The best stainless steel refrigerator with an ice maker depends on kitchen space, storage needs, and how much ice your household uses. The Kenmore 29-cubic-foot side-by-side is best for large households that want an external ice-and-water dispenser, while the 17.5-cubic-foot Kenmore suits kitchens needing a counter-depth design. The Antarctic Star offers nugget and cube ice. Two standalone ice makers are included as alternatives for buyers who need extra ice but not another refrigerator.
| Product | Best suited for | Ice setup |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 29 cu. ft. Side-by-Side | Large households | Filtered ice and water dispenser |
| Kenmore 17.5 cu. ft. French Door | Smaller kitchens | Ice-maker details not provided |
| Antarctic Star 20 cu. ft. | Homes wanting nugget and cube ice | Nugget and cube ice maker |
| Mountman Commercial Ice Maker | High-volume ice needs | Standalone ice machine |
| Electactic Countertop Ice Maker | Portable, supplemental ice | Standalone countertop machine |
Kenmore 29 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Best for: Busy households that need substantial refrigerator and freezer storage plus convenient access to ice and water. Its 29-cubic-foot capacity and 36-inch width are aimed at families, meal preppers, and people who buy groceries in larger quantities.
The ice maker is tucked into the freezer door to preserve shelf space and is described as producing up to 3 pounds of ice per day. An external dispenser provides filtered ice and water through an NSF-certified filtration system. Accela Chill, Accela Freeze, and Multi-Flow Air are listed for faster cooling and air circulation.
Consider: This full-width model requires room for a 36-inch refrigerator. Choose it for capacity and dispensing convenience, not for a compact kitchen.
Kenmore 17.5 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
Best for: Buyers who want a counter-depth refrigerator with a French-door layout and a smaller footprint than a large-capacity model. At 30 inches wide and 17.5 cubic feet, it is positioned as a space-saving option with a built-in look.
Storage features include six gallon-size door bins and a two-tier freezer drawer. Kenmore lists a dedicated chill feature and Multi-Flow Air System for cooling newly added groceries and distributing air across shelves.
Consider: The supplied product details do not specify the ice maker’s type, output, or dispenser arrangement. Confirm the ice features meet your needs before choosing it specifically for ice production.
Antarctic Star 20 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
Best for: Households looking for a 20-cubic-foot refrigerator with both nugget and cube ice options. The listing describes a side-by-side freezer and refrigerator arrangement, adjustable thermostat, water dispenser, and stainless steel finish.
A multi-airflow cooling system is intended to help keep food fresh. The listed door alarm signals when a door has been open for more than one minute. The freezer also has automatic defrosting, and the door seal is removable for cleaning.
Consider: Its listed dimensions are 30.79 inches deep, 35.75 inches wide, and 69.68 inches high. Measure the available space and check door clearance before buying.
Mountman Commercial Stainless Steel Ice Maker
Best for: Homes or businesses that need a separate, high-volume ice source rather than a refrigerator with an integrated ice maker. The listing specifies up to 240 pounds of ice per 24 hours, 96 cubes in 14 minutes, and 55 pounds of storage capacity.
It is described as a stainless steel under-counter or freestanding ice machine with self-cleaning and a water filter. It may supplement a refrigerator when household ice use exceeds the built-in maker’s supply.
Consider: This is an ice machine, not a refrigerator. It does not replace food storage, and its listed production capacity is not the same as its storage capacity.
Electactic Countertop Crescent Ice Maker
Best for: Buyers who need portable, supplemental ice for a kitchen, office, RV, or party. This countertop machine is listed to make up to 27 pounds in 24 hours and 16 cubes in 15 minutes.
Features include adjustable ice thickness, auto-cleaning, a 24-hour timer, and an LED display. Choose it when a compact standalone machine is more useful than replacing an existing refrigerator.
Consider: It is not a refrigerator and does not provide food storage. The product details do not describe its exterior as stainless steel, so it may not match a stainless refrigerator finish.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Refrigerator With An Ice Maker
How much refrigerator space do you need?
Compare capacity and width with your household’s shopping habits and kitchen layout. The 29-cubic-foot Kenmore is the largest refrigerator in this selection; the 17.5-cubic-foot Kenmore is narrower and counter-depth. Measure the opening, including clearance for doors and nearby cabinets, before ordering.
Do you want an external dispenser or an internal ice maker?
An external dispenser, like the one listed on the large Kenmore, lets users access ice and water from the door. An ice maker without a stated dispenser may suit buyers who prioritize storage or a different layout. Check the exact product specifications for ice type, filtration, production, and dispenser location.
When does a separate ice machine make sense?
Choose a standalone machine if an existing refrigerator meets your food-storage needs but does not produce enough ice. Compare daily output with bin capacity: output describes production over time, while storage capacity indicates how much ice the machine can hold at once.
What should you check before purchase?
- Confirm refrigerator dimensions and available door clearance.
- Check whether the ice maker needs a water connection and whether filtration is included.
- Compare listed ice type, daily production, and storage capacity.
- Verify that the finish and dispenser style fit your kitchen preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which refrigerator here is best for a large household?
The Kenmore 29-cubic-foot side-by-side is the largest listed refrigerator and includes an external filtered ice-and-water dispenser.
Which option is designed for a smaller kitchen?
The 30-inch-wide, 17.5-cubic-foot Kenmore is described as counter-depth and space-saving. Its supplied details do not specify the ice maker’s configuration.
Which refrigerator offers nugget ice?
The Antarctic Star listing specifies both nugget and cube ice, along with a water dispenser.
Are the Mountman and Electactic products refrigerators?
No. Both are standalone ice makers. They can provide supplemental ice but do not offer refrigerator food storage.
What does ice production per day tell me?
Daily production estimates how much ice a machine can make over 24 hours. It does not state how much ice fits in its bin at one time.