory may vary by seller
- Standard-depth cabinet is nearly 37 inches deep
- External dispenser requires cleaning
- Does not produce specialty round ice
- High purchase price
- More electronic and mechanical components
- Requires careful warranty verification
My Honest Opinion
The AutoFill dispenser is the reason to consider this refrigerator.
It is useful for people who frequently fill large bottles, pitchers, or travel cups. Instead of standing beside the refrigerator and watching the water level, you can begin filling and continue another kitchen task.
The refrigerator also provides flexible organization and substantial capacity. The middle drawer is convenient for drinks, snacks, deli products, or foods that benefit from their own temperature setting.
The discontinued status is an important drawback. An active Amazon listing does not guarantee that every seller provides the same warranty support or appliance condition. I would only buy this model after confirming that it is new, covered by a valid manufacturer or retailer warranty, and sold by a reputable appliance seller.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize dispenser convenience and can verify the seller and warranty before purchase.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
1. Choose the Right Ice Type and Capacity
Start by considering how your household actually uses ice.
A single conventional ice maker may be sufficient when you occasionally fill a glass or pitcher. A high-capacity dual system is more appropriate when several people use ice throughout the day or you regularly host guests.
Common ice options include:
- Standard cubes: Versatile and suitable for water, soda, juice, and pitchers.
- Crushed ice: Useful for blended drinks and people who prefer chewable pieces.
- Small ice pieces: Easier to pour into reusable bottles and quick to chill a drink.
- Round Craft Ice: Designed to melt more slowly in cocktails and slowly consumed beverages.
- Multiple-bin systems: Keep separate ice styles available at the same time.
Do not choose based only on the number of ice types. A refrigerator offering four styles may still be the wrong purchase when your family mainly needs a large quantity of ordinary cubes.
Specialty ice also tends to be produced more slowly. Dual ice-maker models are helpful because one system can handle everyday demand while the specialty maker builds a separate supply.
2. Check Where the Ice Maker and Bins Are Located
An ice maker must occupy space somewhere inside the appliance.
Common locations include:
- Inside the refrigerator door
- In the upper refrigerator compartment
- Inside the freezer drawer
- Across two separate compartments
- Behind an external dispenser assembly
An in-door system can preserve more shelf room, but it may reduce door-bin capacity. A freezer-mounted ice maker keeps machinery away from fresh food but uses space that could otherwise hold frozen groceries.
Dual systems provide more ice but consume more total storage.
Look beyond the advertised cubic-foot capacity and inspect the interior layout. Ask whether you will still have enough room for:
- Frozen pizza boxes
- Meat packages
- Meal-prep containers
- Large beverage bottles
- Produce
- Party platters
- Bulk grocery purchases
The most impressive ice maker is not helpful when its bins force you to keep half your frozen food elsewhere.
3. Plan for Water Supply, Filtration, and Maintenance
An automatic refrigerator ice maker normally requires a properly installed household water line.
Before ordering, check:
- Whether a water connection already exists
- The required water pressure
- The location of the shutoff valve
- Whether the delivery service connects water lines
- The correct replacement-filter model
- Filter cost and availability
- Required clearance behind the appliance
- Warranty coverage for dispenser and ice components
Filters should be replaced according to the refrigerator manufacturer’s instructions. A restricted filter can reduce water flow and slow ice production.
The ice bin should also be emptied and cleaned periodically. Ice absorbs odors, especially when uncovered food is stored nearby. Old cubes may clump together or develop an unpleasant taste.
When returning from a long trip or after a water interruption, discard the first batches of ice according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Refrigerator Has the Best Ice Maker?
The LG LRYKC2606S is the best overall choice in this comparison because it produces four ice types, including Craft Ice, while maintaining a counter-depth design.
The Frigidaire GRFS2853AF is better when maximum ordinary-ice capacity matters more than variety.
Which Refrigerator Makes the Most Ice?
The Frigidaire Gallery GRFS2853AF is designed for heavy ice demand with a high-capacity dual ice-maker system.
Actual output depends on freezer temperature, water pressure, filter condition, room temperature, and how frequently ice is used.
What Is Craft Ice?
Craft Ice is LG’s name for slow-melting round ice produced by selected LG refrigerators.
It is intended for cocktails, spirits, iced coffee, and other drinks that may remain in the glass for longer periods.
Is Craft Ice Better Than Regular Ice?
It is better for some drinks, not every situation.
Round ice melts more slowly than many small cubes, which can reduce rapid dilution. Standard cubes are produced faster and are more practical for everyday glasses, pitchers, and coolers.
What Are Samsung Ice Bites?
Ice Bites are smaller pieces of ice offered by selected Samsung refrigerators.
Their smaller format makes them easier to pour into reusable bottles and allows them to chill drinks quickly.
Is a Dual Ice Maker Worth It?
A dual ice maker is worthwhile when your household regularly runs out of ice, entertains frequently, or wants two different ice styles.
It may waste storage space when only one or two people use a small amount of ice.
Do Refrigerator Ice Makers Need a Water Line?
Most automatic refrigerator ice makers require a connected household water supply.
Some portable or manually filled systems work differently, but the refrigerators reviewed here are intended for a plumbed water connection.
Why Is My Refrigerator Making Ice Slowly?
Common causes include:
- A newly installed refrigerator
- A clogged or incorrectly installed water filter
- Low household water pressure
- A partially closed water valve
- A freezer setting that is too warm
- Frequent door opening
- A nearly full ice bin
- A kinked water line
Consult the refrigerator manual before attempting repairs.
How Long Does a New Refrigerator Take to Make Ice?
A new refrigerator may need several hours to cool fully before ice production begins. Building a complete bin can take considerably longer.
Specialty round ice usually takes more time to produce than conventional cubes. Follow the manufacturer’s startup instructions and discard the initial batches when directed.
Why Does Refrigerator Ice Taste Bad?
Ice can absorb odors from uncovered food. Taste can also be affected by an old water filter, a newly installed water line, stale cubes, or a dirty ice bin.
Replace the filter when required, keep strong-smelling food sealed, and clean the bin according to the owner’s manual.
How Often Should I Clean the Ice Bin?
There is no single schedule for every refrigerator.
Clean it when you notice residue, clumping, odors, or unusual taste. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions because bins and dispenser components may have specific cleaning restrictions.
Can I Turn Off One Ice Maker?
Many dual-ice refrigerators allow one ice maker to be switched off independently, but the controls vary by model.
This can be useful when you want to regain bin space or do not need specialty ice continuously.
Does an Ice Maker Reduce Freezer Space?
Yes. The ice-making mechanism and storage bin occupy space that could otherwise hold food.
In-door systems may preserve freezer room but reduce refrigerator door storage instead.
Are Refrigerator Ice Makers Reliable?
A simple freezer-mounted ice maker generally has fewer components than a system with multiple makers, dispensers, sensors, and specialty ice molds.
More advanced systems provide greater convenience, but they also introduce more parts that may eventually require cleaning or service.
Should I Buy a Refrigerator or a Separate Ice Maker?
Choose a refrigerator ice maker when you want automatic everyday ice without another appliance taking up counter or floor space.
A separate ice maker may be better when you need unusually high output, nugget ice, portable operation, or backup ice for large events.
Final Verdict: Which Refrigerator Ice Maker Should You Buy?
The LG LRYKC2606S Counter-Depth Refrigerator is the best overall choice. Its four ice types, including Craft Ice, provide more flexibility than a conventional refrigerator, while the counter-depth cabinet fits more neatly into a modern kitchen.
Choose the Frigidaire Gallery GRFS2853AF when your priority is maintaining a large supply of ordinary ice for a busy family, sports bottles, parties, or coolers.
The LG LRMVS3006S is the strongest option for large households that want Craft Ice, dual ice production, 30 cubic feet of storage, and a flexible four-door layout.
Choose the Samsung Bespoke RF29DB9900QD when you want standard cubes, smaller Ice Bites, a concealed Beverage Center, and connected Family Hub functions.
The GE Profile PVD28BYNFS offers the most convenient hands-free water-filling experience. However, because GE says the model is no longer being manufactured, confirm the Amazon seller, condition, and warranty before buying.
Before ordering any refrigerator, measure the cabinet opening, countertop depth, door clearance, water-line location, and complete delivery route. Also consider how much freezer or door space you are willing to sacrifice for the ice system.
The best refrigerator ice maker is not necessarily the one that produces the most shapes. It is the model that provides enough ice for your household without compromising the food storage, installation, and reliability features you use every day.
Check the LG LRYKC2606S Refrigerator on Amazon
Hi, I’m the lead researcher and appliance enthusiast behind RefrigeratorSolve. With years of hands-on experience troubleshooting cooling systems and testing home appliances, I am dedicated to bringing you honest reviews, energy-saving tips, and practical solutions to keep your refrigerator running perfectly.
